When you call your band Under the Influence of Giants, you’re expected to somehow be the sum of your roots, but this L.A. outfit defies easy categorization. As their self-titled debut album bears out, the Giants’ funk-inflected, hook-saturated pop-soul is a combination of the Talking Heads’ African poly-rhythmic groove (“Ah-ha,” “Got Nuthin’”), the ethereal falsettos of Michael Jackson and Prince (“Mama’s Room”), the blue-eyed R&B of Hall & Oates and George Michael (“In the Clouds”), the insinuating melodic pop of Rubber Soul (“Stay Illogical”), Earth, Wind & Fire’s horn-driven, noir-ish funk (“Against All Odds”), McCartney’s winsome balladry (“Lay Me Down”) and even the throbbing beat of post-hip-hop by way of Madonna (“Meaningless Love”).