By Lazlo
originally published: 04/10/2023
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 The Stewart Dolly, Dub Proof, JV Team, Joey Biondi, Flycatcher, and Reese Van Riper.
The Stewart Dolly - "Jon Bon Jovi Rest Area". The Stewart Dolly's last release was in 2019. I thought we might have heard the last of this alt-pop-rock band. I am thrilled to be wrong, as their new 4 song EP, "Jon Bon Jovi Rest Area", highlights more of their wonderful Weezer-esque sound.
Dub Proof - "Neptune". I love that Dub Proof describes their songs as, "If you took the conscience of Bob Marley, the funk of George Clinton, the boom-bap of classic hip-hop, and the abstract delays and reverbs of 70's dub reggae you'd have the recipe." I can't top that.
What I can say is that their blend of reggae-dub-rock is what I want to listen to while relaxing on the beach on a sunny day.
That and I can't believe that their new album, "Neptune", is only their second album, as they have been a band over a decade. But, if they need that time to craft an album as good as this, then I will not pressure them to work faster.
JV Team - "The Great Before". Local super duo JV Team partner next door neighbors Jim Caputo (Somerdale) and Van Kapeghian (Camino Sound, furiousBall, The Fondaleros, Dresden Codex) for an 8 song debut of dreamy-alt-power-pop, with a hint of blues rock. "The Great Before" is such a joy to listen to, I hope this is duo continues to create more music.
You can read a recent interview BlowUpRadio.com's Sean Manuel did with JV Team here.
Joey Biondi - "Orchids". Joey Biondi has recently released 4 singles that really enforces his music style that he describes as, "a mix of new wave, goth, alt rock, and retro 80s, drawing inspiration from artists such as The Cure, The Smiths, Kate Bush, Joy Division, Beach House, Tears for Fears, Echo and the Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs and Radiohead." I could not have summed up Joey's sound better myself. While "Orchids" is the one I reference above, all 4 of these singles are outstanding and will soon all be heard on BlowUpRadio.com's internet station.
Flycatcher - "Stunt EP". Musically, Flycatcher's new "Stunt EP" is three energetic, and two mid-tempo, alt-pop-rock. Lyrically it is like a diary laid out for all the read. The stunt is how they perfectly paired the two like a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. These songs are perfect!
Reese Van Riper - "Saints". Reese Van Riper continues to be a master at combining soul, blues, swamp rock, and folk, into a package of wonderful songs.
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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.
bergenPAC presents Buddy Guy on August 4th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Buddy Guy on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth GRAMMY® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour"
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour" with Marco Mendoza, and Vinnie Moore on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
FEATURED EVENTS
