Making dance music human again: Introducing Porij, your new favourite lo-fi anti-pop stars
Fans of the band have watched Porij grow and evolve into something altogether new and beautiful. Going back to their 2020 debut EP, Breakfast, the group were an eclectic, if sometimes confused, collective that couldn’t seem to figure out what sound they wanted to make. Their sonic structures leaned more towards electro-rock, but their heart never truly seemed to be in that world. Four years on, but seemingly a lifetime of evolution, the band have announced their debut album, Teething, arriving on April 26th.
If you haven’t heard the name Porij, it’s time to get to know. Swiftly becoming one of the leading lights in the dance-pop scene that Queer artists have always pioneered, Porij are the next big name on the come up. But from those early days of mish-mash sounds, the band’s newest work speaks to a group with clear inspirations and influences coupled with plenty of adventurous spirit.
The same openness and excitement held in their early infancy releases remain, but on ‘My Only Love’, the track they chose to lead this era, they’ve channelled it into a vast and infinitely promising new vision on their work. Merging club beats with a lo-fi listenable topline, the track can be handled in whatever way the listener wishes, swaying in the crowd or singing sadly in the kitchen.
That’s what will likely make Porij a huge name. Raised in the school of Romy, The Blessed Madonna or Jockstrap, they’re the next ones to watch in a fresh wave of genuinely good dance music that demands leaving the sound systems of sweaty clubs and entering headphones or homes. It’s atmospheric yet approachable, high energy but nicely nuanced, danceable but not dizzying.
Over their four-year evolution, the band seem to have found this golden middle ground. Or you could say they’ve got all their Teething problems out of the way and are finally ready to unleash the record.
However, the decision to lead with ‘My Only Love’ is an interesting one. In comparison to their previous single, ‘You Should Know Me’, the song is softer and more introspective. The instrumental is far calmer, suggesting slower sensibilities to be found within the album. But why this track? You only get one chance to announce your debut album to the world, so why was ‘My Only Love’ chosen for that all-important introductory slot?
“This album is all about growth and My Only Love is one of the most vulnerable and honest tracks on the record,” Porij told us. Seemingly keen to ensure all side of themselves were represented, they added, “We thought it made sense to best represent the emotions of the album with this euphoric dance track.”
It seems that Porij are on a mission to remind the world that dance music can still hold all the emotions and vulnerability of any other genre. Just because the beats are heavier and the call to dance is louder, that doesn’t mean the music has to be robotic and cold. This track is proof of Porij’s mission: Make dance music human again.
For fans of: Crying in the club, tears inexplicably filling up your double faster than you can finish it.
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