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Currently on tour in the UK with festival and busking dates alike, Passenger is making small rippling waves with their debut album Wicked Man's Rest.
Having done everything from play popular U.S. music festivals like SXSW, to sound tracking a BBC short film starring Imelda Staunton (Where Have I Been All Your Life) the band is already making its mark, garnering rave reviews from Q and NME Magazine.
The thing noted time and again about the album is that it is dark storytelling dressed in upbeat folk-pop's clothing. The folk-pop bit is rather enjoyable, sauntering into REM-esque lands of anthem in some instances, while in others driving down streets peppered with road signs of David Gray. Passenger seems more complicated than that, you can't just sprinkle some comparison on them and walk away.
Their lyrics evoke eerie tales of woe, oddball behavior and dark thoughts and observations that intrigue the listener. It lulls you into a false sense of contentment and relaxation. The album is essentially dark comedy with guitars, violins, pianos and softly haunting vocals.
Properly titled, Wicked Man's Rest sees the 23 year-old singer/song writer Mike Rosenberg creating a stunning achievement of unique multi-layered substance. Not only is it beautiful to listen to, but quite pleasing to absorb. However depressed or downtrodden, you'll want to be hearing Rosenberg wax on about stalking, heartbreak, failure and pathetic apathy, the packaging is too cleverly lighthearted.
Strongly recommended, Wicked Man's Rest is out August 5.
Web Dwelling: http://www.passengerofficial.com
This Reviewer's Rating:   4 / 5
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