popwreckoning

This past march, Alaska’s Portugal. the Man added American Ghetto to their growing list of albums.

Perhaps, you remember our glowing review of the Zeppelin-esque release, but if not you can check it out here.

We also encourage you to check out the album on your own. It’s streaming in its entirety below:

Portugal. The Man have explored their distinct post-rock vision across (now) six full length albums; and that vision is full of promise. This new album, American Ghetto, is experimental, but “experimental” in the safest sense of the word. Fans of previous offerings will find much to celebrate and new listeners will have a great starting point.

Whereas The Satanic Satanist had a more dominant guitar sound, the name of the game for American Ghetto is layers. “60 Years” is propelled by a distant acoustic guitar hook that is enshrined with lead guitar, synths and drums—with varying degrees of percussion interspersed. “Fantastic Pace” centers mostly on a head-nodding piano part before bringing in familiar layers. These textures bear resemblance to Remain In Light: a core is established and instruments drift over the soundscape.

While the hip-shaking appeal of previous albums remains, hips will be shaking to new-wave- dirges. Many of the songs float with an airy creepiness, often aided by Zoe Manville’s haunting backing vocals and emblazoned through lyrics that focus on shallowness and washed up idols. Case in point: “Dead Dog” kicks the album off with a halting break-beat and a cautionary tale—

I gotta warn you/these people/ they didn’t try

And they lie/the lie/they lie

The level of production brought by Anthony Saffrey and Adam Taylor creates the notion of a more mature sounding band. American Ghetto is thick. The producers (who also handled mixing with the assistance of Paul Kadrie) bear mentioning if only due to the amount of time it must have taken to give each instrument its own voice within the mix. There is a sense of cohesion, perhaps aided by the appearance of a familiar character on the album cover.

Each Portugal. The Man release captures the band at a different point while retaining similar elements. American Ghetto is a welcome addition—a release that purrs with layers of vocals, synthesizers, and guitars. No lie.

Track Listing:
1. The Dead Dog
2. Break
3. 60 Years
4. All My People
5. 1000 Years
6. Fantastic Pace
7. The Pushers Party
8. Do What We Do
9. Just A Fool
11. When The War Ends

According to recent twitter updates, Alaskan group Portugal. The Man has befallen a series of misfortunes, while touring in Europe. Most recently, it appears they were robbed.

The band tweeted on Dec. 6:

No matter how well things are going there are trials: Van was broken into. Guitars, bass, keyboards, cash, GPS, passport. Gone.

and

There is nothing we can really do here but pack up what we got and keep moving. Contacting police about passport. Thank you for the support

and

Saddest part of all of this is just the band history that was lost from the British Airways mess to this.

But during it all, they kept a positive attitude and thanked their Madrid fans, looked at the brightside, that is was after a final show and even joked:

Is “burgled” really a word? Were we just burgled? …making me hungry. Going to collect the band and sit down for food. Stop the stress.

Portugal. The Man even said that this was a small matter and they are still concerned over the disappearance over one of their fans.

Much much more important than all of this is the disappearance of Devon Hollohan. Please help in anyway you can.

A few days ago, a fan went missing after seeing and hanging out with the band in Germany. 22-year-old Devon Hollahan went missing Saturday, Nov. 21 in Frankfurt. Hollahan’s father contacted the band after learning of his son’s disappearance. The band has posted several posts about how you can help.

PTM fans around the world please help if you can, if you have any information please contact the father direct. Devon Hollahan came to our show in Frankfurt on Saturday. We met him and hung out with him. He is a good guy, just like you and I, and his family needs our help. We love you all and hope you can help.

You can read the letter from the father here. If you are able to help or provide any information, contact Devon’s family here.

Portugal. The Man: website | myspace | Censored Colors review | @ bonnaroo 2009 | @ johnny brenda’s

Johnny Brenda’s in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia has gained a legendary reputation for hosting great live music and on October 22nd, 2009 the second floor of the venue delivered all that and more. Drug Rug, a lo-fi indie folk band from Cambridge, Massachusetts opened the show. Upon entering the stage, they were greeted with a respectful applause but it seemed obvious most people were not familiar with this band. During their set, the musicians showcased their talents by trading off instruments and proceeding to play some spectacular indie rock tunes. By the end of their set, they had won over the audience and proved to be worthy openers for the incredible performance that was to follow.

Portugal. The Man headlined the show in front of a sold out crowd of eager twentysomethings. While most shows these days seem to consist of more waiting than watching, Portugal. The Man were up on stage and playing without much delay, keeping the audience fresh and lively and ready for another intensely satisfying set. Front man, John Baldwin Gourley, entertained the sea of onlookers with his enthusiasm and relentless energy for almost an hour. They played a variety of songs in their set since their music has shifted over the years from progressive pop/rock to the epitome of an indie rock band. While they seemed to be widely categorized in this genre, they are far from your average band. These guys played with a laid back attitude but an intense vibe. Most of the songs played were in support of the latest record, The Satanic Satanist. However, the primary hits from previous albums were also covered like the crowd favorite “Church Mouth.” At one point Portugal. The Man covered David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream” followed by a well-greeted MGMT song.

The flashing lights and smoke on stage were a perfect blend to the band’s somewhat abstract and experimental sound. A constantly changing light show highlighted the bands enjoyable movements on stage while racking up points for the hip venue. Johnny Brenda’s was a perfect match for this lively band and equally fun crowd. In addition to the music, Gourley deserves some serious recognition for the mustache and long mane he was sporting. I’m betting this native Alaskan definitely had that style going long before it was hip.

After the set had finished, encore chants began and as sure as the day follows the night Portugal. The Man was back on stage for two more songs. It was an awesome night with some awesome tunes, and those of you that missed out on the sold out show, well, you better buy your tickets in advance next time this quartet comes around.

Set List:
And I
People Say
AKA M80 The Wolf
The Sun
Work All Day
Church Mouth
Do You
Everyone is Golden
Moonage Daydream- MGMT
Mornings
New Orleans
The Woods
My Mind

Portugal. The Man: website | myspace | Censored Colors review | @ bonnaroo 2009

Words: Steve Bistline and Victoria May
Photos: Victoria May