Backtracking to 1999 and the debut for Scott Sinfield's Portal project. At that time Portal were signed to the now defunct Roisin Recordings but the music on offer signalled the arrival of a talent heavily guided by the filigree guitars and ethereality of Cocteau Twins and Durutti Column; a style which has since been refined, peaking with last year's excellent 'Promise' album. 'Reprise' certainly has its fair share of memorable moments though and only on a couple of occasions ('Shifting' and 'Lost') do Portal threaten to become a little too reverential to their heroes. With four of the tracks augmented by Sinfield's partner Rachel Hughes, a further dimension is added to the sound; she sounds haunted and fearful amongst the slowly unwinding guitar patterns of 'Second Thought' and 'After Tomorrow'. The album also features a contribution from future co-owner of Make Mine Music Yellow6 on 'Arc' but strangely it is the icily irresistible beats and elongated guitar chords of 'Tundra' which most recalls the vision of Jon Attwood. Even though the mood is generally one of a sad nature, there is still time given to the positively chiming 'Before The Storm'. Yet, overall, 'Reprise' is likely to please all followers of the melancholic and melodic approach.