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
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.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
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