Album Reviews

American Ghetto
Portugal. The Man – American Ghetto
8.0
 on
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 00:00
submitted by
Laura

Easily one of the most productive bands around, Portugal. The Man is back already with yet another full-length. If I’m right “American Ghetto” is already album number five in just four years. And that’s not even taking their EPs into account.

“American Ghetto” picks up where the band left off with last year’s “The Satanic Satanist”. These guys still like to dabble in somewhat weird yet mellow indie poprock. It’s a wonderfully eclectic mix with bluesy, funky and folky touches all over the place. Of course, they keep on evolving every single time, this time adding some more electronic touches to their sound.

Other than that these Alaska natives still do what they do best: writing great songs. Whether it’s the dark and restrained “The Dead Dog” or “All My People” which thrives on a hiphop beat, “American Ghetto” is proof that it’s possible to write and adventurous and experimental album without forgetting to write actual songs. Eat that, Mars Volta!

Tom Dumarey
Tom Dumarey

Lacking the talent to actually play in a band, Tom decided he would write about bands instead. Turns out his writing skills are mediocre at best as well.