The Mountain Goats are citizens of the world – they’ve toured all over the place. The project, a brainchild of singer-songwriter John Darnielle, originated in California and, for a time, even called Chicago home. They’re an interesting group with very literal songs. In fact, their bio states that many of their songs “involve desperate characters who’ve found themselves in some trouble and want to moan about it a little before taking their lumps…the sexual tension between characters in your average Mountain Goats song could split the atom if the power could be harnessed… but it can’t, so forget it.”

Wanna hear more? You’re in luck. The Mountain Goats are playing at the Portage Theater on North Milwaukee Avenue Wednesday night. Here’s a sampling of what you might hear.