THE BEAST

PORTA CUT - L.I.A.N. - Reviewed By 195metalcds ! Check it out here at this link: https://www.195metalcds.com/2023/02/13/porta-cut-lost-influence-of-artificial-nature-ep-2022/

Other than that they hail from Vienna, Austria and that they sound surprisingly like rap metal legends Rage Against the Machine, all that I know about Porta Cut is contained in the following two paragraphs that I received in the press release:

A long time ago Porta Cut explored borders on the brink of the abyss. L.I.A.N. was a journey of diversity and delimitation and generated unfiltered energy and poetic freedom.

The band is from the past, but it was our most important project back then. the EP from 2022 is a relict from the past, we found the files, sent them to London to mix and master it, and now released it with CDBABY..

Press release from MDPR
“Dead finger number 30” (track 1) opens the twenty-minute EP with a… well, with a track that sounds surprisingly like Rage Against the Machine. The fuzzy guitar riff is soon joined by pounding bass and drums before the singer bursts in which a machine-gun of rapped vocals.

“Shycard” (track 2) opens with a low, sludge-esque riff that bounces and grooves proving the vehicle for the singer’s breathy/rapped/shouted lyrics. The pace is brought right down, mid-song creating tension and expectation for the inevitable explosion of guitars, bass and drums … and it comes, eventually, as the song builds to its previous intensity.

“Lay her down” (track 3) has an infectious bass groove that is impossible to stay still to. The barked vocals, which don’t take centre-stage in this song, lie somewhere between rap and metalcore. There is plenty of space for the guitars and bass to lead us on a bit of a funky adventure, and a fun journey it is. Other than the opening cut, this is probably my favourite track on the EP.

“Ready to red” (track 4) almost has a two-tone/ska feel to it while in the vocals department, we’re back in Zack de la Rocha/RATM territory. It’s the shortest track on the EP, but it’s definitely one of the most fun.

“Excess intrusions” (track 5) brings the EP to a close with another head-nodding, bouncing groove that seals the comparison with Tom Morello and co. At least, under the song grinds to a halt for an little exploration in alt. rock territory with its experimental noodling and bass grooves. Then we’re back, somewhere between the two worlds before burning up in a fuzz of feedback and growls.

Conclusion
I wish I knew more about the band and project, but on face value, this is a fun jaunt into the soundscape of the much-loved Rage Against the Machine. With RATM not having released new material in 21 years, there is more than enough space here for a tip of the hat to the masters and offer us something that is both reminiscent and offering us something fresh and personal. While some may find this to be a poor pastiche, music is meant to be enjoyed and I enjoyed this enormously.

Review score: 75% 195metalcds

Release Date: 12.12.2022

FFO: Rage Against The Machine

Location: Austria, Vienna

A long time ago Porta Cut explored borders on the brink of the abyss. L.I.A.N. was a journey of diversity and delimitation and generated unfiltered energy and poetic freedom.

The Band is from the PAST.. but it was our most important project back then. the EP from 2022 is a relict from the past, we found the files, sent them to London to mix and master it, and now released it with CDBABY..

Check out this video!

Follow the band here at these links:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6tj6kWGnWqL9irj2ZP0UMK
https://www.instagram.com/tidestudiolondon/
swinxx@gmail.com