By Lazlo
originally published: 12/26/2022
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 releases by OC Ripper, BreakTime, Dark Surfers, and Public Access.
OC Ripper - "Happy Hours Air Travel Club (3 song Sampler!)". As the title implies, the OC Ripper's new EP are three songs from their forthcoming album, "Happy Hours Air Travel Club" (due in February). If these songs are any indication of the album, expect some highly entertaining metal infused punk rock. Rock on!
BreakTime - "Great Times". BreakTime picked a strange time of year to release their debut EP, "Great Times". This is what I would refer to as a summer album, and damn awesome one at that!
Why a summer album? Because what BreakTime does so well is harken back to the fun pop rock sounds of the Merseybeat era (think very early Beatles). These are the types of songs I want to blast in my car with the windows down while heading to the shore, however, as I type this it is a frigidly cold winter day.
But for a little over 25 minutes listening to BreakTime, their melodies and harmonies are like sunrays enhancing my mood... on this bleak, cold day.
Dark Surfers - "Can Dreams Be Real?". I am not a good descriptive writer. If you're a regular reader of this column you probably already figured that out.
Why do I bother to mention that? Because there is so much I want to say about Dark Surfers' new EP, but the proper descriptive words just are not coming to me, even though I've spent over a half hour trying to come up with them (twice as long as the EP itself!)
So let me say that Dark Surfers are jangly, indie-dream pop, with unique vocals, and a sound that I massively enjoyed... even if I have trouble explaining it.
Listen for yourself!
Public Access - "Embrace The Meteor". Public Access describes their new EP as, "indie-terrestrial cloud-folk holiday americana". I don't think I could describe their music any better so I will just add that I really like this EP!
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://mstdn.social/@BlowUpRadio
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.
Free Concerts to be Held Throughout 4th of July Weekend in Jersey City
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Four free live music events will be held in Jersey City parks throughout the 4th of July weekend, featuring a diverse lineup of American music. The series is curated and produced by Riverview Jazz and is presented by the City of Jersey City and Exchange Place Alliance.
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.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
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.
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