Porter

Porter is a UK group that is listed in the indie, experimental, alternative and rock field, with the verified genre tags also placing it in blues, jazz, pop and soul. The name also refers to several other acts, but the group entry is the relevant one here.

Origins and membership

The band forms in 2000 and is active from then to the present. Its origin is in the United Kingdom. The only named member in the verified details is Gary Porter.

Earlier line-up and related history

The bio describes an earlier Mexican indie rock band also called Porter, formed in Guadalajara, Jalisco, in 2004. That version of the group begins as an acoustic project before vocalist Juan Carlos Pereda, also known as Juan Son, joins. The line-up then includes Juan Pablo Vázquez, Víctor Valverde, Fernando de la Huerta and Diego Rangel. Juan Son later leaves to pursue a solo career, and David Velasco becomes lead singer in 2013.

Releases and recognition

That Mexican Porter issues its first release in 2005, an EP called Donde Los Ponys Pastan on the independent label 3er Piso. The EP includes the singles “Espiral” and “Daphne”. The band also reaches the semi-finals of the indie rock contest “0-Music” with “No Te Encuentro”. Its only full-length album, Atemahawke, is described as its best-known release, and “Host of a Ghost” becomes its only single from that album, receiving radio and television play and a music video.

Style and live activity

In that account, the music is classified as alternative, indie and experimental, with lyrics that use both English and Spanish and often draw on surrealist and space rock themes. The band is noted for Juan Son’s distinctive voice. It also gains popularity on Mexican radio and plays festivals including Vive Latino and Coachella, while opening for acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Strokes. After playing the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California in 2008, it dissolves following a period of hiatus and rumours of disbandment.