By Lazlo
originally published: 01/06/2025
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 Northvale, All Systems Go, Tiny Cities, and ILL-ADVISED. Plus a look back at "Who Betrays Me" by The Cucumbers.
Happy New Year! Before we get into some new music, a quick announcement. On January 20th, Rock Against Hate Volumes 5 & 6 will be released, each containing 30 incredible songs to help raise money for Planned Parenthood and Kids In Need of Defense. There will also be a webathon with live sets from 14 acts. Call it counter-programing to that other event going on that day (and no I don't mean Martin Luther King Jr. Day). All the info is at rockagainsthate.org
Northvale - "Bright Lights". Earworm alert of the week! Northvale's "Bright Lights" is one catchy emo-pop-punk song. the chorus has been rattling around in my head for days... and it brings me joy every time. Looking forward to hearing the rest of their new album coming out in February.
All Systems Go - "Everything Going Well is a Bad Thing, Right?". More wonderful and infectious emo-pop-punk comes from All Systems Go's new single "Everything Going Well is a Bad Thing, Right?" They describe the song as aiming "to bring closure to a developing romantic relationship that ended suddenly and unexpectedly. The lyrics detail a moment of intimacy - "'Remember me when you're famous' she said with a dreamy look in her eye / at 4:00 AM with both of ours open wide" - that's quickly taken over by resentment - "this was your way of saying goodbye."" This is the first single from their upcoming EP, "Finding Closure", due out in February.
Tiny Cities - "Hologram". "Singer-songwriters Melissa Anthony and Dennis King(SONOFDOV) team up to write songs that sparkle in the long dim of winter", says the bio for Tiny Cities. Their debut single, "Hologram", showcases how well their vocal and music styles weave into a beautiful musical sweater to keep you warm.
ILL-ADVISED - "NEW AGE SEDUCTION TACTICS". ILL-ADVISED is Harry Metzler. As the credits for the new album, "NEW AGE SEDUCTION TACTICS", show he does it all, "Written, performed, produced, mixed, and mastered by". As his 8th studio album, he has become masterful as to how to make alternative rock that incorporates the right amounts of electronic and industrial sounds into beautiful music. This album is something special!
The sad news, that I found out after listening to the album, is that Harry Metzler has had some serious health issues related to Long Covid. So check out the album, but also if you have a few extras dollars, check out his GoFundMe also.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Cucumbers - "Who Betrays Me". Just recently Steve Nyhoff, who ran Fake Doom Records, reminded me of "Who Betrays Me", a song originally released by The Cucumbers in the 1980's, but was reissued just a few years ago on, " The Fake Doom Years (1983-1986)". This is one of many classics from this mainstay of the Hoboken scene, showcasing both their lyrical prowess and their new wave punk sound.
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 (and bridged on BlueSky at https://bsky.app/profile/BlowUpRadio.gardenstate.social.ap.brid.gy)
EVENT PREVIEWS
Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will be filled with peace, pickin' and harmonies on Sunday, August 9, 2026 as Pineystock returns for a "far out" afternoon celebrating the sounds and spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
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