Pop Break Live: E Town Concrete with Incendiary, Regulate, Gridiron and Cropsey at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey on Saturday October 8, 2022
Words + Photos: Will Marks (williammarksphotography.com)
New Jersey Hardcore royalty E Town Concrete came through Starland Ballroom and brought back some of the Dirty Jer-Z style we all know and love. E Town played an amazing set that included all their best material and even some new songs they have been working on. They had support from Long Island Hardcore kings Incendiary and Regulate, Pennsylvania Hardcore favorites Gridiron, and some Staten Island Hardcore from Cropsey. Each band brought their own unique style and swag which made it a killer show and a great night of hardcore.
Cropsey opened the night with a great set that got everyone moving. They played some songs off their self-titled album, Cropsey, which set the tone by opening the dance floor with some ninja kicks and windmills. Next up was Gridiron representing Philadelphia Hardcore. This band has quickly risen to the top as being one of the best bands in recent hardcore music. Only forming in 2020 during the pandemic this supergroup of musicians has not played a bad set yet and this night was no different. They played some great tracks from their album No Good at Goodbyes, and their EP’s Loyalty at All Costs and Worldwide Brotherhood.
New York and New Jersey Hardcore were represented by some of its greatest when you have Regulate on the bill. They played a fire set that for me was a highlight of the night. This band is just raw power and emotion that you can feel with every note. Their front man Sebastian Paba is one of the best to ever do it. His vocals cut through you with intensity like no other. If you have not checked out their new self-titled album Regulate go get on it right now, it is a ripper!
The hardcore kings of Long Island Incendiary played their set next and it was fuel on the flames as always. This band has been a favorite of mine for some time now and they only continue to crush every time they play live. Brendan Garrone is an incredible front man with tons of energy and style that can control the crowd with every word. Brian Audley and Rob Nobile’s guitar riffs have sharp edges that command your attention especially in a live setting. Incendiary is in the process of recording their new album which is set to drop in a few months, and I am sure it will not disappoint.
E Town Concrete were the hometown heroes of the show, and they did not let anyone down tonight. They played all their Dirty Jer-Z favorites with plenty of sing alongs from the crowd and a crazy pit for their entire set. They played tracks from their popular album The Renaissance as well as Time 2 Shine, and The Second Coming. E Town also debuted a new song which gives a hope that there may be a new album in the works or at least some more shows to be announced. These guys play with all their heart and have a true love for hardcore and New Jersey. Anthony Martini has nothing but love for where he came from and still means every word of his lyrics from over twenty years ago. They put in a lot of work over the years to get where they are as a band and in their personal lives and they are very humble and grateful for all of it.
Overall, this was a great night for hardcore with bands from all over the surrounding areas. Each band brought their own significant style to the show which kept the night alive. If you get the chance to see E Town Concrete, Incendiary, Regulate, Gridiron, or Cropsey do not sleep on the show, you will not be disappointed!
