Porcelain – S/T
This thing's like a breath of fresh air in a packed room—no frills, just straight-up tunes that get you right in the feels.
Porcelain, a four-piece noise rock outfit from Austin, Texas, presents their self-titled album with a blend of intensity and melody reminiscent of ’90s post-hardcore and punk. The band formed in early 2022 from the ashes of singer/guitarist Steve Pike’s previous band, Exhalants. Porcelain’s music carries a weight that is both heavy and harmonious, inviting comparisons to personal favorites like Unwound and Drive Like Jehu, and the band’s name is likely a reference to Sparta.
Porcelain’s album, released on February 16, 2024, showcases a variety of tracks that range from the energetically driven banger “Obi” to the expansive “History”, which stretches over ten minutes, offering a real fucking immersive listening experience. Songs like “World I Know” reveal the band’s ability to intertwine profound lyrical themes with edgy dynamic sound in the essence of post-hardcore music. This thing’s like a breath of fresh air in a packed room—no frills, just straight-up tunes that get you right in the feels.
“Obi” kicks us off, and man, it doesn’t mess around. It’s like they’re setting the stage, telling us, “Hey, we’re here, and we mean business.” It’s got this raw edge that’s just infectious. Then we slide into “Vanity”, and it’s a bit like the party’s picked up pace. There’s something about this track that’s both gritty and catchy. Makes you wanna nod along and maybe even jump around a bit. “World I Know” slows things down a touch but in the best way. It’s got this vibe that makes you think, with lyrics that are kind of like a punch to the gut, but in a way that you appreciate. It’s real, you know?
“History” is an epic, no kidding. It’s the longest track here, and it takes you on a trip. It’s like they’ve packed a whole saga into one song, with ups and downs that keep you hooked. “Frozen Sea” brings a chill vibe, almost like taking a breather, but it’s still got that edge. It’s the kind of track that might have you staring out the window, just getting lost in thought. “Plastic” ramps things back up with a bit more energy. It’s got a punchy rhythm that gets your blood pumping again, pulling you back from whatever daydream “Frozen Sea” left you in. “Invoices” has this driving force behind it, kind of relentless but in a way that you don’t want to end. It’s like the soundtrack to a part of your life where you’re just going, non-stop. And finally, “Disgrace” wraps things up. It’s a solid closer, leaving you with a bit of that bittersweet feeling that all good things have come to an end… for now.
All in all, Porcelain’s album is like a ride you didn’t know you needed. It’s got highs, lows, and all the in-betweens that make music something special. Each track brings its own flavor, making the whole thing feel like a journey worth taking. Give it a listen; it’s like hanging out with a friend who has some deep stories to tell. You can check out the tracks and get the full experience on Porcelain’s Bandcamp page, or order the vinyl on the acclaimed screamo band Portrayal of Guilt’s own label, which helps other lesser-known Austin bands get noticed. The noise-rock community seems to be praising the album for its cohesiveness and compelling tracks, and for good reason. This is a standout debut, a banger from start to finish that shows the band’s promising potential whether you’re into noise rock, shoegaze, or post-hardcore.
