Quasi @ Captain's Rest, 28 May

To say there are ‘only’ two bands on tonight would be a mistake. Quasi, troubadors of indie rock’s old young team, and Dead Meadow, masters of psychedelic rock and pals of Fugazi, are quite enough.

Dead Meadow’s Jason Simon (nephew of The Wire creator, David Simon- fan fact*) contributes minimal yet effective vocals, concentrating on the thick, powerful guitar tones and dirty bass reminiscent of QOTSA stoner rock in its prime. Not ones for masses of stage chat or meandering, the LA via DC outfit kick out riff after riff of Sabbath proportions and Mascis-style solos, with drummer Stephen McCarthy’s set-ending solo bringing froth to the mouth of anyone who has ever trawled eBay for that perfect vintage Vistalite.

Quasi are comparatively less heavy, but still tight as you like, having been on tour since February. Janet Weiss lays into her signature beats, deceptively complicated and dynamic, yet solid as a brick wall, whilst providing surprisingly hefty voice live. Sam Coomes’ vocal is raw and ramshackle but fittingly emotive throughout, melodies arranged around expertly executed guitar hooks. Despite a few potentially dodgy harmonies early in the set, the trio plough through a confident mix of material, American Gong’s Little White Horse and Bye Bye Blackbird sitting especially well amongst older tracks. No stranger to a bit of repetition, the nigh experimental jams of earlier albums are well-suited to a live setting, reassuring all present that the Portland team still have a hell of a lot of fight left in them.