By Lazlo
originally published: 04/28/2025
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 Zachary West & The Good Grief; Roadside Graves; jpeck; Danello, The Sad Surfer; Monda; Cyborg Amok; Above the Moon; Arlan Feiles; and Ali Zanders. Plus a look back at "Up To Her Ears" by The Successful Failures.
Zachary West & The Good Grief - "Intrusive Thoughts". Zachary West & The Good Grief's bio amusingly states, "Musical endeavor from aging punks that keep positive by writing negative songs. We’re every Hard Times headline."
Their punk spirit is all over their new pop infused alt-rock album, "Intrusive Thoughts", and they even got Dan Campbell (The Wonder Years) to add some guest vocals on the song "Howell At The Moon" (that is not a typo, the band is from Howell, NJ).
Roadside Graves - "Interlude (The Aquarium Drunkard Lagniappe Sessions)". Americana/Folk-Rock legends, Roadside Graves, release the new EP, "Interlude (The Aquarium Drunkard Lagniappe Sessions)". It may be just four short songs, but it is a nice way to ease into, or relax after a long, day.
jpeck - "They're Calling (beta). jpeck's latest song sounds like it would be heavy, "It's a song about some one going in and out of sleep while in a coma", but it's more of a hauntingly beautiful, soulful, indie-folk-pop song, than maudlin... to me at least.
Danello, The Sad Surfer - "tiramisu". Last month I wrote about Dante Paulo Tagliani - "Tiramisu", and how the Bandcamp page for the album said, "shhhh this is a secret. temp release". By the time my column was published the album was gone.
The album has been re-released, this time under the artist's regular performing moniker, Danello, The Sad Surfer. So I'll repeat what I said last month, go now and download this wonderful EP of indie-folk-pop!
Monda - "Everything You Wanted". In the lead up to Monda's highly anticipated new album, "Here Comes the Cavalry" (out on 5/9), they have released an EP, "Everything You Wanted". The title track, which also doubles as the first single from the forthcoming album, is an indie-rock earworm! And I am thrilled that the other 4 songs, "b-sides and cut tracks", were released, because these are no throw away songs. To quote a cartoon tiger spokesperson, "they're great!"
Cyborg Amok - "Pins & Needles". If you're wondering how Cyborg Amok's new album, "Pins & Needles" got it's name, they explain int he liner notes that contains, "songs examining pins and needles of the life experience." They do so with their own blend of gothic-post-punk-indie-rock that is mesmerizing and intoxicating.
Above the Moon - "There Is No Arrival - Vol. 1". Dreamy alt-rockers Above the Moon return with "There Is No Arrival - Vol. 1". The riffs of lead-off track, "The Only One", pulled me in, and the lyrics moved me. When the fifth/closing track, "Never Changes" ended I was hungry for more. Good thing this is Volume 1.
Arlan Feiles - "Diaspora". Arlan Feiles' new album, "Diaspora", is probably his most personal album, and definitely his most somber. His site describes the album as exploring, "his historic and cultural connections to the past that inform his now and his future as a Jew living in the Diaspora."
Let me 100% clear here, as this is a very divisive issue right now, this album is not a Pro-Israel or Anti-Israel album. The closing track, "Ceasefire (Shalom Achshav)", is the only track that directly references the current conflict, and speaks to a two state solution.
This album may not be Arlan's most commercial album, but with antisemitism rising at an alarming rate, this may be his most important. As the old adage goes, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Listen, really listen, to this album.
Ali Zanders - "Class of 2021". "Class of 2021", was not what I was expecting from Ali Zander's. Her previous work was mellower singer-songwriter tunes. This new EP starts with indie-pop-rock anthems, and even the mellower songs feel different from her earlier songs. Highly enjoyable!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Successful Failures - "Up To Her Ears". The Successful Failures began about 20 years ago as a side project for then frontman of The Dipsomaniacs, Mick Chorba. Over the years The Successful Failures have put out album after album of a blend of power-pop, alt-country, and indie rock. Right out of the gate, their self-titled debut showcased this is a band you should pay attention to. The lead of track on that 2006 album is still a power-pop gem, "Up To Her Ears".
The band is still together today playing shows regularly, and working on new music.
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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