Dare Wren Smiles

REVIEWS//

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​“Portal” is an eclectic acoustic folk album, with elements of pop and rock that up the energy of some tracks while still allowing the intimate core of the tracks to shine through. Throughout the album, intricate guitar playing, mournful strings, and reverberating vocals paint an almost spiritual listening landscape, and at certain points, swaying drums and satisfying bass join the arrangement and work to ground the listener. 

- Rising Artists

"Portal resists easy categorization, shape-shifting from track to track as collaborations and sonic textures intertwine. It’s a record that embraces a communal spirit, where different voices and musical approaches come together to form something greater than the sum of its parts. The production leans into warm, organic tones, making each song feel like it exists in a living, breathing space rather than a sterile studio environment. ... Portal is ambitious, sprawling, and immersive, inviting listeners into a world of shifting sounds and ideas. It’s the kind of album that rewards repeat listens, revealing new details and connections with each pass. Take a listen."

- Pitch Perfect​​

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"Overall, this is a record that deserves time and care. It needs to be absorbed, understood and treated with respect – Dare Wren Smiles will reciprocate with some of the most stunning music you have heard in a long time."

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- Mesmerized

“Portal” isn’t just an auditory experience; it’s a mission of change. With all proceeds going to the RAVEN Trust, the album underscores the importance of environmental conservation, marrying art with activism. Smiles notes how music’s emotive power can bridge societal divides, urging listeners to reflect deeply and alter their perspectives."

- Songplode

"The album, ”Portal”, just like its title suggests, opens a window to a world of self-reflection, expression, and discovery. This is a great work with great collections, leaving no room for boredom."

- Each Measure