Kindred

1. Jzwimmer

   Apr 21, 2015

   10

   I'm very disappointed thus far in what many critics have said about this new record from Passion Pit. I realize there are also plenty ofI'm very disappointed thus far in what many critics have said about this new record from Passion Pit. I realize there are also plenty of positive reviews from critics, but there are still some truly scathing reviews, which are really mind-boggling and disheartening to me.
   
   Here's why: For the first time in his career, Michael Angelakos has crafted a genuinely cohesive collection of songs that serve up his instantly recognizable brand of euphorically sweet and passionate electro-pop. There are no truly bad songs here, despite what many critics have said. Some are better than others, obviously, but none of them are deserving of harsh scorn. In a similar but markedly different vein of its ambitious predecessor, "Gossamer", the songs on "Kindred" are introspectively-oriented and personal, focusing on important relationships and feelings of guilt, confusion, and the desire to get away from the chaos of everything. However, where some of the songs on "Gossamer" got lyrically stuck in a cage of melancholia, the songs on "Kindred" aren't afraid to express feelings of optimism alongside the darker stuff. This is exemplified best by the opening and closing tracks here, "Lifted Up (1985)" and "Ten Feet Tall (II)", respectively. The opener is a dazzlingly direct anthem of love and gratitude dedicated to Angelakos' wife, pulsating with an energetic earnestness that feels less like a head-banging dance club and more like a top-down road trip in the middle of June, hands dancing above heads in the summer air. "Ten Feet Tall (II)" opens with a whimsically vibrant synthesizer riff that builds into a headstrong rhythm which underscores lyrics regarding how Angelakos simply wants to be alone, if only for a short while. "Where the Sky Hangs" is a pleasantly simple tune with a noticeable jazz influence and a relaxed bass, complete with tinkling bell riffs, warmly syncopated synth chords, and some bright strings near the end. Other highlights include the glowing and inspiring swells of the slow-burning beauty, "Dancing on the Grave", and the impeccably gorgeous melody and soundscape of "Looks Like Rain". Michael's angelic falsetto throughout these songs is emotive, expressive, and most notably, more restrained than it has been in the past. His singing sometimes sounds a bit too thin, but it always sounds authentic. The closing song here has proven to be polarizing, but I love it. Angelakos modifies his voice on it with strong auto-tune, and it's very effective. It has the impact of liberating Angelakos, showing that he is taking complete control of his own life and sound. He is beginning to take flight, hoping to reach new and unimaginable heights.
   
   Overall, this album is excellent, combining a striking sense of efficiency with an effortless ability to capture some emotional realities of life. Any hindrances this album has are due to the formulaic pop structures of its songs, which do sometimes leave little strides of creativity to be desired. Also, the lyrics could be slightly more effective, as they occasionally employ too much repetition. But Passion Pit has created a fantastic electro-pop album here, one that explodes on the listener and immediately saturates them in clouds of glitter and sparkling honesty. It's an exuberant statement from an impressively talented man. Go buy "Kindred" in a store or download it from iTunes, and don't forget to dance.… Expand

   • 2 of 3 users found this helpful
2. Ddanilo

   Mar 7, 2017

   9

   This album contains some very good tracks. The style of the music makes me want to jump and swing with each beat ... There are only a few whoThis album contains some very good tracks. The style of the music makes me want to jump and swing with each beat ... There are only a few who can do that. I hope they continue like this! SENSATIONAL… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. quotes

   Apr 21, 2015

   8

   As good as Passion Pit's last albums, Kindred just confirms the maturity and quality of the band. Maybe more pop and electronic than Gossamer,As good as Passion Pit's last albums, Kindred just confirms the maturity and quality of the band. Maybe more pop and electronic than Gossamer, this album is really good to listen, with dancing songs and catchy lyrics. The whole Kindred is amazing, it is not for a huge success, but it doesn't disappoint the people who like Passion Pit's music.… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
5. imthenoob

   Apr 22, 2015

   8

   Started listening to them through Prime music and was so glad when this album was put on there. Easily their best work and they are one of fewStarted listening to them through Prime music and was so glad when this album was put on there. Easily their best work and they are one of few bands around who hit major strides with each release they put out. It's sadly only 10 tracks but each one is very like-able.… Expand

   • 2 of 2 users found this helpful
6. MacsMusic

   Jul 8, 2018

   7

   Kindred is noticeably different from other PP albums. It still has the sensory-overload amount of upbeat electronic music, but it feels lessKindred is noticeably different from other PP albums. It still has the sensory-overload amount of upbeat electronic music, but it feels less creative and forced to fit a certain shape. It doesn't feel as free and creative as PP's other projects.
   
   Still, it's plenty of fun. Possibly the best thing about this album is that I can't point out any bad songs; they all have enjoyable, entertaining music. "Life Story" is a really great song. It has really fun music, along with catchy yet interesting lyrics and vocals that I really like. "All I Want," "Up," and "Until We Can't" do get a bit annoying over time, but they sound pretty great in small doses. Kindred rarely reaches the highs that Manners reaches, but unlike Manners, nearly every song is fun and straight-to-the-point. Simply put, Kindred is basically all quality with little to no filler. "Looks Like Rain" and "Brother" are pretty great songs, and some of my favorite form Passion Pit.
   
   Kindred is not perfect, or extremely creative and original, but it has almost no low points, with really enjoyable music and vocals and some memorable lyrics. Its a 7.5.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
7. ElroyRosenberg

   Jun 13, 2015

   5

   Kindred can be a decent listen. Depending on the mood you're in, of course. Do you have the need for some bright, popping instrumentationKindred can be a decent listen. Depending on the mood you're in, of course. Do you have the need for some bright, popping instrumentation shadowing falsetto-style vocals? This is probably for you. But that's not really what I'm after. The good tracks are good - especially "Looks Like Rain" - but a lot of the rest of it was lacking. There's something about this kind of sugar-coated production that doesn't sit right, and for that reason I can't score this album very highly.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. WolfLambert

   Jun 16, 2015

   3

   Come on, I want to love this, but I feel like I'll get diabetes if I keep listening to it. Gossammer was good, but not an album I could sitCome on, I want to love this, but I feel like I'll get diabetes if I keep listening to it. Gossammer was good, but not an album I could sit through for its entire length — this is only worse.… Expand

   • 0 of 3 users found this helpful

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