27

On his sophomore release 27, we find M. Lockwood Porter (who himself turned 27 in July) wrestling with a growing awareness of life's limited possibilities with a mixture of melancholy and defiance similar to that of Carter-era Springsteen, describing failing relationships with a nuanced poignancy reminiscent of Ryan Adams and Lucinda Williams, and eulogizing Big Star founder Chris Bell - who died at age 27 (like Kurt and Jimi, as Porter reminds us) – while name-checking Paul Westerberg and arguing with Neil Young on “Chris Bell”.  

In other words, 27 is a confident-sounding record. That’s a bit ironic for an album that - half breakup record, half quarter-life crisis – is all about the disillusionment and sense of "Is this really all there is?” characteristic of one’s late twenties. But Porter’s willingness to write and sing about the travails and uncertainties of life with courage and honesty is exactly what makes 27 such a compelling album.

Porter first caught the attention of many fans and critics with the release of his home-recorded debut LP Judah’s Gone in July 2013. At the time, Independent Clauses called him “a talent to watch”, and The Bay Bridged wrote that he was “poised to join… the national Americana scene with the release of his debut LP, Judah’s Gone.” On October 14th, Porter follows up his promising debut with 27, the bold, carefully crafted work of a talented young artist.

27 was primarily recorded in San Francisco's Hyde Street Studio C - where classic albums like CCR's Cosmo's Factory, Grateful Dead's American Beauty, and CSNY's Deja Vu were recorded. Showcased on these songs is Porter’s new live band. The band is both tight and spontaneous – sounding something like a cross between Tom Petty’s Hearbreakers, The Band, and Wilco – bringing a rawness and intimacy to the performances that a home recording never could. Porter’s vocals, too, are stronger and more confident – honed by a year of gigging in support of Judah’s Gone.

The LP is pressed on transparent blue vinyl, and includes a free digital download of the entire album. M. Lockwood Porter and his band will begin a national tour in October to support the release of 27.