After going viral on TikTok early last year for their song “HOLOGRAM,” Los Angeles-based alternative rock duo Poe the Passenger has released their greatly anticipated sophomore album ANIMUS, featuring the very track that garnered them so much attention. With more eyes on them now than ever before, the bar of expectation for Poe the Passenger’s music was high. Unfazed, the band eagerly stepped up to the plate and immediately hit the ball out of the park, releasing a 10-track LP that is nothing short of banger after banger. Spirited in sound yet raw in emotion, with a touch of experimental flare, Poe the Passenger’s ANIMUS drips with vulnerability and intensity while giving rock music a refreshingly modern edge.
Consisting of frontman Jeff Pridgen and drummer Trent Marderosian, the pair grapple with life’s various adversities through the point of view of a character named Poe. Known for cultivating an open and supportive community with their fans, Poe the Passenger encourages listeners to proudly be their most authentic selves, and hopes to spread love through their music by reminding everyone that they are never truly alone.
Immediately firing up the energy on ANIMUS is "BURN," a deafening, defiant track that hits all the marks for rock anthem potential. Immediately following is the renowned single "HOLOGRAM," which was initially teased on TikTok back in January 2023 and then fast-tracked for release the following month due to an overwhelmingly positive response and outcry for more.
The official music video for "HOLOGRAM"
Up next on ANIMUS is the edgy but uplifting "DOOM n GLOOM" followed by an infectious earworm entitled "ENDLESS LOVE." All about persevering through the very topics it's named after, "DOOM n GLOOM" has enough angst to make any diehard emo's heart soar while encouraging every listener to push through their struggles. Meanwhile, the electronic elements infused into "ENDLESS LOVE" add a touch of pop pizzazz to the track, guaranteeing the song to be a hit amongst the masses.
From there the album moves into "DAMNED n BEAUTIFUL" and then "BE SOMEBODY." "DAMNED n BEAUTIFUL" is another track that beautifully incorporates electronic elements. High in energy and backed by a strong, funky beat, this song was undoubtedly created with live shows in mind. Previously released as a single, "BE SOMEBODY" is as intense in sound as it is emotive in lyrics. Opening up on trying to make the most out of what life and time have to offer, "BE SOMEBODY" drips with unfiltered vulnerability.
The official music video for "BE SOMEBODY"
Poe the Passenger keeps the vulnerability high and the intensity higher on ANIMUS with "HALF ALIVE." With a few tempo changes thrown into the mix, the instrumentals perfectly portray the conflicting emotions behind the lyrics. "HALF ALIVE" is followed by "OVERLY COMPLICATED," a lyrically caustic and straightforward track supported by a fun, intricate rhythm. With an overall playful feel, "OVERLY COMPLICATED" is another one that is sure to be a massive hit.
Finishing out ANIMUS is "KEROSENE" and then finally its closing track, "SWEET DISASTER." Cohesively mixing blaring, complex instrumentals with melodic vocals and dazzling synths, there's a little bit of something on "KEROSENE" for every music fan to enjoy. Closing the album the way it started, the relatability of "SWEET DISASTER" combined with the song's vigor gives it the same anthem-esque potential that the album began with on "BURN."
The release of ANIMUS only further solidifies everyone's initial thoughts when "HOLOGRAM" was teased and released over a year ago - that this band is going places. With a tracklist of ten songs and not a single skip among them, Poe the Passenger have proven themselves to be one of the best musical acts currently in the alternative scene.
Stream ANIMUS by Poe the Passenger on Spotify
