Sticking around Northern Ireland tonight for a session recorded during lockdown at Nerve Centre in Derry on January 30, 2021.
PORTS are a four piece band from Northern Ireland. They consist of Steven McCool (Bass and Vocals), Mark O’Doherty (Drums), Ryan Griffiths (Guitar) and Conor Mason (Piano). After the release of their first demo ‘I’d Let You Win’, The band received a flood of fantastic reviews including; ‘Flavour of the Month’ and ‘Ones to Watch’ from BBC Introducing which resulted in extensive airplay from BBC Radio 1, RTE as well as Radio Ulster and Foyle. PORTS rose to prominence in Ireland after an exciting performance at ‘Other Voices’, Derry-Londonderry (when they stepped in to replace Two Door Cinema Club). After their memorable performance, they were asked to return to the Other Voices stage, this time in London’s own Wilton’s Music Hall, joined by Villagers; John Grant; SOAK and Imelda May.
2015 saw the band take a step back to finish their, much anticipated, debut album “The Devil Is A Songbird”. Gameplay, the first single released from the album, has already made an impact after being used for MTV Teen Drama “Awkward”. That momentum has continued to grow with State.ie naming the band as one of the “Faces of 2016”.
After this session in 2021 they’ve gone on to resume the momentum of their careers, releasing their follow-up album in April of this year and releasing several singles in June and July, including a video for the latest single, Wait Forever as well as another show at Nerve Centre (this time with a live audience).
They’ve been gigging extensively including an appearance at Stendhal Festival in Northern Ireland in July. No word if there are any planned gigs for this side of the Atlantic but they would be a welcome addition to most turntables as they are a band with some serious intentions and top-notch writing.
I continue to be blown away by the sheer excellence of what I’m hearing – what a relief.
Enjoy, press Play and come back tomorrow.
