Porcine - Porcine (2024)

Andy Brown finds irresistible melodies and indie pop perfection with the self-titled new album by Porcine. He shares his thoughts for Louder Than War.

It’s been over three years since the band formerly known as Regional Creeps released their second full length CD, No One Cares. After delivering two albums of infectious indie pop, the band appeared to disappear into the ether. Now they’re back with a new name, new members and a brand-new self-titled album. Porcine feels like a new beginning for the Barnsley-based outfit and something of a creative rebirth. The band’s line-up consists of original bassist Sam Horton and guitarist Giannis Kipreos alongside new drummer Thomas Dudley and vocalist Georgia Murphy. The biggest revelation here is Murphy whose gentle, dreamlike vocal presence puts a fresh spin on the band’s melodic jangle pop sound. From the opening notes onwards, the album feels as box-fresh as a debut. Put simply, if you love indie pop then you’re going to fall head over heels for Porcine.

Evan Mangham’s cover art really captures the mood of the album. A figure sits on a large armchair in the middle of a brightly coloured field of flowers. He’s asleep (well, I hope that’s all it is) while his chair is being consumed by flames. The bright colours reflect the albums breezy tones while the juxtaposition of our sleepy protagonist and the imminent danger encapsulates the band’s slacker pop sensibilities. Yes, the world is on fire but sometimes the best you can do is fall asleep and dream of a better one. Of course, I may be reading far too much into the artwork but it’s certainly an eye-catching image. It’s a cover that prepares you well for the dreamy delights that await inside. In the days of streaming, cover art appreciation can really fall by the wayside but an interesting image will always draw me in.

Stop The World feels like a clarion call for the tired and disillusioned. “Stop the world I’m getting off/ I think I’ve had enough” sings Murphy over the band’s euphoric indie pop strum. The chorus has been in my head for days. The band have found the sweet spot with this one; the perfect balance between bright, sun-kissed melodies and melancholia. Porcine are practically bursting at the seams with C86 spirit and jangle pop dreaminess. Fans of shoegaze and Creation Records will find plenty to enjoy. Yet while the album takes its inspiration from the 80s and 90s, the results are fresh and irresistibly invigorating. Layaway is a sweet, heartbreaking slice of dream pop loveliness. It sounds a little like Joy Zipper. Honestly, hearts will melt with this one. “Is this real or am I dreaming?” sings Murphy through the haze as we’re pulled ever-further into the band’s world.

Eject starts with one of the most nostalgic sounds in the world: the distinct click of a cassette being ejected. Maybe it’s just me but I’m sure there’s an incredibly niche ASMR video in there. The track itself is an upbeat jangle laced with gorgeous harmonies and woozy guitars. Heavenly stuff! 5am is a chilled, melancholic soundtrack for anyone that’s feeling a little lost at sea. Thankfully, you don’t have to stay up all night to appreciate this little existential, dream pop gem. Time Never Moves arrives next with joyful indie pop and simple words of reassurance from Murphy, “Don’t worry.” There’s something incredibly comforting about the music contained within the album’s 25-minute runtime. It’s the kind of album you’ll come back to if you’re stuck in a bit of a rut. It’s certainly the most effortlessly uplifting album I’ve heard this year.

The playful Solid Ground provides just over two minutes of shimmering guitars and hazy, slacker pop melodies. Work It Out For Yourself on the other hand clocks in at a clearly prog rock inspired 2 minutes and 24 seconds. Oh, the indulgence! What we’re given in reality is an addictive and impossibly catchy indie pop tune. The album ends with the thoroughly lovely, Enjoy Myself. It may very well be the swooning, melancholic highlight of the whole album. And then, before you know it, it’s time to go back to the beginning. A thoroughly blissful and cautiously optimistic album that sounds like spring gently kicking winter to the curb.