Melanie Martinez’s PORTALS is best described as alternative art pop and art rock , with elements of dark pop , experimental pop , synth- pop , grunge , indie , and R &B.

Quick Scoop

If you want the simplest label, alt-pop / art pop is the most common shorthand.

It also has a darker, more theatrical sound than her earlier albums, which is why people often mention dark pop and experimental pop too.

Style feel

The album leans into a fantasy-horror concept, with themes of death, rebirth, and transformation.

That concept affects the genre feel, making it sound more dramatic and otherworldly than a standard pop record.

Simple answer

  • Main genre: alternative art pop
  • Also commonly called: art rock
  • Supporting influences: dark pop, experimental pop, synth-pop, grunge, indie, R&B
In fandom and review spaces, people often describe it as “goth- pop” or “alt-pop,” but the most reliable formal tags are alternative art pop and art rock.
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TL;DR

PORTALS is basically dark, theatrical alt-pop with art rock and experimental touches.