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(Under the mainstream radar, Alaska’s favorite
sons, PORTUGAL. THE MAN is a band that has been steadily
building a devoted fan base and amassing kudos from an
array of media outlets like Filter (“Portugal.
The Man hasn’t merely evolved from the avant-garde,
neo-soul that shaped their earliest works, they’ve
transcended it.”), AbsolutePunk (“Portugal.
The Man is one of the most unique and original groups
of current time.”), and (“…it’s
the songs that truly set this band apart.”) Alternative
Press.
Portugal. The Man’s unique sound has its roots
firmly in front man/songwriter Gourley’s abstract
vision and unique upbringing. Gourley was raised in a
remote log cabin on the outskirts of Wasilla, Alaska
that was powered by a generator and had no phone. His
mom and dad doubled as a team of dog sled mushers. Add
in an extended period of homelessness, a love of science
fiction and a desire to make music that does not sound
like every other band, and the genesis of Portugal. The
Man was formed. Gourley and childhood friend Carothers
formed P.TM in 2003 with Portland, OR’s Jason Sechrist
joining in 2005. To this day, P.TM employs a rotating
cast of guest musicians outside of the core four. Gourley
is also an accomplished visual artist having created
the stunning artwork for the “Censored Colors” package
as well as P.TM’s previous releases, tour posters,
tshirts and other items.)
Whether it occurs consciously or otherwise, preachers
preach. Pilots pilot. Destinies destine. Censors censor.
Colors color. And bands band together. Naturally, each
possesses virtues outside the limits of those slim realities.
But none can be without the element that drives it. Portugal.
TheMan is a band. So, you know what they do. But to truly
understand them, you must know what they are. And it
would be devastatingly limiting to label this unpinnable
Portland-via-Wasilla, Alaska quartet as a mere band.
Which they are. But they are also fluid, chameleon, inimitable,
complicated, simple, disarming and unconscious.
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