Passion Pit
“Gossamer”
Hailing From: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Release Number: 2nd
Genre: Dance Electropop
Label: Columbia/Frenchkiss Records

It’s been three years since Passion Pit released their highly acclaimed, full length debut Manners. Their tracks were used in everything from cell phone commercials to television shows. Now they are back with Gossamer, a slightly more mature and sadder take on the same style its predecessor embodied. It is these qualities which, although they bring the overall feel in a slightly different direction, make Gossamer the stronger album of the two. In fact, a look into lead singer Michael Angelakos’ life makes their accomplishment with their sophomore album that much more impressive.

Click here to read the full review.

Donald Wagenblast of Keep Calm and Carry On recently had the opportunity to interview several prominent bands – Yellowcard, Of Mice & Men, and the Used – at this year’s Warped Tour.  Be sure to check out all of the interviews and corresponding blog post here!

Purity Ring
“Shrines”
Hailing From: Montreal, Canada
Release Number: Debut
Genre: Synth pop
Label: 4AD

I haven’t been as excited for a debut album in a while. In today’s music climate, a band seems to release their debut album only a few months after they first pop onto the scene. Purity Ring took their time, however, releasing their first single (“Ungirthed”) back in the very beginning of 2011. A year and a half later, their debut is finally released and it’s one of the most fully realized debut albums in a while. It’s rare that a band hits the ground running right away, but Purity Ring seem to have done it with Shrines.

Click here to see the full review.

Dirty Projectors
“Swing Lo Magellan”
Hailing From: Brooklyn, NY
Release Number: 6th
Genre: R&B-influenced indie pop
Label: Domino

Dirty Projector’s breakthrough 2009 album Bitte Orca put the band into the spotlight of the indie world.  While Swing Lo Magellan is their sixth album, in many ways it feels like a sophomore effort. Dirty Projectors are known for reinventing their sound with each album, mostly at the whim of leader Dave Longstreth. Swing Lo Magellan is the first album that really builds on the sound of its predecessor. However, while Bitte Orca was all about building intricate arrangements, Magellan focuses more on hooks. This is Dirty Projector’s most accessible and straightforward album yet.

Click here to see the full review.