Portugal. The Man

Alaska-bred Portugal. The Man may be the weirdest band to spring from last decade's post-hardcore scene. Formed by singer/guitarist John Gourley and bassist Zack Carothers after the demise of Anatomy of a Ghost, Portugal quickly became the oddest band on the screamo package tours — thanks to Gourley's slinky vocals and quirky atmospheric songwriting style, a hybrid of everything from indie pop to psychedelic rock to smooth '70s soul. The group's new and sixth full-length, American Ghetto, injects more of a modern R&B feel into the production, though there's still a strong organic — and at times even Beatlesque — vibe. Portugal may have confused a few scene kids during the band's crazy journey so far, but the ride's been worth it.