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 Joey Affatato, The Comrades, Indeyevid, The Clydes, Chris Rockwell, and Timelord Smith. Plus a look back at "It Ain't Me" by Status Green.
Joey Affatato - "Two Song Demo". "Two Song Demo" is an accurate title for Joey Affatato's new release. What's surprising is the liner notes say these songs were recorded in early 2017. I can only assume these songs sat on the shelf for 8 years because he was too busy with The Carousers. Whatever the reason, I am glad these are out now because wonderful acoustic, folk-pop songs.
The Comrades - "Fascist Snow (Preview). Okay, follow me here. The first new release by The Comrades in 16 years, was actually conceived by bassist Greg Matwijiszyn in 1999 as a short story, that lead singer, lyricist, guitarist Jimmy Williams completed writing in 2002, and the band recorded and was mastered by lead guitarist, engineer, producer Darren Faller in 2010, before he moved away (and sadly passed away in 2019).
So here we are in 2025, and the remaining three members are attempting to finish the metal punk project, because it seems like this story is more timely than ever. As the band describes in the liner notes:
"I hope the story told in these four pieces serves as a sobering reminder of the abject cruelty and sadistic abuse that many of our fellow human beings are being subjected to right now, and how easily those in power can similarly destroy your life in an instant, while others will mock you and revel in your pain. What you do with that knowledge I leave up to you."
Indeyevid - "Indeyevid". Indeyevid's self-titled album is everything you want from the grungy-alt-punk band. It's loud, angry, and fucking rocks!
The Clydes - "Sleeping On The Side Of Your Head". The Clyde's return with the first of three new singles, "Sleeping On The Side Of Your Head", which is my Earworm of the Week! The band describes the song as, "new-wavey, with a surging Brian Johnson guitar riff, Brent Johnson lyrics about trying to find hope on the horizon, and a melodic Andrew Orlando bass groove." What more do you need to know? Go check it out!
Chris Rockwell - "Rockwell Rebel Radio 2". It has been 9 years since Chris Rockwell's classic album, "Rockwell Rebel Radio", but the sequel, "Rockwell Rebel Radio 2" (note: missed opportunity in not subtitling it Electric Boogaloo), is here! Like the original, the mix of alternative hip-hop/rap with a punk attitude, and some social commentary, makes this album both compelling and highly entertaining.
Timelord Smith - "Turtle". This is a first, but we have a second Earworm of the Week! Timelord Smith's new 6 song EP, "Turtle", is infectious pop-alternative rock. I can't get these songs out of my head, and that makes me happy.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Status Green - "It Ain't Me". Like Evelyn Forever before them int he late 90's/early 00's, Status Green was another band that was moving up the Asbury Park scene in the late 00's/early 10's, belting out catchy pop rockers and building a fan base with their live show. "It Ain't Me" is a prime example of why they were so popular when they were around.
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 (and bridged on BlueSky)
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