Portugal. The Man’s John Gourley, photo by Maclay Heriot
Portugal. The Man have returned today with the new single “Denali.” The Grammy-winning indie-rock mainstays’ latest offering follows their surprise summer EP, uLu Selects Vol #2, and precedes their previously announced Denali North American tour. The track raises expectations yet again for the group’s much-anticipated new chapter, two years after the release of their triumphant ninth studio album, Chris Black Changed My Life.
Portugal. The Man set off their next era in June with the vibrant mix of roughly hewn floor-filling indie pop on uLu Selects Vol #2, featuring collaborations with Lucius, Paul Williams and Francisca Valenzuela and Estereomance. “Denali” builds on that sudden drop’s fast and loose approach by veering into a scuzzy, squirming, bombastic epic. While they’re no strangers to shredding, Portugal. The Man’s latest release is a bold and masterfully executed stride into unfamiliar territory, with a meticulous assembly of chunky metal riffs and tambourine snaps falling back as low synth distortion churns under John Gourley’s bright vocals. In fits and starts, it’s a destructively uplifting and downright addictive testament to their enduring versatility.
On November 6 and 7, Portugal. The Man will return to the stage with a two-night hometown tour kickoff from Portland, Ore.’s Revolution Hall. Through Dec. 12, they’ll present 19 further performances at beloved indie haunts across the country, including Oakland, Calif.’s Fox Theater, Denver’s The Mission Ballroom, Minneapolis’ First Avenue, Chicago’s The Salt Shed, New York’s Terminal 5, Philadelphia’s Union Transfer, Washington, D.C.’s The Anthem, Atlanta’s The Eastern, Austin’s Moody Theater and more. Find tickets and more information at portugaltheman.com.
Listen to “Denali” here. Read Portugal. The Man’s 2023 Relix feature here.
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