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)
