School is back in session, which means most of my time lately has been devoted to reading case law and trying to figure out why a certain professor didn't order enough books for a class on political theory.

But I did see Quasi and Explode into Colors back on March 27th at the Doug Fir Lounge. Quasi was having what could be simply described as a "shit night." Lead singer and guitarist Sam Coomes couldn't get his guitar to stay in tune causing drummer Janet Weiss to snap at him a few times. All in all, they were acting like miffed ex-lovers....oh, right, they used to be married to one another.

At one point, Coomes became so frustrated that he threw his guitar at the wall and opted to play a few piano songs instead. Janet's snippy response: "well, I guess we're going to have to pay someone to tune your guitar for you on this tour!" They got through the rest of the set and someone backstage gave him another guitar to use. They closed with "It's Raining," one of my personal favorites, and a ho-hum cover of "I Can See for Miles."

The opening act, local band Explode Into Colors, was a total surprise and played a great, short set. With two percussionists and a female lead singer, they sounded sort of like a tribal Yeah Yeah Yeahs with some old black magic from the Doors sprinkled on top. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.

Labels: music