Album Review: PORTS, The Eyes of the Moon

Just in time for autumn, PORTS have returned with their haunting new album The Eyes of the Moon.

The Derry-based indie folk outfit are known for their evocative live shows, and they've managed to capture the electric atmosphere in a bottle with this latest release.

It represents an expansion of the band's sonic palette with a newly dark tinge to their style. Throughout, they experiment with unconventional time signatures, mysterious textures and vibrant lyricism which, while perhaps not created for belting in the shower, is captivating at every step.

Intro track 'Beyond the Cedars' sets a bittersweet tone, with soft piano melodies shimmering over deep atmospheric bass. It evokes misty autumn days, with the nostalgic tinge of 2000s acoustic indie folk.

'Hungry' sees them take a more upbeat turn, driven by the peppy rhythms of drummer Mark O’Doherty. Steven McCool's vocals are stirring right to the soul, with soaring harmonies lending well to the atmospheric, echo-y production.

"Can you visualise on the open road / Just close your eyes, can you hear me?" McCool sings.

Ryan Griffiths' gentle acoustic guitar is the highlight in title track 'The Eyes of the Moon', though all instrumentals and vocals are deeply emotive. Sections of resonant woodwind-esque melody mark a step away from the band's typically indie folk-rock sound.

'Swimming Pool' is an appropriate outro track, with a more uplifting mode and themes of acceptance as McCool sings, "It's just emotion / These emotions."

The lyricism in 'Swimming Pool' and throughout the rest of the album is well-suited for sweeping arrangements (mixed by Dan Long of Pavement) and haunting harmonies, creating a tangible sense of melancholy beauty.

In The Eyes of the Moon, PORTS are something between Radiohead, Aldous Harding, God Speed You Black Emperor and Nick Drake; toeing the line between vast grandeur and gentle intimacy.

Since their formation in 2012, it's not a stretch to say that The Eyes of the Moon is PORTS at their best.

• Out now.