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
