Hot New Talent Alert: Portobella

Influenced by Goldfrapp, Blondie and N.E.R.D., Portobella is a fun and frisky new group hailing from the U.K.. The band is centered around spunky British/Italian singer Luciana Caporaso who set out to make pop music that takes its cues from London's post-punk club movement. Portobella is tired of the state of British pop today and wanted to offer audiences something a little different, something more daring with an edge. Caporaso sings openly about her disgust of formulaic pop and shows like Pop Idol. She disses Simon Cowell on their new single "Covered In Punk." "I don't want no Simon Cowell/So Simon Cowell be quiet now," she yells. Hopefully, Paula Abdul is paying attention because this tune might comfort her a little. Even though Portobella's music is not particularly revolutionary, the combination of punk guitars, electro synths and Caporaso's enigmatic vocals are a refreshing addition to the pop scene. Head over to Portobella's MySpace page to download 4 tracks from the group, including the anthemic, Bow Wow Wow-ish single "Covered In Punk." (Thanks for the tip, Thomas!)