The Joy Formidable - Moth's Wings (Passion Pit Cover)

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys yesterday at Fun Fun Fun Fest here in Austin at Auditorium Shores. I was waiting at the orange stage in order to be in front for tUnE-YarDs when they came up to play. I knew I recognized the name, and about 15 minutes into the set I realized that I not only knew, but really liked several of their songs. So, as I sit here spraying saline solution up my nose in order to clear the copious amounts of dust I have clogging up my sinuses and popping allergy pills and drinking orange juice and getting ready for day three of FFFest, I am hype machine-ing them. And whilst doing so, I discovered this.

I believe that a truly good cover does more than just put a new spin on the song, but also awakens the feelings one had during their initial listen, which is exactly what I just experienced while listening to this. Passion Pit, I've found you again. I've suddenly forgotten the entity that is currently the Passion Pit I know, and am remembering this band when Manners first came out in 2009.

I'm remembering driving to Dallas for Thanksgiving with two of my friends, seeing the city lights with Little Secrets blasting as we curve around the city. I'm remembering the joyous moment in the music video for To Kingdom Come when the moon explodes and rains down upon the earth. I'm remembering that this album was a originally a love song and letter, I'd forgotten that. It all is clear again. This music was good, still is good. Forget the hype.

But returning to The Joy Formidable, the songs I recognized during their set were Cradle and Austere, which have a much different sound than the cover above. In fact, all their music has a different sound, it's much harder and (obviously) electric, which made for a very energetic and solid set. They gave a lot to the crowd, and were clearly very excited to be playing the festival.

Also, 2,000 views? Huh? This needs to be seen/heard.

Buy The Big Roar by The Joy Formidable here.
Buy Manners by Passion Pit here.
Also, Pitchfork is live streaming Fun Fun Fun Fest all three days this weekend. Check it out on their website.