Words & Photos by Diane DiMemmo

June 12, 2023

The North To Shore Festival is hosting hundreds of events in Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Newark, New Jersey and I was lucky enough to catch three fantastic, female-fronted alt-pop bands on June 9th at the Anchor Rock Club. Gloss, Molly Ringworm and Miss Cantaloupe gave the audience an evening of dreamy, funky, jazzy pop that had everyone dancing, singing, and swirling lighted hula-hoops!

Philly phenoms – Gloss – first took the stage and set the tone for the night. Upbeat, funny, energetic, and talented as hell – this band knows how to work a crowd. Their music was obviously influenced by a variety of genres as I heard jazz and punk undertones in several of their songs. The band members have awesome synergy and every song they performed was memorable. Make sure to check out their latest EP Are You Okay? I will definitely make a point of seeing Gloss' shows whenever they come to town!

Next up were South Jersey alt-rockers Molly Ringworm who were as fun to watch as they were to listen to. Every band member was dancing and smiling as they played, which spread quickly throughout the crowd. Sarah Holt (vocals, guitar) Johnny Zappas (guitar), Andrew Simpson (bass), and drummer Michael Auble were locked in and tight as they slayed single after single … some from their 2022 EP Seems. Their music ran the gamut from peaceful to hard-rock energy, to radio-worthy pop tunes. Holt’s vocals are mesmerizing and float beautifully atop the excellent musicianship of all band members.

Philly-based Miss Cantaloupe wrapped up the night with a beautifully eclectic arrangement of instrumentation and vocal harmonies. How often can one go to a pop-rock show and enjoy cello and flute accompaniments in addition to guitar, bass and drums? I love bands who find new ways to express themselves musically and set themselves apart. Miss Cantaloupe does just that with a surf-rock, indie-pop, contemporary mix that literally transfixed us all. No two songs sound alike and that leaves listeners excitedly wondering what’s coming next. Tucked in the middle of their set was a brilliant compilation of Fleetwood Mac hits that was totally fire! Every band member is uber talented in this group and well worth a trip to see them perform when they come to a town near you.

Finally, kudos must go out to the Anchor Rock Club, a musical treasure within Atlantic City! The venue is perfect in every way ... from its ample layout, to its sound & lighting, to its  super friendly staff. With a packed calendar of a variety of shows, this is a destination music lovers will come back to again and again.  

Diane DiMemmo is the founder and editor of Asbury Park Vibes. In addition to overseeing the AP Vibes Music Mag and hosting the APV Podcast, she specializes in live music/portrait photography, copywriting, and artist development & management services.