There’s something to be said for the ability to bridge a gap, and Ghost Gum, opening this evening at Johnny Brenda’s, finds a way to do just that. Merging a constant, driving, spatially aware, shoegaze-y instrumental setup, throbbing bass lines, smash-spreading percussion and those slithering guitar licks, all accented by Carolyn Hayes’ calm guiding vocals. The music absorbs into you, in a peacefully tenacious manner, moving at a high-end pace but finessing each turn with an experienced approaching, while cruising at full speed. The dance exciting new-wave nodding Royal Shoals, whose sound pulls pieces from across a wide board, serves as the filling of tonight’s local musical sandwich with headlining act Literature‘s nonstop, jangly burst of power pop keeping you on your feet at JB’s all night long. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
