ARTIST: Portman
TITLE: These Songs Were Written In Bedrooms And Village Halls
LABEL: Walnut Tree Records
GENRE: Indie
SOURCE: CDEP
BITRATE: 206 kbps avg
PLAYTIME: 17:42
RELEASE DATE: 2009-07-00
RIP DATE: 2009-12-13
Track List
----------
1. The One About The Impenetrable 3:05
Fortress
2. Sit Down, Calm Down 3:56
3. Facts!!! 3:19
4. The Test 3:33
5. Colours 3:49
Release Notes:
IÆve been asked a fair few times to review a particular gig or CD as a favour,
but this is the first time that doing a favour has been such a pleasure because
Portman have without a doubt outdone themselves with their new, and sadly final
EP, æThese Songs Were Written In Bedrooms and Village HallsÆ. Since the release
of their equally fantastic debut album,æFrom Here to Your Eyes and EarsÆ,
Portman have established themselves as one of the most energetic and passionate
bands the UK has to offer, as well as being the nicest group of guys you will
ever meet.
The new EP takes a somewhat different direction to their debut, as the more
experimental approach is sidelined in favour of an all-out melodic onslaught.
Opening track, æThe One about the Impenetrable FortressÆ, has a soaring chorus
(which sounds ten times more impressive when you hear it live) and is backed up
with some of MattÆs most impressive vocals to date. Next track, æSit Down, Calm
DownÆ, is pop gold and is clear statement of the bands intent simply to write
honest pop music. The only thing is, Portman stand head and shoulders above the
rest because the honesty in the music really does shine through, from the title
of the EP itself to the disappointment in MattÆs voice as he sings, ôIt seems
that everyone shows their colours in the end,ö on,æColoursÆ. Portman are a DIY
band on a hard-working independent label (Walnut Tree Records) and are the kind
of band that do it primarily because they love the music and this EP
demonstrates that from start to finish. My only fault is that at only five songs
long itÆs over way too quickly!
www.myspace.com/portmanuk
www.myspace.com/walnuttreerecords