Passion Pit’s highly-anticipated new record, Gossamer, was released last week.

Featuring 12 songs of the Massachusetts-based electro/dance band’s blend of synth, energetic anthems and engaging vocals, the set kicks off with lead single Take a Walk. It features some echo-y vocals and steady percussive beats that work together to craft a pretty engaging introduction to the record:

If you’re interested in more songs that call to mind their breakout hit Sleepyhead, look no further than I’ll Be Alright. It begins with a jarring vocal sample that loops a few times before more beats and danceable rhythms take over.

It may have taken them awhile to release the follow-up to 2009′s massively successful debut Manners, but it’s safe to say the wait was worth it – Gossamer is a relentlessly bouncy album that takes their sound and pushes it skyward, incorporating more synth, top-notch production and shimmery, ethereal atmospherics.

There is a tinge of darkness on the record, however. Frontman Michael Angelakos told NPR that this record is hugely autobiographical, and judging by the songs’ melancholy lyrics, that makes sense:

When you become cognizant of the fact that you are hurting people and you are out of control and you feel like there’s no solution, all you want is for them to leave because you don’t want to hurt anyone,” he says.

As a result of his apparent battle with those demons, Passion Pit have canceled some of their upcoming tour dates while he has time to recuperate and work on himself before devoting all of his time to the band.

They will, however, still be taking part in the Outside Lands Music Festival two weekends from now in San Francisco, so if you’ll be up there for the fest you can catch them live. We’re also looking forward to their show with another minx-favorite Hot Chip at the Hollywood Bowl on September 9th.