In Passing by Portal Nou: Review

by Damien Reid October 19, 2022

October 19, 2022

In Passing by Portal Nou: Review

After releasing a string of singles and Eps, Portal Nou, an alternative instrumental project founded by musician Zack Frey has released their debut album, “In Passing,” a sublime collection of seven tracks.

This full-length album rounds out a moving, self-reflective diary that serves to both enlighten and motivate its reader. It’s as though each song was made to commemorate a unique moment in time. The scenery and contemplative atmosphere are always a part of the scene. The moods range from turbulent to tranquil, and they all serve to make you reflect on the tales contained in the music. To pull off such a seamless blending of styles, a result of a truly integrated synthesis linking together the most divergent of intentions is an astounding ability. Right from the opening seconds we have been whisked away to a wildly alluring environment of the ’90s, complete with post-punk rich with melodic tropes and allusions to garage bands of the era infused with pop splendor.

Despite inspirations from diversity, the soundscapes exude individuality from every pore, signaling a strong artistic voice. Portal Nou’s discography is brimming with upbeat music; each song has the potential to become a rallying cry, and the record is almost conceived as an anthem. Enough with the track highlighting already; “In Passing” must be experienced in its entirety so it would be a shame to dissect every track in it without listeners experiencing its magic.