Music Review of Porter Robinson’s Album “Nurture”

Porter Robinson of North Carolina had laid the groundwork for electronic dance music with his 2014 debut Worlds and had recently directed 2021’s Nurture festival when he found himself questioning “What next?”.

This month, he’ll take to the Second Sky stage in search of an answer – but first must complete a week-long intensive rehearsal process.

Worlds

At 18, Porter Robinson made waves in electronic music with his complex blend of synthy and bombastic dance-house. Since then, this North Carolina producer has not looked back, earning himself an RIAA gold single for “Shelter” featuring Madeon as well as hosting his inaugural Second Sky festival that year.

Worlds is Worlds, the producer’s second full-length release and offers a departure from his signature genre: bass volume-breaking drum beats and an ever-tense sense of suspenseful tension. Instead, this album offers something far more tranquil.

Worlds is an intricate and detailed work of electronic music with some truly stand-out moments that offer something unlike anything else currently out there. However, through several unconvincing tracks it becomes evident that Robinson still needs work when it comes to creating music that resonates outside clubs and festivals.

Nurture

Porter Robinson’s 2014 debut Worlds was an artistic journey into creativity; on his latest full-length release ‘Nurture’ he offers up an impassioned plea for revival and rejuvenation. Amid mental health struggles and music industry demands, ‘Nurture’ offers genuine feelings of renewal.

On this album, the producer seeks to go beyond EDM conventions by featuring his own vocals for the first time ever. Instrumentation allows Robinson to explore an organic yet subdued sound influenced by J-pop and classical music; no riff or beat lasts too long on this record as Robinson continually dismantles and rebuilds them with fresh samples.

Nurture displays the producer’s impressive growth as both composer and musician with its hard-hitting instrumentals and emotionally moving lyrics that create an emotionally cathartic listening experience. From “Lifelike,” which blends electronic with folk aesthetics, to the album-closing tracks “Mirror” and “Something Comforting,” Robinson shows his ability to adapt while staying true to his original vision – this record will touch anyone listening!

Live Shows

Porter Robinson first made an impactful debut album Worlds back in 2014 and soon after attracted fans with his intricate yet bombastic EDM. Following Madeon and their RIAA Gold record “Shelter”, followed by their Shelter Live Tour, Porter Robinson is back this year with his sophomore release Nurture.

The Nurture Live Show is truly mind-boggling. From visual displays that blend 32 bit video games with Japanamation to Porter playing piano and singing live – it is truly astounding performance from an artist who has always been captivating onstage.

He doesn’t just play his records; he sings them as well, adding an emotional resonance that makes every track stronger. These moments distinguish this live experience from any other: opening track “Language”, crowd sing-alongs on “Sad Machine” and youth anthem ‘Lionhearted”. Every song builds seamlessly onto one another in an enjoyable performance – even his encore performance had the audience screaming out for more!

Tours

Robinson enjoyed an outstanding year curating and hosting both his sold-out Second Sky festival and virtual Secret Sky event, along with his Nurture Live Tour to Utah Credit Union Amphitheater for an evening of musical wonder. To kickstart his tour he released “Knock Yourself Out XD,” an atmospheric single that ranges from ambient sighs to thundering power chords.

Robinson will unveil a live production featuring a full live band following his previous experiments at his own sold-out Second Sky festival and Coachella’s main stage. Ericdoa will join on North American leg, underscores for European leg and Galileo Galilei for his run in Japan.

Get tickets and prepare for an exceptional visit by downloading the official Red Rocks app before arriving – this offers digital ticketing with touchless entry, mobile ordering with express beverage pickup, park and venue maps, visitor tips, as well as exclusive Red Rocks content.