Now 45 years into their career, Canadian rock outfit 54-40 release their 16th studio album, Porto, named after the beautiful Portuguese city where they recorded the 11 new songs. As fans undoubtedly expected, it sounds less like veterans looking back and more like a band still chasing the spark, a tight unit trusting instinct and feel, leaning into immediacy. They deliver hooky, road-ready rock music (including La la la-la’s and Ohh ohh’s) with infectious riffs and thoughtful undercurrents, but also quieter moments that are comfortable with reflection—without losing momentum.

There’s a sense of motion throughout—geographic, emotional, creative—that gives the record its charge. The lyrics are about self-reckoning and liberation, with a persistent tension between systems that numb or confine and the human urge to grow, feel, and choose meaning anyway. It’s solid 54-40 in spirit, eager in execution, still showing up with something to say.

Porto—produced by Warne Livesey—is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP, through Smilin Budda Enjoyment Complex. Featuring Neil Osborne (guitar, lead vocals), Dave Genn (lead guitar), Brad Merritt: (bass), and Matt Johnson (drums), with valuable contributions from David Osborne (keyboard).

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