Those tortured indie kids out there often overlook everything but twee or emo, even though the members of Quasi have resumes up the wazoo. Superhuman-robot drummer Janet Weiss can be found on the lineup of indie-giant Sleater-Kinney, and Sam Coomes played with the fairly spectacular Elliott Smith. Good to know, then, that the love never fizzled with this ex-couple,.

When the Going Gets Dark places Quasi at a transitioning point for a band that hit its stride in the clever-sad-pop game, taking a wide turn toward the more experimental corner of the rock world. David Fridmann, producer on both Sleater-Kinney’s last outing and Dark, may be responsible. Fridmann breaks down the oh-so-clever songwriting of Quasi’s past and lets loose Weiss’ and Coomes’ musical talents. The structure may not be as tight in these uncharted territories — but these indie veterans know what they are doing. Just hold on for the ride.