Belgian dream pop duo Portland release their album Departures on March 17, 2023 via [PIAS] Recordings, today, they have shared the lead track “Sensational”. Recorded in London with producer Oliver Bayston (Boxed In), the lead single is an emphatic starting point. Confident and mature, it hones Jente Pironet’s and Sarah Pepels’ pop instincts with precision, while retaining the evocative nature of their songwriting. It dips into the pure essence of Portland; crafted at night, Jente sent across the demo after midnight, Sarah quickly downloading it and adding her parts. “On the surface, it sounds melancholic, but if you listen to the lyrics, they’re quite hopeful. It’s the ideal combination of a modern song,” she insists. “It’s about not giving up.”

“Sensational” thrives on that dichotomy of light and shade, with sorrow and beauty intermingling before that emphatic conclusion. “It needs to feel real,” explains Jente. “You have to feel everything within the song. We want people to relate to those emotions.”

Portland is the magical & musical bond between Jente Pironet and Sarah Pepels. The two shared the same student house while studying at the PXL Music School in Hasselt and more so, they shared the same love of music with a specific soft spot for the work of Elliot Smith. Portland, a nod to the home of the late singer-songwriter, came to life. From the start it was clear the chemistry between Jente and Sarah was palpable. Their voices blend and complement each other as a perfectly mixed gin & tonic. Tangy yet soothing, addictive and intoxicating.

In January 2022 the band relocated to the U.K. to record their follow up album together with producer Oliver Bayston (Boxed In). On Departures Jente and Sarah are blossoming as performers and songwriters. The songs are more to the point yet the melodies and arrangements more intricate. Casting aside the need to show their vocal range or tricks on every song, the pair let the songs be their own guide, finding the perfect tone and harmony to complement the melodies and rhythms.

Purchase “Sensational” by Portland HERE