April 23rd 2021 Electronic Pop 58:59
Label: Mom + Pop
Performed By: Porter Robinson
Guests and Features: TEED
Producers and Engineers: Porter Robinson, Zino Mikorey, Randy Merril
Cover Art or Photography: Porter Robinson, Samuel Burgess-Johnson
Porter Robinson returned back from his near 7 year hiatus by releasing his highly anticipated second studio album ‘Nurture’ on April 23rd 2021. I remember being seventeen and walking home from college to see an upload from his YouTube account announcing that the album would release sometime during 2020. The album was delayed until the following April but that was fine because the album we eventually got was worth every second.
Nurture is a blissful album from start to finish, lathering organic sounding instruments like pianos, guitars and melodicas with warm synths and female vocal effects. It’s a sound so unique that only Porter could pull it off – all the instruments, vocals and themes on this project come together to just give you a warm, hopeful feeling for the future and provide a shoulder to lean on, hence the name ‘Nurture’.
Despite the name and theme of the record, it does have some major significance with Porter’s personal struggles. See, between the release of his amazing debut album ‘Worlds’ back in August 2014 and the release of Nurture, Porter struggled with depression and creative exhaustion. He was struggling to create music and at one point, considered leaving the scene entirely. This album is his story on recovery, falling back in love with making music and a testament to hard work and finding yourself. This is Nurture.
The opening track ‘Lifelike’ immediately sets the tone for the whole album and introduces us to the main soundscape of the album. A delicate piano fades in and lays down the main melody. Light percussion is also joined by a violin. The song builds and so clearly creates an image of blue skies above a grassy digital meadow. Porter really does a great job of evoking a feeling with his music and ‘Lifelike’ feels like the introduction of this journey that we are about to be taken on. Have a listen and you’ll see what I mean.
The next song ‘Look At The Sky’ builds on the overall theme of the album but introduces more of the electronic elements that we will become familiar with for the rest of the album. It starts with another delightful and playful piano melody before breaking out into a steady rythm with synths and vocal samples. This is also the first track on the record where we here the ‘Nurture’ voice – a pitched up version of Porters’ voice that almost sounds like a second personality. It’s used consistently throghout the album and works wonders for creating an alternative perspective for us as the listener. Porter sings
“Is it fate?
If it’s not easy, it must not be.
At that age, I cherished the flowers beneath my feet.
But then, something must have changed in me, I used to feel so light.
Now I’ll try
I just want time”.
This briefly gives us a glimpse into what Porter was dealing with during the albums creation. The rest of the song continues to talk about him getting better again and stating that one day, he will make something good. The song is optimistic and gives us a reason to keep going and as the title of the track suggests, this can be done by simply pausing and taking a moment to look at the sky. Audibly, the song is great but also, Porter does an amazing job visualising the themes on this album too. I love the stark contrast between the images of nature, meadows, blue skies and images from real life scenes and then the black void with the iconic Nurture scribble. So cool how the audio on this record so perfectly matches the visual style – Nurture really is a complete experience in every way. Have a look at the video for ‘Look At The Sky” and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
The third track on the album ‘Get Your Wish’ was the first track released shortly after the announcement of the album. It’s a bright and rich track consisting of acoustic drums, an infectious and bubbly melody and of course, that signature Nurture voice.
The song is about asking if he himself is happy, if he has gotten his wish and if he is worthy of his success in the music scene. Although it does not get as deep into the topic as seen on other songs on the album, it continues the themes of self-worth, creative struggles and a sense of achievement.
“Get up and move ahead,
and not only for yourself
’cause that’s your role
the work that stirred your soul
you can make for someone else.
One day you choke
The urges overflow
And obession wears you down.
But don’t you waste the suffering you’ve faced.
It will serve you in due time“
It’s a nice song that again displays the beautiful mixture of organic-sounding instruments with hazy electronic synths. A great run on the album so far.
‘Wind Tempos’ takes track 4’s space on the album and is the first ambient track. It’s a totally different experience from the rest of the album and a massive diversion of Porter’s sound, especially when comparing it to his older works like Spitfire (2011), Worlds (2014) or even his newer material like SMILE 😀 (2024). Regardless, it’s exactly what this album needs. As mentioned, it’s an ambient track consisting of piano samples, electronic glitchy samples, running water and even the sounds of presumably Porter, using a PC to edit the song. It also contains a repetitive vocal sample
“It’s so holy
It’s so holy“
It’s a cool song that you can quite easily put on some headphones and have it playing in the background or sit there with your thoughts and analyse every detail of it. Overall, a good ambient track.
‘Musician’ is track 5 from Nurture and is a story detailing Porter’s love for creating music. It’s a sweet song that includes the perspective of how Porter views his own music and from his family. It’s a good song with poppy production and makes use of a really cute sample from an unreleased project he had with Kero Kero Bonito. It’s also accompanied by a really gorgeous animated music video. An all-around great song that fits perfectly in with the Nurture style.
‘do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do’ is another more ambient track on the ambient. It’s less piano based than the previous ambient track ‘Wind Tempos’ but is nevertheless, still a really nice warm hazy track. Composition wise, it features softly strummed guitars over an electronic and erratic beat. The song also features minimal lyrics that repeat throughout.
“do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do
There’s too much I want to say, so
do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do
There’s too much I want to say, so”
Much like the previous track, it too could be put on in the background or listened too with intent. Regardless, it’s a simple track that gives the album some space between more of the serious themed tracks like ‘Get Your Wish’ and ‘Mother’.
Speaking of ‘Mother’, it is the next track on the album, and it too is really nice. It’s sort of a thank-you letter to Porters mother and it details the comfort that she has been able to provide to him from a young age.
“I’m on your side for the rest of your life,
you’ll never be alone, don’t you worry, my child.
And now there’s an empty room you outgrew
But I’m here for you”
It’s a deeply personal song that is filled with the same magical composition that all of the other songs on this album also have. Dreamy synths guide us through the songs and the addition of syncopated electronic drums add to the whole song and make it feel like a nostalgic moment which we are able to share with Porter even if it’s just for a few minutes in the tracklist.
Now, before I get into the next song, I must confess something. ‘Dullscythe’ is probably my most listened to song off this album. A lot of people comment on how distinctly different this song is from the rest of the album, which divides the fanbase. I, however, think it is absolutely beautiful, and whilst it doesn’t have lyrics, the melodies do enough to convey the emotion.
Dullscythe has two halves – the first half is a jarring mix of chopped piano samples that dart in and out of existence. Porter has stated that the song has no tempo. There is no time signature – it literally is just noise. This continues, and slowly, more elements of the song begin to emerge. A stabbing piano, a thumping kick drum, and random female vocal chops are all thrown into your ears before you can really process them. I like to view this part of the song as Porter attempting to create new music, but getting stuck, this can also be proven as the name of the song ‘dullscythe’ suggests its a pain in his side that he is not able to create music that he loves. It’s slowly paining him.
At exactly 2 minutes and 10 seconds, however, everything changes. This represents a change in Porter. He has found the music he wants to make again, he has finally found something he is passionate about, and it sounds good. A soft, warm synth that sounds like a summer’s night fades in, the once jarring piano forms into a rhythmic melody and a steady drum beat takes us through to the finale. It’s change, it’s progress and it’s acceptance. This is Porter realising what he wants to make.
It kind of reminds me of my situation during my life at that time. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but then I found something I was passionate about and kept working at it. It felt like I was given another chance and this song feels like turning over a new leaf for yourself. I love dullscythe and always will.
Not many people get it, but those who do will get it.
The next track, ‘Sweet Time’ is a love song dedicated to his partner Rika. The song is much slower and features less of the vocal effects seen on other tracks. On this one, Porter is talking as himself. He’s thankful for her and what she has done to turn his life around. Despite this overwhelming happiness, there is an element of sadness as Porter realises that everything, including his life with her, is temporary and that one day, their time will come to an end. It’s a conflicting thought with Porter stating he just wants more time with her and nothing else.
‘Mirror’ is track number 10 on the album and can only be described as a warm hug from a friend. It’s simply incredible. It’s a downtempo yet upbeat song detailing Porter’s internal struggles and how he is healing from them. It’s a comfy song with a simple driving beat, electronic composition and soft vocals thanks to the vocal pitching techniques employed on other tracks. In addition to this, Porter brings in more vocal samples that can be heard between verses and at the end of the song. It kind of acts as a voice from someone who is supporting him through his struggles and works to feel like the person is also supporting the listener too.
“And I know you’ll say I’m a burden
Yeah, do your worst, all at once
I know what you want from me, from me.
I know what you’re thinking”
It sounds like Porter is having an argument with himself in his head and finally giving up and saying to these thoughts, “Come on, do your worst, I am better than that. This brings us through to the chorus, where Porter can see his true self and a reflection of his thoughts – hence the name of the track ‘Mirror’. The song finishes with a reasuring message from the inner voice.
“Sometimes, the inner voice is encouraging
calling for you to run those final few yards.
You’re nearly there, keep going, keep going, keep going, keep going.
It will all be okay in the end.”
A powerful way to end a powerful song. Have a listen below.
The next track follows up on the theme of comfort and security perfectly. ‘Something Comforting’ is a song about simply needing someone or something to remind you that everything will be okay. It’s a bit more lively and upbeat with pretty synths and a faster beat. It’s a good song that has a similar feel to the other, more poppy songs on the album like “Look At The Sky” and “Musician”.
‘Blossom’ is another track dedicated to Porter’s partner Rika. It’s a lovely, slow ballad and sounds completely different to anything else off the album. No synths, no drums – just Porter with a few vocal effects and a guitar plugin. It’s a nice song and again, talks about his affection for Rika and how that he wishes for nothing more than to have more time with her. A lovely song.
Now we get to track thirteen which is my favourite song from the album. This is partly because I got to see it live at the SMILE 😀 world tour in London this March but also because the song is simply incredible. ‘Unfold’ is a song created by Porter with guest vocals from Totally Enourmous Extinct Dinosaurs aka TEED. It’s a triumphant song about overcoming difficulties and becoming a different person.
“And I watched the water unfold.
It’s a feeling I want you to know.
‘Cause I’m not the same as I was
As I shoulder the weight of the world”
In addition to the heartfelt lyrics, the production is absoltely captivating as well. It’s a mixture between a steady build but when the chorus comes it, drums richoche around the track. I can almost see fireworks going off as the song plays. I feel as this is the best penultimate track that was chosen for the record. It’s almost like Porter saying to his younger self “this is where you can be, it’s a feeling I want you to know”. Such a great energetic track to draw the album to a close.
The final song on the album “Trying To Feel Alive” is a wonderful end to an incredible album. It’s slower and less chaotic than other tracks but brings us close to where we started with ‘Lifelike’. The soft piano and playful vocal samples open the track with a sweet melodica joining in halfway through the intro. It’s a great combination of sounds that is so unique to this project. Eventually Porter takes to the mic one final time
“Maybe it’s a gift that I couldn’t recognise,
Maybe I don’t really need to feel satisfied
Maybe it’s a gift I spend all this time
Just trying to feel alive”
It’s Porter coming to terms that despite his struggles with music and creative exhaustion, it can be seen as a gift that he still has this drive to get up and try again. The song makes light of this where he mentions climbing mountains, reaching the top and only wanting to do it again and again. This ‘mountain’ Porter talks of is his struggles that he experienced that almost drove him away from music as a whole but at the end of this song, at the end of Nurture – he has overcome this and is now better than ever. He’s won.
He goes on to talk about what music means to him.
“And then somebody somewhere finds
the warmth of summer in the songs you write.
Maybe it’s a gift that I couldn’t recognize.
Trying to feel alive”
And with that final line, Nurture comes to a close.
What an album. I still remember being eighteen and sitting at my laptop with my speakers on in my room with this album on its release day. I was blown away and most of all excited about this album. It was the soundtrack to my 2021 and this album carried me through a lot of hard times that I would experience. I’m grateful for this album and Porter’s music as a whole and so to commemorate this, I got a Nurture themed tattoo that I designed on my leg for my 20th birthday a few years ago.
Thanks for reading and thank you Porter.