Who? The alt-country-electro duo known as Astronautalis is the brainchild of a Florida-based musician who goes by the alias of the same name and his producer, Radical Face.

What's the Deal? Astronautalis' sophomore album, The Mighty Ocean and Nine Dark Theaters, features songs about making out, Gary Newman, and life's daily punches, and it boasts layers of unconventional instruments -- a dryer for drums, a milk jug for a mega-phone, and mechanical tools -- that adeptly highlight Astronautalis raspy raps.

Fun Fact: Astronautalis once recorded vocals in the back of Tim Armstrong's (Rancid, Operation Ivy, the Transplants) tour bus while on the Van's Warped Tour. MONIQUE LAVIE

Now Hear This:
Astronautalis - "Meet Me Here Later" (Download MP3)

Talk: Would you meet Astronautalis here later? COMMENT

On the Web: Astronautalis at myspace.com