Port Cities: Idea Of You
The Nova Scotian roots trio marks the anniversary of a much-praised debut album with a new recording of a song that's been a live favourite. The pure vocals of Breagh Mackinnon and gently lustful lyrics make it a bona fide charmer.
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By Kerry Doole
Port Cities: "The Idea Of You" (Warner Music Canada): The first single from this Atlantic Canadian roots music trio was entitled “Back To The Bottom,” but the group's career trajectory of the group comprising Breagh Mackinnon, Carleton Stone and Dylan Guthro has been clearly aimed for the top.
A self-titled debut album came out exactly a year ago, and Port Cities has celebrated its success by recording one of its favourite tracks in performance, "The Idea Of You." The tune has closed many of Port Cities' shows, to great fan response.
The recorded version shows why that has been the case. The vocals of Mackinnon are to the fore here, as she offers up a gently lustful plea: "I don't even know you, but I want you to kiss me." The production of the new version is much fuller, but the charm of the original remains intact.
A formidable combo in concert, the group has shows at Halifax's Neptune Theatre tonight (Feb. 16) and tomorrow, followed by UK dates from March 24- 31, and shows at the Mariposa fest in Orillia, ON, in July. Itinerary here
Grace Russell at Jones & Co. Artist Management is stickhandling this one.
Mumford & Sons at LASSO Festival in Montreal on August 16, 2026. Lucas Domínguez / Billboard Canada