INTERVIEW: PØRTERS

“It’s nice that everyone’s competent. You can lock us in a room for five minutes and there’ll be nice noises coming out of it.”

After the release of their exhilarating first two singles, The Thrill and Recover, “nice noises” is a humble understatement from guitarist and vocalist Kieran Taylor. PØRTERS have built up quite a momentum in the lead up to the release of their debut EP, Motion Without Direction, on 10th July, and it’s set to have a mix of bluesy rock, sweet harmonies and energetic vocals.

“We’ve all got a similar music taste and starting an alt. rock band was something that we all wanted to do,” says vocalist Maria Winter. Alongside fellow bandmates James Hughes (bass/vocals), Nick Gladdish (keys/vocals) and Tom Furniss (drums), the band members have had their own musical projects, so a profusion of experience, talent and passion have seen the Newcastle-based band hit the ground running.

It’s their impressive genre-blending that recently saw them coined as a collaboration between Royal Blood and Blondie. “I was over the moon with that,” says Kieran, with Maria adding: “It was quite unexpected, and it’s such a compliment, butnow that it’s been said we can see it a lot more.”

Refusing to stay confined to one genre, the band are blurring the lines and playing around with three or four. “It’s nice to keep things unexpected, even with this EP, because we’ve got such a range of tracks,” says Maria.

Packing so many different sounds into just four songs (and the band’s first full release, at that) shows they’re confidently crafting music that will be unmistakably their own, as Kieran states. “The tracks have a good range of chunky instrumental parts and then the sweetness of the vocals and harmonies. It’s a nice balance that suits a lot of people.” He also highlights the EP’s opening song, Where (although the band say the track’s official name is still up for debate). ”It’s just so different, it doesn’t even start with guitars, it’s so airy and the harmonies are this big wall of sound. It’s a really good opening.”

It’s uplifting to see how happy they are with their debut, and their delight is radiating into high anticipation for us listeners. Their ebullience is also down to the fact that they’re doing exactly what they want to be doing, as James explains: “It’s nice being able to work with your mates! We’re just in it for that reason. If we end up playing small venues around Newcastle –as long as it’s for people who love us –it doesn’t matter.” It’s always good to have goals though, and when asked about the band’s ultimate aim, he’s cheerfully optimistic: “the good answer is, hopefully Glastonbury pyramid stage!”

Judging from the raving reviews they’ve already received, there’s no doubt they’ll be in high demand and it’s exciting to see what else is in store for them. “Once the EP’s out, we’ll be back in the studio,” promises Kieran, meaning those already gripped by their music won’t be left waiting too long.