With neither Passion Pit nor Hockey ever having played a UK show, you could be forgiven for thinking that this Tuesday night show would be on the underside of busy. But then again, these two bands are currently riding a wave of attention across the music presses and the ever-present blogs, which as you could expect, makes them the next big things. Both bands are yet to release albums (both are completed and due for release in the coming months), but judging by the swarming Audio, no one was worried.

Drawing the biggest crowd of the evening, Passion Pit take to the stage amidst a wave of anticipation. With their only previous release, the Chunk of Change EP, being the basis for the attention they’ve garnered, it was to be expected they would want to showcase what was soon to be released on the new album. Opening with a track off said album, their chaotic electro-pop is rife with melody and uncontainable joy. Frontman Michael Angelakos’ falsetto singing voice is as encapsulating as it is high, yet also maintains a distinct emotional sincerity, almost as if he is always teetering on the edge of collapse. Likewise, the rest of the band, despite being cramped behind their arsenal of equipment, are energetic in playing out their set, made up of a mix of EP and new material. Ending on a riotous version of ‘Smile Upon Me’, it was a blistering performance, and a taste of just how good this band is set to be.
Playing to a slightly diminished crowd, Hockey is a much more polished, refined band. Contrasting to the frenzied euphoria of Passion Pit, their funk tinged jerk-pop is far more radio friendly. With some definite hits in their repertoire (particularly the excellent ‘Song Away’, or set closer ‘Too Fake’) and singer Ben’s striking voice, we have quite an impressive live band. Following Passion Pit however, it feels lacking in energy, or just devoid of the childish enthusiasm of their comrades.
With the anticipated success of the imminent albums, it is unlikely that these two bands will return to play together in such small venues. Unless of course the albums aren’t as good as the expectations preceding them. But, based on tonight’s performance, they will be sublime.

Words by Dave Drummond
Photography by Paul Mulley