Public Chalk

Like any new relationship, there are ups and downs, surprises and let-downs. Take Passion Pit and my relationship for instance:

Pre-SXSW: All my friends were talking about them. “You just HAVE to see them!” they would say. I was intrigued.

SXSW, Austin: I was surprised, enthralled, and excited for a new fling with this fresh group. In true fashion with any new crush, I did the typical girl thing and talked about them all the time, told all my friends, researched their past life… and bought their EP.

Emo’s, Austin– sold out show: Now, with my overly-high expectations set and their ever-growing popularity established, I attended their show (fyi-tickets were going for $60). I was let down. It was like an indie band getting grabbed up by a Sony BMG suit and molded into “the next big thing.” The singer’s high notes were subdued and the alternative rock aspect was kicked into high gear. By increasing the production and decreasing the raw quality that I fell in love with, it was a huge disappointment. They weren’t who I thought they were at all.

Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN:  Bonnaroo would either make or break our relationship. So, like any girl having mixed feelings and feeling nervous about the third “date”, I got drunk. I approached the surprisingly packed stage with beer in hand – hoping for the best, expecting the worst. After a few songs, I was smiling and realized there would be no pouting or stomping away from them tonight. The sound was good, the energy was there and the raw quality that I was drawn to in the beginning was overflowing. All in all, you just have to have some faith sometimes.

We have now been together for about 4 months - going on 5 - and I’m very happy.