By Lazlo
originally published: 04/06/2026
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 Ali Zanders, Sam Tunkel, Brian Westervelt, Jay Ingstrup, A Halo Called Fred, Damfino, Regency Club, and Night Windows. Plus a look back at "This American Life" by Diego Allessandro.
Ali Zanders - "SPACED OUT!". Spring is here! The sun is shining! And Ali Zanders has a new jangly pop-punk single, "SPACED OUT!", for your listening enjoyment.
Sam Tunkel - "The Sting Of The Blade". Sam Tunkel's second album, "The Sting Of The Blade" is according to his website, "a reflection on feeling lost, and not knowing how to get un-lost." Weighty subject matter, but filtered thru his soulful singer-songwriter sound, the songs take you on a journey. Is there enlightenment at the end of it? I guess that is up to each listener to decide for themselves, but even if there isn't, it is an enjoyable sojourn.
Brian Westervelt - "Fearless". "Fearless" is the first official release from Brian Westervelt. My only problem with this five song EP of acoustic pop-punk, is that it left me wanting more, but I guess that's better than an album that overstays its welcome. Hope the second release is coming soon.
Jay Ingstrup - "Brunette Repetition". Jay Ingstrup's latest improvised guitar instrumental collection, "Brunette Repetition", is four songs that are relaxing and mesmerizing. My suggestion, find a relaxing space to be in (maybe by the ocean, or lying in a dark room with a sunset lamp projecting on a nearby wall) and listen to this with big headphones on. it is okay to let your mind wander, as the guitar does on these songs.
A Halo Called Fred - "We're All Like, YEAH!". If you're somehow not already familiar with A Halo Called Fred, a band that started back in the 90's, "We're All Like, YEAH!" is a good place as any to start. Their sound is a time honored tradition of humorous geek-rock, and I'm not anyone does it better... or would even try.
Damfino - "Idiots Delighted". I love the new subversive political songs that are coming out recently. If you listened to Damfino's latest single, "Idiots Delighted", just musically, you might think it was a new catchy They Might Be Giants influenced song... but if you were only to listen to the music without the lyrics you'd completely miss the blistering attack on the idiots in the government.
Regency Club - "The Fugitive". Regency Club's new single, "The Fugitive" posits, "Can I live Folded in a moment permanently?", to which I'd like to counter with can I live folded within this song permanently? It is two minutes and twenty-seven seconds of pure blissful indie-pop.
Night Windows - "In Circles". "Stuck in circles and feedback loops and "nothing I can do's"" is the far to relatable first line of Night Windows' new acoustic lament, "In Circles". The lyrics to the entire song hit hard, because I think we can all connect with being stuck in circles one way or another.
Jason Didner and the GSPs - "D.I.Y. (feat. Jon Caspi)". Oh wow, two local artists I love, Jason Didner and Jon Caspi, combine forces, backed by Jason's band the GSP's, on the new punk rock single, "D.I.Y." the song is about New Jersey's punk scene in the 80's & 90's, but musically owes a little to NYC legends the Ramones.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Diego Allessandro - "This American Life". "This American Life" is the title track from Diego Allessandro's 2018 album. When the album was released I called it "timeless", and "something special", which still holds true. I think today I'd like to say that this album is Diego's "Nebraska", and "This American Life" is the downbeat version of "Born In The U.S.A." that did not make it to "Nebraska".
In an alternate universe there may be an upbeat, anthemic, pop version of "This American Life" that is misunderstood by the masses, but in this universe we got the version we needed.
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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