Available Everywhere September 16, 2008
There is a youthful exuberance that springs from this record - despite mature songwriting and even more mature, often progressive arrangements, there remains a playfulness that evident from the first track (and especially on the first track). From the moment singer John Gourley intones "Lay me back down, in a bed with a whole lot of people..." and then leads into his schoolyard sing-song "Bop-badada" melody we get a vibe for the stylistic home of this album. As one listens on, however, it gets deeper.
The subsequent songs, after the playful "Lay Me Back Down," are a journey of different emotions about life and death, love and loss, and the usual singer-songwriter subjects. What makes Censored Colors a worth-while listen is the delivery of the subject matters.
Modern sonic references for Portugal. the Man include Cold War Kids, My Morning Jacket, The Shins and Spoon amongst others. These references only really hold due to a commonality of influences and a penchant for heavy reverb. Portugal. the Man draws clear inspiration from the usual rock influences - the Beatles to Zepplin. They are set apart, however, by the Gospel/Blues/Soul (and a touch of Reggae) infusion, largely delivered by a backing choirs, lush orchestration and John Gourley's cherubic voice. This sound is best illustrated on the album's 4th track "Salt" as Gourley croons over a choir "This can't be all that we have..." Portugal. the Man never really ROCKS hard, tending more towards a subdued sound that grooves occasionally.
Censored Colors hits the stores tomororw. The bottom line here - if you like modern indie rock, good songwriting, a little bit of soul and some interesting lyrics. Go pick up this record.
Check out Portugal. the Man at Myspace by CLICKING HERE
