Portugal The Man – Church Mouth Fearless Records By: Fridae Mattas Do you want to go on a far out psychedelic trip to the past? “Church Mouth” is as seventies hippiesque as any modern day album is going to get. The three amigos in Portugal The Man are John Gourley (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Synth and programming.), Zachery Carothers (Bass, Vocals, Percussion) and Jason Sechrist (Drums). All are from the true northwest Wasilla, Alaska except for Jason Sechrist who was born in Portland Oregon. Coming from a place where making it big in the music industry is extremely rare, these larries are getting exposure touring places kids anywhere dream of, never mind those in Alaska! All of this thanks to their debut LP ‘Waiter: “You Vultures”’ making a ripple on the indie scene. As I’m listening to this LP I am quickly getting bored although I must say this album is definitely not as naptastic as their debut. They have had EP’s released but this is the second full length album released by the band in June 2007, currently the band is on tour. The track playing right now is “Dawn” the vibe I am getting is an herbal blend of ‘Deep Purple’, ‘The Doors’, ‘The Beatles’ laced with ‘Led Zepplin’. For now this track is the best, the vocals are decent not as much falsetto as the first few tracks. I honestly feel as if I have teleported back in time the more I listen to this LP. The only thing other than too much falsetto is the similarities at the end of majority of the tunes, the breakdowns are redundant musically in melody. I do sense some humor in the lyrics although some are too artistically try hard, barely making sense; here’s one for you from the tune ‘My Mind’, “Stepping Steps of Floating Floats that float above such shining notes.” I don’t know about you but to me that was déjà vu from a Dr. Seuss book where are the Green Eggs and Ham Sam I am? The tune I am not into so much is “Children” it has this old west influence in the music kind of like ‘Bon Jovi’s’ “Wanted-Dead Or Alive” with different words. So many bands have used those same chords, many bands follow that trend sticking to the same three chords so annoying. The tunes that won’t make you pass out on this album are “Bellies Are Full” for the bluesy vibe almost a little Hendrix action going on. “Shade”, “My Mind”, and “The Bottom” are the non nappery tracks. Not as amazing as Zepplin or Deep Purple but whether you are Stoned out of your mind, watching a “Cheech and Chong” classic or ready for a nap this melodic vocal LP is a great new school retro soundtrack. www.myspace.com/portugaltheman ©FRIDAE2008™ |
Portugal The Man - Church Mouth 
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