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Ever since the release of their 2008 EP Chunk of Change, Passion Pit’s unique brand of indietronica has appealed to fans of both indie rock and electronic dance music, generating heaps of praise from those bastions of hipster cred otherwise known as music blogs. With the release of sophomore album Gossamer in 2012, the band kept crowds moving with a collection of ambitious and impeccably produced gems like “Take a Walk” and “Constant Conversations,” earning the album a No. 4 position on the Billboard 200. Passion Pit originated as the solo project of frontman Michael Angelakos, who penned the project’s first songs for his girlfriend before enlisting some of his classmates from Berklee College of Music to start a group. The band’s debut full-length Manners (2009) received praise from critics and bloggers for its catchy and danceable songs, including breakthrough single “Sleepyhead” and kaleidoscopic electro hit “The Reeling.” On tour in 2013, Passion Pit has been treating fans to high-octane live performances that perfectly capture the spirit of their sparkling pop anthems.
It was awesome, i had a great time.....i Loved all the bands performances. Manchester def. rocked out and made me love them even more. And of course passion pit and phoenix made me dance my butt off. They're so amazing live.
Starting with Manchester Orchestra, some of the crowd didn't know what to expect. Many have heard of them - many have not. Tweets followed providing that "Manchester Orchestra is now my favorite band!" after their set, proving that their set was not only full of passionate music, but so much energy, getting everyone ready for the big show ahead. Following Manchester Orchestra was Jack's Mannequin, a band that many in the front of the line had planned to see. "No matter what song they play, I'll be happy," some said. After their first song, "Bruised," the crowd was craving more. Jack's Mannequin kept the energy in the crowd up throughout their whole 40 minute set, ending with "Bloodshot" and frontman Andrew McMahon rockin' out on his piano, jumping on the keys and everything! This had everyone ready for Passion Pit. Passion Pit delivered their set with a dancey good feel, with fans screaming for more. Their hit, "The Reeling," got everyone in the crowd dancing and screaming, only to want to see the headliner, Phoenix, next. Phoenix had some technical difficulties which made the break in between sets rise from 20 minutes to over 40 minutes, making them go on around 25 minutes later than anticipated. However, this didn't hinder any of the crowd - they wanted Phoenix. Chants of "PHOENIX! PHOENIX! PHOENIX!" roared Hammerstein Ballroom before Phoenix came on stage. As soon as they came on - the crowd went crazy. People dancing, screaming, singing their hearts out. It was what everyone was waiting for.
I would have given this show 5 stars were it not for the odd billing choices. Manchester Orchestra and Jack the Mannequin may be fine in their own right but by no means mesh with the likes of Passion Pit (PP) or Phoenix. And for fans of PP and Phoenix (who have been touring together for months), Manchester and Jack merely served to unnecessarily extend the evening to a four hour durge.
Great combo of bands!! Phoenix was much better at this show than last time I saw them..
I went to the show basically for two reasons, to see pheonix and becuase i had a great time at the rxp halloween show with weezer and matt and kim. I knew a couple songs from pheonix and the other bands, but just what they play on the radio. Well every band truly rocked out and put on a hell of a show. the crowd was also great. There is nothing like going to a rock concert to see bands you are unfamaliar with and truly get blown away. I am going to buy cd's of every band that played that night before the weeks end. I went in thinking i would see an ok show but probably leave early so i could catch an earlier train, and be in bed early for work the next day, never happened, had to stay to the very end, and it was so worth it when i was falling asleep at my desk the next day, am so glad i also bought tickets for sundays holiday show, peace! ian
This was an awesome show. I'm a big fan of Phoenix and Passion Pit and really enjoyed seeing them. The sound is wonderful and their energy is contagious.
Phoenix was awesome!!! Passion Pit almost stole the show!!! Manchester Orchestra rocked!!! Jack Manequin was lame.
The first two bands were not too exciting but Passion Pit and Phoenix were both really exciting and fun.
The concert was great but the time between sets was way too long
I have had the pleasure and privilege of seeing Phoenix for the past year, seen them 4 times, and all I can say is that every time I go it gets better and better. These guys are amazing, truly entertaining, love these guys!
Well chosen bands and an energetic line up. First time at Hammerstein Ballroom and was less than impressed. I guess it was a bargain, but it seems like a venue that is better suited to theatre and comedians, not live audio as the speakers that were near me distorted all the sounds that it became distracting. I still had fun and it was a good crowd, but I will think twice before coming back to Hammerstein Ballroom.
ok, who is the genius at WRXP behind last night's line-up??? i was impressed from the get go... and not one band disappointed. it really was a treat to see these four bands all in one night. each one successively blew the crowd away! i am not kidding, you know if you were there. do yourself (and all of these bands) a favor and run out and get their cds. happy holidays to all!
Great vibe, great lighting, great flow to the entire show. Sets were long but not too long and the line up was incredible. Cannot wait until the next show.
Most enjoyable... passion pit really brought down the house.
Manchester Orchestra was pretty good. Jack's Mannequin was amazing- only played 9 songs, should have been a longer set, but they played a great selection of their stuff. Passion Pit was incredible, but I wish people were dancing more. I left during Phoenix because the crowd way in front was awful and so rude.
I am an avid concert goer, so I was very eager to attend the RXP Holiday Extravaganza this year. The opening band Manchester Orchestra was a complete disappointment: their levels were way too loud, the singer was disastrous, and their put-up attitude was a complete turnoff. Jack's Mannequin did a better job both vocally and getting the crowd prepared for Passion Pit. Those kids destroyed the staged! In a good way, but the audience was another story: drunk teens pushing each other and doing it for the sake of it, when there was not a single reason to even start a mosh pit. I think that is something organizers should consider next year: I am not against young audiences, but it becomes annoying when you are trying to enjoy the band and instead have to waste the time elbowing people or trying to stay on your feet. Unfortunately, this experience prompted me to leave before Phoenix took the stage, but I am sure they were fantastic. About the host... Matt Pinfield, you are amazing, but PLEASE stop yelling on the mic! And the other jocks looked like they've been dragged out of bed against their will. No connection with the audience at all. The location was great, Hammerstein is a good venue but only if you are tall, because of the flat floor and the layout of the stage. Overall, I am giving this event an "average" rating.
The 45 minute wait between each set....was not....
I thought that Jack's Mannequin should have played more songs. I paid $50 to see them (didn't care about the other bands) and wish they played for longer! The crowd was lame too but I guess it was just that kind of event. Disappointing! Despite the lack of songs-- Andrew was still a great performer! :)
Heard great things about all the bands performing at Matt Pinfield's Holiday Extravaganza 1 at Hammerstein, so I decided to check it out. Phoenix was the band I really wanted to catch, so see what all the hype was about. I'm still scratching my head wondering. I feel sorry for today's youth if this is all they have to offer. Time will measure their true standing.
