Portasound

Portasound is a London-based instrumental electronic act built around soaring melodies, driving rhythms and irregular riffs. The project develops a genre-blending sound that moves between psychedelic textures and dance-floor-oriented passages. Their live performances are known for frequent shifts in pace and mood.

Formation and line-up

The group begins as a trio made up of brothers James Dow and Michael Dow with Luke Bell. Later, at the end of 2010, the line-up expands from three to five with the addition of Thom “House” Ellinas, a multi-instrumentalist, and Graham Gaffney.

The name comes from a Yamaha Portasound keyboard found in a charity shop, which the group takes as the basis for the project’s identity.

Activity and live work

Portasound gains attention through radio support from John Kennedy, Rob da Bank, Tom Robinson and Huw Stephens. After the group remixes Late of the Pier, Huw Stephens invites them to Maida Vale for a BBC Radio 1 Introducing session.

The band builds a following through singles and live appearances, touring across the UK and Europe. Their shows take them from London’s club circuit to festivals including Secret Garden Party, SWN, Sheffield Tramlines and Standon Calling, as well as performances in Paris and an Italian tour.

Billings and collaborators

Across around two years of gigging, Portasound share bills with Metronomy, The XX, Friendly Fires, Three Trapped Tigers and Two Door Cinema Club. Their sound is compared with artists such as Holy Fuck, Three Trapped Tigers, Fuck Buttons and Metronomy.

Reception

The group receives praise from radio presenters and music press for its mix of synths, rhythmic momentum and unusual melodic style. Commentary highlights the use of hot whistling, building grooves, 8-bit disco elements and a distinctive, eccentric tone.

Later activity

After the line-up expands, the band works in the studio through 2012.