Album Review: PORTUGAL. THE MAN - In The Mountain In The Cloud

 

Like many of the bands I choose to write about, ‘Portugal. The Man’ was a band that I was first introduced to at SXSW in Austin on March of this year. Upon going to see, ‘TV on The Radio’ at Stubbs, ‘Portugal. The Man’ took the stage and was the one band on the performance list that I hadn’t heard anything of. Of that particular performance, I wrote – “Vibrant, refreshing and energetic. Loved what I saw of this act …need to find out more. This was soulful with profound beats and a great indie vibe. Looks like he’s partaking in a European tour at the moment, but will be sure to check him out on June 3^rd at Webster Hall. Rating 8/10.” 

I was in Vegas for a stag night (bachelor party) that particular weekend so missed the June 3rd show, but I am delighted to say that I just picked up tickets for the 20^th October show at Terminal 5 in NYC. I did however “find out more” in purchasing some and listening to most of their extensive repertoire which now sits at seven albums which have been churned out in the space of six years.

On April 9, ‘Portugal. The Man’ announced, ‘The Satanic Satanist’, which was released on July 21, 2009. ‘The Satanic Satanist’ is themed around memories and stories from lead singer, John Gourley's growing up in the state of Alaska. The album was recorded with the help of record producer Paul Q. Kolderie of Pixies and Radiohead fame, and it was the band's first time recording an album with pre-production. The band released the first video from 'The Satanic Satanist' for the track, 'Do You' on September 17, 2009. One of my favourites from this album.

‘Portugal. The Man’ is best described as a psychedelic rock band. This kind of sound is something that I have been listening to more frequently than before. The catalyst for which is generally, ‘The Black Angels’ and the likes. Indeed, I've been reverting back to some, Hendrix, Zeppelin and The Doors as a direct result. 

Originally from Wasilla, Alaska, the group released their first two albums with Fearless Records as well as material on their own through indie label, Equal Vision Records prior to signing to Atlantic Records in 2010. Under, Atlantic Records label, they have released, ‘American Ghetto’ and recent offering, ‘In the Mountain in the Cloud’. 

At SXSW this year, the band debut a song titled, ‘Senseless’. They followed this in April by releasing one 30 second clip per week from their new album, 'In the Mountain in the Cloud' via their YouTube channel. The songs were, 'Once Was One', 'All Your Light (Times Like These)' and, 'So American'. 'In the Mountain in the Cloud' is mixed by Grammy winner, Andy Wallace. Wallace has most notably mixed 'Rush', 'System of a Down', 'Nirvana' and 'Paul McCartney' among others…not a bad crowd to be associated with.

The new album was released on July 19. ‘So American’ kicks the album off with soft keys, deep thoughts and quaint guitar harmonies. “who wrote the rules? Who broke the rules?” in the chorus sounds class. ‘Floating’ which follows is classic, ‘Portugal. The Man’ with the distortion and psychedelic guitar that epitomises this band.

‘Got It All’ is possibly my favourite song on the album…in fact, it straight up is. This tune is rocking and catchy with a bit of strings going on in the peak of the chorus - “shake shake shake the night away”. Some heavy syntheziser follows on, ‘Senseless’ which is a trippy, darker little tune. ‘Head Is A Flame’ is a little more chilled than what we’ve heard to date on this album and the guitar riffs sound like something from, ‘What’s the Story, Morning Glory?’...perhaps a, 'Don't Look Back in Anger' feel.

‘You Carried Us’ is a slow little burner that is a decent track, but doesn't really come to much in my mind. That said, the lyrics are pretty strong. ‘Everything You See’ is something that I instantly feel some affection for. Not only due to the horns that get us started on this track, but the reference to, 'The Beatles', ‘Rubber Soul’. I love the effects…really clever and a great job by the aforementioned, Andy Wallace.

‘All Your Light’ is up there with, ‘Got It All’ in terms of top tracks from the album. It begins deep, down, dark and dirty and continues in the same vein throughout. It’s a little bit, ‘Queen’ in parts and particularly the intro. The backup singing sounds like, David Bowie of the 80’s or perhaps a little Marc Bolan. Again, I’m fine with that.

'Once Was One' is along the lines of what we heard in previous album, 'American Ghetto'. Indeed this album already feels like a continuation of that album. The transition is seamless. 'Share With Me The Sun' puts me in mind of bands i really got in to last year in, 'Passion Pit' and, 'Phoenix'. Probably the high pitched vocals of lead man, Gourley.

'Sleep Forever' ties up the album beautifully. As titled, a sleepy little number. I love the strings on this one.

It can be daunting for an indie band like, 'Portugal. The Man' to sign to a major record label. Expectations are heightened, and more often than not, a simple, palatable sound is favoured over something a little more complex with real depth. 'In the Mountain in the Cloud' fortunately avoids such dilemma. It’s encouraging to know that, 'Portugal. The Man' has not lost sight of their music despite their successes. Likewise, refreshing to know that their new home at, Atlantic Records may prove to be one that embraces the creative vision the band has become known for. Rating 7.5

So American
Got it All