Heavy drums, echoing electric guitar, spacey keys and pseudo-rap vocals make up a large portion of Portugal, The Man’s highly anticipated album, American Ghetto. The collection is a blend of their prior album’s styles, which range from rather experimental to a raw alternative attitude. As a whole, the album plays seemingly different from their 2009 release, The Satanic Satanist, which had a more pop sensibility.
The album opens with one of the strongest tracks, “The Dead Dog”. The heavy drums and crackling production push the album off with a convincing start. A quick abstract interlude leads into another solid song, “60 Years”. Heavy on the electric guitar, notes cry out in the background carefully filling in the songs details. As the track progresses, the chorus takes off and seals its appeal. Overall the first three songs on the album are the standouts, but that doesn’t mean it’s over.
Song Standouts
- The Dead Dog
- All My People
- 60 Years
Portugal, The Man are now working from their own imprint label called Approaching AIRballoons through indie label Equal Vision Records. The American band from Wasilla, Alaska are doing what it takes to keep their promise of releasing an album every year since 2006. Their latest creation, The Satanic Satanist, dropped July 21, 2009.
The album takes off with a bang. The first track, People Say, is an absolute smash. Halfway through the Oasis style guitar intro, you can tell this song has true potential. Between the powerful verses, catchy hook, and harmonious chorus sung by the band, this song is what Independent Alternative music is all about. A perfect transition flows into the second track, Work All Day, which certainly keeps the albums momentum, set off from the start. The album could be noted as the bands best yet.
Song Standouts:
-People Say
-Guns and Dogs
-Work All Day
