Danny Seim of experimental rockers Menomena jokes that the three-plus-year wait for his bands's fourth album owes to two years of touring, a substantial period making the new music and some time spent “arguing over it.”

So, Seims says, “in the wake of brutal disagreements, unrelenting grudges and failed marriages (not to mention a world full of modern terrorism, natural disasters and economic collapse),” the Portland, Ore., trio in July unveiled Mines to fans of their admirably inscrutable art-rock.

Seim and fellow loop-happy bandmates Brent Knopf and Justin Harris have crafted an intricate web of vocals, guitars, keys, horns and beats — assembled “like jigsaw puzzles,” Seim explains — that abides no particular style. In fact, despite teasing with a more vigorous sense of melody than 2007's Friend and Foe, Mines still feels deliriously like quick-cuts between soul, pop and out-there rock.

As short attention span theater goes, it's quite a production. Expect a heaping helping of spastic tonight when Menomena headlines the El Rey Theatre.

Elsewhere: The Chapin Sisters celebrate the release of their sophomore album Two at the Echo. … Award-winning Christian singer-songwriter Jennifer Knapp, who this year released her first album in seven years and announced she is a lesbian, plays the Mint. … And if you want to hang with a legend, blues guy Buddy Guy appears at the Grammy Museum for a Q&A and a short performance.

Also: Mark Kozelek at Largo; Primus and Mariachi El Bronx at Club Nokia; Radio Moscow and Night Horse at Spaceland; Tom Freund at Saint Rocke; Brandi Emma at the Hotel Cafe; Sam Amidon at the Bootleg; Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers and Audra Mae at the Troubadour; Venomous Concept at the Viper Room; Justin Moore at the Roxy; Lower Heaven, Chief Nowhere and Stevenson Ranch Davidians at the Silverlake Lounge; Batwings Catwings /at the Smell; Pillars and Tongues at Echo Curio; and Hotrod Hillbillies at the Redwood Bar.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.