Since 2018, Portals has been London’s must-attend occasion for followers of all issues “post-”. The very best of post-rock, post-metal and (sometimes) post-punk have graced the two-day pageant over time, and the demand let it improve to the hallowed Earth venue in Hackney a few years in the past. Sadly, 2025 marks Portals’ final version in its present format, however attendees nonetheless get three levels (the primary ‘corridor’ stage, the second ‘theatre’ stage, and the bar) of excellence to get pleasure from. Listed below are the artists that outlined the ultimate instalment of this forward-thinking extravaganza:
Joliette (Corridor, Saturday)
Portals introduced out the large weapons early this yr. Joliette had been solely the second act to grace the primary stage on Saturday, but they went on to grow to be probably the heaviest band of the whole weekend. Hailing from Mexico Metropolis, they dished out a rabid post-hardcore onslaught, with every tune being progressive and twisted however at all times charging ahead at full fucking pressure. Latest singles Nimbus and Limítrofe didn’t supply any give in anyway, laying down an thrilling precedent for brand spanking new album Pérdidas Variables, which will get unchained subsequent month.
Cats And Cats And Cats (Theatre, Saturday)
Cats And Cats And Cats had been so excited to rejoice the twentieth anniversary of their debut album that they did it one yr early. The self-described “math pop-loving fools” performed Candy Drunk Everybody in full to a crammed theatre stage and introduced all of the bells and whistles to do its expansive songs justice. A choir and string part turned the set right into a must-watch, with finale Splutterheart feeling particularly vibrant as 4 dancers twisted and spun to its post-rock deviations. The standing ovation on the finish was richly, well-merited.
Brontide (Corridor, Saturday)
Brontide grew to become an influential pressure within the post-rock world by slicing the crap, condensing their songs into an armada of bull-headed riffs. Their 2017 break up was a profound loss to the scene, to the purpose that their comeback present eventually yr’s Arctangent noticed the tent they performed overflow. Latest single Mineral supplied hope that the trio had been right here to remain this time, and their top-notch Portals set strengthened the optimism. Amidst their hour of pit-igniting vitality, drummer William Bowerman declares that they are going to proceed and launch extra music quickly. Thank Christ.
Kalandra (Theatre, Saturday)
Saturday’s closing performers, Kalandra introduced Scandinavian custom to the trendy period on the second stage. The Norwegians’ frontwoman Katrine Stenbekk sang with all of the energy and beauty of Nordic people vocalists, whereas her bandmates framed her voice with extra modern rock, prog and digital textures. In addition to a number of transcendent songs, the band introduced an immersive gentle present and spectacular stage props, making them really feel like a bona fide essential occasion. Their midnight stage time meant the theatre wasn’t at its fullest, however that reality shortly felt irrelevant.
And So I Watch You From Afar (Corridor, Sunday)
And So I Watch You From Afar are post-rock’s ol’ dependable. From Arctangent to Pelagic Fest, seemingly each weekender devoted to their style books them and offers them a outstanding spot, nevertheless it’s not with out good motive. The Northern Irish collective’s songs are jaunty and bouncy escapes, and on Portals’ essential stage they acquired arguably the strongest turnout of the whole pageant. Set Guitars To Kill opened up a uncommon pit in direction of the tip of the set, albeit with pushing and circling changed by excited leaping. The sunshine present was simply top-shelf, as effectively.
Julie Christmas (Corridor, Sunday)
Julie Christmas has performed the UK a great few occasions since releasing comeback album Ridiculous And Full Of Blood final yr, however catching the noise rock songstress nonetheless looks like an important day. Her Portals headliner was a surge of sound, but her wiry voice nonetheless stood out amidst the maelstrom, powerfully contrasted by the roars of guitarist/co-vocalist Johannes Persson. A rendition of Cult Of Luna team-up The Wreck Of S.S. Needle, by no means earlier than performed by Christmas’ solo band, affirmed this because the weekend’s important spectacle.
