Concert Review: Portugal The Man Are A Sonic Acid Trip At Forest Hills
Portugal The Man’s Forest Hill Stadium show began with members of Queens’ Matinecock tribe speaking on the importance of environmentalism and igniting a respect and remembrance of America’s true native citizen. Through this moment, the band showed why they care about how we see the world; it determines how we treat it. Bassist Zach Carothers claimed the Alaskan group was going around to meet the indigenous peoples of every city they are touring, and learning from them about America’s most forcefully forgotten history: Native American. In setting, first and foremost, that Portugal The Man are also activists, the band did not give a simple concert; they gave a culture shock that redefines sonic escapism.
Portugal The Man are the performance embodiment of an uninterrupted, acid trip; all you have to do is take their hits and let your mind acrobat through thoughts like a Cirque du Soleil troupe. Hence, on such a note, it seems befitting that “trippers” Beavis and Butthead’s were their intro. Yet, B & B were an intriguing choice for another reason. These cartoon, counter-cultural buddies ended up colorfully defining mainstream culture, and how we embrace “rebel bands” like Metallica, The Beatles, and Pink Floyd, which Portugal The Man covered. In making the association, the crowd was able to realize the importance of Portugal The Man, in 2018, as some of the coolest “counter-culturalists”/ rocking commentators on how we consume societal stigmas and stimuli.
Portugal. The Man – “Feel It Still” (Official Video)
“Modern Jesus,” “Noise Pollution,” and “So Young” felt amplified as anthems/ affronts on how the average person approaches politics, money, religion, fame, and whatever other human construct was built for some persons to control many people. While, on record, you can hear these themes, during a show, it as if John Gourley’s voice has become Scott Pilgrim, and he is versus The World. He has an enigmatically soothing vocality that either cuts lyrics like a knife, “Number One,” or butters you with its melodiousness, “Feel It Still.” Yet, most importantly, his voice represents the emotions everyone carries at trying to be clear in a world that is really crazy. Thus, Portugal The Man use images as an amplifier, challenge, and symbol on how much we absorb of what we see.
Portugal.The Man – Modern Jesus [Official Music Video]
Though their music can, easily, stand alone, having such a massive screen envelop them made the audience feel as if they were watching the biggest tv go haywire. Still, in between the pictures, clips, thoughtful/witty phrases, and lights, was a majestic, musical fluidity that made you embrace and settle into the EXPERIENCE they were offering. One of which, I am sure, that if seen again, would be as good as the first time but different in the details consumed. So note this: if you are contemplating a Portugal The Man concert, I ask you, “Do you want to “Live In The Moment?” For More Information On Portugal The Man Click Here.
Portugal. The Man – Live In The Moment (Official Video)
