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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 12/22/25


By Lazlo

originally published: 12/22/2025

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 Psychtooth, The Garden Roads, New Antics, A Color Engine, Southpaw, Ipkiss, and Ferocious Designs. Plus a look back at "Deal With The Devil" by The Brixton Riot.

Psychtooth - "Party Patrick Doesn't Wanna Party Anymore". "melancholy junk rock" is how Psychtooth describe their music, as in a junk draw would have a hodge-podge of things in it. I'm not sure I'd describe them that way, but I get what they are saying. Their new album, "Party Patrick Doesn't Wanna Party Anymore" does combine lo-fi, alt-rock, garage rock, and punk rock, into one of my favorite albums of the year!

The Garden Roads - "Destination Never Knows". Tim Malcarney, formerly of The Silence, returns with his latest project, The Garden Roads. Their debut album, "Destination Never Knows", is chock full of potential hits (in fact trying to decide which songs to play on BlowUpRadio.com is a challenge, as I'd like to play them all... and may).

New Antics - "New Antics". New Antics self-titled debut album is come catchy, angsty, high energy, alternative rock. I like it!

A Color Engine - "Voyage Underwater; 56 Knots (2026 REISSUE) ". Back in 2007-2008, A Color Engine (Don Ryan and Eric Burchfield), made the album, "Voyage Underwater; 56 Knots". The band has long since broken up, and each have put out wonderful solo releases.




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So here we are in 2026 and Don went back to this album and did what he is calling "a total re-working of it", because when they originally made the album, "we had absolutely NO idea what we were doing as engineers, producers, and mixers - so there were tons of problems with our original mixes."

I don't have the original release to compare this reissue to, but the 2026 version is incredible!

Southpaw - "Tumbleweeds". The thing about Southpaw I like so much, is in an era where Modern Country doesn't sound very country at all (to me at least), they make these timeless country songs, the latest of which, "Tumbleweeds", is beautiful.

Ipkiss - "Paper Under the Tongue". Ipkiss's latest single, "Paper Under the Tongue" is infectious, tough to get out of my head. Luckily, this is the only type of infection I want to get.

Ferocious Designs - "You Better Hold On Tight". The yacht rock influence on Ferocious Design's latest single, "You Better Hold On Tight", is proudly worn on his sleeve. I dig it!

Not New, But Memorable Corner

The Brixton Riot - "Deal With The Devil". Way back in 2008 I first heard The Brixton Riot when they sent me their "Sudden Fiction" EP. I believe "Deal With The Devil" was the very first of many of their songs to grace BlowUpRadio.com's airwaves. It is a good example of their hook-filled power-pop.




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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)


EVENT PREVIEWS

(AVENEL, NJ) -- The dynamic trio of Pat Guadagno, James Maddock, and Lisa Bouchelle, accompanied by a powerhouse band of 'First Call' musicians, including Saturday Night Live drummer Shawn Pelton, come together to deliver 20,000 Roads: The Music of Gram Parsons, a soulful and heartfelt celebration of the timeless catalog of one of American music's most influential pioneers. The show comes to the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Bergen Pop/Rock Ensemble Brings Revives the

Bergen Pop/Rock Ensemble Brings Revives the '90s with The Roots of Pop & Rock Volume III

(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Bergen Community College's talented Pop/Rock Ensemble returns to the stage for one electrifying night of '90s favorites with The Roots of Pop & Rock Volume III, a live tribute to the unforgettable sounds of this influential decade. Join the ensemble on a journey back to a time when alternative rock reshaped mainstream radio and pop music soared to new creative heights. The diverse array of artists being paid tribute to will run the gamut from Nirvana and Green Day to No Doubt and the Spice Girls to Selena and Shakira.
South Jersey Jazz Society to Honor Bob Ferguson

South Jersey Jazz Society to Honor Bob Ferguson

(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor Bob Ferguson with the 2026 "George Mesterhazy" Jazz Master award at a gala event to be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club starting at 6:30pm.
South Jersey Jazz Association To Honor Bob Ferguson At Awards Ceremony on April 30th

South Jersey Jazz Association To Honor Bob Ferguson At Awards Ceremony on April 30th

(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor trumpeter Bob Ferguson with the 2026 George Mesterhazy Jazz Master Award at a gala event on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club. The award, named for a much-beloved local jazz pianist who made a lasting mark on the great American art form of jazz, is given to individuals who have greatly contributed to the performance of jazz both locally and nationally.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Green on April 30th

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Green on April 30th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Greene on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. A native of Santa Barbara,California and now residing in Austin, Greene has ridden his Blues-soaked rock into the 21st century, traversing a constantly changing global (and musical) landscape.
Hey Bulldog to Pay Tribute to The Beatles at Liberty Science Center

Hey Bulldog to Pay Tribute to The Beatles at Liberty Science Center

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Hey Bulldog will perform a tribute to The Beatles in the Planetarium at Liberty Science Center on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. Come see one of the area's best Beatles cover bands perform some good old fashioned no fuss rock and roll!
Ocean Casino Resort presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell

Ocean Casino Resort presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Fronted by the unmistakable voice of Ali Campbell, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell will be bringing their Big Love Tour to Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City with Matisyahu on Friday, May 1, 2026. Showtime is 9:00pm.
Tuckerton Porchfest returns May 2nd with Music, Poetry, Art & Community along Main Street

Tuckerton Porchfest returns May 2nd with Music, Poetry, Art & Community along Main Street

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Tuckerton Porchfest returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026 (rain date: May 3rd) from 11:00am to 4:00pm, transforming Main Street into a vibrant, walkable celebration of local creativity. Featuring live music, poetry, visual art, vendors, and community experiences, this grassroots festival invites attendees to explore multiple porch stages hosted by local businesses and residents.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Cold Shot on Saturday

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(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Cold Shot on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band is dedicated to capturing the electrifying energy and soulful sound of legendary Texas blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.
bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd

bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald will play a one-night-only concert at bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7:00pm.

 

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