8/10

While Passion Pit have been known as a full band for their previous albums, the outfit has always been the brainchild of frontman Michael Angelakos, who has decided to revisit his roots of the project and deliver this new release as a solo venture. It may not seem like much has changed on the outside but when you compare this new material to their previous work, you definitely sense more of a cohesion within the overall sound that makes for a far more focused release.

As the glossy tone of their previous albums was always undercut with this dark and gloomy pretence, 'Kindred' seems to have shaken away those preconceptions and delivers their most upbeat album to date. This new full-length is nothing but 10 tracks of unbridled joy that sees Angelakos fit comfortably within his new musical dynamic and shows a much higher level of confidence within the music, making it feel so much warmer and inviting.

Fans of Passion Pit will absolutely adore this as it not only accentuates the favoured sound in their style but does with such shameless finesse. There is literally nothing to dislike on this new album and will serve as the perfect summertime record for the months ahead.