In the Mountain In the Cloud

Ambitious indie-rockers Portugal. The Man created a colorful and eclectic back-catalog of music before signing to major label Atlantic Records for album number seven, In the Mountain In the Cloud. Working with big-time producers and engineers who had worked with mega-stars like Christina Aguilera in the past, the band admits to difficulties in the recording process this time around, but In the Mountain… is a shining example of beauty though struggle (band leader John Gourley feels it’s their strongest work yet). From the mellifluous, ‘70s-radio-friendly “So American” to the spiritual psychedelia of “You Carried Us” and the rubber soul of “All Your Light,” Portugal. The Man shows they clearly haven’t strayed from their core passion for big, classic-rock sounds steeped in their own view of a boldly original melding pot future. There are heavenly flights of strings and choruses; smooth, honeyed soul; lighters-in-the air grandiosity blooming out of ethereal grace; and, always, Gourley’s amazing, classic-rock vocals that are liquid gold.