Formerly known as Dutch Oven, this is the third CD the band (in their different guises) have sent me for review and each one has been better than the last, which is always nice. Peterborough-based, Portman guide their sound around a piano in the mould of a Something Corporate, although the vocal harmonies and the odd scream sound a little like Taking Back Sunday if they slowed down and stripped their sound of the production. This seven-track EP is a little rough sounding as it was recorded in a bedroom, but it does show immense promise. While that is something I’ve said on every review I’ve done for them, it shows they’re on the right lines – although I was possibly expecting that little bit more based on their older efforts.
Every song on here is good, but there are only one or two great songs. So while this is far better than the average bear, I still feel Portman have a little way to go. For instance, after listening to each track perhaps a dozen times I can’t remember one chorus – the killer hook is missing on almost every song and that ultimately separates them out from a SoCo or Copeland. The talent is most definitely there, but the songwriting hasn’t yet caught up. ‘Back To Default’, meanwhile, is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a pop song mainly, but has some lovely vocals and the basic production really suits. ‘Nothing New On The News Today’ is another track that sticks out.
I like this band because they have a sound which, while not new, is performed to a high standard. I feel they have the talent to kick on but aren’t quite utilising it – maybe spending some time with a quality producer and getting them to reconstruct some of the song structures and give them fresh ideas and impetus would help them on their way? Either way, their best record yet – keep up the good work.
Paul