Chicago based agents of chaos 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. A string of DIY releases culminated in their lauded 2021 EP The Sibyl, which introduced audiences to the most realized version of the band’s abrasive, experimental sound. Today, the band is proud to enter a new era with the announcement of their debut full-length All Is Vapor due out June 7th through New Mortality 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.
Single “EUPHROSYNE,” out today, is a perfect introduction to the ambitious songwriting audiences can expect from the new album. The track leans into a darkly melodic post-hardcore sensibility broken up by angular breaks and haunting chats. A cacophony of swirling guitars and vocals are held together by the persistent, crushing drums and a fuzz-driven low end that builds into a frenetic buzz as the song progresses. You can hear shades of Vein, Emma Ruth Rundle and Converge on this new song, but the band eschews genre distinctions as a rule – abandoning tropes in favor of pure adventurism throughout the sonic landscape.
“I’ve always associated the Chicago music scene as people doing their own thing and not being worried about trends or genres.” says guitarist Joey Hernandez. “We’ve always looked up to how unique our scene is, especially bands like Harm’s Way, The Smashing Pumpkins, Weekend Nachos, Articles of Faith, etc”.
“I am hesitant to say there is a definitive theme or message to the album.” explains vocalist Dawson Kiser when asked about the new release’s weighty lyrics. “I am much more interested in the way in which listeners relate to or interpret them. I am not saying the lyrics are inherently subjective – but in some sense, they stand on their own.”
You can listen to “EUPHROSYNE” HERE and preorder All Is Vapor through New Mortality Zine and Bandcamp.
Porcupine is Dawson Kiser (vocals), Joey Hernandez (guitar), Brian Clancy (drums), Jake Evans (guitar) and Jordan Hermes (bass)
