"Influences such as Beach House or School Of Seven Bells could be named, but really Portland are busy working in their own lane."
CLASHMUSIC.COM
"With doomy synths, dualing vocals underpinned by infectious melodies this is sparkling music"
THESTRANGEBREW.CO.UK
"Epic & cathartic"
GIGSOUP.COM
"It’s dark versus light with some killer hooks."
FAMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Portland is the Belgian dreampop band led by frontman Jente Pironet. Known for their melancholic beauty, immersive soundscapes and raw emotion, the band first made waves with their critically acclaimed debut album Your Colours Will Stain (2019). Singles like Pouring Rain and Killer’s Mind propelled them to the forefront of the Belgian alternative scene, with sold-out tours and memorable performances at the major Belgian festivals Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop.
Behind the scenes, however, a deeper story unfolded. Following the release of their second album Departures and a glorious show at Rock Werchter 2023, Pironet faced a devastating diagnosis, leading to a period of intense cancer treatments. Instead of hanging his head, Jente clenched his fists and embarked on a long and exhausting rehabilitation journey. Early 2024, the skies slowly began to clear: he received the MIA (Belgian Music Industry Award) for ‘Alternative’ and, under strict medical supervision, was once again allowed to take to the stages of many sold-out concert halls. Nearly two years later, Portland’s third album is almost ready.
‘Lay Me Down’ is the prelude to this new album. It’s a glorious pop gem with huge waves of echoing guitars and a melancholic undertone. It rings in a fresh start for Portland. It is the sound of someone who went through the eye of the needle, of someone who has had to learn to take a few punches and, as a result, has risen back up with gusto and focus. The song wears the scars of recent years on its sleeves, but at the same time expresses an irrepressible zest for life. It bursts out of the speakers and hits hard.
’Lay Me Down’: https://portland.ffm.to/laymedown
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