Letting It All Out: Porridge Radio’s Emotional Comeback

Brighton-based indie rockers Porridge Radio once electrified the indie music scene with their raw, emotionally charged song-writing and relentless performances. Before the rise of acts like English Teacher, Dry Cleaning, or Pip Blom, Porridge Radio’s music stood out, striking an enticing balance between passionate storytelling and innovative instrumentation. 

Tracks like ‘7 Seconds’ and ‘Eugh' cemented their reputation as a band unafraid to lay everything bare, with an "all or nothing" ethos that sharply contrasted with the more introspective styles of their contemporaries. 

However, after years of relentless touring and grappling with the pressures of success, they began to lose touch with the very elements that tied them to the music they wished to create. 

Their new album, ‘Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There For Me’, offers a hopeful revelation, born from the often exhausting creative process. It serves as both a reminder of why we first fell in love with the band and a showcase of lead singer Dana Margolin’s artistic nuance. This eleven-track journey takes listeners through an emotional landscape that mirrors the band’s own journey while also capturing the inevitable struggles that often accompany our creative output.

At the heart of this album are Margolin’s raw, heart-breaking vocals, which wonderfully move between vulnerability and strength. Tracks like ‘God Of Everything Else' and ‘Lavender, Raspberries’ capture her in the throes of an emotional battleground, where every lyric feels like a personal tug-of-war. The intensity in her delivery is both captivating and devastating, and no more is this apparent than in the album’s crescendo, ‘A Hole In The Ground’. This track epitomises the band's emotional depth, not only showcasing their dramatic soundscapes but standing alone as a stunning piece of poetry. Lines like "put your head against mine and teach me how it goes" reveal the fragility of love and passion when everything else feels lost, and it's fantastic to see how such heartfelt poetry is woven between the band's catchy melodies.

The band’s musical evolution shines throughout the album, with each track flowing through lush guitar lines and toe-tapping synth parts that highlight the individual talents of its members. Songs like ‘Sick Of The Blues’ and ‘In A Dream I’m A Painting’ demand attention, blending the grungy ensemble work reminiscent of their earlier days with a newfound sophistication. They masterfully create space for each instrument to mature within a track while still knowing when to unleash the full force of their sound. Margolin’s vocals, at times soaring with raw power, sound in many ways similar to the effortlessly cool yet emotionally charged delivery of PJ Harvey.

This album feels more reflective than their previous work—an acknowledgement of the struggles the band has endured and now understands on a deeper level. Collaborating with sound engineer Dom Monks, known for his work with Big Thief, has added a layer of richness and depth to their sound, enhancing their already compelling music. The result is a record that embodies resilience and showcases the battles fought and won through introspection.

‘Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There For Me’ marks a triumphant return for Porridge Radio. Brimming with raw emotion, artistic nuance, and a renewed sense of purpose, it stands as a poignant reminder of their unique voice in the indie scene and a testament to the growing power of their music.

Ewan Bourne

 @doubleyellow__

Image:  ‘Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me’  Official Album Cover