Lay Me Down

We say

With its waves of echoing guitars and a melancholic undertone, ‘Lay Me Down’ is the new indie-pop gem from Belgian dreampop band Portland. We last featured them in 2019, when we sang their praises in features for ‘Expectations’ and ‘Killer’s Mind’. Since then, the band’s journey has been a mix of triumph and turmoil. They rose to prominence in their homeland with support from Studio Brussel, sold out multiple tours, and graced the stages of Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop. But in 2023, everything came to a halt when singer and guitarist Jente Pironet was diagnosed with a severe brain tumour. Plans were put on hold as Jente began an intense period of treatment and rehabilitation. In 2024, he received the MIA (Belgian Music Industry Award) for ‘Alternative’ and under strict medical supervision, was allowed to take to the stages for shows. Now, Portland are back with ‘Lay Me Down’, the first single from their forthcoming third album, and it’s glorious. Released on 29 April, the track is emotionally charged, sonically rich, and tailor-made for indie/alternative playlists. Plus, it would sound right at home on stations like BBC 6 Music, Radio X, and Virgin Radio. Next month, the band will be playing a show at The Waiting Room in London on 6 June.

Contact

Label: Pieter Verheyden, [PIAS]
Press, Online & Radio: Terry Emm, Cannonball PR
Photo Credit: Titus Simoens