There’s been a lot of buzz about this band’s new album around here, especially with Jason calling it one of the best of the year so far.
I’d only heard the first two singles until they performed on KCRW yesterday and I can confirm they have put together a fantastic collection of songs for “In the Mountain in the Cloud”.
According to frontman John Gourley, it was no easy task. They scrapped early material and went back into the studio until they got it right. He admits they felt some pressure being on the same label that has released recordings by Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, but said Atlantic was entirely supportive of their creative process. That’s a rare sentiment these days and was great to hear.
Gourley also talks about the hazards of living in Alaska’s bitter cold and more in the interview. He’s a charming guy and it only made me like the band more – as did Jason mentioning that the band reminded him of T Rex. It was the eye-opening comparison that totally hit the nail on the head and explained my attraction to these tunes (I’m a huge T Rex fan)
If you missed the session, please check it out here. It’s worth your time. They even brought a cellist and violinist!
RR
Portugal . The Man Live on KCRW
So American
The Man Floating (Time Isn’t Working By My Side)
Senseless
Got It All (This Can’t Be Living Now)
All Your Light (Times Like These)
Sleep Forever
I’d Rather Go Blind