Two of my favorite noise making duos — one from Brooklyn, one from Chicago — played last night at Glasslands. While it was an understated affair, and one that went too late for me to stick around for headliners Tall Firs, it was one filled with jarring percussion and lushly layered dissidence.

Talk Normal is definitely a band to keep your eye on. I mean, if Marnie Stern likes them, then it’s good enough for me. In all seriousness though, I’ve witnessed an astute musical maturation process happening with the girls from Talk Normal. What started as misconstrued noise has morphed into distinct patterns backed by a wall of sound. It reminds me a bit of early Magik Markers, which is always good company to keep.

[White/Light]

Conversely, White/Light avoids the confinements of patterns (and drums for that matter), and instead perform a wash of beautifully orchestrated noise. Where as some bands could take this to an uncomfortable level — what with all the feedback, pedals and various noise makers on stage — White/Light draws you in. Like a soundtrack to a lazy car chase, they exude an urgency but calm your nerves with comforting tones, even in atonality.