Porcelain – Part One (2020)
Whether we like it or not, celebrity culture encompasses every aspect of our lifestyles – to some degree or another. How many reality shows do you watch? How many celebrities do you follow? How many times do celebrities influence the way we live, act and think? Why is TikTok and Instagram filled with pictures of people imitating celebrities? I mean, really think about it.
So why do we become fascinated with these individuals? For some, it’s a form of escapism; for others, it’s peer pressure to follow a trend. Either way, their lifestyle influences ours. Some people don’t mind it; some people don’t see it. Porcelain saw it.
An anonymous musical collective formed as a counterpoint to this obsession with celebrity culture, Porcelain approaches and deconstructs the elements of this behaviour. Using their logo of a faceless, androgynous mannequin, they show a need and desire not to be defined by labels. A follow-up to their well-received debut single ‘Last Word’, Porcelain has released their debut EP Part One.
Comprised of four tracks – ‘Destruction’, ‘Demons’, ‘Last Word’ and ‘Anon’ – Porcelain looks at issues such as self-destruction, disillusionment, melancholia, dystopia and, oddly enough, optimism. Aptly titled, ‘Destruction’ and ‘Demons’ are introspective pointing out imprisonment of the mind and seeking a destructive path to outside fulfilment. ‘Last Word’ discusses the “calm before the storm” – the impact of the past that binds people.
Yes, this all sounds depressing and complex, but it is an insight into how contemporary culture negatively affects the being. Although, there is a good word for the EP. ‘Anon’ looks at escapism into darkness (celebrity culture) with a hopeful glance at a good life outside the realm of desperation.
Melodically, Part One is not all doom and gloom. While the vocals of ‘Destruction’, ‘Demons’ and ‘Last Word’ are dynamic, they show a sense of fragility and vulnerability covered with soothing sounds. While the EP is essentially an electro-pop record, there is diversity in vocals and styles ranging from soulful singing to an Arabic instrumental.
Overall, I enjoy the album. The musicians involved display passion and emotion throughout Part One immersing themselves in the song. The first of three EPs to be released this year, Part One has already won my heart and I cannot wait for the next instalments.
You can find out more about Porcelain on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
