John Gourley of Portugal. the Man (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)
New music Fridays gave us the highly anticipated album from Portland (by way of Alaska) indie darlings Portugal. The Man. What better way to celebrate than by hosting two shows in our amazing city. The first more intimate show took place on Saturday at The Bluebird Theater (probably not as cozy as their Larimer show a few years ago) with the second of two taking place at Red Rocks. We had a chance to check out the show at Red Rocks with amazing opening performances from Car Seat Head Rest (although their set was cut to 5-6 songs), Local Natives who captured the crowds energy right off the bat with songs from their newest album. The mood was set for John Gourley and company as the lights went dark and the Righteous Brother's "Unchained Melody" blared as the band began to settle in.
Opening with a cover of Metallica's "For Whom The Bell Tolls", into their customary mash up of "Another Brick In The Wall/Purple. Yellow, Red and Blue", the band tore through an almost two hour set of classics such as "Modern Jesus", "So American" and encore "Atomic Man". Throw in a cover of Oasis's "Don't Look Back At Anger" which highlighted the famous falsetto of John Gourley to give it a new dimension. The show was highlighted heavily by material off their new album that just dropped Friday Woodstock. The radio friendly and early nominee for catchiest song of the summer "Feel The Still" went over pretty well with the 9,500 plus in attendance. The two night Denver stay proved to be worthy for a band that reminded us all of why Red Rocks is the best venue in the world.
Words and photos: Robert Castro
