Draft:Port Noir

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Port Noir
OriginSödertälje, Sweden
Years active2011–present
LabelsRazzia Notes, Inside Out/Century Media, Despotz
Websitewww.portnoir.com

Port Noir are a Swedish alternative rock band from Södertälje, formed in 2011. The group gained early attention on Swedish indie imprint Razzia Notes with their debut album Puls (2013), evolved their sound with the synth-tinged Any Way the Wind Carries (2016), and moved toward a tighter, pop-aware yet heavy approach on The New Routine (2019) before signing to Despotz for Cuts (2022).[1][2][3][4]

Their music blends alternative and progressive rock with contemporary pop, hip hop and electronic elements, drawing comparisons to acts ranging from Tool/A Perfect Circle to Royal Blood and Enter Shikari.[5][6]

History

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Formation and Puls (2011–2014)

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Port Noir were founded in Södertälje in late 2011 by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Love Andersson, guitarist/keyboardist Andreas Hollstrand and drummer Andreas "AW" Wiberg. The band recorded their debut album with producer Daniel Bergstrand at Dugout Studios; Puls was released in September 2013 by Razzia Notes/Family Tree Music AB.[1] [2] The record established the trio on the Scandinavian progressive/alternative circuit.

Neon EP and Any Way the Wind Carries (2015–2017)

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Following touring and writing, the band issued the digital-only EP Neon in October 2015 as a bridge to their second album.[1] Any Way the Wind Carries arrived in April 2016, expanding their palette with prominent synthesizers and darker textures while keeping melodic hooks.[7][8] In 2017 Port Noir supported fellow Swedes Pain of Salvation on European dates, broadening their audience in the progressive scene.[9]

The New Routine and extensive touring (2018–2020)

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In May 2019 the band released their third album The New Routine through InsideOut/Century Media. Reviews highlighted a punchy blend of innovative rock with pop, hip-hop and R&B influences, and praised the group’s rhythmic focus and hooks.[10][11] Later in 2019 Port Noir toured Europe with Leprous and The Ocean Collective, exposing their electronic-tinged alt-rock to new audiences.[12]

Cuts and recent activity (2021–present)

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After signing with Stockholm-based Despotz Records in August 2021,[3] Port Noir issued the singles "All Class," "Sweet & Salt" and "Deep Waters" ahead of their fourth album Cuts, released on 25 March 2022.[13][14][4] The band supported Danish progressive act VOLA on Scandinavian dates in March 2022, followed by further European shows.[15]

Musical style and reception

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Critics have described Port Noir’s style as a fusion of alternative and progressive rock with electronic, pop and hip-hop elements.[16] Louder noted frontman Love Andersson’s "passionate vocal histrionics" anchoring the band’s darker, synth-led turn on Any Way the Wind Carries.[17] On Cuts (2022) reviewers praised the concise, high-energy songwriting and replay value.[18][19]

Band members

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  • Love Andersson – lead vocals, bass; guitars (2011–2017) (2011–present)[1]
  • Andreas "AW" Wiberg – drums (2011–present)[1]
  • Andreas Hollstrand – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (2011–2019; 2021–present)[20]

Discography

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Studio albums

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  • Puls (2013, Razzia Notes/Family Tree Music AB)[2]
  • Any Way the Wind Carries (2016, InsideOut/Century Media)[1]
  • The New Routine (2019, InsideOut/Century Media)[1]
  • Cuts (2022, Despotz Records)[4]

EPs

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  • Neon (2015, digital EP)[1]

Selected singles

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  • "Tide" (2013)
  • "Onyx" (2016)
  • "Old Fashioned" (2018)
  • "Young Bloods" (2019)
  • "Champagne" (2019)
  • "Flawless" (2019)
  • "All Class" (2021)[21]
  • "Sweet & Salt" (2022)[22]
  • "Deep Waters" (2022)[4]

Tours

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "The New Routine – Port Noir (24-bit HD)". InsideOutMusic (Bandcamp). Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Puls – Port Noir". Apple Music. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  3. ^ a b "New signing / Port Noir". Despotz Records. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d "Cuts by Port Noir". Bandcamp. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  5. ^ "Album Review: The New Routine – Port Noir". Distorted Sound. 10 May 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  6. ^ "Port Noir – Any Way The Wind Carries". Louder. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  7. ^ "CD Review: Port Noir – Any Way the Wind Carries". Reflections of Darkness. 22 April 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  8. ^ "Port Noir – Any Way The Wind Carries". Louder. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  9. ^ "Pain Of Salvation & Port Noir – live report (April 2017)". HeadBangers LifeStyle. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  10. ^ "Album Review: The New Routine – Port Noir". Distorted Sound. 10 May 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  11. ^ "Port Noir – The New Routine". The Progressive Aspect. 27 June 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  12. ^ "Leprous + The Ocean Collective & Port Noir (tour report)". The Progspace. 3 November 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  13. ^ "PORT NOIR release new single "All Class"". Metal Shock Finland. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  14. ^ "Sweden's Port Noir release new single "Sweet & Salt"". Metal Shock Finland. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  15. ^ "Atlas, Port Noir & VOLA – Helsinki live report (19.3.2022)". Tuonela Magazine. 27 March 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  16. ^ "Album Review: The New Routine – Port Noir". Distorted Sound. 10 May 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  17. ^ "Port Noir – Any Way The Wind Carries". Louder. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  18. ^ "Album Review: Cuts – Port Noir". Distorted Sound. 28 March 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  19. ^ "Port Noir – Cuts: Album Review". At The Barrier. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  20. ^ "PORT NOIR release new single "All Class"". Metal Shock Finland. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  21. ^ "PORT NOIR sign with Despotz; first single "All Class"". Metal Shock Finland. 25 November 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  22. ^ "Sweden's Port Noir release new single "Sweet & Salt"". Metal Shock Finland. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  23. ^ "Pain Of Salvation & Port Noir – live report (April 2017)". HeadBangers LifeStyle. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  24. ^ "Atlas, Port Noir & VOLA – Helsinki live report (19.3.2022)". Tuonela Magazine. 27 March 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
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