PORTUGAL. THE MAN

PORTUGAL. THE MAN
WAITER: "YOU VULTURES!" (2006)
320 KBPS

Portugal the Man sounds like a subtle, more melodic Mars Volta, with some early Radiohead. In some ways this album is what I had hoped Frances the Mute would have sounded more like. Dark, moody, abstract lyrics hang delicately above jazzy, guitar-based psychedelia, although some tracks feature manic Blood Brothers-like vocals ("Marching with 6") to mix things up. Standout tracks include "AKA M80 the Wolf", "Stables and Chairs" and "Tommy", but overall, Alaska-based Portugal. The Man offer a strong debut for anyone who likes their music unusual and fresh.

1. How The Leopard Got Its Spots
2. Gold Fronts
3. Stables and Chairs
4. AKA M80 The Wolf
5. Marching With 6
6. Elephants
7. Waiter
8. Chicago
9. Bad Bad Levi Brown
10. Kill Me. The King
11. Tommy
12. Horse Warming Party
13. Guns.Guns...Guns