7/10

After the release of their 2013 album 'Evil Friends', Alaskan rock outfit Portugal. The Man were almost straight back in the studio working on their next release. But after three years of writing and recording their next LP, the band ultimately scrapped the project to embark on a more conceptual idea. Their now eighth studio record 'Woodstock' was inspired by the original 1969 festival, with the band looking to become more politically aware on their latest full-length.

It certainly starts with an obvious callback to the legendary event, using a sample of the Richie Havens classic 'Freedom', before kicking in with the powerful percussion of opening track 'Number One'. From there though the band seem to create a mix blend of inspirations and influences, genre-hopping between traditional rock anthems and a more pop-conscious direction. The result is obviously not as cohesive as we might have expected, but the eclectic release still manages to pull out the odd surprise here and there.

In all, 'Woodstock' may have the air of a concept record about it, but is actually more of an evolution of sound for the group. They have clearly been inspired by the attitudes and legacy of the original festival, and this has given them license to try and push themselves further on this new album.