Review

Portico Quartet (Real World Records)

Portico Quartet have come along way from playing in the refectory at the London College Of Printing and busking on the Southbank. Their meteoric rise has been justified and now they are riding a crest of wave, with the full might of Real World Records behind them the world is now there oyster.

New sonic territories are embraced with a more ambient electronica feel. Whilst some may feel this gives them a more contemporary edge. "Spinner" is a killer of a tune but I don't want to hear 303 hi-hats and tinny snares over this majestic swathe of saxophone blessedness.

"Rubidium" sees the signature Hang drum reappear hypnotising us as the soprano floats languidly over the top along with the choppy cellos giving it real suspense. Here the synths and blips work and the LIVE DRUMS give this real class and a much harder edge. A slow-burner that enables us to catch a glimpse inside their ethereal brooding but ultimately uplifting world. Sublime stuff with a Beatlesesque backward tape ending! Nice Touch!

The cult like status is still intact with this new album and "City Of Glass" blessed with a rock solid double bass groove and some subtle drum programming is a joy to behold, hypnotic and thoroughly self-engrossing. Welcome back boys (even with your new toys!) you've done it again. Trailblazing stuff!

For the full review for this album see Blues & Soul's printed Winter 2011/12 edition in shops now OR click to buy below.
Words Emrys Baird