Photo by Nate Slevin
Touring on the strength of their sixth LP, In The Mountain In The Cloud, the prolific Portugal. The Man hit Terminal 5 in the midst of CMJ week to play what became the largest show of their skyrocketing career.
Singer John Gourley and guitarist Zach Carothers thanked the raucous crowd a number of times during the set and the entire band was blown away by the sheer size and wild adoration of the fans. “When we booked this venue we honestly didn’t think we could do this,” Gourley remarked. “This is the biggest show we’ve ever played. Terrifying!”
The band offered up a setlist heavy with tracks from their latest effort, but almost evenly peppered with tunes from 2009’s The Satanic Satanist. Even a few choice covers made their way through, kicking off with The Beatles “Helter Skelter”. Perhaps in a nod towards the glam influences on the new disc, the boys launched into a mid-set rendition of Bowie’s “All The Young Dudes”. Later on, during the encore, this time perhaps just for fun, they segued easily from The Satanic Satanists‘ “People Say” straight into Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back In Anger”.
They love New York. They promised to return soon and often. Let’s hope they make good.
[nggallery id= 289]
