Live Review: Passion Pit @ Central Park Summerstage

Last year at this time Passion Pit were playing a month of residence shows at Pianos followed by a headlining spot at Mercury Lounge. My how things have changed for this band. After a whirlwind year, which included releasing their debut full length Manners and signing to Columbia Records, the band have ascended the ranks and built up a massive following in such a short time. Last night they played the second of two opening shows for Phoenix and have truly grown to embrace the big stage.

When they played Mercury Lounge back in September of last year the band truly commanded your attention, but the sound now is so much further than anything they were able to do back then. The band has grown their songs to be a much fuller and more expansive sound, building on the electronic base they originally started with and making something that people can sing and dance along to.

Saturday night, with a packed Central Park crowd cheering them on they proved that they are a band that belongs on this huge stage. They absolutely dominated their set playing almost every song off their debut album with energy and passion worthy of their name. The songs themselves are quirky and immediate, lending to easy sing alongs and making people dance in their tight surroundings.

Michael Angelakos himself has grown to become a fantastic front man, prancing about the stage while singing and demanding the spotlight, but the greatest growth is the band behind him who play their songs tight and together with wonderful energy.

Obviously there is more to come from this band, but after witnessing last night's stunning performance it's hard to bet against this band.