As befits their name, Plague Vendor manufacture a sound that’s unpredictable and unsettling on their second album, By Night (Epitaph Records). “I’m causing commotion in an old-fashioned way/I vouch for the night and the liquors too,” singer Brandon Blaine offers enigmatically on “Night Sweats,” a relatively straightforward if dark indie-rock anthem. But things get stranger as the Whittier quartet churn up a compulsively seedy groove on “New Comedown.” Hard-rock bursts such as “Prism” contrast with more punk-based blasts like “White Wall.” Plague Vendor shift gears yet again on more glittery alt-rock digressions such as “In My Pocket” and “Let Me Get High/Low.” Opening sets from No Parents and Spirit Mother provide further jolts of energy.

The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park; Thurs., Oct. 24, 8:30 p.m.; $15; ages 18 & over. (213) 413-8200, spacelandpresents.com.

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