Prone to catchy riffs and clever beats, Philly/South Jerz outfit Banned Books is easily memorable. A new breed of noise rock – Banned Books’ latest cuts revive chords reminiscent of the Blood Brothers nix the heavy-handed dissonance. Add in math-y backbeats that keep listener’s ears alert and you’ve got the basic formula to Banned Books at their best. The thwarting start of “Mission Creep” eases into a buzzing psych anthem that drips with lyrical charm. In a similar fashion, “Intergalactic Singalong”, off Man Maker showcases Queen-esque vocals, dramatic and quipped. Banned Books will be opening for recent tour mates and the high energy quirkiness of The Devil’s Horns Kill the Matador, who have made the hallowed trek to record a Daytrotter Session (that has yet to be released). If you are fans of earlier Man Man, then you’ll probably get what they have up their sleeves. They’ll also be joined by the considerably quieter chants of Mike Bruno’s Black Magic Family and Brooklyn’s Spanish Prisoners. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Dianca Potts
