Despite being placed at a stage too small for their popularity for a second weekend, Passion Pit delivered a euphoric experience to the large crowd. Looking out from the Tito’s Stage at Austin City Limits Festival Weekend Two, lead singer Michael Angelakos seemed amazed by the turnout.
“I always play festivals, and I’m like, ‘How the fuck you guys do it?’” Angelakos said. “A round of applause for you.”
Coming off of an eighteen-date residency tour–ten shows at Deluxx Flux in NYC, four shows at Brighton Music Hall and four at Moroccan Music Lounge, Passion Pit proved they’re back with their vibrant ACL performance. Passion Pit concluded their short U.S. tour at ACL and will perform their last scheduled show of the year in Mexico City on Nov. 8.
Their last full studio album, “Tremendous Sea of Love,” was released in 2017, with Passion Pit touring the album in 2018. A 10th Anniversary Tour for their Manners album followed in 2019. Passion Pit came to Austin previously in 2015 for ACL Live and for the ACL Festival in 2013. Over ten years later, Angelakos looked like he had taken in all of the applause.
“What an honor to actually be having fun playing Passion Pit music again,” Angelakos said.
Beginning with songs like “Moth’s Wings,” “Once Upon Your Balcony” –– released as a demo this July –– and “Where the Sky Hangs,” the crowd grew as passersby at the festival gathered to see what the hype was about.
Placed on a central stage, next to ACL Eats, casual listeners and fans moshed together to the nostalgic songs, including classics “Carried Away” and “The Reeling.”
Getting emotional before “Take a Walk,” one of their most iconic hits, Angelakos thanked the crowd.
“I’m so happy right now,” Angelakos said. “Thank you so much for being here. It means a lot to me.”
Angelakos’ high notes, though sometimes out of tune, and electronic dance music felt reminiscent of the sound that made Passion Pit famous in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Neon flashing lights and disco balls spinning under the Tito’s stage tent allowed for a party as the sky turned into a tangerine sunset.
“Because I need you here as much as you need me,” Angelakos sang to fans during “Alone (on Ice!).”
After they finished their set and left the stage, some festivalgoers left, but devotees stayed, chanting “one more song,” and Passion Pit delivered an encore. After the show’s end, the band embraced one another.
“You made me want to fucking tour all year long,” Angelakos said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the band’s tour dates and song lyrics. The Texan regrets this error.
