PØRTERS: An Open Mic Origin Story, Big Riffs, Bold Harmonies and a Debut EP

Motion Without Direction — But Every Bit Intentional: PØRTERS, An Open Mic Origin Story with Big Riffs, Bold Harmonies, and a Debut EP

Now, I love an open mic night. It’s usually a casual setup: a quiet pint, a borrowed guitar, a nervous laugh into the mic. For some, it’s a space to try out a new tune or shake off stage fright; for others, it’s their first real crowd. And sometimes, just sometimes, it’s where something bigger begins.

For Newcastle’s alt-rock outfit PØRTERS, that something started at Colonel Porters Emporium. A few chance conversations, a shared love of riffs and melody, and a handful of jam sessions that just clicked. What came out wasn’t just a band, it was a sound built on chemistry, harmony, and a whole lot of potential.

Forming a band is no small feat – it’s part chemistry experiment, part emotional group project, and mostly crossing your fingers that your sound makes sense once it leaves the practice room.

Experienced musicians coming together, each bringing their own influences, backgrounds, and ideas to the table? Sounds chaotic, right?

Not with PØRTERS. What you get isn’t chaos – it’s cohesion.

And cohesion is exactly what PØRTERS are pouring into every track they drop.

What sets them apart from your average alt-rock act is their knack for weaving four-part harmonies through fuzzed-out guitar riffs and punchy percussion. It’s a sound that feels both classic and completely fresh. Harmonies this tight aren’t always typical in the heavier side of rock – usually reserved for pop or folk – but here, they add emotional weight and melodic contrast to the grit and drive of the band’s sound. If anything, it’s like they’re building bridges between genre walls that normally keep these worlds apart.

Their debut single ‘RECØVER’ landed in March 2025 and had heads turning from the first listen. Critics have pointed out its nods to 70s prog and 00s alt-metal, all wrapped up in a moody alt-rock coat. BBC Introducing’s Shakk called the band 

"full of energy," 

and Iam Burn at NARC noted 

“The excellent vocal harmonies could give The Futureheads a run for their money.”

From the haunted vocal layering to the atmospheric synth touches, it’s the kind of debut that doesn’t whisper; it roars.

Then came their follow-up single, ‘The Thrill’ – a slicker, punchier effort that leans into fat guitars and a bridge section that practically begs to be seen live. Think Royal Blood with a dash of Blondie cool, and you’re somewhere in the right realm. The production is polished without losing its edge.

Now they’re getting ready to release their debut EP Motion Without Direction – four tracks that show off their range, from raw power to delicate introspection. 

Motion Without Direction - released across all streaming platforms 10th June 2025

I might’ve been sent over a cheeky sneak preview of the 2 unreleased songs on the EP and—first things first—WOW!

The opener 'Where Are We Going?' It’s the perfect opening statement for PØRTERS. You get this cymbal-building swell, layers on layers of haunted harmonies, and a shadowy depth that instantly settles you in and gives a clear scope of PØRTERS. It’s dramatic. It’s raw.

Third track on the EP, it’s 'The Devil I Know', a gear-shift but with a clear PØRTERS’ sound. A mix of raw retro and modern-age rock, the track eases in with ethereal vocals, a soothing groove, almost hypnotic and then BAM! You're smacked with urgent guitar riffs, a heavy beat and rapid-fire, punchy, lyrics. Before you can catch your breath, it dips again into that ghostly softness. It’s disorienting in the best way. A musical rollercoaster. It’s a track that simply must be heard live.

One of those songs that make you screw your face up in absolute delight.

With each member bringing previous experience from acts like Midnight Chìc, Nick Gladdish Band, and Tall Shaves, it’s no surprise their sound feels well beyond their age as a band.

And although they only formed in early 2025, they’re already set to take the stage at Lindisfarne Festival 2025 – a bucket list moment for lead-singer Maria, who just months earlier told NARC Magazine it would be an ambition for 2025.

So if you're looking for a new name to keep an eye on in the North East music scene, it might be time to remember this one.

PØRTERS. Born out of open mic spontaneity, built on harmony and heavy riffs, and heading straight for some big stages.

You can find Motion Without Direction, the debut EP from PØRTERS, on all streaming platforms.