--Ada Wofford
----Released 26 February 2021
Portabella are two brothers, Jason and Will, out of Spartanburg, South Carolina who have been jamming since 1994. Return to the Fountain of Olives opens with a clip of some people (maybe Jason and Will) saying, "We're all gonna play our best and if people don't like it, that's OK… It's not for you. It's not for you! It's not for you!" Whether they're being self-deprecating or sincerely attempting to set up your expectations, the lo-fi crash of noise that follows immediately informs the listener of what they've gotten themselves into. This intro is part of the track "Angelic Super Slide," a track that see-saws between cacophonous, phaser-vocal verses and a playful, almost Vaselines-like chorus. It's fun, it's catchy, it's weird, and it's the perfect way to start off this album.
A blurb on BandCamp compares the sound of Return to the Fountain of Olives to Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh, and Butthole Surfers, and while that's all present, I would more so put this into the camp of "forgotten Elephant 6 band." Portabella have all the psychedelic sensibility of any Elephant 6 band and they mix it with just as much lo-fi charm. The blurb's mention of slightly more mainstream 90s references is not off though; many times, the vocals have a hint of Thurston Moore or the dude from Nada Surf.
Return to the Fountain of Olives doesn't blaze new trails or soar to unknown heights but it's not trying to, it's just exploring the ground underneath their feet, which is more interesting and fruitful. There are harsh, buzzy guitars whining over tin drums, and synth lines that sound like they want to fight you, all meandering around deadpan vocals that say "fuck off" without ever really cursing. It's oddly brilliant and surprisingly fun to listen to.
When I asked the band about the recording process, their answer was as succinct and true to form as I could have ever hoped:
The recording process was pretty simple. I would learn a song in my head then record drums first. Afterwards we'd get together and play along with the drum track with guitar and bass and record it. Every song was usually a one-day process. Gear we used was very random basic stuff. Various alternate tuned guitar and bass. Synthesizers and sound modules. Sure 57 mics, etc...
That DIY philosophy and aesthetic comes through in a genuine and impressive manner on Return to the Fountain of Olives. There's nothing fake on this album. Each track is its own little experiment and its own little universe. If you like lo-fi, psychedelic, or just want something different, check out Return to the Fountain of Olives. Purchase here via BandCamp and watch the video for "Angelic Super Slide" below:
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