Chicago based experimental outfit Porcupine are driven by a relentless need to create. Hellbent on pushing the envelope of experimental whatever-they-want-core since their inception in 2016, they have steadily grown their footprint as one of underground music’s most dynamic groups. Today, the band is proud to share their debut full-length All Is Vapor through New Morality Zine. Recorded at Bricktop Studios in Chicago, IL throughout 2023 with production by Pete Grossman and Adrian Kobziar, the 11 songs that comprise All Is Vapor take a conceptual glimpse at how the body, mind and spirit interact with one another.
The new album takes listeners on a dark journey through a harsh and intentionally discordant sonic landscape. Standout songs like “EUPHROSYNE” and the titular “ALL IS VAPOR” take a cacophony of swirling guitars and vocals and bind them together with persistent, crushing drums and a fuzz-driven low end before breaking apart in frenetic moments of chaos. You will encounter haunting chants, angular riffs, anguished screams and moments of post-hardcore tinged melodic beauty throughout the album, never quite knowing what to expect next.
A string of DIY releases culminated in the bands lauded 2021 The Sibyl EP, which introduced audiences to a realized version of the band’s abrasive, experimental sound and served as a precursor to their latest release. While you can hear shades of bands like Converge and Portrayal Of Guilt, throughout the new album, the band continues to eschew genre distinctions as a rule – abandoning heavy music tropes in favor of pure creative adventurism.
“Initially, the band was an attempt to sound like some of our favorite bands.” says guitarist Joey Herandez. “Now, I’d say we just do whatever we feel like doing – whether it is ‘heavy’ or not”
You can listen to All Is Vapor HERE and purchase through New Morality Zine and Bandcamp.
Porcupine is Dawson Kiser (vocals), Joey Hernandez (guitar), Brian Clancy (drums), Jake Evans (guitar) and Jordan Hermes (bass)
