Live Review: Portugal. The Man + La Luz @ The Eastern, Atlanta - December 9, 2025

Chris Collett
Dec 11, 2025
2 min read

Portugal. The Man - Photo by Chris Collett

Atlanta felt colder than usual on Tuesday night, but you would never know it once you stepped inside The Eastern to see Portugal. The Man on their current Denali Tour. The show was completely sold out, and the crowd filled the room early for a night that moved between laid-back grooves and big, room-shaking moments.

La Luz opened the night with a smooth, focused set. Their blend of psychedelic tones, harmonies, and steady rhythms set the mood without trying to steal the spotlight. It was a warm, steady lead-in to the night and the kind of opener that lets you settle into the atmosphere while still paying attention to everything happening on stage.

Portugal. The Man’s arrival shifted the atmosphere immediately. For anyone newer to the band, Portugal. The Man formed in 2004 in Wasilla Alaska before relocating to Portland Oregon, building a career on experimental rock that eventually broke through to mainstream audiences with their massive hit Feel It Still. Over more than two decades they have moved comfortably between indie rock, alt sounds, and textured experimental work, always finding new ways to reinvent their live show.

Their 2025 set reflects that evolution, especially with songs from their newest record SHISH, released November 7, 2025. The album is rooted heavily in their Alaskan identity, with tracks like Denali and Tanana pulling from real places and memories tied to their home state. The material blends atmospheric textures with grounded storytelling, and hearing some of those songs live brought a different kind of weight to the room.

Portugal. The Man - Glide 12/9/25 Atlanta, GA

The band moved through the night with confidence, mixing the newer SHISH tracks with familiar crowd favorites. John Gourley kept his presence calm but locked in, letting the visuals, guitars, and rhythm section fill the space around him. The Eastern felt alive the entire time, with the sold out crowd singing back and staying with the band through every shift in tempo.

Outside it was freezing. Inside it felt like the entire city had piled into one room to warm up together. Portugal. The Man and La Luz delivered a solid show that matched the mood of the night perfectly and proved why this tour has been selling out across the country.

Portugal. The Man - Setlist 12/9/25