By Lazlo
originally published: 10/31/2022
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Commons 2, Pat Veil, Who On Earth, aesha, Hodera, and Suit of Lights.
Commons 2 - "Drop Dead from the Respite". Commons 2 have come a long way in a little over 2 years. Their new EP starts off with a harmony drenched rocker, "In The Water" that may make the Beach Boys envious. It is followed by another upbeat indie rocker in "Something Else", and a chill mid-tempo indie tune called "Until". Closing out the EP is an indie rocker, "Sparkle", that evoked in me remembrances of some of my favorite 90's modern rockers.
In short, "Drop Dead from the Respite" is superb!
Pat Veil - "No Longer Human. If you've seen Pat Veil perform live you may question if he ever was human.
I kid... mostly...
"No Longer Human" has some very catchy, musically fun songs, but if you are one who pays close attention to the lyrics you'll hear that the peppy songs mask some darker lyrics. It is actually kind of what I love about this album. I've listened to it both as a fun rock album, and as a deeper poetic piece and it really works well both ways.
Who On Earth - "Blame". "We are a band that is determined to be the answer to the question "Who on earth will bring back hard rock music with hooks, groove, melody, and meaning?"" - Who On Earth
I don't know if "hard rock music with hooks, groove, melody, and meaning" ever went away, though it may not be as popular as it once was. My hope is bands like Who On Earth can be among the pantheon of bands to usher in a new popularity of hard rock.
Or to put it more simply, Who On Earth rock!
aesha - "BLIND WIND / THE EVERGREEN TREE" [singles]. The artist formerly know as Beige Monk, currently know as aesha, releases 2 new songs, that are both wonderful acoustic indie experimental pop! "Blind Wind" clocks in at 12 minutes and 11 seconds, but doesn't feel like a long song. Quite a feat!
Hodera - "Waiting" [single]. Dear Hodera, it is nice to have you back with "Waiting", the first single from your forthcoming album, "Dear Friend". The song feels fresh and new, and yet like an old friend.
Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2023 for the full album to be released.
Suit of Lights - "The Empty Vault". Joe Darone's Suit of Lights has always been a fascinating indie rock project that has layers if orchestral sounds. Their 2 latest songs, released under the title of the A side, "The Empty Vault", continue to showcase their skill in crafting memorable orchestral rock.
That's all for this week.
Remember BlowUpRadio.com, plays these and many other New Jersey based artists on our internet radio station, so please check us out. #SupportGoodMusic - If you like any of the above artists, please purchase their music from their site. And if you would like to part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com
EVENT PREVIEWS
South Jersey Jazz Society's Concert on the Beach with the PJ Keiter Octet Set for June 5th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- For the fifth year, the South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS) will "unofficially" kick off the summer beach concerts on the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point with music by the PJ Keiter Octet on Friday, June 5, 2026.
The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of "musicforthemorningafter"
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of musicforthemorningafter on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:00pm. The New Jersey native celebrates the release of his debut album, which put him in the national spotlight.
Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on June 5th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band includes Matt Keating, Jason Mercer, Steve Mayone, and Greg Wieczorek. You could say they are a new band with old roots.
The Newton Theatre presents L.A. Guns on June 6th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- L.A. Guns comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band has been rocking for roughly 40 years since establishing themselves as the undisputed sleaze kings of the Sunset Strip, and, eventually, the world.
Jazz Royalty Comes to the Hamilton Stage on June 6th
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Saturday, June 6, 2026 marks the date when Jazz Royalty comes to Hamilton Stage with Dizzy Gillespie alumni and Grammy winning bassist John Lee in collaboration with 16-time Grammy winner Paquito D' Rivera.
The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Anderson Park. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an al fresco performance under the stars. Admission is free. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will host its annual fundraising event, "The Boss Bash," on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring two electrifying performances by The B-Street Band — the longest-running and most requested tribute to Bruce Springsteen in the country.
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.
Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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