In a surprise release that they premiered through a Google Drive link on social media, Portugal. The Man is unveiling previously unheard music from their Chris Black Changed My Life sessions with “V.I.S.” Written at the tail end of their time recording their last album, the Portland-based band, best known for their pop-leaning brand of alt-rock, finds themselves in a 90s-inspired pocket. Think Chris Isaak if he went through a fuzzy grunge phase.
“Wrote a song,” shared the band on Reddit. “Love you all. Feel free to share, it’s yours now. I think everything is in here. Cannot thank you enough. I’ll try to share more like this. Working on an finishing an album rn with Kane.”
Lyrically, the song “drifts through childhood fears and whispered doubt,” shared the band. “Beginning with a skeletal guitar fitting for the track’s noticeably darker atmosphere, lead singer John Gourley sets up the paranoia on “V.I.S.” with the line “Look under the bed, the world’s lookin’ back.” What follows is a smooth, velveteen drift through reverb vocals and a buzzing guitar complementing the brooding chorus that sticks out as one of Portugal. The Man’s simplistic and easy to get stuck in your head.
“song is from the very end of the CBCML sessions. Kyle and I had an extra day at sonic ranch with Asa Taccone and Kennie Takahashi. Decided to write a song with the time. Been doing more of this type of writing again.”
~ Portugal. The Man
Considering Gourley mentioned he’s been recently writing material like “V.I.S.,” it’s safe to assume any forthcoming project that may come before the year is over will be similar to the band’s newly acquired sound that they’ve taken on with confidence to get excited about.
See Portugal. The Man at Wonderfront Festival in San Diego on May 17.
Visit Portugal. The Man on Instagram and their website to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.
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