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CD Review - Passion Pit - Chunk of Change [EP] Passion Pit - Chunk of Change [EP]


Passion Pit - Chunk of Change [EP]

Frenchkiss Records

December 13, 2008, 08:12 PM

Views: 3061   Comments: 38

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Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day is, as holidays go, particularly over-hyped, overrated and most importantly over-commercialized and over-marketed. I could go on, but this isn’t a review of February 14th, and anyway my point here is that despite the day being rather naff, it has now given the world something to truly love: Passion Pit’s ‘Chuck of Change’. Intended rather romantically (just why couldn’t he have done it any other day?) as a last minute Valentine’s Day present to Passion Pit’s singer/songwriter/all round main man Michael Angelakos’ girlfriend, ‘Chunk of Change’ is now his first gift to the whole world. And what a gift; I’m really rather smitten.

I am sure the lady in question must have been rather impressed; rather than Angelakos spending his dollop of dollar on a bunch of flowers, his decision to record ‘Chunk of Change’ for her instead was perhaps the most inspired he will ever make. She, and the many friends who heard afterwards, were so impressed that Angelakos was spurred into action and formed Passion Pit so that the perfectionist could take his songs and present them to the world.

The EP opens with the stunning electro pop of ‘I’ve Got Your Number’, a wonderfully versatile track, moving you as much physically as it does emotionally. It’s almost embarrassing to be hearing something so personal, intended at its time of conception for just one person. With the lyrics from the fantastic, emotionally charged chorus “Have you seen me cry tears like diamonds? Down and down they fly, faster and faster like the speed of our love batting a thousand but a home run crack at love, this is where I tell you that I know love's what I need to work at” about as honest a confession as you will hear.

I did wonder where things could go from here, after such a delightful opening salvo; surely it could only go downhill. Not a bit of it. ‘Smile Upon Me’ is high on LCD (Soundsystem), and the quirky fairy tale twist of ‘Cuddle Fuddle’, with the lyrics “Let down your hair, let down your hair, Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair” has another killer chorus. Nothing Grimm about that.

‘Live to Tell The Tale’ arrives wrapped in Postal Service vocals and spectral synth, mellowing out the EP before the arrival of ‘Better Things’ to cajole us back onto the dance floor with its disco delights. Final track ‘Sleepyhead’ is the only track that didn’t appear on the original gift to Angelakos’ girl, which was a shame for her as it’s a brilliant piece of electro pop (in the more traditional sense, as it’s the only track to come near the 3 minute mark – bang on it in fact). A euphoric techno synth and chipmunk backing vocals, supplement perhaps the most impassioned vocal from Angelakos since opener ‘I’ve Got Your Number’, book-ending the whole EP superbly well.

A full length debut is slated for early ’09, and how many of these tracks will feature remains to be seen, but if Passion Pit can reproduce or even better (somehow) what they have gifted us here, then 2009 could already have one of its highlights earmarked.


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Last edited by jack s : March 7, 2009 at 10:54 AM. Reason: title







Review Rating

 
Overall Rating
90%90%90%
9
Vocals / Lyrics
80%80%80%
8
Musicianship
70%70%70%
7
Production
70%70%70%
7
Creativity
90%90%90%
9
Lastability
80%80%80%
8
Reviewers Tilt
90%90%90%
9

81%

We Recommend you buy this CD





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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

This is pretty cool, i look forward to hearing that album.


Comment Posted on: December 13, 2008, 10:00 PM
 
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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

I thought so (as you can see). A bit of an unexpected hit. You will get to read more (well actually just a condensed version of the same) in my 'Tips for '09'


Comment Posted on: December 14, 2008, 12:23 AM


 
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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

Originally Posted by Heron View Post
I thought so (as you can see). A bit of an unexpected hit. You will get to read more (well actually just a condensed version of the same) in my 'Tips for '09'

Think i'm gonna go with you on this one Heron, they will do well next year. We've been missing a Postal service'esq artist for a while. Plus female singers are always intense.


Comment Posted on: December 14, 2008, 01:21 PM
 
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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

You know what, they really remind me of The Knife


Comment Posted on: December 14, 2008, 01:33 PM
 
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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

Originally Posted by MTA View Post
Think i'm gonna go with you on this one Heron, they will do well next year. We've been missing a Postal service'esq artist for a while. Plus female singers are always intense.
Haha, OK well here comes the bombshell (although had you read the review more closely you would know this already)............it's a male singer.

They remind me a little of Hot Chip too, but better.


Comment Posted on: December 14, 2008, 01:47 PM


 
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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

Originally Posted by Heron View Post
Haha, OK well here comes the bombshell (although had you read the review more closely you would know this already)............it's a male singer.

They remind me a little of Hot Chip too, but better.

That would make more sense. Wups, don't i feel embarrassed. Hot chip are really good, i wouldn't go as far as saying PP are better.


Comment Posted on: December 14, 2008, 05:25 PM
 
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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

I think Hot Chip are extremely overrated.


Comment Posted on: December 14, 2008, 09:27 PM
 
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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

Originally Posted by Heron View Post
Haha, OK well here comes the bombshell (although had you read the review more closely you would know this already)............it's a male singer.

They remind me a little of Hot Chip too, but better.
That is definitely not a male singer for tears like diamond. I swear. hot chip are pretty good, i can see what you mean by over rated. I think seeing them live just tops it off.


Comment Posted on: December 15, 2008, 03:46 PM


 
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Default - Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change Re: Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

Haha that's what I thought when I first heard it, but apparently that one is the same guy too.


Comment Posted on: December 15, 2008, 07:56 PM
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