By Lazlo
originally published: 07/31/2023
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 Jacob Chacko, No Good With Secrets, Psychiatric Metaphors, Honey Wild, Separatr, and Torment Of Giants. Plus a look back at "Movin' On" by 1L (Bil Brixton).
Jacob Chacko - "Back For More". If you're looking for a good mid-tempo tune to listen to while relaxing on the beach, or anywhere, check out Jacob Chacko's new single, "Back For More".
No Good With Secrets - "Harmony and Chloe". "Harmony and Chloe" from No Good With Secrets is a collection of demos, but the decidedly lo-fi sound and rawness of these jangly-power-pop-punk songs is amazingly fulfilling and fun.
Psychiatric Metaphors - "Flower Market Exchange". Whoa! On Psychiatric Metaphors' 7th album, "Flower Market Exchange", the normally fuzzed-out-psych-rockers change gears, and do a... I guess the best way to describe it would be chill-rock, with some mellow surf-rock and jazz-adjacent flourishes. You really should stop reading my description and check it out for yourself!
Honey Wild - "Sweat on the Brain". From the funky open, Honey Wild's "Sweat on the Brain" got me up on my feet and grooving. Then the vocals kicked in and the song became a full on funk rock party.
Separatr - "QUEEN ACE". I don't know why Separatr decided to move from Seattle to Asbury Park, but I am thrilled they did. The noise-pop duo's new EP, "QUEEN ACE", is high-energy rock & roll that reinvigorated me! If their Separatr's live energy is anything like this, then one should see them as soon as they can!
Torment Of Giants - "Lion Heart & Paper Tiger". Torment Of Giants have returned with their second album, "Lion Heart & Paper Tiger". They are still bringing a punk attitude to their hard-alt-grunge-rock sound, but they also have some mellower songs on this. To be clear, not mellow, just mellower, like a dark-alt-rock vibe.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
1L (Bil Brixton) - "Movin' On". In 2014 1L (aka Bil Brixton) released his first EP, "#ItsPersonal)", and the world was introduced to his unique uke-hop sound. Bil had been a poet for some years, so it probably is not surprising that he writes some very meaningful lyrics and can adjust his flow to the music perfectly. Lamentably, his last release was in 2017, and by 2019 he stopped performing live also. I do hope someday he will return to making 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 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
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.
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.
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.
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