Seven years after their fruition, Banned Books have settled into a staple position in Philadelphia’s burgeoning experimental noise scene, extending their realm touring in the US and beyond, performing with bands like Deerhoof, Guerilla Toss, Zs, Xiu Xiu, Palm and more. Recorded in four days at Gravesend Studios with Carlos Hernandez and Julian Fader of Ava Luna, Banned Books’ first self-titled full-length release presents the most structurally cohesive and utterly bombastic version of the group to date. 

Sewn through a constant embedded darkness, Banned Books is somehow fueled by a transcendent and fantastical whimsy. Taking influence from personal heroes Deerhoof and Lightning Bolt, the band approaches their songs with breathtaking energy by locking into tight rock grooves before falling into free improvisational madness. There’s a constant battle between strange, meticulously crafted structures and abrasive bursts of energy. Matt Dermond’s guitar sounds are intricately carved from MaxMSP patches (a computer language that builds interactive programs); his tendency towards subtle, precisely crafted crunchy tones makes for a rich combination with drummer Zane Kanevsky’s unhinged, emotionally driven percussive style. The record itself is an experiment in not only control and release but the ability to ride the line right between the two.

"Experimental noise-pop trio Banned Books hail from Philadelphia, and they live up to their city’s reputation for exporting exciting new rock bands. They’ve shared stages with Deerhoof and Guerilla Toss, and fans of either group will recognize the free-spirited madness coursing through “Fuselage,” the latest single from Banned Books’ self-titled debut. It’s like a pleasantly drowsy guitar-pop singsong with something ferocious trapped inside, banging on the walls and bursting at the seams." - Chris Deville (Stereogum)