'Timescape', the 2nd CD album by The Portraits, released 9th February 2009, followed a thrilling worldwind period working in Cape Town with local South African musicians, renowned studio wizard Simon 'Fuzzy' Ratcliffe, and contributions from Portishead side-kick Pete Judge on brass. The colourful follow up to the duo's critically acclaimed first

'Timescape', the 2nd CD album by The Portraits, released 9th February 2009, followed a thrilling worldwind period working in Cape Town with local South African musicians, renowned studio wizard Simon 'Fuzzy' Ratcliffe, and contributions from Portishead side-kick Pete Judge on brass. The colourful follow up to the duo's critically acclaimed first album 'Kin' (2006) blends the choiry feel of the duo's trademark vocal arrangements with an electronic worldiness, and a new instrumental flavour emanating from the inclusion of cellos, giant African percussion troups, ethnic flutes...and just the odd smattering of Bristolian trumpetting. The result may hint at a Brian Wilson wall of vocals and the honest song writing style of the likes of Ben Folds or Heather Nova, but a uniquely Portraits-ish tapestry of cellos, flutes, trumpets, electronics and world instruments ensures that the new album is a curiously intoxicating and unique listen.