By Lazlo
originally published: 02/03/2025
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 High., Sunshine Slackers, bronwyn, Happy Joe, The Grip Weeds, Cut The Kids In Half, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, and Rich Lancia. Plus a look back at "Winnebago" by The Wailing Kids.
High. - "Come Back Down". the debut album from High., "Come Back Down", is some mighty fine shoegaze/noisegaze. Lie comfortably with some big headphones, and enjoy.
Sunshine Slackers - "I'll Meet You Down There". Sunshine Slackers' press release states their, "sound is the product of over a decade of musical chemistry between Jack Linden (Karma Gambit), Deirdre Padric (American Stereo), and Chris Dubrow (Karma Gambit), who’ve played in something like five music projects together." It also describes their EP, "I'll Meet You Down There", as having "themes of loneliness, anger, and longing for comfort amidst chaos."
If it were early/mid 90's I have no doubt that their music, self described as, "grungy hooky alternative rock", would be all over mainstream rock radio... but those stations don't really exist anymore... a real shame because this music is outstanding! At least BlowUpRadio.com is here to play it.
bronwyn - "Uno (& friends)". According to the liner notes "Uno (& friends)" was recorded in bronwyn's bedroom, so in that sense it does qualify as "bedroom rock". Yet, calling it that seems incongruous, as this is no lo-fi recording. The 8 songs on this collection (4 regular tracks plus 4 bonus tracks) are fully fleshed out shoegaze indie rock, and engaging ones at that.
Happy Joe - "Primitive". Happy Joe (AKA Joe Canzano) last release, "Big Mouth", came out 15 years ago, so it is not surprising that the new album, "Primitive" is 26 songs. Is a 70 minute album too much of a good thing? Not to my ears. Happy Joe's "rowdy guitar rock" (his perfect description of his music) is a great soundtrack to the crazy times we live in.
The Grip Weeds - "Early Clues EP". The Grip Weeds have been a mainstay in New Jersey for over 35 years, putting out one release after another of killer power-pop. Their latest release, "Early Clues EP", continues the tradition with 3 pieces of ear candy for your enjoyment.
Cut The Kids In Half - "What We Became". "What We Became" is the debut album from Cut The Kids In Half, and it is a fascinating debut. Their alt-rock/indie-rock is hypnotic, with the less rocking songs having an almost Leonard Cohen-esque feel to them.
Jon Caspi & The First Gun - "On The Way Now". Jon Caspi & The First Gun's latest single, "On The Way Now" is my Earworm of the Week! It also may be the most relatable song I've heard this week, described by the band as being about having, "a friend that needs help and then when you try to help, they make it impossible".
Rich Lancia - "Look What I Found". Do like jangly, roots-pop-rock music? Then you need to check out the latest single from Rich Lancia, "Look What I Found", and then you can tell your friends, "hey, look what I found, an awesome song by Rich Lancia".
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Wailing Kids - "Winnebago". The Wailing Kids were a, "Three piece existential rock/dream punk from Trenton". To my ears, they also dabbled in shoegaze with a hint of psychedelia. I was, and still am, a huge fan of this band. Hard to believe their "I Saved Latin" album, which contained the song "Winnebago", came out a decade ago.
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)
EVENT PREVIEWS
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
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!
FEATURED EVENTS
