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Native to the cold, northern shores of Minnesota, Portage bellows a sound reminiscent of the rootsy-folk music that runs as deep in the region as Lake Superior itself, the inspiration behind their attic-recorded debut album, The Unsalted Sea. Since their move to Minneapolis, the somber melodies and soul-filled ballads have taken on a far louder, rock-influenced sound with solid harmonies and vast, well-defined instrumentation. Alongside various professional noisemakers, Portage can be found howling their intimate lyrics at full volume from stages and living rooms alike. With each member as talented as the next, and lyrics so personal it seems slightly intrusive, these four young men put on moving, unforgettable shows that can make even the bitterest Midwestern night feel warmer.