You would be hard pressed to find a band that symbolizes Portland, Oregon, better than Audios Amigos. The membership of this instrumental supergroup has been proudly grinding out their dues in notable local bands such as Don't and Thee Headliners for years, and this punk pedigree ensures that a razor's edge is always present in their spaghetti-western-meets-breezy-surf-rock motifs. Highlighted by intricate rhythms and flourishing guitar interplay, these eclectic dynamics result in a sound that is at once progressive country pastiche, muscular mariachi, and pure Northwest spirituality. In fact, listen to these unique soundscapes and they will provide the perfect backdrop to our rain-swept terrain and silver-hued skies. Better yet, replace the sound from a scene in one of your favorite classic Gus Van Sant films with one of their twangy masterpieces and the aural aesthetic would probably synchronize beautifully. CHRIS SUTTON