Portugal. The Man is perhaps one of the extra genre jumping bands out there that I am perfectly ok with. The band that once hailed from Alaska is back with an all new album called The Satanic Satanist on their very own Approaching AIRballoons label through indie label Equal Vision Records. Full of indie rock goodness as well as other variations of music styles this album has become a favorite of mine for 2009.
The album was actually leaked on the internet in late June but it did not bother the band at all. Rather than get discouraged about the rash release they encouraged their fans to download the album but also asked that they support the band by purchasing the album when it came out if they liked it.
The joyful sounding “People Say” clearly is a call out to the poor achievements during a certain someone’s presidency. With lyrics like “What a lovely day, yeah, we won the war. May have lost a million men, but we’ve got a million more” it’s apparent there is some sarcasm directed towards a seemingly never ending war.
“Lovers In Love” was full of harmonious singing and had more of a overseas pop dance style along the likes of Jamiroquai. It’s really a pleasant jam about love and what it can make you do.
The soulful “The Sun” makes you want to pull close someone you love and sway away the night. This is one of those songs I will be putting in the next mix I create. “The Home” kept things interesting with crazy keyboards throughout this indie rock track.
“The Woods” had a funky feel to it in a good way again hinting towards something Jay Kay might have done. It’s an incredible track I really got a kick out of as was “Guns & Dogs” a song that reminded me of Oasis short the uni-brow. “Everyone Is Golden” was very evocative of a Beatles song in a good way.
Portugal. The Man has moved in so many directions since their conception it’s difficult to brand them musically and I think they feed off of that. I can say this album is a little tamer when it comes to the band being experimental but overall is a great listen. I almost think that this is going to the album that hurls the band into the likes of mainstream candidacy.
Portugal The Man “Everyone Is Golden” Preview from Portugal The Man on Vimeo.
Portugal The Man “The Sun” Preview from Portugal The Man on Vimeo.