Portugal. The Man
The Satanic Satanist
Equal Vision Records
2.5 / 5
The Satanic Satanist, Alaska-native Portugal. The Man’s fourth full-length release in four years was conceived as the soundtrack to vocalist’s John Gourley’s experiences of growing up in the majestic daunting lands of Alaska. While these intentions feel warm and genuine behind Satanist’s cool demeanor, the album itself plays as if it’s stuck in an apathetic rut sounding less like it’s intentions and more like a very tired group of musicians.
Since PTM’s 2006 full-length debut Waiter: You Vultures! the band has put out a total of four full-lengths and two EP’s. For those not counting, thats 6 releases in a meager 4 years! Along with a seemingly never-ending touring schedule, it’s hard to imagine the collective finding time to even sleep. Where their previous release, Censored Colors checked in at at a tiring and frenetic 15 song pace, The Satanic Satanist features a much thinner 11 song track list. Unfortunately, the depth and musicianship of the majority of songs is just as thin.
Satanist’s strong-point is easily identified in the first three tracks. The lead track/single “People Say” is by far the disc’s standout, featuring a blazing chorus, and kickback riffage that made this band so easily accessible. “Work All Day” layers fat bass line over hip-hop centered drum beats with Gourley’s dual croons in full control.
As the album hits it’s halfway point, the album seems to get stuck in cruise control, as if PTM are merely content with just jamming. At this point, the depth and quality of the songs start take a steep drop. “The Woods” tries to be an experimental psychedelic-rock jam but feels more like a bored and lazy drone. “Guns and Dogs” plays as a tribute back to generic classic rock but with it’s drowsy lyricism, it fails at ever really getting off the ground, and with the one-two combo of closers “Let You Down” and “Mornings” Satanist closes with a dull and unimpressive thud.
Some may say I’m being too harsh on Portugal. The Man, but if anything, I’m saying these things because, really, I love these guys. These guys are capable of great things. They have all the tools to make a five-star album, and I know with a little bit of rest and time, they can re-emerge and make something that will make us all forget about The Satanic Satanist.
purchase | label | official | myspace
mp3:: portugal. the man – people say
mp3:: portugal. the man – lovers in love
8 responses so far ↓
1 Chris // Jul 15, 2009 at 3:37 pm
This review sucks
2 Tomás // Jul 16, 2009 at 12:19 am
I’m sorry, I don’t agree with you, this is an excelent album.
3 kinda sad... // Jul 16, 2009 at 7:46 am
…that someone writes a very good review, makes lots of good points and does in no way just bash the shit out of it or something and then people who probably haven’t even red the whole thing but saw just the rating go on complaining. I haven’t heard the album yet, but even if I’m going to absolute love it this review is still very well written
4 Levi mills // Jul 16, 2009 at 11:18 am
Sorry, but I just don’t understand some of your critiques. This album combines all of their previous album’s sounds into one, and if you loved the previous, I’m not sure how you can dislike this one so much. It just feels like your bashing a band because you can see that they’re about to attain mainstream success, and that just wouldn’t be “cool”.
Personally, I loved the album. Because it’s exactly that, an ALBUM.
5 cj mckinney // Jul 16, 2009 at 11:39 am
Thanks for all the comments, everyone’s feedback is much appreciated, even the spam
Levi- I respectfully disagree with the assessment that this one combines any aspects from previous material other than Censored Colors. I truly believe this band peaked at Church Mouth and have since then been on the decline. As I’ve stated in the review, I have nothing but L-O-V-E for Portugal. The Man. I have been listening to these guys non-stop for years and have given my money and time to them at numerous shows whenever they’ve came to my area. I even pre-ordered The Satanic Satanist on vinyl before hearing one song from the album based on my past experiences with them.
To suggest that I dislike this album because it is garnering them mainstream success is offensive. I love Portugal. The Man and wish them nothing but the best, I just didn’t like The Satanic Satanist.
Agree to Disagree, I guess. Nothing wrong with that
6 Steve // Jul 17, 2009 at 8:11 am
Hey man, great review, even though I don’t agree with you at all. But I have a question: Why did you delete all the negative feedback? Or, what you would call it, “spam”? I think some of those comments had valid points.
7 cj mckinney // Jul 17, 2009 at 8:23 am
Hey Steve.
I only deleted feedback coming from 1 IP that insisted on leaving duplicate disrespectful comments.
I want this blog to be a place for discussion, if someone has an opinion, they are welcome to post it, but childish internet trolling won’t be allowed.
I’m honestly surprised at the amount of feedback this review has garnered. I think that it’s misunderstood in many ways. I still listen to this album and in no way “hate” it.
8 george lopez // Jul 17, 2009 at 10:41 pm
i sincerely think you’re stupid.
you’re writing is flat, and you spent 2 of the 5 paragraphs giving background information, most fans already know, on an ‘album review’.
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