📍 ACL Live — Dec. 12, 2025
Written by Perrin Boyd
Portugal. The Man has long been one of those bands that transcends the casual listen, evolving from indie rock darlings to a force that commands stages with effortless charisma and energy. This past Friday night at the historic ACL Live in Austin, Texas, they brought their DENALI Tour to town, fresh off the release of their latest album, SHISH. It marked my fifth time catching them live, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that Portugal. The Man is an absolute must-see act. Sure, the masses might flock to them thanks to that infectious 2017 hit "Feel It Still," which catapulted them into mainstream stardom, but I've always been drawn to their deeper cuts. The ones that showcase their ability to rock hard and hypnotize a crowd. Tracks like "Atomic Man" have been staples in my playlist for years, though I was a bit bummed they skipped it this time around. Still, from the moment the lights dimmed, the band seized control of the venue, turning the intimate yet grand ACL Live into a pulsating rock haven. Their knack for taking over a show, no matter the size of the stage, never fails to fascinate me, and they did exactly that, leaving the building shaking with their signature blend of psychedelia and punch.
As the grungy guitar riff of the intro to "Denali" sliced through the air, I felt that familiar rush and instantly knew this was going to be a night to remember. The crowd, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers lured by the buzz around SHISH, erupted in cheers as frontman John Gourley and the band dove headfirst into the new material. The first half of the setlist was dedicated entirely to tracks from the album. SHISH represents a fresh evolution in their sound, blending gritty rock foundations with soaring, catchy harmonies that stick in your head. Songs like "Angoon," "Knik," and “Tyonek” echoed the Alaskan wilderness themes woven throughout the album.
Central to Portugal. The Man's magic is frontman John Gourley, whose creative genius seems limitless, paired with the band's unwavering commitment to authenticity. Gourley draws from his Alaskan upbringing to craft lyrics that are both personal and universal: stories of survival, community, and nature. What I've always admired most is how they've evolved across albums without ever selling out. They're outspoken on social issues, from indigenous rights and environmental protection to global conflicts and the ethical dangers of emerging technologies like AI run amok. In an ever-changing world full of noise, they stand firm on their values, using their platform to advocate for justice and the greater good without coming across as lecturing. It's rare to find a band that blends artistic innovation with genuine activism so seamlessly, and Gourley's heartfelt delivery makes it all resonate even more profoundly.
Transitioning smoothly from the new stuff, the setlist opened up to a well-curated mix of tracks spanning their discography, proving why Portugal. The Man remains so versatile. They pulled from fan favorites like "Purple Yellow Red and Blue" off Evil Friends, its funky grooves getting everyone dancing, and "Modern Jesus," a satirical jab at consumerism that still hits hard live. The crowd went wild for "Dummy" from their 2023 release, its electronic rock filling the room with vibrant energy. "Tidal Wave" brought a wave of nostalgia, its anthemic build-up creating a communal sing-along moment. But the highlight for me was when they played "Glide," one of my favorites from their 2025 output.
Visually, the band was just as compelling as they were sonically. The screens pulsed with a wild mix of imagery—everything from futuristic AI visuals to unexpected nods like Michael Jordan—creating a surreal backdrop that mirrored the band’s genre-blurring sound. It was weird, thought-provoking, and perfectly on-brand. Nothing felt random; it all contributed to the immersive experience they’ve mastered over the years.
As the final notes of the “Father Gun” faded and the crowd roared for more, I left ACL Live with that unbeatable post-show happiness. Countless times seeing Portugal. The Man, and each one has topped the last. I could honestly see them 100 more times, and I'm convinced it would only get better, more innovative, more soul-stirring. If the DENALI Tour is hitting your city, don't sleep on it. In a landscape of fleeting trends, Portugal. The Man remains a powerhouse of authentic, exhilarating rock.