Drummer-vocalist Paul Christensen and guitarist-singer Matt Cronk initially formed Qui in Los Angeles in 2000 and released a debut album, Baby Kisses in 2003. But it was with the addition of former Jesus Lizard- Scratch Acid lead singer David Yow in late 2006 that Qui officially solidified into a formidable rock trio. Their initial single, “Today, Gestation,” announced the gameplan: a solid, punk-metal rhythm section that can easily swing while the guitars twist into jazzy improvisations, leaving room for Yow’s stream-of-consciousness rants that range from surreal to torrents of frustration. “Gash,” “Freeze” and “New Orleans” are closer to the Jesus Lizard attack, percussive, driving and unrelentingly dark. Frank Zappa’s “Willie the Pimp” is turned inside-out with a brute force that punishes the riff while Yow scrapes his larynx on the pavement. No one will ever accuse Qui of going soft or turning mellow. However, an unexpected quick cover (six and a half minutes as opposed to 20-plus) of Pink Floyd’s 1971 masterwork, “Echoes,” ends the album on a progressive note that even includes (gasp!) harmonies.