Album Review: Portugal. The Man - 'SHISH'

Portugal. The Man does not subscribe to one specific genre. And that’s what makes

them great.

Frontman John Gourley made the decision to leave the record giants at Atlantic behind

and start his own label, KNIK. A nod to Gourley’s Alaskan roots. Roots that are put at

the forefront on their upcoming 10th album, SHISH.

SHISH highlights Gourley’s Alaskan upbringing, mixed with views on the current state of

the world we’re living in. And if one is interpreting correctly, a yearning for the simplicity

of the past and a dream where everyone has enough.

According to a press release, SHISH was a smaller collaborative effort than other

records. Gourley teamed with producer Kane Ritchotte and built SHISH from the ground

up in Gourley’s home studio. Help was received on horns and backup vocals, Zoe

Manville earning an honorable mention for providing some of those vocals, and even a

little rapping.

If there is one word to describe the feel of SHISH: experimental. And Gourley

succeeded in this experiment. "Denali" starts the album strong with a blend of jazz/blues

rock and distorted guitar tones.

Weaving your way through this genre bending album, you experience days of metal and

screamo past in "Pittman Ralliers" – a standalone on this alum as nothing else on

SHISH sounds quite like it.

A heavy psychedelic feel is apparent in "Kokhanockers"- the message of this song

matching its tone hardly seems coincidental.

If Gourley is going to push any song from this album to the radio and succeed, it’s

"Tanana". While very different from their wildly popular "Feel it Still", this song was made

for alternative radio. It perfectly blends the bluesy, psychedelic, rock and roll sound this

record leans toward, all while having a catchy enough chorus.

SHISH is a solid record. Portugal. The Man fans craving something different will be

pleasantly surprised. SHISH is out November 7th .

Stand out songs: "Tanana", "Shish", "Knik"

Rating - 3.5/5