There’s a stark contrast at play in “Passenger“—the polished synth textures, the sharp and angular guitars, the driving yet intricate percussion. The interplay between these elements creates something that feels both immediate and distant, both structured and unpredictable. The song refuses to settle into a comfortable groove, instead using its motorik beat and atmospheric flourishes to build an almost cinematic sense of unease. Vocalist James Askwith delivers his lines with a detached intensity, capturing the fleeting thrill and underlying danger of the song’s narrative—a romantic encounter unfolding on the road, where passion collides with peril. The lyrics don’t simply tell a story; they pulse with the song’s frantic energy, culminating in a finale that feels like headlights cutting through a storm, the crash inevitable yet mesmerizing.
Some songs take you somewhere. There’s a feeling of momentum, an urgency that builds with every layer of sound, as if the track itself is on an unstoppable course, dragging the listener along for the ride.The bassline hums with a mechanical precision, a relentless undercurrent that drives the song like the hum of an engine at full throttle. But beneath the propulsive energy, there’s something more—an emotional depth that lingers between the jagged edges of post-punk guitars and the haunting sweep of its vocals. It’s not just about the forward motion; it’s about the tension of being a passenger, of surrendering control, of feeling the weight of every twist and turn yet being powerless to change direction.
Comparisons to bands like New Order and LCD Soundsystem are warranted, but Passenger carves its own path. It isn’t interested in mere nostalgia—it takes the foundations of synth-punk and infuses them with a sharp, modern edge. It’s no surprise that the track has already become a live favorite, a staple of In-Flight Movie’s climactic performances. This is the kind of song that lingers long after it ends. A track that isn’t just played but experienced—felt in the pit of the stomach, echoing like the aftershock of something thrilling, something dangerous, something unstoppable.
