By Lazlo
originally published: 01/22/2024
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 Signal Valley, Silver06, Michael Brett, Chad Sabo, Aaron Pinto, and Modern Crybaby. Plus a look back at "Latch Key Kid" by Dog Food.
Signal Valley - "Ridiculous Trinkets". It is a gutsy move to open an album with a ten and a half minute song and close an album with an eleven and a half minute song, but Signal Valley does that on "Ridiculous Trinkets". They are actually two of my favorite songs on the album! The entire collection is terrific, alternating between synth-wave, alt-psych rock, and prog-rock.
Silver06 - "Overdose Overload". If you'll allow me to do a cheesy pun here, Silver06's new release, "Overdose Overload", may contain six songs like their name, but I'd say they set a new gold standard on guitar driven, emo-hip-hop.
Michael Brett - "Disorder For Sale, vol. 1". Maybe it is the name, "Disorder For Sale, vol. 1", that made me view the lyrics of Michael Brett's new EP as being about the state of the world, and maybe even specific people in the world, but the songs are also wonderful singer-songwriter folk rock, from a very talented artist. Bring on volume 2!
Chad Sabo - "Joyride". The debut solo album from Chad Sabo (formerly of The Cold Seas), "Joyride", is 22 minutes of auditory bliss! Lovely alt-pop.
Aaron Pinto - "Hey Little Blonde Girl". Do you like 60's pop reminiscent of early Beatles? Then you should definitely check out Aaron Pinto's new single, "Hey Little Blonde Girl". It is quite the earworm.
Modern Crybaby - "The Storm Inside My Heart". Modern Crybaby is Dylan Schroth, and his latest single, "The Storm Inside My Heart", he describes as being a song about dealing with anxieties and finding the strength to move past it. It is something I am sure most of us can relate to to some extent. Wrapping those lyrics in a powerful emo song, is beautiful.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Dog Food - "Latch Key Kid". Dog Food's album, "Unleashed" came out in 2000. I think it was early 2002 when I saw Dog Food's singer-songwriter Keith Vukan at an open mic playing, "Latch Key Kid". The song is touching reminiscence of childhood, wrapped in a catchy acoustic pop tune.
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 at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.
Todd Sheaffer & Yarn to headline 2026 Soulstice Music & Arts Festival
(CLINTON, NJ) -- Todd Sheaffer & Friends, Yarn and the Bobby Syvarth band featuring Tim Carbone will headline the Second Annual Soulstice Music & Arts Festival in Clinton. The 3-day event, with over 25 bands, takes place at the Red Mill Museum in historic Clinton from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. The festival is presented by the Pattenburg House and The Peace Love Music Movement.
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