PASSION PIT - MANNERS (18TH MAY)

Never before have I seen album artwork so unsuited to the music. Take a look at the dark, murky and foreboding cover, and prepare to be shocked beyond belief, because 'Manners' is possibly the most euphoric record you'll hear all year. 2008's 'Chunk Of Change' EP was a revelation - a shining spark amid the gloomy musical landscape (and the artwork fit a lot better!). And this week Passion Pit return with their first proper album, surely to unanimous praise. Here is a band that seem to be operating completely in their own space. No other band around right now blend the technicolour electronics and pounding beats in such a skillful way, without sounding sickly sweet. And then there's Michael Angelakos unmistakable voice, soaring above it all.

A major addition to the mix since the EP is what sounds like a choir of kids. They appear on every other track, lifting the lyrics higher and filling out the music. It's quite amazing to listen to, one of the most uplifting sounds of all. Their best moment is probably in 'Little Secrets' where during the chorus of "let this be our little secret, no-one needs to know we're feeling higher and higher and higher" they echo the "higher and higher and higher" lifting the song into something really magic. They also transform 'Let Your Love Grow Tall' into as big a song as it deserves to be. Current single 'The Reeling' is a stand out, with that perfect combination of sparkling synth and heavy drumbeats. It'll definitely be one of the singles of the year, it's mesmerizing. Only on 'Eyes Like Candles' and 'Swimming In The Flood' does the tempo slow ever so slightly, giving the album another dimension which works well.

The only song to be carried over from 'Chunk Of Change' is the unbeatable 'Sleepyhead'. Now here is a song that transcends pretty much everything else out there at the moment. It's very difficult to pin down what makes it so special, but it undoubtedly is. It's an anthem, with lyrics that make no sense. It's the aural equivalent to summer sun and a soundtrack to everything that is good. It's a cool song basically, and the album's highlight. Elsewhere, 'Moth's Wings' sounds disarmingly similar to the harpsichordy sound in Coldplay's 'Life In Technicolour'. Seriously, play them together, I wouldn't have brought it up unless I really thought it, trust me! And it's still an incredible song.

From the racing opener 'Make Light' to the infectious closer 'Seaweed Song', 'Manners' is completely and utterly loveable. It'll soundtrack your summer, then console you through the grey days. Don't let the gloomy artwork fool you, this is one to treasure.

"and everything's going to the beat.."

8.5

MP3: Passion Pit - Moth's Wings (zshare)
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