Album: Metropolis (Arena Rock)
Why: We're not sure if it's because of its hippie underbelly, relative isolation, or lethal espresso, but the American Northwest has consistently produced its own unique strains of rock and roll. This Portland six-piece proudly carries that nonconformist torch with a throbbing sound that gives equal billing to angst and ambience. The bottle-rocket guitars and military drum work are the obvious starting points, but it's the glichy electronics and moaning strings that make the mood, lending a soft shoulder to the occasional Sonic Youth-style meltdown. With such intense daydreaming. Metropolis may well end up being the make-out album of the fall.
Sounds Like: Latter-day R.E.M., early U2, seventies-era Brian Eno, Bjork, Death Cab for Cutie
Interesting Facts: Guitarist Jeff Gardner is a director of photography who was animated for the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, and violinist and keyboardist Liza Rietz designs clothing for high-end boutiques.
Download This: "The Mark," "Savage Republic," "Land Speed Record," "The Product of Harm"