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 FRUITBAT, By Torchlight, Mike Chick, and Chip Away. Plus a look back at "You Are Freaking Me Out" by Grover Kent.
FRUITBAT - "Speak No Evil". The new album from FRUITBAT, "Speak No Evil", is genius! It is a combination of things, yet cohesive. It is alt-pop-rock, but also experimental. Some of it is a mellow, some could almost be played in a alternative rave. There is even a little alt-hip-hop thrown in for good measure. Just all around wonderful!
By Torchlight - "Black & Blue". It has been a minute since By Torchlight has released new music, but his latest single, "Black & Blue", was worth waiting for. An anthemic rock tune with punk attitude. Hoping this is the first of many new tunes.
Mike Chick - "More Thrills, Less Hills". Yawn Mower's Mike Chick returns with his third solo album, "More Thrills, Less Hills", and it is chock full catchy indie-pop, and a surprise Americana/Classic Country closing track, that may be my favorite.
Chip Away - "First 3 Songs". "First 3 Songs" from Chip Away is a fine introduction to this new band. 3 rousing pop-punk songs, destined to remain stuck in my head. I am also glad that they included lyrics on their Bandcamp page, as there is some real poetry about life.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Grover Kent - "You Are Freaking Me Out". In the early 00's Grover Kent was, in my opinion, at the upper echelon the "Ramonescore" sound in New Jersey. They even titled one of their albums, "Running Out of Ramones", and had a song of the same name on the album. Also on that album was, "You Are Freaking Me Out", a song that still pops into my head, often when someone is freaking me out. Don't freak me out.
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
