No Complaints
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
A sibling act, Israel and Mendy Portnoy bring a wealth of textures to this constantly shifting album, where modern indie-rock is touched upon just as much as retro-rock fun.
“Celebrate” starts the album with rhythmic acoustic guitar before a fuller setting of vocal harmonies, vibrant keys and breezy melodies enter the equation, and “Spotified (Nashville)” follows with influence from The Beatles on the playful and memorable tune that certainly does recruit the country spirit of Nashville.
In the middle, “Teenage Mama” offers an elegant and emotive setting of warm atmosphere, while “Home To Zion” brings pianos on the upbeat and anthemic nod to their native country.
Near the end, “Tick Of Time” delivers a heartfelt ballad of twinkling keys and aching strings, and “Sing It Again”, one of the album’s best, uses backing female vocals strategically on the Americana tinted sing-along. The album exits on the lone cover, as the brothers do justice to the classic “Knockin On Heaven’s Door” with Alex Clare’s inimitable contributions on vocals.
A record with a keen sense of soulful and folk-rock sensibilities, Portnoy easily connect with people across the globe on this universally embraceable effort.