Musical Whiplash.

Following their recent EP release, uLu Selects Vol #2, which was released several months ago, Portugal. The Man has released their new album SHISH on November 7th of this year. Their previous EP release was reminiscent of their older sound, which can be heard from their hit song “Feel It Still,” but this release is a full 180 from their chill indie sound. SHISH leans on a hard-hitting rock sound, meshing sounds of hardcore, indie and rock together into one cohesive album.

SHISH opens up with a menacing electronic introduction on “Denali.” This track has distorted bass and guitar as well as a catchy melody. This is a powerful track that would be the perfect way to open up a concert. “Pittman Ralliers” is a very aggressive track that feels a lot more hardcore than indie rock. The vocals on this one are quite distorted and are followed by a synth outro that abruptly interrupts the track and brings the energy down, only to lead into “Angoon.” This is a track that kicks off with an acoustic Spanish guitar line on top of an electronic beat and the band’s usual whispery vocals. “Angoon” gives a false sense of chill because once the chorus kicks in, the energy of this one skyrockets only to calm down on the verse again. “Knick” is a slow, dreamy track that also puts the listener into a false dreamlike state that is once again interrupted by a loud rock feel. “Shish” is a groovy track that is easy to bop along to with a fluid bass and drum line. The high-pitched part of the vocal line is off-putting, though. The band then introduces a surf rock feel with “Mush.” This one contains a lot of synths too, showcasing the group’s ability to blend a multitude of different sounds. “Tyonek” brings back the hardcore feel of “Pittman Ralliers” with its intense drums and quick pace. “Kokhanockers” sounds like a callback to the band’s older projects, but a distorted and grainy bass line shifts this track to a heavy sound that eventually circles back to a relaxed acoustic conclusion. “Tanana” also has a calm beginning, but eventually pivots to include all the instruments for a 1970s psychedelic rock feel. The album ends on “Father Gun” with heavy synths, a bright guitar line and loud drums. This one sounds a lot like “Tanana” but transitions to an acoustic, slow bridge. However, the track ends on a hardcore rock note, giving the album a full circle moment in terms of the overall vibe.

SHISH blends elements of rock, hardcore, surf rock and psychedelic rock to make something completely new for Portugal. The Man. While the band has been primarily focused on an indie rock sound, SHISH is a surprising listen for any fan of the band’s work, but a welcome surprise. The band has really evolved and expanded its sound, refusing to be defined by one genre.