Review:
A ferocious presence in jazz, both in their native UK and far beyond, Portico Quartet have been building to this record for quite some time. Slowly dabbling with samplers live, and looking to steer away from the confines of the straight ahead jazz scene, this third, self-titled album sees them incorporate the methods and textures of producers like Burial, Mount Kimbie and FlyLo into their performances with stunning results. The cold, shimmering Radiohead-esque opening '"Window Seat" immediately gives way to the slow 2-step of "Ruins", which in turn leads into the truly mind-expanding experimental onslaught of the excellent "Spinner". Highlights abound for the entire record, which at times is brutally stark yet hugely nourishing, creating an album that's a benchmark for both jazz and electronic music in one swoop.