Satanically Good

Is it possible not to just take a quick listen to a record called “The Satanic Satanist” and put aside all presumptions that the music might be something akin to black metal? If you’re unfamiliar with the band already, Portugal. The Man’s new album might be a pleasant surprise.

The overall tone of this album is much more low-key than the band’s previous releases, but it still has the energy and delivery we’ve come to expect. Portugal has been trying on different outfits for awhile, but this record sounds as if the band has become more self-aware, and self-realization from artists always yields the best product.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Many of the songs on “Satanist” seem like a dirtied reflection of themselves with lots of epic-sounding falsetto choruses and high-pitched harmonies.

All of this could produce monotony or disinterest after only a few tracks, but the way these guys write songs will force the melodies into the dark recesses of your mind and when you wake up in the morning, all your synapses will fire simultaneously and that one synapse, the one where cheesy, catchy songs are stuck deep, well, that synapse will ignite and cause all sorts of Portugal-guitar-noodling to be sung and choruses to be wailed.

And the one song guaranteed to force words out of you is “People Say.” Just listen to that song, the well-crafted verse and chorus, the Jeff Buckley- like whines and croons and the bluesy guitar solo.

Some other standout tracks on this album are “Work All Day,” “The Home” and “Everyone Is Golden.”

Portugal definitely has a knack for writing 1970s-esque, almost post-psychedelic era tunes. It uses effects pedals but utilizes them well. Listen for the fuzzed-out bass on a lot of the tracks or the backward guitar solo or the effected mess on “Guns and Dogs.”
Portugal is also among one of many post-rock, progressive groups in which the piano/organ player has a noticeable presence. It’s a breath of fresh air and adds to the organic sound and nature of the songs.

“The Satanic Satanist” is a solid album with a few hangups, but not many. It’s a sound fit perfectly for the summer; it’s playful and catchy but, most importantly, pulled off with expertise.