Portugal. The Man: In The Mountains In The Cloud

Portugal. The Man
In The Mountains In The Cloud
Atlantic Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Sixth records in six years still finds Portugal. The Man enjoying their craft!

Album Review:
Don't think that moving to a major label could slow down Portugal. The Man because In The Mountains In The Cloud represents their six record in six years. The band does nothing to change their style, as this record contains plenty of hooky grooves and big soaring anthems. The only thing that is missing here is the bands knack for really smooth transitions, as In The Mountains In The Cloud does not quite gel track to track and needs a bit more musically for its tracks to stand up independently when the spotlight is on them. That piece does not pull Portugal. The Man completely down because with the solid opening track "So American" and the hands waving in the air "Got It All", PTM showcase why they are in the big leagues now. These eleven songs contain immediate appeal and highlight what a true indie groove is all about. Considering the pressure of a major label debut, Portugal. The Man delivers here and although In The Mountains In The Cloud may not be their most engaging set of music, it still will hook longtime fans and most definitely will bring new ones to the fold because they are talented group that should always be watched!

Key Tracks: "So American", "Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)", "Once Was One"

Bands With Similar Fire:
T. Rex
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
David Bowie

Portugal. The Man: American Ghetto [Fire Note Review 3/22/10]
Portugal. The Man: The Satanic Satanist [Fire Note Review 7/22/09]

Portugal. The Man Website
Portugal. The Man Facebook
Atlantic Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony