Matthew Dermond and Zane Kanevsky comprise the super-duo (previously power trio) Banned Books, who are serving as the opening act tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. Banned Books hits in an unconventional manner, coming at you from a point or angle that is unexpected/surprising and you may even need to take a moment to react to, but once the momentary adjustment is made, the appreciation begins. There is a distinct noise-groove oriented sound punctuated with percussion and a menacing electronic/guitar presence that creates a jammed-packed sense of organized chaos. Embrace the strange and quickly the sonic jigsaw puzzle gains meaning. A pair of Brooklyn-oriented artists will follow them. The groove-generating psych-pop Zula will be followed by the exploratory experimentations of former Deli NYC print cover boys Celestial Shore, fresh off the release of their debut LP 10x via Hometapes. The sugarcoated Andy Moholt-fronted psych extravaganza of Laser Background closes out an evening dedicated to exploring the possibilities. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
