By Lazlo
originally published: 02/06/2023
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 releases by Play Head, Jason Didner, THIEV, Hubbell Benson, erase:rewind, Quiz Show, and Joe Billy.
Play Head - "Around an Autumn Moon". Play Head's, "Around an Autumn Moon", is some lyrically heavy, amazing modern rock. 'Nuff said.
Jason Didner - "Side Effects". Jason Didner has always been an amazing artist, but in the last couple of years he's been talking his songwriting (often co-writing with his wife, Amy) and recording to new levels. His latest album, "Side Effects" has a little something for everyone, as he traverses multiple styles of rock music, and has lyrics about life's joys and challenges.
To paraphrase a lyric from the chorus of "This Man's Eyes", "Jason Didner's music brings so much joy to my life." Hopefully it will for you too!
Also check out an interview Sean Manuel did with Jason Didner on BlowUpRadio.com here.
THIEV - "fade". THIEV describe their music as, "melodic hardcore with heavy west coast influence while sticking to their NJ pop-punk/hardcore roots."
I describe their new EP, "fade", as three alt-punk/melodic hardcore tunes that rock!
Hubbell Benson - "'Cept For Him" [single]. The new single from Hubbell Benson, "'Cept For Him" is quite the catchy earworm. Their name may be an obscure reference to the Monkees, but this song sounds like a song that would be at home on Joe Jackson's "Look Sharp!" album. Love it!
erase:rewind - "Watching Life Through Dirty Glasses" [single]. erase:rewind's "Watching Life Through Dirty Glasses" is a peppy, catchy tune that they describe as being about, "going to Atlantic City and talking with a fake accent." I'm sure none of us can relate to that (don't call my bluff).
Quiz Show - "What If?" [single]. Look, if your one of those people that like name dropping, then let me explain that Quiz Show contains Chris Matthews, a founding member of Shudder To Think, and Kevin March, the drummer for Guided By Voices, but that's not why you should listen to Quiz Show.
You should check out Quiz Show because their songs are incredible punk/post punk alt-rock, and "What If?", one of two singles just released from their forthcoming self-titled album (out on March 17th), is a prime example.
Joe Billy - "Fissure". Joe Billy has come a long way from is first folk-punk album six years ago. He has always been a great songwriter, but "Fissure" has a full band on most of the songs, which adds so much to this collection of songs. He also deftly knows which songs benefit most from the full band, and which should be more stripped down. This album is a masterpiece!
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 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://mstdn.social/@BlowUpRadio
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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