Porridge Radio - Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky (Album Review)
Thursday, 26 May 2022
Written by Rebecca Llewellyn
Having made it their business to explore a wide range of the emotions that exist on the human spectrum, Brighton-founded indie outfit Porridge Radio are no strangers when it comes to expressing themselves through music.
Driven by the powerhouse stage presence and thunderous vocals of Dana Margolin, the band broke out of their DIY scene upon the release of their phenomenal 2020 album ‘Every Bad’. Nominated for the Mercury Prize that same year, the record’s critical acclaim set a high bar for their follow up album ‘Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky’, which it attacks with gusto.
As a scattering of synths jar against gut-wrenching vocals on opening track Back To The Radio, it quickly becomes apparent that Porridge Radio’s quirks are what set them apart.
Bold and unhindered, their music plays out like a stream of raw feeling, flawed yet so real and resonant. Unique is an over-penned phrase, but for Porridge Radio it is an apt descriptor.
‘Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky’ further develops the sound that was built on ‘Every Bad’. Blunt lyrics make no apologies as Margolin takes a deep-dive into topics such as depression and anxiety—as Jealousy rings out “nothing makes me quite as sad as you”.
There is a frantic energy at times, as the pulse of a bass guitar collides with the unexpected pop of electro-keys to create an immersive listening experience. Margolin meanders through notions of love and heartbreak, sending out occasional vocal shockwaves. Here, Porridge Radio provide a much-needed release.
‘Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky’ acknowledges the human psyche by rejoicing in all that it has to offer. Leaning into lyrics representative of our everyday lives, innermost thoughts, and feelings, it is delivered with the conviction of finding courage in speaking the truth, even if your voice shakes. Through exquisite chaos, Porridge Radio have sought clarity.
Porridge Radio Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu October 20 2022 - SHEFFIELD Foundry
Fri October 21 2022 - SOUTHAMPTON 1865
Sat October 22 2022 - EXETER Exeter Phoenix
Mon October 24 2022 - NOTTINGHAM Metronome
Tue October 25 2022 - BRISTOL Trinity Centre
Wed October 26 2022 - CAMBRIDGE J1, Cambridge Junction
Fri October 28 2022 - GLASGOW Saint Luke's
Sat October 29 2022 - MANCHESTER Manchester Academy 2
Sun October 30 2022 - LEEDS Leeds Irish Centre
Tue November 01 2022 - BRIGHTON Old Market
Wed November 02 2022 - BRIGHTON Old Market
Thu November 03 2022 - LONDON O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
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