After way too long, Qui is back, Qui has a new album, and Qui has resumed playing as the duo they started as, all of which means the world is finally balancing a bit more in the correct direction. (Although the Jesus Lizard’s David Yow isn’t singing with them now, he sure came up with some distinctive cover art.) And in 2014, Qui is into probably their most fascinating musical moment yet—yes, the sludge that they sludge so well is of course still bubbling and oozing, but their latest Life, Water, Living … is shot through with all kinds of unpredictable Zappoid melodies and outré inspirations. (Maybe some Minutemen in there, maybe even some Mr. Bungle, too?) Some bands make albums, Qui makes mazes. They play tonight with Santa Ana’s Half Goon, who smother their hooks in waves of AmRep-style noise.
Thu., March 13, 9 p.m., 2014
