The crowd for Portugal. The Man was small but mighty on this Friday night. Nearly everyone in the crowd looked to be in their twenties or thirties and it was one of the calmer crowds of people I’ve been in recently. Both bands took time to focus on the concept of land acknowledgment (as they were literally in the land of Indians), something Portugal. Is known to do at their shows.
Mírala Cómo Se Mueve
Reyna Tropical is a super fun and refreshing opening act, whose sound incorporates Latin and African rhythms interspersed with indie rock.
The track “Como Fuego” captures the stage presence and personality of eponymous frontwoman Fabi Reyna perfectly. Reyna’s performance unapologetically celebrated the LGBTQ+ community, with a specific focus on inclusivity and self-expression.
The Only Faith We Have Is Faith in Us
Attending a Portugal. The Man concert is an experience that transcends the typical live music event. As the lights dimmed and the crowd eagerly awaited the band’s arrival, a palpable energy filled the air, hinting at the musical odyssey that was about to unfold. The average listener (aka me) mostly knows the more poppy, upbeat section of their catalogue, but we were treated to a heavier, more introspective experience live.
From the moment the first notes rang out on their cover/mashup of Dopesmoker and Heart of the Sunrise (nods to the bands Sleep and Yes, respectively), the audience was swept up in the band’s infectious energy and innovative sound. Portugal. The Man seamlessly blended elements of psychedelic rock, indie, and electronic music, creating a mesmerizing tapestry that kept the crowd captivated throughout the performance.
Visually, they are fairly heavy-handed with the use of fog (conc.art’s resident photographer notably said it was one of “the most challenging sets he’s ever shot”) and their kaleidoscopic colored lights were just the right amount of moody and deep. I really liked the usage of older-style camera tech that played grainy, 90s home video style live footage that featured both closeups of the band as well wider, panning shots of the audience.
The band’s ability to effortlessly transition between upbeat, dance-inducing tracks such as their major hit “Feel it Still” and more introspective, reflective numbers like “So Young” was truly impressive. Each song was delivered with a level of passion and authenticity that seemed to resonate deeply within the audience.
What truly set this concert apart was the band’s genuine connection with the crowd. Portugal. The Man’s frontman, John Gourley, effortlessly engaged the audience, encouraging them to sing along and lose themselves in the music. This shared experience created a sense of community and unity that elevated the performance to a truly transcendent level.
The Good
-We love a queer, bilingual opening act!!
The Not-as-Good
-That fog onstage during Portugal. The Man’s set was 2-hour-school-delay heavy