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 new releases by Dr. Void & The Death Machines, The Penniless Loafers, We're Ghosts Now, Vincent Brue & the Long Branch Davidians, and Cynful Ukes. Plus a look back at "Say Yes" by Readymade Breakup.
Happy New Year!
Before we get into the first BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music of 2024 if you'd like to see BlowUpRadio.com's New Jersey Year in Review for 2023 we've got it up here.
Now let's get into some new NJ music.
Dr. Void & The Death Machines - "Frostbite: Frozen Stiff Remix". In some fashion Dr. Void has been a part of BlowUpRadio.com since we began 23 years ago. First fronting Funch, then Nerve Tonic, and for over a decade now, Dr. Void & The Death Machines. Their latest release, "Frostbite: Frozen Stiff Remix", not only showcases the punkabilly sound they are known for, but the album also some punk infused blues rock, and even a mellow, gothic-folk ballad to close out the album.
The Penniless Loafers - "Room 204". "The Penniless Loafers are a ska influenced rock band based out of Jersey City, NJ", says their bio. On their new EP, "Room 204", the ska is blended with indie-pop, and even some 50's harmonies on my favorite song of the trio, "Pants Dance!" (about dancing at a concert). This EP is the bees-knees!
We're Ghosts Now - "Shipwreck". Ear Worm alert! We're Ghosts Now's "Shipwreck" has been rattling around in my head for hours. It is one catchy indie rock song about a "shipwreck" of a relationship.
Vincent Brue & the Long Branch Davidians - "We Didn't Start the Fire". Among the tags Vincent Brue & the Long Branch Davidians uses to describe their music on their Bandcamp page is "apocalypse rock", "party rock", and "weird rock". I don't think I could describe their music better than that. And no, despite their new album being called, "We Didn't Start the Fire", there is no cover of the Billy Joel classic(?) on the album (probably a good thing... but I suspect if they had covered it it would have been a unique take).
Cynful Ukes - "Changes". Cynful Ukes is Cyn Ketner a queer, trans, singer/songwriter. His first release, "Changes" (from the forthcoming debut album, "Trauma Stew"), and the B-side "Your Stories" are beautiful singer-songwriter folk songs. Very excited to hear the rest of the debut album!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Readymade Breakup - "Say Yes". Readymade Breakup were an incredible power pop band featuring long time friends Paul Rosevear & G.E. (both of whom are currently in The Vice Rags). "Say Yes" goes all the way back to their first album, "Isn't That What It's For?" in 2007. It is a song that always makes me joyous, and what better way to start the new year.
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. We're also on Mastodon at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
