Live Nation Presents: Passion Pit Live In Concert May 28, in New York City, New York
Words and Photos by: Chantel Malin | @chantelmalin
After a nearly five year hiatus, Passion Pit made their return to the stage this year with a short four-city tour, the artist's first since the 2019 tour in celebration of the ten year anniversary of Manners. The project of musician and producer Michael Angelakos, Passion Pit has carved a niche in the space where indie and alternative meets EDM and electronica, and has amassed a devoted following over the release of an EP and three records. Even after a years-long break from the road, a sold out Irving Plaza was packed to the brim for Passion Pit's return to New York City.
Angelakos has been incredibly candid over the years about the difficulties of being a touring musician - both mentally and physically. Beneath the layers of shimmering synths, the lush and sparkling soundscape Passion Pit is known for, lies the frank honesty of a man who has faced struggle. Angelakos has not been shy about sharing his lifelong battle with Bipolar Disorder, and while he rejects the tired trope of the tortured artist, he acknowledges the role his illness has played in his music. An almost hyperactive, impossibly busy and upbeat sound wraps tightly around lyrics that tell a different story; songs like "I'll Be Alright" and "Little Secrets" soften the blow of Angelakos' internal struggle, something that his fans have found solace and comfort in for years.
The set began with "The Reeling," a single from 2009's Manners, and a perfect way to start the evening. There is something so very poignant about Angelakos baring himself on stage to a packed audience singing right back to him "here I am, oh here I am / oh when will someone understand?" And, perhaps that sing-ability is what has made his music so successful; it's hard to feel alone in a room with thousands of strangers screaming along with just as much passion and fervor. Even amongst the feelings of isolation that has become increasing more commonplace in a post-pandemic world, Angelakos has forged a community bound together with his music and filled with people who seem to just "get it."
The set continued with songs like "Take A Walk," "Carried Away," and "Constant Conversations" from 2012's critically acclaimed LP Gossamer, and "Eyes as Candles" and "Folds In Your Hands" from Manners. For "Moth's Wings," a longtime fan favorite, Angelakos even extended his mic stand straight into the audience, reveling in the chorus enthusiastically and loyally singing every single word. While admittedly not one to indulge too much in stage banter, the singer made sure to express just how thrilled he was to be back in New York for the first time in half a decade, and to see that people still cared so genuinely for his music. Before closing out with a "good old fashioned" encore consisting of Chunk of Change's "Smile Upon Me" and "Cuddle Fuddle" followed by "Sleepyhead," Angelakos mentioned he has new music in the works, and while he doesn't like to make a habit of making promises, he hopes to be out on the road again soon.
Passion Pit's return to the spotlight was truly glorious, an evening so chock full of joy and magic it will stay with attendees for a long time to come. Mental illness is often such an isolating experience and something so rarely talked about with plain honesty and openness, and Angelakos has done more than his part in changing that narrative. Fans were thrilled to see him perhaps better than ever before and seeming to be thriving, and while we have missed Passion Pit shows, it is commendable that he has done what is best for his physical and mental health. If he decides that the right thing for him is to never set foot on a stage again, there is no doubt his fans will respect and applaud that choice; and if he chooses to tour again, there will surely be plenty more packed rooms and dedicated fans ready and waiting to experience the magic all over again.
Check out the full gallery of Passion Pit below!
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