Portland has today released their new single titled ‘Lay Me Down’ from their upcoming album, dropping later this year. A prelude to a rebirth, maybe even a reinvention, of what is to come from their upcoming gig at The Waiting Room in London on June 9th, Portland drops a peek at what is yet to come with a new track that feels fresh and sounds stellar.
After a lengthy and tough sabbatical for singer and guitarist Jente Pironet due to serious health reasons (read below), Portland returns with a magnificent new chapter to a never-ending story with a lush and new soundtrack.
‘Lay Me Down’ feels as it conveys. Tough on the outside yet still gentle and heartfelt at the core. A gorgeous soundscape feels engulfing around the chorus and guiding within the verses. This is a song that you can get lost in, and love the feeling.
About Portland & ‘Lay Me Down’
In all fairness, it’s a miracle Portland releases new music today. To call the past few years in the life of singer and guitarist Jente Pironet turbulent is to downplay the truth. The years between the debut album ‘Your Colours Will Stain’ (2019) and the latest release ‘Departures’ (2023) were particularly intense.
The singles ‘Pouring Rain’ and ‘Killer’s Mind’ propelled the band to stardom in their homeland. Fully embraced by leading alternative music station Studio Brussel, the band sold out multiple tours and was welcomed several times on the stages of Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop.
However, a few days after the glorious show at Rock Werchter 2023, a leaden verdict followed: a severe brain tumour with, in the worst scenario, a year to go. Jente’s world stopped turning abruptly. Plans were postponed (cancelling proved unbearable and a step too far), and rehearsals and shows gave way to doctor’s visits and treatments.
Instead of hanging his head, Jente clenched his fists and embarked on a long and exhausting rehabilitation journey. In early 2024, the skies slowly began to clear: he received the MIA (Belgian Music Industry Award) for ‘Alternative’ and, under strict medical supervision, was once again allowed to take to the stages of many sold-out concert halls. And look — nearly two years later, Portland’s third album is almost ready.
‘Lay Me Down’ rings in a fresh start for Portland. It is the sound of someone who went through the eye of the needle, of someone who has had to learn to take a few punches and, as a result, has risen back up with gusto and focus. The single is the prelude to a new album to be released later this year.
Featured image by Titus Simoens & Nina Swaans.
LINKS:
https://portland.ffm.to/laymedown
https://www.facebook.com/PortlandBelgium
https://www.instagram.com/portlandsounds