LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Portugal. The Man, Twin Peaks @ The Strand 02.22.18
Photos & Review Courtesy of: Patrick Moran Photography
Alternative and indie music is slowly becoming the new pop, and with it, bands that have been putting out quality records for 15 years are finally getting the mainstream attention they deserve. Hailing from Wasilla, Alaska, Portugal. The Man were shot directly into the limelight with the release of “Feel It Still”, the first single off their 8th studio album, Woodstock via Atlantic Records. Pop airwaves couldn’t get enough of the catchy tune with vintage vibes, the chorus echoing The Marvelettes 1961 hit “Please Mr. Postman”. The mainstream attention brought Portugal. The Man their first-ever Grammy, winning “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The band took no time off after winning one of the highest honors in music and are back on the road, bringing with them Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks brings about an air of 90’s grunge nostalgia. Clad in baggy denim and other thrift store finds, the Chicago natives took the stage and played like they were just kids jamming in their parents’ garage. It felt good to see a band that genuinely just enjoys playing music, whether it is to 20 people or 2,000. The band were all smiles the whole night, and so were the crowd. Twin Peaks has garnered a rather dedicated fanbase since their formation in 2009, and they certainly showed up tonight. The floor was full of teens dressed like they were on their way to a Nirvana show, singing and dancing along. With the mainstream popularity of Portugal. The Man, it’s probable that many people did not expect this kind of garage band rock for support, but it was a pleasant surprise.
Portugal. The Man have become notorious in the alternative community for their exemplary live performances. Festival-goers raved at their 2017 Bonnaroo late night set, with many calling it the best set of the whole weekend. They certainly did not leave Providence disappointed. The set list pulled from their three most recent albums, all released on Atlantic Records. PTM surprised fans, starting their set with a Metallica cover followed by a Pink Floyd cover before starting into “Purple Yellow Red and Blue”. But two covers wasn’t enough for Portugal. The Man. They ended their set with a Beatles cover, before an encore of “Hip Hop Kids” and “Holy Roller”. If unfamiliar with the rest of PTM’s catalog, many fans may have been taken aback at the heavier rock sound the band bring to their live set. Even “Feel It Still” got a small makeover that takes it from a catchy indie-pop tune to a stadium rock n roll anthem, with heavier drum tracks and guitar riffs. Even if it was not what fans were expecting, Portugal. The Man put on a great show with a stunning light display coming from a projector in front of the stage. The overall experience was something many bands, especially those getting mainstream airtime are able to pull off. PTM does it exceptionally well and its proof of why they have remained successful for over 15 years.
Photos: Portugal. The Man, Twin Peaks at The Strand in Providence, RI – 02.22.18:
