Portage is one of those indie bands that will hit you in the head, but slowly and gently, in the soulfully, independently thoughtful kind of way. The spirits of these songs capture many of life’s real essences, and throughout this album, simply cannot be contained. Bands like this just don’t exist every day.
Native to the cold, northern shores of Minnesota, Portage bellows a sound reminiscent of the rootsy-folk music that runs as deep in the region as Lake Superior itself, the inspiration behind their attic-recorded debut album, The Unsalted Sea. Since their move to Minneapolis, Portage can be found howling their intimate lyrics at full volume from stages and living rooms alike. With the release of their sophomore album, Landings, these four young men put on memorable shows that can make even the bitterest Midwestern night feel warmer. Here’s a New Song that I wrote seven years ago. Sometimes it’s good to give things the time they need. “Inside Out” is part of my project to release a new song for you all every month.