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 The Extensions, Psychic Wars, Synaptic Ooze, James William Eccles, and Southpaw. Plus a look back at "Are We Truly Great Again?" by Laree Cisco.
On January 20th, Rock Against Hate Volumes 5 & 6 were released, each containing 30 incredible songs to help raise money for Planned Parenthood and Kids In Need of Defense. There was a webathon with live sets from 14 acts - it counter-programing to that other event going on that day (and no I don't mean Martin Luther King Jr. Day). Rock Against Hate Volume 5 benefits Planned Parenthood and Rock Against Hate Volume 6 benefit Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) More info is at http://rockagainsthate.org
The Extensions - "Gravitas". "Gravitas", The new EP by The Extensions, begins with what I feel is a gratuitous Intro of someone introducing the band at a concert with a lot of hype. At a live concert, an introduction like this can excite the audience, but on an album it feels unnecessary, especially since the 6 songs that follow it are so strong that they speak for themselves. It is funny to find that these songs were ones that didn't fit previous releases, because they not only fit together here as a cohesive release, but this might just be my favorite release from The Extensions so far.
Psychic Wars - "Takers". Psychic Wars' latest release is a three song EP, "Takers", inspired by the novel "Black Tongue Thief" by Christopher Buehlman. I am not familiar with the 2021 fantasy novel, but if it as good as this EP of psychedelic hard rock, then I should probably check it out.
Synaptic Ooze - "Canyon EP". Synaptic Ooze is Eric Pseja from 3rDegree, and "Canyon EP" consists of 2 versions of the title track. The new version is a fully fleshed out prog-rock song with lovely harmonies. The demo version from 2020 feels moodier and feels even more prog-jam-rock. Both versions are magnificent.
James William Eccles - "Canterbury". If you are familiar with the doom/stoner metal that Troll Teeth are so good at making, you may be surprised to find that bassist/songwriter James William Eccles (AKA Moe) has an acoustic side he's toying with over the last few years. The culmination is, "Canterbury", an incredible album of Folk-Americana with hints of doom & stoner motifs. Ben Dallackesia & Kyle Applebaum from Troll Teeth also appear on the album to add some drums and additional guitars to the album. Don't let this one slip past you, it's a keeper!
Southpaw - "Tumbleweeds". I am not a big fan of modern country, but Southpaw is an anomaly. They are definitely modern country, but there is also a pinch of a classic country sound in there. There is also no denying the beauty of the harmonies on their new song, "Tumbleweeds", and the infectiousness of it.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
8 years ago today Rock Against Hate Volume 1 was released (and is still available at https://rockagainsthate.org), benefiting Planned Parenthood and The Trevor Project.
In May of 2018 Rock Against Hate Volume 2 was released (also benefiting Planned Parenthood and The Trevor Project). It contained what I think is a very fitting song for today, Laree Cisco's "Are We Truly Great Again?" it is said that here we are almost 7 years after this song originally came out, and this song seems new again.
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 be part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon and bridged on BlueSky
