Porridge Radio
Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me
Secretly Canadian [2024]
“An emotional whirlwind from Porridge Radio that balances heartache, poetry, and artistic reinvention.”
Album Overview: Porridge Radio emerged in 2014 as a solo project by Dana Margolin, who was studying anthropology at the University of Sussex at the time. Initially performing solo at open mic nights, Margolin later expanded the project into a full band, recruiting Georgie Stott (keyboards, vocals), Sam Yardley (drums, keyboards), and former bassist Maddie Ryall, who was later replaced by Dan Hutchins. The band released Rice, Pasta and Other Fillers in 2016, followed by the acclaimed Every Bad in 2020 and Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky in 2022. Their latest release, Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There for Me, finds the band at a pivotal moment, grappling with burnout, personal upheaval, and creative reinvention. The album reflects Margolin’s shift toward writing through poetry, resulting in lyrics that explore self-reflection and relational breakdowns. It chronicles both painful experiences and moments of clarity, mirroring her search for balance between creativity and well-being. Recorded with Dom Monks, the sessions fostered a nurturing environment where vulnerability thrived, shaping a record that feels collaborative and emotionally charged. The intensity of Margolin’s delivery makes the album feel almost too intimate—like you’re eavesdropping on her innermost thoughts. Each track’s emotional urgency pulls you in, demanding repeat listens.
Musical Style: Clouds In The Sky blends rawness with subtle, patient arrangements. The songs build gradually, creating textures that feel emotionally resonant. While rooted in indie rock, the album incorporates folk, post-punk, and experimental elements, lending each track a sense of progression without losing the intimacy of the songwriting. Atmospheric production adds depth, resulting in a rich, immersive experience.
Evolution of Sound: This album marks a turning point for Porridge Radio, expanding beyond their earlier lo-fi, emotionally stark sound toward something more spacious and intricate. Collaborating with Monks allowed the band to translate the intense energy of their live shows into the studio. Margolin’s exploration of poetry and painting also informs the album’s narrative focus, bringing a sharpened lyrical depth. The result is a record that feels expansive yet personal, reflecting the band’s growth through introspection and experimentation.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Big Thief’s emotional openness, Phoebe Bridgers’ introspection, and The National’s brooding resonance will find parallels here. The blend of catharsis and control also recalls the work of PJ Harvey and early Angel Olsen, though Porridge Radio maintains a distinct voice rooted in their collaborative dynamic.
Pivotal Tracks: “A Hole in the Ground” sets a heavy emotional tone, with the band building layers around Margolin’s confessional lyrics. “God of Everything Else” channels frustration and heartbreak into one of the album’s most urgent moments, reflecting on identity loss after a relationship’s end. This track is a true raw outcry. “Anybody” opens the album with searing honesty, tackling societal and personal pressures around identity and love. Meanwhile, “Sick of the Blues” closes the record with an anthemic sprawl—offering release after the album’s emotional intensity.
Lyrical Strength: Margolin’s lyrics are direct and unflinching, unfolding like personal essays. Her writing navigates emotional complexity, addressing exhaustion, insecurity, and love’s turbulent transformations. The poetry-driven approach sharpens the album’s narratives, offering immediacy and vulnerability that make each song resonate deeply.
PORRIDGE RADIO REVIEW HISTORY
Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder To The Sky (2022) / Every Bad (2020)
PORRIDGE RADIO LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Secretly Canadian
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