Porij: KCRW Live from HQ

Manchester quartet Porij hit the scene in 2019 with a series of lo-fi, idiosyncratic dance-pop singles that would come to make up their 2020 EP, Breakfast. Leading with a transgressive queer sensibility that’s always been at the heart of dance music’s most exciting developments, Porij quickly gained the admiration of their sonic ancestors — they’ve toured with Metronomy and Friendly Fires, among other like-minded acts. As they ready their first LP, Teething (due Apr. 26 via PIAS), with its slightly smoothed edges, xx-esque bendy guitar tones, and robust production from David Wrench (Frank Ocean, Sampha), the group makes their US radio debut on KCRW.

More: Metronomy: KCRW Live From the Basement (MBE, 2011)

EGG (keys and vocals), James Middleton (bass), Jacob Maguire (guitar), and Nathan Carroll (drums) transform KCRW’s Annenberg Performance Studio into the type of club that’s usually reserved for those most in-the-know. But now we’re all invited to get in on the action as they whip through the new album’s dynamic early singles — “Unpredictable,” “My Only Love,” and “You Should Know Me,” tracks with staying power like “Nobody Scared” and Lose Our Minds,” AND three rarely before heard Teething cuts “Sweet Risk,” “Don’t Talk to Me,” and “Stranger.” Plus, in conversation with Novena, frontperson Egg and drummer Nathan Carroll break down the band’s accidental food obsession, the beauty of playing dance music on live instruments, and the sublime contrast of heavy lyrics performed over “the bops.”