American Ghetto - Portugal. The Man

A little more structured than past CDs and unlike Censored Colors, there is distinct separation between each song. The separation could also be attributed to the constant genre swapping that seems to be going on. Power chords and synth give way to a passion pit-esque 70s style throwback, and by the end of the American Ghetto, you will be left wondering where this band could possibly be heading next.

Tracks:
1. The Dead Dog- An airy rhythm winds its way through the background while John Gourley takes center stage as both the guitarist and vocalist. No real strong feeling either way towards this song.

2. Break- Easily the weakest track on the entire CD. I'm not really sure what Portugal was trying to accomplish here. The piano that begins at 0:31 has a decent enough tune but it never amounts to anything solid. Break ends up acting as an opening for track three, which begs asking why they didn't just combine the two.

3. 60 Years- So far my favorite track. A slow pickup coming off track 2 gives way to a solid song that focuses on a winding synth and fairly catchy guitar riff during the chorus.

4. All My People- Starts with a very strong beat accentuated by the twang of a guitar. Gourley soon steps in and the chorus begins. Once again, a solid performance as the vocalist and guitarist makes this track a definite keeper.

5. 1000 Years- Power chords pervade this loose track. The sound of Gourley's voice hearkens back to Portugal's older tracks such as MK80 The Wolf. The weak beat is the only thing that keeps this track down.

6. Fantastic Pace- Censored Colors makes its triumphant return. A Loose piano based rhythm leads to a Hendrix-esque guitar riff that sadly lasts only a few seconds. By far the most depressing song on the album. Gourley tells a tale of isolation that is betrayed by the more neutral feeling of the song itself.

7. The Pushers Party- The opening is reminiscent of the spaghetti-western style of most Fleet Foxes songs, yet this soon changes into its own entity, constantly morphing and twisting. A mix of strong guitar riffs and drum beats help to boost Gourley's voice into the spotlight and create a very strong track.

8. Do What We Do- Gourley sings a song of rebellion but does so in the calmest manner possible. A strong (if not repetitive) chorus cuts in every few seconds, giving the track a very solid foundation. Once again the focus shifts towards the singing and away from the other instruments, although the synth adds a nice backdrop.

9. Just A Fool- The slowest song on the album. The synth really creates a nice structure for this track. Notes wind in and out providing something for Gourley to chase. It sound's like an empty MGMT song. That isn't saying that there is anything wrong with it, there just isn't much going on.

10. Some Men- The opening consists of a mournful wail that sounds very much like Ecstasy by JJ. The emphasis soon moves to the guitar and Gourley's singing. The synth helps guide this track to its eventual close.

11. When The War Ends- A strong guitar riff serves as intro, and soon a 70s-era keyboard cuts in. A faded background drumbeat shifts the focus away from the keyboard and the chorus begins. It sounds as if Portugal has been listening to some Passion Pit, and despite the aged sound of this song, it definitely comes off well.