Beach Sloth

Porteur – LKBK 7.6

              Porteur’s ‘LKBK’ is a rock-dance hybrid. The beats hit hard on here. While these beats are put to the absolutely forefront of the shadow the guitar sounds puny by comparison. The guitar is overwhelmed by the electronic effects such as the beat or synthesizer most of the time. For those few times Porteur employs a different, purely rock approach it feels like an entirely different band. 

                ‘Italics’ embodies its common approach. Here the beat and synthesizer work together. Porteur allows the guitar to work within these effects, yet it is subservient to the greater bass sound. ‘LKBK’ is dance rock. Remember that? It is back. The song bounces along. ‘She was really famous’ reminds me of Clinic’s early work. Yes it is that simple. Feel ‘She was really famous’ may be one of the most memorable pieces on here thanks to the deadpan vocal delivery. ‘Loves First Heights’ possesses a slightly different approach with a less-dance orientated beat. ‘Clothespin’ is pure ambient, with no beats whatsoever, just an extended synthesizer providing the only structure. ‘Justice’ ends the album off with a real drum machine, considerably worse fidelity, and a large amount of distance. 

                The mix between the electronic and rock feels less like a mesh and more like a battle. In the beginning of the album the electronic appears to overwhelm. By the end the electronic effects melt away bringing the guitars closer to the listener. It is strange to listen to the balance of power shift but that’s one of the benefits to this strange, short EP.