Rock music in Portugal can be traced back to the 1950s. However, it really came into its own as a form of protest against the Estado Novo regime. When the dictatorship crumbled in 1974, a burgeoning scene emerged; in the ’80s, the likes of Rui Veloso and Taxi laid its foundations as a vehicle for cultural expression. Portuguese rock continues to flourish today, thanks to acts who have distinctly made the genre their own. From the chugging blues of Veloso’s “Chico Fininho” to the groovy synths of Herois do Mar’s “Amor (Parte I)”, the music signifies history and passion.