The best band names give an indication of a band’s sound. However, for a growing group of artists, monikers that add a dash of mystery to their image have become popular, despite their curious nature. Such is the case with Wasilla, Alaska’s Portugal the Man, who performs at Soma today, Nov. 20. Fondly looking back at the mid-1970s era of the rock superstar, the quartet decided on a name that had a bit of grandeur. “We wanted something for people to reference that really stood out, like Bowie or Elton,” said the band’s guitarist, John Baldwin Gourley. “Namewise, we were looking back at an incredible era of music and talent that will never come around again. But, we also really liked the idea of a name that was almost an alter ego for us. Naming ourselves after a country was as far as we could take it,” he said. After five albums and continual touring, the band’s logo has become more established, but band members occasionally find themselves branded a progressive rock group like Genesis or ELP. “I think that’s hilarious,” said Gourley. “We’re just a rock ’n’ roll band. But, we’re lucky enough to be able to jump around stylistically.” For him, changes in the group’s sound are key to the band’s success. “Our crowds are very diverse. You really notice it at festival dates,” Gourley said. “We seem to draw everything from kids to grandparents 65 years old. I think that stems from the fact that we very consciously set out to make a different album each time we go into the studio. We try not to get tied down to any one genre, but basically we’re a rock band,” he said. Currently touring behind their album “Censored Colors,” the group is already working on its next CD, with pre-production set for December. “These days you have to move pretty quickly to stay in the public eye,” Gourley said. The band tours year-round and has attracted a growing audience in Europe. As enjoyable as stateside shows are, Gourley concedes that overseas crowds have an edge, “because in a lot of ways the music scene isn’t as controlled by major labels. Our band is just one example. We’re not a large part of the music industry, but we still get amazing press and are treated as if we’re much bigger than we probably are,” he said. Though Portugal the Man are regular world travelers, they share the same complaint as most touring musicians — though they are in exotic locales, they rarely get to see much beyond their hotel and club site. “That is a little disappointing sometimes,” said Gourley. “We’re usually so busy that there is little time to take in much more than a quick nap before we go onstage,” Gourley said. One notable exception is San Diego. Having performed in the area numerous times, the group has struck up a friendship with local rockers Dirty Sweet. “We’ve been invited to guitarist Mark Marino’s place near the ocean a few times,” Gourley said. “So sitting on the beach and grabbing a burrito at Los Dos is something we look forward to.” The hospitality was returned with an invitation for Marino to perform on the track “Out and In” on their latest album. “It’s the only guitar solo heard on the record,” Gourley said. For Gourley, world travel is secondary to interacting with new friends. “That’s what I like the most about being part of Portugal the Man,” said Gourley. “We get to meet some great people on the road and we play some music here and there.” Portugal the Man performs at Soma, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., today, Nov. 20. For more information, visit www.somasandiego.com.