Passion Pit

Giving up, internalized anger and passive grief make up a majority of themes in Passion Pit’s sophomore album.It starts with rich R&B slow jams and tributary ’80s tones and follows with self-deprecating lyrics.Lead vocalist Michael Angelakos’ falsetto contributes to the juxtaposition of lyrical and instrumental tone. His voice leans against synth beats and reaches a distorted, sad falsetto in tracks including “Constant Conversations.” The anguished falsetto stitches the tracks together like you would an open wound.In the band’s 2009 debut, “Manners,” these stylistic devices acted as buoyant contributions to a candy-sweet, super melodic summer anthem. On “Gossamer,” the flourishes are fleshy and vulnerable. The overall mood of the album — though frustratingly repetitive — gives one the feeling that Passion Pit is in a chipper sort of turmoil. The contrast of happy beats against dark lyricism is something of a rerun, but it’s done with nuance. In “Gossamer,” the band has one-upped its game with sparkling equalizers, thumpy bass and interspersed sounds that remind you of Super Nintendo. The album is fitting for pop nobility.By Francisco Tirado