MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: Mainland Break Gets Old School In Tijuana With New Video Single ‘Portland’

“Jangle-pop” has only grown as a sub-genre since the term originated from Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” and its subsequent cover by The Byrds. It gained popularity in the 80s and early 90s with bands like R.E.M., The Smiths, and The Bangles that could garner that tag, and although the sound has evolved, it continues to find its place in the indie rock scene in the U.S. and the UK. 

Today, it manifests itself in the form of indie bands like Mainland Break, a Denver quintet rocking track after track of jingly-jangly guitar rhythms, simple yet poignant lyrics, and sun-drenched summer vibes.

The band’s latest sonic and visual creation comes in the form of their track, “Portland.”

The listener is immediately hit with driving drums and nostalgic, buoyant guitar chords that emulate the feeling of summer in every note, especially when paired with lines like, “Never want to overstay when the sun calls you away.” It’s the kind of song that one can easily picture Robert Smith (The Cure) or perhaps Morrissey singing over.

The video, shot by Travis Rice, was filmed on an 8mm camera in Tijuana, and it was inspired by the vivid colors and bustling feel of the city via the view from the Hotel Caesars.

Featured in the video is the historic Cine Bujazán, a movie theater that caught fire in 1994 and was never fully restored to its original beauty. Each frame of the video matches the bright, captivating sound of the song, and the camera work and imagery truly enhance the feeling of nostalgia behind the track.

The band will be releasing their new album, One Way Ticket to Midnight, this Friday July 21st, and “Portland” follows their May single which is the album title track, and their June single, “Calling After.”

The upcoming debut LP was mixed by Joey Oaxaca (White Reaper, Twen, Mamalarky) and mastered by Dave Cooley (M83, DIIV).

Mainland Break will have their official album release show this Saturday July 22nd supporting Kiwi Jr. at Hi-Dive in their hometown of Denver.