Porij has been an act that’s maintained an air of individuality over the years. Through their steady releases of EPs, one-off singles and remixes, the quartet have never been ones to restrict themselves creatively. They’re filled with ambition and act seemingly on vibe rather than genre, resulting in some of the most complex, engaging sounds heard in recent times. On their debut album Teething – one of my most anticipated albums of the year – we hear more of this endless creativity, filtered through a longer, more composed setting. Resulting in one of the best debut albums of 2024.
If ever you need to convince a friend on Porij, you shouldn’t look much further than Teething’s lead single. ‘You Should Know Me’ is the band at their most immediate: booming synths, bass that’s always in your face and an atmosphere that challenges as much as it welcomes you into the fold. Simply put: It is a banger. Where most of their sound is more considered and subtle in its approach, this feels like waking up to a full-on riot happening in your room.
This ballsier approach also opens up the album on ‘Marmite’. A song which despite its love-it-or-hate-it title has all the tools to please those who hear it. Bright, twinkling synths ring out against deep-rooted bass tones, laying down an immediately catchy sound that houses a call for people to dance. Its snappy, off-kilter beat adds texture to its watery sound and sets the tone for an album that’s always primed to deliver something unexpected.
‘Unpredictable’ pulsates with groove and house vibes as it delivers flurries of synths to the ears, while ‘Endlessly Waiting’ offers a more subdued, romantic performance that harnesses the band in equal parts. Already showcasing Porij’s ever-changing genres, Teething plays what is arguably its highlight – ‘My Only Love’. Tackling the complexities of love, this song features angelic harmonies against crystalline beats to deliver the sweetest instrumental on the record. It eases up on the heavier synths but adds basslines and melodies that dissipate into the atmosphere.
Teething is a fantastic debut from a band who are making that next wave in a career of making waves. Porij continue to create something that’s immediate and sure to bring them into the mainstream, but filled with numerous details and intricacies that continues to stand them out from the crowd. This first foray into a full album shows no fatigue or any dips in quality, but merely a band looking to plough ahead with an unlimited reserve of ideas. It is excellent, and sure to be a record to soundtrack the upcoming summer months.