“Phreqs”: Portal Sell Out, Introduce Music into Their Music

Well, I guess it had to happen sooner or later. It seems as though few bands can resist the urge to mellow with age; sooner or later, everyone succumbs to Let’s Hire Bob Rock Syndrome. Shame on any of us who ever thought Portal might be immune.

On their new track, “Phreqs,” the band indulges in practically every radio-friendly cliché about which you’ve ever had nightmares. Clear production that makes each instrument sound relatively distinct from one another? Check. Recognizable sections and transitions that vaguely constitute a song? Check. Occasionally discernible lyrics? Check. Readily apparent coordination amongst the band members? Oh, MASSIVE check.

I mean, fuck. This really makes me worried that Portal’s new album, Ion, is basically going to be Cold Lake.

Listen to “Phreqs” below if you’ve ever wondered what it sounds like when a metal band gets dollar signs in their eyes. Ion comes out January 26 on Profound Lore, and can be pre-ordered here.