by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

The Answer Team has come a long way since the first time I saw them play at The Barley Street way back in November 2008 (yeah, it really has been that long). But on their self-released debut long player, O Sad and Future Human, which is being celebrated with a CD release show tonight at The Slowdown, they’ve managed to stay the same indie-prog-instrumental course, but with grander results. They site Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky, Pelican, This Will Destroy You and Godspeed You! Black Emperor as influences; I still hear Album Leaf/Tristeza in their compositions. You be the judge. Opening is stunning prog/noise rock outfit Back When, and those dirty punkers New Lungs (fronted by D-Max from Little Brazil). $7, 9 p.m., more info here.

Meanwhile, down at The Barley Street Tavern, noise-rock masters Techlepathy (Speed! Nebraska Records) will be unveiling new songs that they’re currently recording with Steve Micek (The Stay Awake). Opening is Lincoln band The Surprise Left, whose lineup includes Rich Higgins on guitar/vocals (ex-Sideshow, The Holy Ghost, Imperialia, Pat the Bunny, Eric the Red, Peer Puppet), Paul Engelhard on drums (ex-For Against, A-1 House of Fun, Busmans Holiday, Tel Quel, Holiday, Young Nebraskans (LA), Wabofi) and Chris Palmquist on bass (ex-Eric the Red, The Sound of Rails, Eamon). $5, 9 p.m.

Saturday night Dim Light (the stylish, sinister trio of Cooper Moon, Tom Barrett, Boz Hicks) is celebrating the release of its first 7-inch, “For You,” at The Brothers with Private Dancer (probably their last show for a long time) and the always amazing Solid Goldberg (Dave Goldbert, that is). $5, 10  p.m.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2011 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.