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.
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we are in 2026 and Don went back to this album and did what he is calling "a total re-working of it", because when they originally made the album, "we had absolutely NO idea what we were doing as engineers, producers, and mixers - so there were tons of problems with our original mixes."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.
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
Low Cut Connie to Celebrate Album Release at The Vogel on July 3rd
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Low Cut Connie was going to play the ParkStage show on July 3, 2026, but it was rescheduled due to the heat. Instead, he will celebrate the release of his latest album Livin' In The USA at The Vogel. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
Carteret PAC presents Hellfest
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Hellfest from July 3-5, 2026 with over 18 bands performing each day! Tickets are available per day or with a three day pass.
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
FEATURED EVENTS
