Sonic exploration comes to the forefront tonight with a pairing of artists cut from similar fabric tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. The evolving lineup of noise-pop outfit Banned Books currently rests as a trio. With a looming full-length recording in the works, the band may be ready to test/experiment some material. Either way, Banned Books is always interesting, taking surprising turns – sometimes aggressive, others playful and always stretching the fabric as they turn away from norm and look in another direction. Tonight, they set the table for Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa, whose combination is a whimsically light yet intricate endeavor – one that gravitationally pulls you in and once there, you won’t try to pull away. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:15pm, $12, 21+ – Michael Colavita
