By Savannah Adams, KJHK 90.7FM

Releasing their first full length album, Port Cities is sure to burst into the pop alternative scene. Their sound is dynamic, with “a perfect blend of Nashville and Nova Scotia” as noted in the band’s website biography. They’re able to broadcast a beautiful blend of harmonies incorporated into dazzling riffs that keep you tuned in track after track. “On the Nights You Stay Home,” comes across as an easy going tune about persuading someone to come out for a night out on the town, but after a few listens you start to hear the darker undertones of secrecy creeping in. They seamlessly integrate heartfelt topics into dance-along tunes using their complementary voices. Port Cities and their self-titled album have set themselves up for success, and I’m excited to see where they go from here.

Recommended If You Like: Sheppard, Rilo Kiley, The Head and The Heart
Recommended Tracks: 2 (Don’t Say You Love Me), 6 (Half the Way), 7 (On the Nights You Stay Home)

And a series of pop up shows this Friday

By Francesca Handy, The Coast

Breagh Mackinnon, Carleton Stone and Dylan Guthro have released their own solo albums, but tomorrow they will debut their first self-titled folk-pop album as Port Cities.

As a solo musician, Stone says the pressure to hire the most talented touring musicians can often put you in close quarters with difficult personalities. The friends eventually started hiring each other and as songs developed, starting a band together “was just a natural thing.”

Their connection and awareness of one another can be heard in their songs, woven into balanced harmonies and delicate timing.

“Something that people keep saying is that people hear music all the time, but it’s digital and made on a computer for the supermarket or the Super Bowl or something,” says Stone. “There’s just something magical about seeing three humans with a great bond, in a room, singing together—it just kind of reminds people that that’s what music really is.”

Each band member has a different musical background: Mackinnon—a jazz pianist, Stone—a longtime performing artist and Guthro—the son of acclaimed Bruce Guthro. Stone says these varying backgrounds compliment each other in the song writing process.

“Most people start writing songs alone in their bedroom, it’s a really solitary pursuit,” says Stone. “When you find people and start collaborating with them you’re getting excited about the same ideas and creating something that’s better than you would sitting in a room by yourself.” [READ MORE]