“Portugal. The Man” Inks a New Deal

One of my favorite bands, Portugal the Man, has just signed to one of my favorite labels, Equal Vision which makes today my favorite day in recent memory. Now for those of you who don’t know about PTM I suggest you check them out. With a combination of progressive rock, indie rock, blues, and even a little hip-hop they are possibly one of the greatest bands to ever come out of the great state of Alaska. They have been on a nonstop dose of touring/recording/touring for the past few years and they seem to be gaining more and more energy and inspiration. I can’t wait to hear what they have in store.

Portugal the Man put out their first record, Waiter, You Vultures, through Fearless records in 2006. The albums hard hitting yet easy to listen to rhythm’s combined with catchy hooks to please the ears of all who listened. But despite the success PTM changed paths and released an all digital EP, It’s Complicated Being A Wizard, in 2007. Later that year they were ready to unleash their second full length through Fearless, Church Mouth, which built upon what made their first album so great and then some. The album add’s a southern blues feel and a more raw feel that both simplify’s and optimizes PTM’s sound.

The new album, Censored Colors, is completely self funded so the band had no worries about creative constraints making this album so highly anticipated. The album is being produced by Matt Bayles (ex Minus the Bear keyboardist) who has put out some great albums for Minus the Bear, The Six Parts Seven, Russian Circles, and many other indie bands that are on the brink of making it big. This is PTM’s chance to either make it or break it, but at the rate they are going chances are they will surpass any and all expectations. A great band combined with a great label that understands artists is a great thing to see.

On a side note if you plan on picking up one of PTM’s albums I would recommend getting it on vinyl. Singer John Gourley is an amazing artist and does all their album artwork. It can truly be appreciated on a 12 inch record sleeve. They also offer a variety of fun colors. Check it out.

AKA M80 the Wolf from their debut album, Waiter, You Vultures

Now Playing: Thom Yorke – Eraser