Recording information: MegaSonic, Oakland (02/2007-07/2007); Third Ear, Minneapolis, MN (02/2007-07/2007).

Author: Marilyn Hacker.

The difficult-to-categorize outfit Why? put out one of its most cohesive, consistent, and engaging efforts with 2008's ALOPECIA. A staple for the ever-adventurous Anticon label, Why? offers up their usual blend of hip-hop, indie rock, and experimental elements, but also opt for a more organic approach, sacrificing their usual samplers for a live, full-band sound. Yet Why?'s eclectic musical approach keeps things from ever sounding conventional, as does Doseone's inventive, half-sung, half-rapped vocals. Best of all, ALOPECIA has strong tunes, so the band's experimentalism is balanced by accessibility.