To an aspiring rock band, the thought of creating an album which challenges the fabric of rock music and inspires all who here it with its originality and relevance must equate to some diabolical struggle, or the search for the Holy Grail. Luckily then, when Arkansas trio Portugal. the Man sat down to create their second LP, they had something very different in mind i.e. an album which plays by the books in terms of structure and flow, and stands impenetrable to criticism due to its unwavering determination to follow the rules. With Church Mouth, a twelve track text book tour of soulful blues-rock, that is something like what they have achieved.

Church Mouth opens with its title track and the fantastically soulful Sugar Cinnamon. In these, Portugal. the Man’s energy and playful exuberance take centre stage. The songs jump around, establishing grooves and then turning them on their heads to remarkable effect. In these opening moments, the album is catchy and full of ideas but the band also display their skill at wrapping up before smothering or overdeveloping their songs.

By the time the album reaches its fourth track, My Mind, it is clear that Portugal. the Man have their sights set on creating an eclectic album. The rhythm and blues flavoured rock is set aside in favour of a more laid back and expansive tone. This sweet spot also includes the lazy Americana of Shade and the irresistible rock tango, Dawn. Another evolution takes place about two thirds of the way through when the blues element that has been present from the album’s opening riff becomes its main focus. The heavy guitar driven blues of Bellies are full and Children channel Led Zeppelin with their full bodied riffage. Also notable is the way that these lack the structure changes seen in the earlier tracks. The conscious decision of Portugal. the Man to leave these songs to coast on their own grooves is another sign of their deftness at eluding the confines of formula.

However, despite being full of great tracks, Church Mouth is not without its faults and by far the biggest problems with the album lie with its production. Presumably because they lack a huge recording budget, Portugal. the Man have missed out on the tightness and clarity on which snappy rock music like theirs relies so heavily. Where the vocals should be forceful enough to carry the songs along, they tend to sit back with the rest of the music which itself is uneven and unintentionally loose. The good news is these are problems which will likely be eased as Portugal. the Man continue to make a name for themselves as safe, satisfying albums like this one will help to do.