By Bob Makin
originally published: 07/14/2023

The Antoine Poncelet Band’s new single, “Strange Violence,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY KENNY BIEBER
The Antoine Poncelet Band have released their second single within as many quarters.
A follow-up to the April release aptly entitled “April,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Strange Violence.”
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Strange Violence” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on July 14 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and MixCloud.
Fans of goth-rock, such as Bauhaus and Sisters of Mercy, will enjoy the tale of love devolving into murder, along with its menacingly animated video.
It makes sense that the ghoulish band formed during a pandemic. Led by the former front man of the post-punk outfit Precious Bones, Antoine Poncelet Band features Santos Menendez on keyboards and synths, Mark McClemens (Goon Saloon/Porch Rockers) on bass, Peter Quilla (Vigilante Cowboys) on guitar, and Eddy “Enzyme” Salek (The Misfits, Fahrenheit 451, U.S. Chaos) on drums.
“I sought out the most talented rock ‘n’ rollers from across New Jersey to form a supergroup under my own banner to breathe new life into the fading forms of music that I grew up listening to,” Antoine said.
Other mutual influences include The Doors, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, The Stooges, Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground, Roxy Music, The Cure, and The Cult.
More singles and videos will be released throughout the year.
Upcoming shows include Sept. 16, Prohibition River, Nyack, N.Y., with Black Light Bastards and The Accelerators; Sept. 29, Red Tank Brewing, Red Bank, with Kojak Moment and The Azures, and Oct. 21, Pino’s, Highland Park.
For more, visit https://www.theantoineponceletband.com.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
EVENT PREVIEWS

Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."

NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.

Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.

Todd Sheaffer & Yarn to headline 2026 Soulstice Music & Arts Festival
(CLINTON, NJ) -- Todd Sheaffer & Friends, Yarn and the Bobby Syvarth band featuring Tim Carbone will headline the Second Annual Soulstice Music & Arts Festival in Clinton. The 3-day event, with over 25 bands, takes place at the Red Mill Museum in historic Clinton from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. The festival is presented by the Pattenburg House and The Peace Love Music Movement.

bergenPAC presents Buddy Guy on August 4th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Buddy Guy on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth GRAMMY® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
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