Matt Portland – “South Destruction” + “As Summer Blows Away”

London-based songwriter Matt Portland impress on his debut double A-Side South Destruction/As Summer Blows Away. Portland begins both tracks with a sparsely elegant piano accompaniment alongside his caressing vocal presence, with “South Destruction” infusing various guitars past the mid-point as Portland’s vocal presence becomes increasingly rousing. Aesthetically, I’m reminded of Plush / Liam Hayes, and his earlier piano-fronted material. “As Summer Blows Away” is similarly pleasant, reminding more so of The Veils in its string-laden additions later on. Both are fine showings from this promising artist.