Former Alaska natives Portugal. The Man just released the music video for their new single 'Evil Friends'. The now Portland OR based indie rockers have been teasing the single/album with hand drawn altered images from various magazines via their Instagram for the past few days.
The album which will be released on June, 4th was produced by former 'Gnarles Barkely' collaborator Danger Mouse, and will be the bands seventh studio album. After speaking with frontman John Gourley a few years back I learned that the goal of the ban is to release a new album every year and eventually achieve a sound that is a blending of Wu Tang and the Beatles. A goal that seems to be getting closer and closer within reach.
The new video was produced by Danger Mouse and directed by Michael Ragen and was shot in the bands home state of Alaska. Shot entirely in night vision the video shows Gourley walking backwards through the snow starts out in common fashion with some light guitars and keyboards backing the front mans surrealist vocals. After a quick intro melody the song takes a darker turn and a faster drum/bass beat accompanies the lyrics.
![Portugal.The Man - Evil Friends [Official Music Video]](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/all/themes/base/images/clicktoplay-large.png "Portugal.The Man - Evil Friends [Official Music Video]")
Without ruining the video completely as it is worth checking out (if not purely to listen to the song), one of the highlights comes at the 2:32 mark where Gourley holds two lights aimed at a long haired rocker who proceeds to head bang furiously for about ten seconds.
If the music video and associated viral images from the bands Instagram are any indication of the style and feel of the new album Portugal. The Man is at risk of both gaining an entirely new fan base and alienating part of the one they already have.
Portugal. The Man will be out at this years Coachella festival playing Saturday April, 13 along with headliners Phoenix and a host of other hipster friendly artists.
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