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In the Mountain in the Cloud - Portugal. The Man
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Paste Magazine
    Jul 21, 2011
    83
    It's encouraging to know both that Portugal. The Man has not lost sight of themselves despite their successes and that their new home at Atlantic will be one that fosters the creative vision the band has become known for.
  2. Beats Per Minute (formerly One Thirty BPM)
    Jul 28, 2011
    80
    Since Incubus' comeback turned out to be a flop, there is certainly a large gap for another rock band to take up the mantle of the act who successfully straddles the artistic and commercial crowds, and with In The Mountain In The Cloud, Portugal. The Man have placed themselves right in it.
  3. All Music Guide
    Jul 21, 2011
    80
    In the Mountain in the Cloud is also the band's most cohesive album, suffering from none of the unevenness that crept into some of their earlier work.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    Jul 15, 2011
    75
    Portugal. The Man's major-label debut is pleasingly progressive, bathing twisting guitar riffs in pscyhedelic suds.
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  5. Rolling Stone
    Aug 16, 2011
    70
    For In the Mountain in the Cloud, they piled on the mascara, set the way-back machine for 1972 and turned out 11 tracks full of vintage glam-rock pouting and preening.
  6. Under The Radar
    Aug 5, 2011
    70
    Though it never quite matches up, the album does an admirable job of working to capture the incredible fun of Portugal's live show. [Jul 2011, p.87]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 21, 2011
    70
    There's nothing wrong with writing four-minute protest songs that relish in the best of their psychedelic influences, but it'll be when Portugal. The Man really unshackle themselves and start writing what they do best that they will establish themselves as a band on par with their forebears.
  8. Consequence of Sound
    Jul 18, 2011
    70
    On this album, the tracks that are lacking in length often sound as if they–well–are lacking in something else as well. Not to say In the Mountain is a poor effort; it merely seems like it would benefit from a bit more development.
  9. Alternative Press
    Jul 12, 2011
    70
    John Gourley gives the envelope a token push but lays back a little too much into his comfort zone; the rest of the band abet him with lucid and calm performances. [Aug 2011, p.118]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Filter
    Jul 28, 2011
    64
    Their first for Atlantic (and sixth overall) is a carefully crafted collection of 11 songs that don't stray from the band's alt-psychedelic formula, yet are a refreshing step forward.
  11. NOW Magazine
    Jul 28, 2011
    60
    Despite interesting bits of psychedelic texture, the album floats around your consciousness without making much of an impression. It's pleasant, but not particularly memorable.
  12. Spin
    Jul 12, 2011
    60
    [John Gourley's] thin, inexpressive singing and gloopy lyrics lack the mumbo-jumbo grandeur of Marc Bolan, an obvious influence.
  13. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Aug 3, 2011
    40
    With a bevy of somewhat indistinguishable tunes, a production aesthetic that keeps everything front, center, and earsplitting is a problem.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. mantle52ball
    10
    I really like this band and this album does not disappoint. Has some really catchy lyrics and great vocals. Some of his vocals remind me of the Beatles and give some real nice tone to the songs and gives some real classic sounds.… Full Review »
  2. Klienya
    8
    If the Beatles were still together today, I’d imagine they’d sound a bit like this. Portugal is very experimental, blending occasional acoustic instrumentals with very layered and synthesized electronics. Gourley’s vocals are haunting when paired with the wafting psychedelic music. It all has a very surreal atmosphere like you might find in acid house or trance music. The vocals and instrumentals are very explorative, employing different techniques and mediums in each song from clean electric guitars to layered, distorted choruses and loops. The lyrics fit well with the feel of the music but aren’t anything special in themselves, as the focus is primarily on the instrumentals with only a moderate amount of consideration given to the lyrical progression. The music isn’t without flaws, the most noticeable being the low buzzing throughout many of the songs due to heavy distortion and feedback (probably intentional, but it gets irritating after a while). It’s evident that Portugal put a lot of time and creative effort into their music, treating it like a masterpiece instead of just a radio single like so many musicians do these days. I’m not sure if I should compare their music to art or a drug trip.... perhaps the best comparison would be to Salvador Dalí’s work.… Full Review »
  3. ns151
    8
    Best of their work so far, no question. It rarely ever misses the mark, and its high points more than make up for any of those mistakes. The closer "Sleep Forever" is a truly awesome track.… Full Review »
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