THE PORTRAITS

THE PORTRAITS

THE PORTRAITS are a UK acoustic pop duo from La Rochelle, United Kingdom, active since 2005 and associated with Fruits de Mer Records. The group begins as an acoustic pairing of piano, guitar and two voices, and later expands into a five-piece line-up for live performance. Their sound centres on voices, poetic lyrics and orchestral textures, combining piano, guitar, violin, cello, bodhrán and a third vocalist in performance.

Background and development

The duo features singer-songwriter Lorraine Millington, who is described as one half of the act. By May 2011, the group has built a substantially larger following, with a notable increase in fan base from the start of 2010 and a run of promotional dates and festival appearances across the UK, France and Ireland. A Glastonbury invitation leads to a rapid expansion of the project from duo to five-piece, assembled in only a few days and rehearsed intensively over six weeks for the performance.

Repertoire and recordings

The Portraits make music built around imagery, harmony and arrangement, with lyrics focused on injustice, forgotten people and heartbreak. Their 2010 album, The Blushing Of A World In White, is released in June 2010 and receives positive press attention. At the time of the 2011 account, the group is presenting songs from a following album, which is planned for release in June 2012.

Recognition

At the end of 2011, The Portraits receive the Best International Artist award from Radio Crystal Blue. Their live performances are described as moving between laughter and tears, and the group is noted for a style that combines pop songwriting with orchestral and choral elements.