18/01/24
Excitement builds as crowds enter the legendary Brixton Windmill for an intimate performance from Manchester's most hyped act of the moment, Porij. “Tonight’s all about supporting grassroots venues”, beams vocalist Egg. “I’ve been to the Windmill countless times but this is my first time playing here.” With a string of successful singles and EPs already under their belt, the band’s Windmill debut is a celebration of their work up to this point, with those lucky enough to get a ticket treated to a performance of their unreleased debut album ‘Teething’ in full.
From the moment the band take to the stage, the crowd are mesmerised. The new material sounds every bit as fresh and exciting as we’d come to expect from the electro-indie outfit. Egg’s delicate vocals alongside sharp, funk-infused basslines are a real winner. Catchy licks and hooks ring out across every track, ensuring that they’ll be sure to occupy your mind for the foreseeable.
Alongside the heavy-hitting dance tracks, the album also features a couple of more sombre numbers. Egg comments, “Writing an album has finally given us the opportunity to have breadth and have full range.” The room falls silent as the crowd basks in these quieter moments before we’re brought right back into Porij’s familiar dance-inducing rhythms. Gripping the audience at every move, the band prove they can shift the mood and build excitement throughout the set, keeping their sound fresh as track after track not one of them sets a foot wrong.
Egg gives a cheeky smirk as fans, ‘The Oat Gang’ sing and dance along. After the album portion, the set moves on to some older fan favourites, “From now on it’s all FUN,” laughs Egg. Serenading the audience with hits like ‘Divine’ and ‘Nobody Scared’, the crowd bop as even the more touching tracks seem to exude a zest for life.
From their distinctive sound to their undeniable charm, Porij are one of a kind. Sharp and polished, this is a band who radiate bliss and positivity. In all respects, it’s been a joy to see a truly faultless performance from an act at the very top of their game.
Porij’s debut album Teething is out 26th April via PIAS.
Porij play Electric Ballroom 24th April.
