The enigmatic leader of Portugal. The Man, John Baldwin Gourley, was raised in rural Alaska among a family of Alaskan Iditarod dog-sled mushers. This was a rustic upbringing (power-generated home, no phone) that has clearly influenced Gourley’s unique and artistic music—which has much in common with the ambient sound of Mars Volta, yet recalls easy, timeless pop/rock (Beatles, White Stripes) with the addition of a bit of groove-laden retro funk (Santana). The name, too, with its abstract grammar (unnecessary punctuation?) is an indication of the esotericism that distinguishes Portugal. The Man from the others. The release of 2006’s Waiter: You Vultures! (Fearless Records) put the band “on the map”—a cliche which is actually meaningful given that the group hails from remotest Alaska—with its top track “Elephants” catching the ear of rock journalists and, consequently, mainland American listeners too. The sophomore follow-up, Church Mouth, was just released by Fearless at the end of July, occasioning a tour wherein Potugal. The Man played a handful of special preview shows in the homeland before descending upon what Alaskans call the “lower 48.” Also on the evening’s bill are bands This Will Destroy You, the Photo Atlas and the Only Children

Wednesday, August 15 at 7pm. Mohawk Place, 47. E. Mohawk (855-3931)

www.mohawkplace.com. $8