By Lazlo
originally published: 08/05/2024
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 Hubbell Benson, Tony Lio, Jason Brown, Bride Riot, Squirrel, Jazz 300, Mike Montrey Band, Psychiatric Metaphors, Sean Connolly, Mars Kushi, and Ciara Zwicker. Plus a look back at "Keep Calm" by September's Ghost.
Hubbell Benson - "Phantom Frequencies". Brothers Charlie and Sam Guarino formed Hubbell Benson in late 2022. According to their bio, "Their brand of rock is part Zombies faux-jazziness, part early Elvis Costello bite, dipped in the vibrant production touches of MGMT." That's all checks, but the real heart & soul of their debut EP, "Phantom Frequencies" is their combination of catchy hooks and lush harmonies. I love it!
Tony Lio - Nyx (Feat. Lupe Dragon). "Temptation can come in many forms", says the description for Tony Lio's latest single, "Nyx (Feat. Lupe Dragon)". It is a powerful indie-rock song, and the addition of Lupe Dragon on the song, pairs so well with Tony's vocals.
Jason Brown - "Dirt Ballads". Jason Brown is very open about Woody Guthrie's influence on his music, and even states that his new album "Dirt Ballads" was inspired by Guthrie's conceptual album, "Dust Bowl Ballads". The songs on Brown's album are short, fun, peppy, folk tunes.
Bride Riot - "Burn the Altar". Bride Riot isn't a pop-punk band. This is something they make abundantly clear on their EP, "Burn the Altar". This femme punk band has got an edge to them, and it is so good!
Squirrel - "Supersonic Summertime". I don't think I can describe Squirrel's new album any better than he does, "Supersonic Summertime eschews the indie rock sound of the last album in favor of catchy indie pop hooks, lo-fi psychedelic textures, baroque string arrangements, and reverb-drenched surf guitars. The ultimate soundtrack for all your beach days, roller coaster rides, and fireworks shows."
I will just add that I enjoyed it immensely!
Jazz 300 - "Jazz 301". Jazz 300 is not a jazz band at all. On their latest album, "Jazz 301", they have a collection of finely crafted indie-rock, foul of hooks, and jangly guitars.
Mike Montrey Band - "Love, Time & Mortality". If you are unfamiliar with Mike Montrey Band, then I suggest you rectify that with the new album, "Love, Time & Mortality". There is a beautiful soulfulness to their Alt-Country/Roots/Americana sound that is captivating and moving.
Psychiatric Metaphors - "DEEP BREAK". Sam Taylor is Psychiatric Metaphors, and the Psychedelic Garage Rock that he puts out under this moniker is incredible!
Sean Connolly - "On the Rocks EP". What do you get when you combine folk with upbeat acoustic rock, and a hint of punk rock attitude? You get Sean Connolly's, "On the Rocks EP". I will take it straight up, no glass, just play it into my ear holes.
Mars Kushi - "BE YOUR OWN HERO". Mars Kushi's bio states, "After Experimenting with Alternative Rock, Pop Punk and R&B Mars intends on pushing the envelope further and giving the world what they need to hear." On Mars's latest, "BE YOUR OWN HERO", an alt-R&B-soul sound is crossed with some hip-hop, into a compelling album.
Ciara Zwicker - "A Lack of Silence". It has been just over 5 years since Ciara Zwicker's debut album, "18", came out. I'd say her follow up is long overdo, but some artists rush to put out a new album too quickly without letting the songs develop. The songs on "A Lack of Silence" are fully developed, and wonderful alt-pop-rock songs!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
September's Ghost - "Keep Calm". Has it really been 11 years since September's Ghost's debut album, "Keep Calm" came out? Yes it has (though they remixed it and rereleased it in 2017). The album is chock full of catchy alt-pop-punk tunes! And buried in the midst of the album is "Dizzy", a stand-out acoustic/electric, sing-along, that showed early on that this band was not your typical pop-punk band.
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 at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
Outpost in the Burbs presents Rhett Miller of Old 97's
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Rhett Miller on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Rhett is a revered singer-songwriter known for his more than three decades fronting the popular rock band Old 97's who were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 Americana Awards at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to CarteretPAC on April 25th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm.
The Chapin Family presents: Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories LIVE
(WAYNE, NJ) -- The Chapin Family presents: Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories LIVE on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Shea Center for Performing Arts. In the long rich history of Family Groups in American Roots Music, this family has a special place. When these singers, songwriters and extraordinary live performers come together, magic happens. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Sold-Out Cabaret Returns: The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret Comes to Lincroft on April 25th
(LINCROFT, NJ) -- After selling out 200 seats in just days, The Light Between – A Modern Cabaret returns for a special encore performance Saturday, April 25, 2026 at The Earth Room at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County. Created and performed by PJ Casbar and Tom McCormack, the show blends original music, musical-theater favorites, and modern pop into a character-driven cabaret evening that moves between humor, storytelling, and moments of theatrical surprise. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Newton Theatre presents Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin - 55/50 TOUR
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin brings its 55/50 TOUR to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. The tour celebrates two groundbreaking albums - the 55th anniversary of Led Zeppelin IV and the 50th anniversary of Presence. This tour promises an unforgettable journey through the soundscapes that have influenced generations and continue to inspire.
João Bosco Quartet - 80th Birthday Celebration of Brazilian Music Legend João Bosco to take place at McCarter Theatre on April 25th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents the João Bosco Quartet in a special performance celebrating the legendary Brazilian artist's 80th birthday and more than five decades of groundbreaking music-making on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:30pm. Presented in association with Brazil LAB, this performance celebrates João Bosco’s extraordinary career.
Albert Music Hall presents a Modern Country Music Show on Saturday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- On any given night at Albert Music Hall, audiences are more likely to hear early honky-tonk or the songs of Johnny Cash than the modern country sounds of artists like Luke Combs or Miranda Lambert. That will change on Saturday, April 25, 2026, when the Hall leans into the modern era with a special show dedicated to new country music.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) presents Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John on Saturday
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) presents Yellow Brick Road - A Tribute to Elton John on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Tony Award Nominee Eva Noblezada to close Kean Stage's 2025-2026 season
(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- An Evening with Eva Noblezada will close Kean Stage's 2025-2026 season on Sunday, April 26 at Enlow Recital Hall in Hillside. The two-time Tony Award nominee brings a set list full of class, quirkiness and heartbreak as she takes you on her personal journey of discovering a deep love for music and theatre. Enjoy songs from classic musicals that take you back in time, and pop hits reimagined as if they were set in a sexy smoky speakeasy. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Jazz Vespers Service at Burlington Quaker Meeting House to Feature Internationally Acclaimed Musicians Diane Monroe and Tony Miceli
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- The historic Burlington Quaker Meeting House will come alive with the sound of jazz on Saturday, April 11, 2026, as internationally acclaimed violinist Diane Monroe and South Jersey native vibraphonist Tony Miceli headline a special Joyful Noise Jazz Vespers Service blending music, reflection, and community. Showtime is 3:00pm.
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