The Portico Quartet is an ensemble based in east London. “Isla” is the follow up the critically acclaimed debut “Knee Deep in the North Sea” that dropped in 2007. Once again the quartet has conceived an album that is rich in rhythmic compositions and melodic overtones. Jack Wyllie’s saxophone playing serves as a catalyst for the groups harmonic stylings and his phrasings create beautiful soundscapes throughout the disc. What makes their sound unique is their makeshift metal percussion instrument known as the Hang. The instrument has a slight steel pan tone that can be hard to describe but the sound it creates is very satisfying. The disc starts out strong with “Paper Scissors Stone”, a sublime selection that finds Jack Wyllie on Soprano creating emotionally provocative phrases that intertwine seamlessly with Milo Fitzpatrick’s double bass playing. “Line” is another gem that displays drummer Duncan Bellamy superb use of the cymbals. He also creates plenty of space for Jack Wyllie and percussionist Nick Mulvey to improvise and bring a gorgeous composition to life. Other highlights include “Life Mask” and the title track “Isla”. Overall this is a wonderful record by four musicians whose chemistry belies the fact they’ve only started performing together since 2005. This isn’t a bunch of guys intent on soloing and trying to out perform each other. This is a unified statement by an impressive group that is merely scratching the surface of their talent. This is certainly one of the impressive recordings of the year. Don’t miss it!
