American War, the debut EP from Madalean Gauze, establishes and reinforces something that’s a key component: energy. The music has that steadfast movement that transfers over with each listen. Now, with that being said, it’s a record that often finds an indie rock-folk core with Gauze’s confidently smooth vocals and instrumentation leisurely sitting back or effectively pushing the pace, changing the tone and intensity level, while sometimes exploring various modes within a given song. Madalean Gauze is penciled as the direct support for tonight’s lineup at Johnny Brenda’s, which will be opened by South Jersey family-affair female pop quartet Ortolan with the pop-rock of Shark Tape serving as the main attraction for the evening. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
