In 1990, Coomes, Weiss, and Brad Pedinov formed the band Motorgoat. The band released two self-released cassettes and one 7" single before dissolving in 1993. Quasi started recording as a duo in 1993. They played with various additional musicians in early live appearances, but eventually settled on playing live as a duo as well. They self-recorded and self-released a cassette and a CD in 1993. They recorded R&B Transmogrification in the Portland band Pond's basement recording studio and released it on Up Records in 1997. They released two more albums with Up: Featuring "Birds" in 1998 and Field Studies in 1999; both albums were recorded at Jackpot Studios in Portland, Oregon.
In 1998 and 1999 they toured the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Japan opening for and serving as the backup band for Elliott Smith (who Coomes had played with in Heatmiser) as well as touring on their own in the U.S. and Europe. In 2001 They home-recorded The Sword of God and released it on Touch & Go. Quasi had been somewhat political since its inception, but their opposition to the 2003 Invasion of Iraq showed through in a straight-forward way with the release of Hot Shit! in 2003, particularly in the songs "White Devil's Dream" and "Master and Dog." When the Going Gets Dark followed in 2006, released on Touch & Go in the U.S. and Domino Records in Europe, as with Hot Shit!.
In Spring 2009, the band announced that they had signed to the Kill Rock Stars label, and were due to release their already recorded next album in the latter half of the year. That album, entitled American Gong, was released February 23, 2010 to generally favorable reviews. It was their first and only album to feature third member Joanna Bolme. Following a tour of Japan, Europe, and the United States in support of the full length, Bolme left the band. A duo again, Sam and Janet are recording material for a new album.
Under a Cloud
Quasi Lyrics
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And looked back down like it's some kind of eye.
"I've got nothing to hide," I said out loud,
But I feel much better when I'm under a cloud.
So I climbed up the hill of all I've destroyed,
And looked out into the gaping void.
But all I could do was stand & stare,
Though just one more step could have taken me there.
Someday soon.
The opening stanza of Quasi's song "Under a Cloud" presents an interesting contrast between the singer's defiance and insecurity. The reference to the summer sun standing up and looking down emphasizes its omnipotence. The singer takes exception to this supposed authority by declaring that they have nothing to hide. Interestingly, this declaration is made out loud, indicating a certain level of bravery, but the following line betrays their vulnerability. The singer admits to feeling much better when under a cloud. This could have two interpretive strands; first, the safety that a cloud provides with its cover from the scorching heat of the sun or second, the relief of being free from the scrutiny of the supposedly all-knowing celestial body.
The next lines involve a climb up the hill, and it is clear that whatever has been destroyed has caused some sense of guilt or regret. The singer is looking out into an empty void, yet they cannot bring themselves to take the final step. This could represent a fear of death or the fear of confronting the self. The final two lines offer a glimmer of hope for the singer's existential struggle. The idea that we'll meet beyond the moon is laden with spiritual connotations. A future beyond the physical realm evokes a sense of comfort and belonging. The idea of someday soon is also significant as it could imply that the hope of this future state is urgent, and the singer is striving towards some kind of redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
The summer sun stood up in the sky
The sun rose high up in the sky
And looked back down like it's some kind of eye
Looking like a giant eye, the sun overlooked everything beneath it
"I've got nothing to hide," I said out loud
I announced to no one in particular that I had no secrets
But I feel much better when I'm under a cloud
Despite having no secrets, I feel more comfortable when I am hidden from plain sight
So I climbed up the hill of all I've destroyed
I went up a mountain of all the damage and destruction I have caused
And looked out into the gaping void
From the mountain, I stared out into an empty and vast space
But all I could do was stand & stare
I was immobilized and could only keep staring at the emptiness
Though just one more step could have taken me there
Despite being stuck, one more step could have led me closer to the void
Oh, someday we'll meet beyond the moon -
Some day in the future, we will see each other beyond the literal bounds of the moon
Someday soon.
That day is coming soon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SAMUEL J. COOMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind