Portage

Portage is a folky rock group out of northern Minnesota; the style of music is interesting, with a large combination of instruments and creative transitions.  The vocals are kind of soulful and bluesy.  The closest-sounding other group I have heard is Wake Owl (incidentally out of nearby Winnipeg), although Portage is louder and less contemplative and acoustic.  It took a few listens for their recent album, "Landings", to grow on me, but I think it is a significant improvement from their earlier album.  It uses a lot of cool piano riffs, and some nice variations in dynamics.  You can stream their music on their bandcamp site.  If you like some funk, check out the track "Down to the Floor"...normally I don't like that influence, but it works well with this song.