Portugal. The Man readies second effort

Alaska's favorite sons, PORTUGAL. THE MAN, will see its second full-length CD, "Church Mouth," released July 24 on Fearless Records. The album was produced by Casey Bates (Gatsbys American Dream, Fear Before The March of Flames) and recorded this past February in Seattle, WA.
While this new offering from Portugal. The Man - John Baldwin Gourley (lead vocals, guitars, synthesizers, programming), Zachary Scott Carothers (bass, vocals percussion), and Jason Sechrist (drums, congas, percussion, vocals) - maintains its artistic mix of aurora borealis-avant-indie pop and post-punk, "Church Mouth" paves a new path for the band musically. A departure from 2006's drum-machine and sequencer-heavy "Waiter: You Vultures!," "Church Mouth" is an organic record that transcends genre constraints by managing to recall seemingly disparate acts such as the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the White Stripes, the Mars Volta, and Santana.
Lyrically, the schizophrenic-sounding "Church Mouth" centers on political and religious imagery. From the funky soul-prog feel of "Sugar Cinnamon" (think an updated version of the MC5), to the psychedelic groove of "Oh Lord," to more melody-driven yet equally intense rockers like the title track and "Children," and the hauntingly exquisite "Shade," "Church Mouth" is a versatile disc.
Portugal. The Man's unique sound has its roots firmly in front man/songwriter Gourley's abstract vision and unique upbringing. Gourley was raised in a remote log cabin on the outskirts of Wasilla, Alaska that was powered by a generator and had no phone. His mom and dad doubled as a team of dog sled mushers. Add in an extended period of homelessness, a love of science fiction and a desire to make music that does not sound like every other band, and the genesis of Portugal. The Man was formed.
Gourley and childhood friends Carothers formed PTM in 2003 with Portland, OR's Jason Sechrist joining in 2005. To this day, PTM employs a rotating cast of guest musicians outside of the core three.
Gourley is also an accomplished visual artist having created the stunning artwork for the "Church Mouth" package as well as PTM's previous releases, tour posters, t-shirts and other items.
Portugal. The Man is currently on the road with Poison The Well through mid-May. The band plans to kick off its headlining tour of the U.S. in tandem with the July 24 release of "Church Mouth" with two special concerts in their northern home of Anchorage, Alaska. Complete dates will be announced shortly.
The confirmed track listing for Portugal The Man's "Church Mouth" is as follows:
Church Mouth
Sugar Cinnamon
Telling Tellers Tell Me
My Mind
Shade
Dawn
Oh Lord
Bellies Are Full
Children
The Bottom
Sleeping Sleepers Sleep/Sun Brother