Manchester quartet Porij arrived on the scene in 2019 with a series of lo-fi and idiosyncratic, dance-pop singles that would eventually be collected onto their 2020 EP, Breakfast. Leading with a transgressive queer sensibility that’s always been at the heart of dance music’s most exciting developments, Porij quickly gained the admiration of their sonic ancestors — opening for Metronomy and Friendly Fires among other like-minded acts. Now as they ready their first LP, Teething (due April 26 via PIAS), with its slightly smoothed edges, xx-esque bendy guitar tone, and robust production from David Wrench (Frank Ocean, Sampha), the group is making their US radio debut on KCRW.
More: Metronomy Live From the Basement (MBE, 2011)
EGG (keys and vocals), James Middleton (bass), Jacob Maguire (guitar), and Nathan Carroll (drums), show no signs of exhaustion from last week’s packed South by Southwest schedule as they transform KCRW’s Annenberg Performance Studio into the type of club that’s usually reserved for those most in the know. Today, we’re all invited to get in on the action as they whip through the new album’s dynamic early singles — “Unpredictable,” “My Only Love,” and “You Should Know Me,” tracks with staying power like “Nobody Scared” and Lose Our Minds,” AND three rarely before heard Teething cuts “Sweet Risk,” “Don’t Talk to Me,” and “Stranger.” Plus, in conversation with Novena front person Egg and drummer Nathan Carroll break down the band’s accidental food obsession, the beauty of playing dance music on live instruments (special shout out to Nathan Carroll for live drumming the groups more d‘n’b-informed beats), and sublime contrast of heavy lyrics performed over “the bops.” Scrub to 02:05:21 using the player button to your left, it’s where the magic happens.