Shish is the tenth studio album by the American rock band Portugal. The Man. It was released on November 7, 2025, by Thirty Tigers and KNIK Records.
Composition and lyrics Portugal. The Man lead singer John Gourley commented that "Shish" is "survival, connection, and ambition. Rural life with moments of danger and absurdity, like dirt bikes, smokers, gunfire, and video games. The repeated line ‘we can be family’ pushes against isolation, reaching for something solid". Gourley also commented on "Tanana", simply stating it "voices a generational sadness, searching for fleeting meaning in a world on edge."
Release and promotion Shish was released on November 7, 2025 on Thirty Tigers. The album was preceded by two singles; "Denali" and "Tanana/Mush". The album is being followed by a tour dubbed as the Denali Tour, that began on the date of the album's release.
Reception
Writing for AllMusic, critic Matt Collar wrote it "feels as personal as anything Gourley has done, a kaleidoscopic sonic homage to Alaska", concluding John Gourley "has made an album that evokes the Teutonic permafrost wilderness, dreamscapes, and lonely small town punk-kid spirit that gave birth to Portugal. The Man."
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from Bandcamp.
Portugal. The Man John Gourley – vocals, guitar, Fender 6, synthesizers, acoustic guitar, programming, piano, production Zoe Manville – vocals, rapping Kyle O'Quin – string arrangement, cello
Additional contributors Kane Ritchotte – production, engineering, drums, Wurlitzer, bass, guitar, programming, Mellotron, organ, synthesizers, acoustic guitar, Moog, percussion, Enner John Congleton – mixing Nick Reinhart – guitar, bass Randy Merrill – mastering Kyle Smith – engineering Edgar McRae – engineering Zach Bloomstein – engineering Dani Bell – vocals, whistles, Omnichord Sam Gellerstein – trombone David Marion – vocals Malcolm McRae – vocals Dylan Rieck – cello Asa Taccone – vocals Jared Tankel – saxophone, baritone saxophone Ryan Wiggins – trumpet
References