Wasilla, AK has produced two things of note in recent years: copious amounts of methamphetamine and Sarah Palin the prog rock sensation Portugal. the Man. They've been consistently putting out an album per year since 2006, crafting a voice that had its origins in post-hardcore and slowly evolved into an edgier, more experimental sound. With tomorrow's release of their latest, entitled The Satanic Satanist, PtM once again flaunts their ever-evolving sound.
How does one describe this album...upbeat, psychedelic, sensual...most importantly, nothing like anything PtM has produced before. Totally different and I can't emphasize that enough. This is not the sound of Waiter: You Vultures! and if you're expecting another song like "AKA M80 the Wolf," you will be sorely disappointed. Once upon a time, PtM and the Mars Volta had a very similar prog rock sound, but this album puts an end to all that.
The most distinctive elements of the band are all still there; John Gourley is still showing off his vocal talents by hitting the high notes with eerie grace, the twisted synth loops still hang heavy in the background, Jason Sechrist is still facilitating one helluva drumbeat, and there's still the lingering juxtaposition of melody and dissonance. And the lyrics are just as dark as they've been in the past ("Let You Down," the one track on the album reminiscent of the band's older sound, is a haunting example of the duplicity and mourning found in Gourley's words). Don't let the happy sound fool you, PtM is still telling unhappy stories.
Musically, The Satanic Satanist is a distinct throwback to the slow, sensual guitar styles of the '70s, and Gourley works the wah-wah like a pro. The bluesy intro to "Mornings" could make Jimmy Page swoon, and the swelling vibrations in "Do You" are evocative of Clapton in his Cream days. There were more than a few moments while listening to this in which I heard striking similariites to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Layer the psychedelic guitar with one looming organ, more sampled loops and beats than ever before, various keyboards, a subtle bassline throughout, and Gourley's searing voice constantly piercing the psyche, and you have the recipe for a beautiful but heartbreakingly short (approx. 35 minutes long) album. This is a collection of songs that simply glows of care and craft, polished and effervescently poised to catapult Portugal. the Man into the fame they greatly deserve.
Rating-4.5 stars out of 5
Highlight Tracks- "Guns and Dogs," "People Say," "Everyone Is Golden"
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