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
South Jersey Jazz Society's Concert on the Beach with the PJ Keiter Octet Set for June 5th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- For the fifth year, the South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS) will "unofficially" kick off the summer beach concerts on the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point with music by the PJ Keiter Octet on Friday, June 5, 2026.
The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of "musicforthemorningafter"
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of musicforthemorningafter on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:00pm. The New Jersey native celebrates the release of his debut album, which put him in the national spotlight.
Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on June 5th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band includes Matt Keating, Jason Mercer, Steve Mayone, and Greg Wieczorek. You could say they are a new band with old roots.
The Newton Theatre presents L.A. Guns on June 6th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- L.A. Guns comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band has been rocking for roughly 40 years since establishing themselves as the undisputed sleaze kings of the Sunset Strip, and, eventually, the world.
Jazz Royalty Comes to the Hamilton Stage on June 6th
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Saturday, June 6, 2026 marks the date when Jazz Royalty comes to Hamilton Stage with Dizzy Gillespie alumni and Grammy winning bassist John Lee in collaboration with 16-time Grammy winner Paquito D' Rivera.
The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Anderson Park. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an al fresco performance under the stars. Admission is free. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will host its annual fundraising event, "The Boss Bash," on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring two electrifying performances by The B-Street Band — the longest-running and most requested tribute to Bruce Springsteen in the country.
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.
Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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