By Lazlo
originally published: 01/01/2024
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
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.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
