Tremendous Sea of Love is an unusual album, as much in its release as in its genre-bending electro pop. Passion Pit frontman Michael Angelakos shared the album for free earlier this year in exchange for tweets about science, which was part of his launch of The Wishart Group; an advocacy company that provides mental health support for artists. A neuroscientist took over Passion Pit's Twitter handle to answer questions surrounding mental health, and fans who retweeted his answers were gifted a free digital copy of the album with the intention of breaking down the stigma of seeking treatment for mental health issues.
Angelakos, who has been candid about his battle with mental health issues, has said this album is his most honest work yet. But if that sounds dark, think again. The overarching theme to be found in Tremendous Sea of Love is hope - from the elated grandeur of its title to the sprightly, forward-thinking production. Angelakos' trademark falsetto vocals are back on display throughout, but there's a rawness to them this time that brings with it a startling clarity. Somewhere up There's central cry to the heavens somehow turns a chorus-less song into a thrilling journey - which ends with a tender phone message from Angelakos' mum (after SZA's CTRL, this is a sampling trend I can get behind).
Many elements on the record can feel rather disparate and scattered, and there's no clear catchy single that Passion Pit fans may be expecting. But that's almost the point of the record - to throw off music industry conventions and focus on ideas of health and strength for artists themselves. On Undertow, Angelakos sings: "We know what we need, clear and immediately ... Love until you bleed," signalling a devotion to his craft that's felt so strongly it hurts. Angelakos may have bled - but Tremendous Sea of Love burns and soothes like medicine.
