The second night of the Levi’s One To Watch showcase brings Boston, Massachusetts residents Passion Pit to East London.

This reviewer was eagerly anticipating seeing the band after watching them rip a hole in the John Peel tent at Glastonbury the fortnight before. But it’s all slightly disappointing - but only because at Glastonbury they were superb, whereas tonight they are merely great. Their appearance may suggest they failed the auditions for Superbad (big hair and spectacles galore), but from opening number ‘Make Better’, there’s no let-up for the first three numbers, each more relentless and upbeat than the one which preceded it.

The band’s debut album Manners is making waves at just the right time; the psychedelic pop accompanies the balmy summer we are enjoying (hopefully this still stands at the time of publication) perfectly, with unified harmonies that resemble Fleet Foxes, and a carnival samba style not unlike Friendly Fires.

The crowd aren’t given a chance to breathe, singing along with every ‘ooh’ as required, dancing along as if their lives depended on it.

Musically, the keys/synths maintain a hurdy-gurdey sound throughout, and bassist Jeff Appruzzese has acquired some licks that Peter Hook would be proud of. Hardly original then, but lots of fun, Passion Pit fully justify the Ones To Watch tag.

Richard Bowes
Photo: Hannah Melbourn