Manners by Passion Pit

It’s the final post of the blog, and what could be a better way to cap things off than reviewing one final album? Here’s a review of Manners by Passion Pit!

Make Light: The album begins with a nice guitar riff before transitioning into a more synth-based sound that becomes the main base for songs on the record. The lyrics delve into mental illness and how it impacts relationships.

Little Secrets: The instrumental of this song is once again synthesized with a solid drum beat. The lyrics have multiple interpretations, with some lines that hint at the song potentially being about the struggles of mental illness, coming out, or drugs.

Moth’s Wings: A less radiant-sounding song about a person with a turbulent personality and the impact of their death. While it is the weakest song on the record, it still isn’t bad by any means.

The Reeling: This song continues with a synthesized sound, and a saxophone is also worked in! The lyrics allude to themes of paranoia and uneasiness.

Eyes as Candles: A song that is once again about mental illness, as well as religion. The music itself goes at a slower tempo than some of the other songs, but retains its synth-pop sound.

Swimming in the Flood: An orchestral-sounding piece, with water metaphors being used to represent a broken relationship. This is the saddest sounding song on the album, making it one of the only songs to match the tone of the lyrics.

Folds in Your Hands: Once again, the main theme of this song is how mental illness impacts relationships. The instrumental features synths, and its buildup to the chorus is a true highlight.

To Kingdom Come: Another track using a basis of synth production, with the saxophone riff making a grand return. The lyrics are at their most nonsensical, but seem to have the general theme of attempting to reach God for help with deep struggles.

Sleepyhead: The intro of this song is one of the most unique openings I’ve ever heard, with a dreamy synth line and a pitched and distorted vocal sample. The descriptive lyrics add to the song, making it splendid to listen to.

Let Your Love Grow Tall: Possibly the song with the most optimistic title and another euphoric instrumental, with continued sad underlying themes about questioning the facets of love.

Seaweed Song: The water metaphors continue here, as well as an instrumental that mostly sounds upbeat with the exception of the third verse.

I cannot sing enough praise for this album! The bright, synthesized instrumentals contrast with the darker, more thematic elements well and make the songs all the more intriguing. This album earns a 10/10, as well as the honor of being my absolute favorite album of all time!