"At times, it's as if lunch at Bergdorf Goodman's could turn into a Caligula style orgy, fueled with cocaine, champagne and Sweet Jane standing on the corner," said Tyson Meade. The former frontman of iconic bands Defenestration and Chainsaw Kittens instant messaged Nathan Siler of Portraiture after hearing a sneak preview of Cruel Yellow. He added, "[Your album] has wormed its way into my ears and brain over the last several days like the most beautifully disturbing episode of Rod Serling's Night Gallery."
NYC band Portraiture is going to release its gritty-and-pretty album Cruel Yellow on August 15, 2017. The record is equal measures wet-hot fun and cold-dry reality. Unlike their spacious and roomy first album Real as Ritual, Cruel Yellow is compact and punchy. The record has entertaining story songs couched in dense poetry, observations of human nature by way of expressing personal defects, and powerfully personal songs like "Time is Blood on My Hands" about bassist, singer, and principle songwriter Nathan Siler's battle with alcoholism.
In the boundary between serious classical musicians and whimsical pop lovers, Portraiture is a sovereign nation comprised of dual-citizens. Founder, Nathan Siler, is a Bronx-based composer, arranger, and performer. He recruited fellow working classical musicians who loved and admired pop music equally to create a unique tribe.
Portraiture cites bands like XTC, Butthole Surfers, and Michael Jackson as major influences. Tyson Meade, after being given a sneak preview of the album, said, "It has all the fine detailing and intelligence of Steely Dan, the lushness of 10cc, with the guitar crunch of Slade...memories of Be Bop Deluxe, Bob Welch, and at times Gary Wright. This album packs distinctiveness akin to Tom Ford's scent - Tuscan Leather. You cannot quite place it, but there is something comfortable and familiar yet new, alluring and incredibly sexy."
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