words and photos by bill bodkin
It was Thanksgiving week and it was one of the first shows back in Asbury Park after the Jersey Shore had gotten wrecked by Hurricane Sandy. Asbury was a little quieter than normal outside, but inside The Wonder Bar, rock ‘n’ roll was alive and well.
Dead Precedents
The Dead Precedents, consisting of members of the punk outfit, The Black Top Kids, brought a snarling, in your face style of punk rock to the stages of The Wonder Bar. Their new EP is currently available at deadprecedents.bandcamp.com
The Hunters
One of my favorite things about live shows is watching a band leave all on the floor. The Hunters, who we referred to the entire night as The Amazing French Canadians, made their New Jersey debut at The Wonder Bar and they slayed. Their cover of The Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” was the highlight of their set as they took the mid-90s classic to an aggressive level.
The Obvious
Angie Sugrim, once again, brought a whirlwind of pure rock fury to The Wonder Bar. One of the top female frontwomen in the scene, she’s able to channel that 90s grunge riot grrrrl growl and blend it with a charismatic and charming persona. The dudes who flank her, are fantastic. They are able to grind out rip-roaring backbeats and chords, bring the thunder when needed and of course, deliver driving, tight and excellent rock ‘n’ roll.
