Portugal
Blind Owl, 2020
8/10
A duo comprised of Zach Polletta and Sean Nowland, as Puerto the pair bring us 6 tracks of highly tuneful, extremely sunny and pop friendly surf rock that borrows from jazz and classic rock, too.
“Call The Doctor” starts the listen with precise guitar from Polletta and Nowland’s proficient drumming interacting playfully with a laid back groove, and “It’s Too Late” follows with a scrappy garage-rock feeling amid a shimmering quality that’s as memorable as it is frisky.
In the middle, “Playday” moves calmly with an undeniably retro feel, while “On The Lawn” births melodies that would make even Brian Wilson smile. At the end, “Lineas” exits with an ambitious instrumental that sounds indebted to the ‘60s as the two work together dynamically and meticulously.
Amazingly, Puerto have only been a band for 2 years, and they’re off to a fantastic start with this rhythmic, feel good debut that sounds just like where they reside- the Southern California coast. Whether you’re a surf enthusiast or just enjoy reverb, soaring guitars solos and a firm beat, Portugal will be a nice fit.
Travels well with: Dry Reef- Daychange; Slightly Stoopid- Everyday Life, Everyday People