Evil Friends

Portugal. The Man’s have crafted their best album yet with Evil Friends proving itself to be a great piece of indie-rock.

The Portland band extends themselves into the territory of pop rock anthems whilst still firmly entrenched in the indie stronghold. Their album is a breakthrough as their ability to compose grand choruses in ‘Atomic Man’ and ‘Hip Hop Kids’ engages thousands and makes their sound more impressive.

Danger Mouse’s production talent is  immediately noticeable as each track glistens with falsetto-induced anthemic choruses, upbeat rhythms, synth lines and great instrumentality. The record hums on wailing, reverberated powerful guitar hooks, steady rhythms and soothing piano harmonies.

Frontman John Gourley’s tenor o is breathtaking and his vocals shine over pristine fretwork on the guitars as the combination is heaven to the ears like in ‘Waves’.

Lyrically Evil Friends focuses on the theme of truth, revolving around relationships and in faith in a silhouette of self-depreciation and colour.

‘Modern Jesus’ is a bright groovy track that questions our savior ‘the only faith we have is faith in us’. the eponymous track  is blunt with the line ‘I’m not evil/I just don’t like to pretend that I could ever be your friend’.

Evil Friends is an album that should propel Portugal. The Man to the indie rock glory they deserve.

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