The Bridge City Sinners Bring Their Unholy Hymns to Asbury Park
A mid-week punk rock show headlined by a band with a fiddle, banjo, ukelele, stand up bass, and no drummer? That must mean The Bridge City Sinners are in town…so sign me up!
I first saw The Sinners when they opened for Frank Turner last year, and immediately became a fan. So when their show at House of Independents was announced, I made sure to block off my calendar. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the group features a traditional string band lineup with a neo-folk sound. But when you hear the lyrics and see them live, you understand why they dub themselves a “dark folk band from hell”. These musicians are all ridiculously talented, and they can even juggle and make balloon animals!
The Sinners promise a punk as f*ck live show, and they definitely delivered. Three stand out songs on the night were “Break the Chain”, “Devil Like You”, and “Crazy”. They are also very inclusive, believing that the scene should be a safe and welcoming community (a breath of fresh air in today’s climate). Lead singer Libby Lux even requested a female-only circle pit, which she affectionately dubbed a “cl*t pit”. They are definitely NOT your grandparents’ folk music.
The current tour runs through mid-October, but this is a band you need to add to your must-see list. Until that day comes, go check them out wherever you stream your music.
Coverage from September 17, 2025 at House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ.
All photos are © Michael Campanile Photography and cannot be used without permission.
