words and photos by bill bodkin …
On April 11th Pop-Break.com presented it’s kinda-sorta annual springtime Shipwrecked at the Shore Music Showcase at the famed Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, N.J.. It was a night we were proud to present because it was the first show where every band was returning to the Shipwrecked stage after a year’s absence.
The night opened with Asbury Park favorite and Pop-Break’s favorite Shore troubadour Chris Brown. Chris had the line of the night wishing he had his ‘shit together like John Popper’ in regards to his many harmonicas. Chris currently has a live EP out, which you should down here.
Following CB, was one of our all-time favorite reggae outfits, Dub Proof. And sure, that’s a shoot, but in the reggae world, we love these guys. The vocals of Roke Frema, who’ve we been working and hanging with before Pop-Break was even a glimmer in our eyes, is one of the sickest singers going. And big props to our good friend Kenny Pete on the ‘table o’ percussion’ where he pulled out some really wild instruments that bolstered DP’s tight reggae sound.
Headlining the show was the dynamite ‘mix-hop’ outfit, Aquavibe. Aquavibe brought an arsenal of originals and covers and have the honor of being the first band in Shipwreck history to have an encore demanded and given. Their fusion of hip-hop, chilled out electronics, rock and a hint of New Jack swing, made for a throw your hands in the air atmosphere.
Chris Brown
Dub Proof
Aquavibe
