By Lazlo
originally published: 08/21/2023
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 orionfalls, NOT YER BABY, Alibi, Signal Valley, Levy Okun, Modern Crybaby, and Mike Noordzy. Plus a look back at "The Life You're Faking" by The Dipsomaniacs.
orionfalls - "No Hard Feelings". "orionfalls is a solo project from New Jersey.", states the bio alongside their new album, "No Hard Feelings". While it may be a solo project, it is not acoustic, and the layered vocals (and additional vocals from Nisa Marchunt on 3 songs), make this feel less like a solo album, and more like a fine emo rock album.
NOT YER BABY - "Gemini". I know very little about astrological signs, but I know Gemini is represented by twins. That seems fitting for NOT YER BABY's new song, "Gemini", as it has dual traits of being a punk, and yet danceable (in a non-punk way). You would think those traits would be battling one another, but they meld seamlessly on this track.
Alibi - "Twin Flame". I'm not quite ready for fall yet, but Alibi just released what I would consider a great fall EP. It's acoustic, introspective, and has just the right amount of melancholia.
Signal Valley - "Unedited Image Of A Bear". Normally I'd say a 25 song album that clocks in at over 80 minutes is just too long. But in the case of Signal Valley's "Unedited Image Of A Bear", the diversity of the styles of rock, and the placement of them, make for a very enjoyable listening experience.
Levy Okun - "Says Hello". Levy Okun's "Says Hello" is pop-rock bliss! Each of the 8 songs on this album are peppy earworms, and the lyrics sound personal yet relatable to all. Go check this album out now!
Modern Crybaby - "Few & Far Between". If you are not listening to the Songs on Site podcast, you are missing out. It is a great interview & performance podcast spotlighting local artists.
The newest installment introduced me to Modern Crybaby (Dylan Schroth). His bio page says, "With a heavy heart and a hopeful smile, Schroth sings about his experience with depression, anxiety, growth, and recovery with the hopes of inspiring others on a similar path." His music is inspiring, as well as beautiful and full of emotion.
Mike Noordzy - "Sleaze Greaze". Sometimes I want to listen to some experimental jazz, and Mike Noordzy is consistently putting out top notch collections of jazz that is avant-garde, but still melodious. Check out his latest EP, "Sleaze Greaze".
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Dipsomaniacs - "The Life You're Faking". Before Mick Chorba fronted The Successful Failures, he fronted the power-pop band, Dipsomaniacs. All of their albums are incredible (as are The Successful Failures'), but 2001's "The Life You're Faking" is a quintessential summer album for me. It is full of earworms with infectious riffs, gorgeous harmonies, and an overall feeling of summer fun!
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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