Pop Break Live: Laura Jane Grace at House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ
Photos by Kelsey Ayres
Laura Jane Grace is no stranger to Asbury Park, New Jersey. While the artist might hail from Gainesville, Florida LGJ has become a yearly staple in the Asbury scene — whether as a solo artist or with Against Me!
On April 20, Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers absolutely killed it at a jam-packed House of Independents on Cookman Avenue. Laura’s set featured solo performances as well as songs with The Devouring Mothers. Songs from the night included new cuts off 2018’s Bought to Rot, plus a cover of ‘Ache with Me’ off Against Me’s Transgender Dysphoria Blues and ‘Androgynous’ by The Replacements.
Setlist:
Apocalypse Now (& Later)
Amsterdam Hotel Room
I Hate Chicago
Conceptual Paths (Laura Jane Grace song)
The Hotel Song
China Beach
Born In Black
The Apology Song
The Acid Test Song
Ache With Me (Against Me! cover)
The Airplane Song
Screamy Dreamy
Androgynous (The Replacements cover)
The Friendship Song
Prior Laura’s performance, the band Mercy Union hit the stage. While the name might be new to some, the players in the band definitely are no strangers to the scene. The band is comprised of Jared Hart of The Scandals (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), known Jersey concert promoter/Let Me Run musician Rocky Catanese (lead guitar), Nick Jorgensen of Hollow-Eyed (bass) and The Gaslight Anthem’s Benny Horowitz (drums). Gaslight Anthem lead singer Brian Fallon came out as a surprise to the crowd to welcome them on stage.
Control Top, from Philadelphia, opened things up. They had a really great high punk energy. The lead singer jumped into the crowd and up the stairs which quickly got the attention of the room and opened up the show wonderfully.
