By Lazlo
originally published: 08/25/2025
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 Awfully Good Times, PYNKIE, Greg Bullock, Countermoon, Wax Seal, Banquets, the dt's, and Yawn Mower. Plus a look back at "Vacancy" by Skytop Motel.
Awfully Good Times - "Sound". A melding of alternative/math/emo rock, with a more acoustic feel on the first track, and some alternative rap on the final track, is the way I'd sum up Awfully Good Times' EP, "Sound". I'd also say their band name is apt, as I had an awfully good time listening to it.
PYNKIE - "Big Feeling". 14 minutes of blissful dream pop, that's what I think of PYNKIE's new EP, "Big Feeling". It is fitting that among the tags for the EP on her Bandcamp page are, "cozy", "dreamy", "nostalgic", and "warm".
Greg Bullock - "Everything's Fine!". Greg Bullock from Cyborg Amok, could have used the dog sitting int he burning cafe meme as the cover for his new single, "Everything's Fine!", but he didn't. However, this dark-gothic-folk-rock song perfectly captures the way many of us feel about the state of the country, and the world right now.
Countermoon - "Memories". Countermoon's bio is, "Too rock for the jazz people, too jazz for the rock people.", which left me wondering what I was about to hear on their single, "Memories". What I hear is the first Earworm Of The Week. This is some harmony laden pop-rock!
Wax Seal - "Confidential". Wax Seal is Marcello Ramirez, and their new indie-folk-rock album, "Confidential", is explained best by their liner notes:
"Written over the course of seven years,
this body of work traces a path
between adolescence and adulthood.
Like a long, fragmented journal entry,
Confidential is an intimate reflection
of the illusions we wake up from as we grow."
Banquets - "Episodes". When Banquets announced their first live concert in 9 years, happening Saturday at Crossroads, I figured this was a nice one-off reunion. Little did I know that the indie-rock/punk band would follow that with the announcement of a new album, "Petty Relics" (out 10/17), and the first single from it, "Episodes". it is everything a Banquets fan could want from a new single!
the dt's - "Sun Shine Down". the dt's new single "Sun Shine Down" is not just a great power-pop song, it is the second 'Earworm of the Week'! Nothing really goes my way either, but when this song is shining down it shines on me (this will make sense if you listen to the song), and shines so brightly it puts a smile on my face.
Yawn Mower - "I Just Can't Wait To Die". I can't say I like the title of Yawn Mower's new album, "I Just Can't Wait To Die", though I do understand the feeling with the world we are currently living in. However, the music is superb! Yawn Mower has always been an incredible alt-indie-rock band, and this album brings their talent to the next level.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Skytop Motel - "Vacancy". Skytop Motel's parting album in 2020, "No Vacancy", contained "Vacancy", a masterpiece of a grungy-alt-power-pop tune.
Both Dan Taggart and Ted Orbach from the band continue to put out incredible music, the former as Danello, The Sad Surfer, and the latter as Possum In My Room.
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)
EVENT PREVIEWS
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
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