ASBURY PARK BANDS TO WATCH

Words & Photos by Doug Dresher

August 26, 2022

I had a chance to stop by one of my favorite places in Asbury Park – The Saint - to catch some local bands.

The Extensions opened the evening with their excellent brand of indie rock. Their performance was tight and angular and melodic as each member of the band was locked in with their performance. Brian Erickson is a natural storyteller as well as an engaging front to the band. His sincere performance and fun stage banter made set the bar high for everyone else that evening.

Morningside Lane came second with their own version of the Jersey Sound. Marc Del Giudice’s performance added to the evening making the audience feel like we were all experiencing a concert at a large stadium. Morningside Lane’s songs ranged from the soft slower ballad to jump-around rockers, and the audience seemed to enjoy the show as much as the band enjoyed playing.

Lou Panico and the Dildo Biscuits came out and really entertained The Saint. Normally, I’m used to seeing Lou Panico playing in just about every other band in the Asbury Park area, but this time he was the leader of the band. I must say, his transition from behind the singer to being the front of the band was without any issue. While I’m not sure what a Dildo Biscuit is, the band rocked and the songs were memorable. It was nice to see just how talented a musician Lou is as a performer and guitarist. Definitely, a band to watch.

I must end this overview with a shoutout and apology to The Mercury Brothers. I don’t usually leave shows early, but I was just too tired to stay out any longer – but I promise that Asbury Park Vibes will cover one of your shows soon!

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Born from an existential argument between the modernists and postmodernists, I have found my home with the post-punks and those who love a good slice of pizza. I live in a world of art in the age of mechanical reproduction and the ever-elusive decisive moment. Punctum and Stadium aside, I like to take photographs of people and things to see how they look photographed. While I miss CBGBs, I think Asbury Park is as close as we are ever going to get to making punk whatever we make it to be. The future is unwritten and I owe it all to Mr. Bradley and Mr. Martin. Let us now praise famous men and ask the little prince for his thoughts. Sometimes I'm on the road, but If it wasn’t for the honor of the thing, I’d rather walk. My loving wife supports this albatross of an obsession and my kids put up with me well. BA, MFA, M.Ed., BCEA, Tri-X, and Nikon.