Back in October 2016, thanks to some lame grumbling (and perhaps a few legit gripes) from area residents, Float Fest was initially denied its permit for 2017 by Guadalupe County Commissioners. However, the permit was eventually granted, the haters brushed aside, and Float Fest, a weekend of music and (totally optional) tubing along the San Marcos River, is officially on for its fourth year (July 22-23). While this year’s lineup is overall the fest’s best so far — boasting more than 20 acts, including Weezer, MGMT, Cage the Elephant, Girl Talk, Neon Indian, Mac Miller, and more — we’re especially excited to catch Passion Pit in action. To be sure, the indietronic/psych-dance-pop act, which is essentially the solo project of Michael Angelakos, though he has a live backing band, probably belongs more in a dingy discotheque than along the banks of a river in Central Texas, but any chance to catch Passion Pit is a blessing. The act’s most recent release, and first since Angelakos came out as gay in 2015, is the endlessly enjoyable, multi-faceted, and aptly-titled Tremendous Sea of Love. If you haven’t had a chance to dig that album yet, consider it your mission to give it a few spins before Float Fest. You won’t be disappointed: It’s the perfect sweltering and sauntering summer sojourn.
