Portugal. The Man’s career has been fascinating. Having formed in 2004, they didn’t become a household name until the release of Feel It Still in 2017, a gargantuan smash that propelled its parent record ‘Woodstock’ to sell more than a million copies in the US alone. Now, the band return with ‘Shish’, a record that seeks to show you all the places they’ve been by amalgamating the sounds they have dabbled in over the years.
Their 10th LP blends the familiar with moments of extravagance and ambition — it might not all work but it is an interesting progression. Opening track Denali almost feels like an Unknown Mortal Orchestra track thanks to its fuzzy guitars and vocal effects, while Pittman Ralliers is a short, sharp punk-rocker unlike anything we’d expect from John Gourley, Zoe Manville and company.
Angoon is more stripped back but still has plenty of oomph after a subdued start. Its riffs are loud and abrasive, eventually turning into an interesting melange of the band’s most successful work and noise-punk.
Knik, though, is a real epic, blending smooth pop with dirty blues-rock recalling the White Stripes or early Black Keys. Gourley’s vocals are impressive and it’s got plenty of bite while showing off the group’s versatility.
For better or worse, ‘Shish’ is an album that never sticks to the script, its tonal shifts and disparate genres relying on the songwriting and musicianship able to bridge the gaps that appear from time to time.
There are hints of Portugal. The Man’s indie roots alongside a kaleidoscopic range of sounds and textures. It is a broad collection that long-term fans will likely engage with better than newcomers, but the sense of ambition and scale can only be applauded, even if not all its swings connect.
Portugal The Man Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon February 23 2026 - DUBLIN National Stadium
Tue February 24 2026 - GLASGOW SWG3 Galvanizers Yard
Wed February 25 2026 - MANCHESTER New Century
Thu February 26 2026 - LONDON Roundhouse
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