By Lazlo
originally published: 04/14/2025
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 Richard Peter Morris, The Bitter Chills, Diego Allessandro, noremi, Yellow Air Conditioned Feelings, Miracleworker, Tunnels, and Shotgun Bill. Plus a look back at "Spartan and Free" by SONOFDOV.
Richard Peter Morris - "Bamboozled!". "Bamboozled!" are new demos from Richard Peter Morris (Kül d'Sack and Corn Scupa) songs written between 1991 and 2024. Sometimes demos sound unpolished, but the rawness of bluegrass/folk songs make these songs sound perfectly complete to me.
The Bitter Chills - "Young Time Rock N' Roll". The Bitter Chills brand of Indie Folk Rock has fascinated me for years. On "Young Time Rock N' Roll" they showcase some lovely folk rock, but also have some nice forays into Swing Jazz and Rockabilly.
Diego Allessandro - "Still Standing". "Still Standing" is a free album that Diego Allessandro surprised the world with on April 5th. As he put it, "This one is for the resistance!" The 9 new songs, a remix of a song from 2022 and 3 bonus tracks, make for a very compelling rock album.
Sign up to his e-mail list on his website, https://www.diegoa.net, to get a download of this album.
noremi - "i am very young and i am learning how to live". I could describe noremi's amazing debut album, "i am very young and i am learning how to live", but I think noremi does a better job in the first paragraph of the liner notes of the album:
""i am very young and i am learning how to live" was my senior thesis project in music to graduate from college last spring. I consider it a culmination of both the musical and personal journey of my college experience, exploring themes of imposter syndrome, mental health, fear of falling behind and growing older, the glorification of youth, relationships with loved ones and temporality, filial piety, homesickness, nostalgia, and dreams (and the anxieties attached to their pursuit)."
Yellow Air Conditioned Feelings - "Dream From Your Left Nose". Original members of The Semibeings Tom McDonald, Patrick Baker, Dave Von Bargen, and Joe Baker, are making music together again as Yellow Air Conditioned Feelings. Their debut, "Dream From Your Left Nose", is 23 minutes of indie-psychedelic-rock with the catchiest of hooks.
Miracleworker - "Set Your Aim". Miracleworker's bio says, "Melodic, punk adjacent rock and roll. Peter Hart's shaky acoustic demos are supercharged by New Jersey punk vets Chris Ross, Dan Cav and Travis Omilian."
"Set Your Aim", and the B-Side, "Eyes, remind me a lot of indie-alt-rock from the 90's that I loved then, and still love now. And their lyrics (which they were kind enough to post on their Bandcamp page), creates imagery with their poetry.
Tunnels - "DEMO". "DEMO" may be demos of Tunnels' songs, but this shoegazey emo-alt-rock band has put together some fine sounding recordings of some excellent songs.
Shotgun Bill - "Songbook Vol.1". "Songbook Vol.1" is sort of "best of" Shotgun Bill, as decided by Bill himself. 15 songs from 6 albums, the collection is a nice snapshot of his Americana-Country-Rock.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
SONOFDOV - "Spartan and Free". Has it really been almost 11 years since Dennis King's SONOFDOV (formerly Son Of Dov) released his second EP, "Spartan and Free"? The EP is beautiful, moody, and haunting alt-folk. Described by Dennis as being, "A sparse look into letting go of fear, addiction and the slow rise to freedom." The standout track to me is, "Breathing Fire".
SONOFDOV can currently be seen performing with Melissa Anthony as Tiny Cities.
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)
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
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