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 Marc Del Giudice, The Dracu-Las, SONOFDOV, Bobby Mahoney, Jason Didner, and Southpaw. Plus a look back at "Truth About Lions" by The Chilling Details.
Marc Del Giudice - "Daylight Hours". "Daylight Hours" is the first solo offering from Morningside Drive's Marc Del Giudice, and an amazing one at that. I will let Marc explain the song in his own words:
"You can play this song when you’re happy. You can play this song when you’re sad. I envision this song to feel like the first five seconds when you wake up. When there’s that hope that today will be a better day than yesterday. You take a breath. Then you step out your door. As a songwriter you want to share your mind and your dreams."
The Dracu-Las - "Fall Asleep When I'm Dead". Jersey City's The Dracu-Las accurately describe themselves as, "Girl group inspired surfy garage punk for the beach goth set." On "Fall Asleep When I'm Dead", they give us three memorable songs, the title track showcasing the mellower, relaxing on the beach, side, while the latter two songs are more garage punk. It is always nice when an EP leaves me wanting to hear more.
SONOFDOV - "Natural Disaster". There is something about SONOFDOV's music that even when a song is titled, "Natural Disaster", it is still a soothing, mellow indie-folk song, that has pop sensibilities. The song is powerfully moving and auditory bliss.
Bobby Mahoney - "Empty Passenger Seats". Hot off the heels of signing to "Little Steven" Van Zandt's "Wicked Cool Records", Bobby Mahoney releases the first single from the forthcoming album, "Another Deadbeat Summer".
Maybe you've heard a previously released version of "Empty Passenger Seats", but this new remixed/remastered version makes the song brighter and closer to the energy of seeing him and his band live. Very excited to hear the rest of the album when it comes out this June.
Jason Didner - "Digital Carnival". Long time singer-songwriter Jason Didner has spent the last few years writing, along with his wife Amy Didner, some great albums dealing with mental health & self-care.
His latest album, "Digital Carnival", is in his own words, "A rock album that holds up a funhouse mirror to our online world, exploring the joys, hazards and absurdities of our digital lives."
One could say, and several songs attest to, dealing with the online world is a tightrope for mental health & self care. Jason confronts this with his usual witty & poignant songs that traverse the rock spectrum from singer-songwriter, classic rock, 80's metal, and even some funk/reggae.
Southpaw - "Drugstore Candy". I can't say I listen to much modern country. A lot that I have heard just isn't my cup of tea. But Southpaw's blend of country, pop, rock, and a pinch of soul & blues, is a winner. Their latest album, "Drugstore Candy" is definitely worth checking out.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Chilling Details - "Truth About Lions". Back in 2007 The Chilling Details released their one and only album, "innerdialogue". The Chilling Details was the brainchild of former Psykidelic Oven Mit singer-songwriter Frank Bressi. Where Psykidelic Oven Mit was more punk, The Chilling Details was more modern rock. "Truth About Lions" is a great example of that, and a fan favorite from back in the day.
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 at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
