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 Blisstique, All Systems Go, Fair Panic, Max Rauch, Songbird, and Arlan Feiles. Plus a look back at "Light Up, Lay Back" by The Mother Sound.
Blisstique - "An Acoustic Amalgam". Blisstique is back! "An Acoustic Amalgam", their new EP, is 3 originals, and an interesting cover of Steve Miller Band's "Serenade". Blisstique has always been a high energy, rhythmic rock, with a funky vibe, and "Safe But Sorry", "Collision Course", and the aforementioned cover, showcase that even in an acoustic formation they can still bring it. But the real standout on this EP to me is "Takin' It Easy". When Blisstique/PK Solo plays acoustically he has pulled out more mellow, folk/roots styled songs, but I believe "Takin' It Easy" is the first official recording of that style.
All Systems Go - "Finding Closure". On their Bandcamp page All Systems Go says, "Finding Closure was not written as a concept record but was written as a result of our band navigating through tragedy and adapting to a new norm." On the surface (i.e. musically) this is still as fun a pop-punk EP as anything else the band has released, but lyrically is where this album will hit you (and they were kind enough to post their lyrics on Bandcamp so you have no excuse not to pay attention to them). The four songs deal with grief, the most powerful being the closing track, "Survivor's Guilt".
Fair Panic - "Love Could [EP]". "Eclectic Alt Rock from the Garden State", that is how Fair Panic describes themselves, and it is pretty apt. It also seems fitting that in the run up to their new "Love Could [EP]", they released covers of songs by The Cocteau Twins and Missing Persons, as their sound, while heavier, incorporates vibes of both artists, especially on the title track. I love this EP, their first release in 7 years. I hope we don't have to wait another 7 years for their next release... but if we do, I'm sure it will be worth the wait like "Love Could" was.
Max Rauch - "demos". You may be familiar with Max Rauch's music from LKFFCT, NGHTCRWLRS, and MAUCH, among the bands he has been in. If you are, than you already know that even demos from him will be some catchy pop infused rock, and "demos" has four prime examples for your listening pleasure.
Songbird - "Ice Cream Cake". Songbird's new single, "Ice Cream Cake" starts up with just her voice and a piano, before the first of several tempo changes kicks in with a pop beat, giving me chills. This song, which Songbird describes as being about, "not so great friends", should be a big crossover pop hit. At the bare minimum I can guarantee it is already a hit here at BlowUpRadio.com.
Arlan Feiles - "I Know Your Number". Any new song from Arlan Feiles I know is going to be good. His Folk/Americana songs are always moving. Arlan's own explanation of "I Know Your Number" helps explain why this song hits on a powerful emotional level.
"'I Know Your Number' is a song of eternal love. A love endured through tragic separation and loss in the face of perhaps the greatest evil the modern world has yet known. 'I Know Your Number' connects an entire people who's faith and hope was the only thing remaining when all else was taken, even one's name."
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Mother Sound - "Light Up, Lay Back". Back in the 1990's I did a local music show at WMCX (Monmouth University), and The Mother Sound's self-titled album was a regular part of the show. In particular, the anthemic, "Light Up, Lay Back", a chill jam tune that probably would be good to light up and lay back while listening to if that is your thing. Were it not for the untimely death of a band member leading to the band breaking up, I think they could have been popukar with the burgeoning jam band scene of the 90's.
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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