Tag Archives: Matt Portland

EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Matt Portland ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’

London songwriter Matt Portland has released his debut EP ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ which includes the two lead singles ‘Secondary’ and ‘South Destruction’.

‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ is a warm passionate EP that evokes bittersweet emotions of love and loneliness through wonderful musicianship. With this subline EP Portland carves for himself a position as one of alternative pop’s prime retro-visionists. The melodies are delectably sweet and they melt smoothly and caressingly upon the ears providing comfort and tranquility while Portland’s equally velvety vocals lay delicately on the melody with passion and charm. His 1960’s soulful pop, sounds so fresh as he swathes ‘Paper Thin Reins’, ‘Secondary‘ and title track  ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ in warm guitar twangs and ethereal pop atmospheres while peppering the tracks with elegant piano and lush string glides. His graceful presentation of these songs is what makes them so mesmerising and beautiful. There is something to be admired within Portland’s musicianship – the longing guitar melodies, the smooth command at which his vocals dictate the pace, all of which lead to an enchanting chorus – an utterly breathtaking listening experience. There is a romantic velvety flow to each track. Even in the melancholic ‘Angels Of The Bay’ with its piano strides of grandeur, lush backing vocals and haunting atmosphere holds the heart breaking tear of romance.These tracks superbly boast Portland’s rich and vivid song writing, but Portland has one more trick up his sleeve , final track ‘South Destruction’. A time stopping gem that swoons with delicate piano twinkles, a sway-like flowing tempo and warm guitar. The track slowly builds becoming more intense as backing vocals are introduced. A soft beat graces our ears as the strings enter gliding through this captivating sombre backdrop. It’s a delicate, sweet gem that closes the EP on a heart stopping tone of nostalgia and regret.

‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ EP showcases the mature and compelling musicianship of Matt Portland as he has created a darling collection of tracks to treasure.

Stream ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Matt Portland ‘Secondary’

London singer songwriter Matt Portland has released his new single ‘Secondary’.Portland is a solo artist who writes, produces and plays every instrument on his songs, recorded in his small home studio.The new track draws inspiration from the ballads of the late 60’s and 70’s and soundtracks from that era, attempting a modern take on the Wall of Sound.

‘Secondary’ encapsulates beautifully Portland’s wholly absorbing and carefully crafted sound. With delicate finger picked guitar and lonely guitar slide intro the track croons in with tender solitary tones and a swoony sweet 60’s melody. Building the track into a passionate ballad Portland fleshes out his lonesome Spaghetti-western sound with a steady drum thud and graceful piano element. It’s a weepy delicate number that gradually builds in emotion as more instruments are introduced to fill out the track. The guitar laments behind a rich percussive foundation while elegant strings flutter around the teary fist pump passion. Each part of the track builds upon the brooding theme as the melancholic tones flicker between a powerful tear jerking chorus. The guitar solo wails and whines with a bittersweet tone while Portland’s velvety vocals coo over this timeless wishful backdrop. It’s a well crafted track that packs one heck of an emotional punch.

Stream  ‘Secondary’ below