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
