new album 'Departures' out on 17.03.23
Belgian duo Portland’s new single Good Girls, is a neat portrait, one that tackles late night ennui. “I wrote it when I was still a bartender,” Jente recalls. “It’s about these girls who would come to the bar and be disrespectful to people. They broke every single guy’s heart in that bar, and I would work there, observing everything. It’s a real story.” More upbeat and straight forward Good Girls is one of the highlights on Portland’s sophomore album ‘Departures’. It’s got a huge guitar hook on top of a subtle synth melody, it rocks and still has that light, dreamy vibe. Less melancholic and more upbeat and danceable, Good Girls proves that there more to Portland than meets the eye.
Listen to Good Girls here: portland.ffm.to/goodgirls
The new album Departures will be released on 17th March 2023 on limited pink vinyl, standard black vinyl, CD and on all digital platforms.
Pre-order Departures here: portland.lnk.to/departures
Portland is the magical & musical bond between Jente Pironet and Sarah Pepels. The two shared the same student house while studying at the PXL Music School in Hasselt and more so, they shared the same love of music with a specific soft spot for the work of Elliot Smith. Portland, a nod to the home of the late singer-songwriter, came to life. From the start it was clear the chemistry between Jente and Sarah was palpable. Their voices blend and complement each other as a perfectly mixed gin & tonic. Tangy yet soothing, addictive and intoxicating.
Portland took part in and won several local talent competitions before signing to [PIAS] in 2018. Their debut album ‘Your Colours Will Stain’ was released in 2019 to much critical and commercial acclaim. Peaking at #6 in the Belgian album charts, the melancholic and dreamy pop sound displayed on singles as ‘Killer’s Mind’, ‘Ally Ally’ and ‘You Misread Me’ lead the band onto the stages of Rock Werchter, Pukkelpop, The Great Escape and several festivals and clubs in the Benelux and France.
In January 2022 the band relocated to the U.K. to record their follow up album together with producer Oliver Bayston (Boxed In). On ‘Departures’ Jente and Sarah are blossoming as performers and songwriters. The songs are more to the point yet the melodies and arrangements more intricate. Casting aside the need to show their vocal range or tricks on every song, the pair let the songs be their own guide, finding the perfect tone and harmony to complement the melodies and rhythms. It’s moving, dreamlike, infectious and beautiful music caught in 12 songs that clearly define the sound of Portland.