Released 20 years ago
When the Going Gets Dark
Quasi · 2006
42 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A gritty blend of lo-fi indie rock and sardonic lyrics that encapsulates the struggles of modern life.
Top tracks — play these first
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When the Going Gets Dark — This title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of struggle and resilience, combining poignant lyrics with a catchy melody that reflects Quasi's signature sound.
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Poverty Sucks — With its biting commentary on socioeconomic issues, this track stands out for its raw energy and sharp wit, showcasing the band's ability to address serious topics through engaging music.
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Death Culture Blues — This track exemplifies Quasi's knack for blending melancholy with humor, using clever wordplay to critique societal norms while maintaining an infectious rhythm that draws listeners in.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines gritty instrumentation with sardonic lyrics, reflecting modern struggles but lacks strong cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a driving tempo with distorted guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
- Several songs feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as transitioning from quiet verses to explosive choruses, creating tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- raw emotional landscapes
- short bursts of energy
- melancholic melodies with urgency
- cathartic reflections on life
Maybe skip if you
- seek polished production
- prefer lengthy instrumental pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When the Going Gets Dark is Quasi's fifth studio album, released in January 2006. At this point in their career, the band had established themselves within the indie rock scene, following their previous album, Hot Shit, which was released in 2003. This record continued to showcase their evolution while reflecting on themes of disillusionment.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sleater-Kinney· The Thermals· Pavement
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Alice the Goon 4:15
- 2 The Rhino 2:35
- 3 When the Going Gets Dark 4:05
- 4 I Don't Know You Anymore 2:59
- 5 Peace and Love 2:44
- 6 Beyond the Sky 4:02
- 7 Presto Change-O 3:07
- 8 Poverty Sucks 3:23
- 9 Merry X-Mas 5:42
- 10 Death Culture Blues 4:51
- 11 Invisible Star 5:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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