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
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.
The Growing Stage presents: A Baroque Spring Concert for the Whole Family
(NETCONG, NJ) -- Join The Growing Stage as they welcome Conductor & Music Director Robert Butts, and The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, as they perform a selection of pieces designed to introduce their young patrons to classical music. The acoustics of the muraled walls and antique tin ceiling of their home, The Historic Palace Theatre, truly sing when live music is presented.
Today's Brightest Young Jazz Musicians will Unite to Celebrate International Jazz Day at NJPAC on April 26
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the state's anchor cultural institution, will celebrate International Jazz Day on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with a free musical celebration featuring 50+ young local musicians performing on the iconic NJPAC stage. Showtime is 4:00pm.
New Jersey Youth Symphony Presents "Voices of the North: Nordic & Baltic Soundscapes" featuring 2026 Concerto Competition Winner Mason Chu
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS), a program of Wharton Arts, presents its signature spring concert, Voices of the North: Nordic & Baltic Soundscapes, on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the Nicholas Music Center at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Avenel PAC presents 20,000 Roads: The Music of Gram Parsons featuring Pat Guadagno, James Maddock & Lisa Bouchelle
(AVENEL, NJ) -- The dynamic trio of Pat Guadagno, James Maddock, and Lisa Bouchelle, accompanied by a powerhouse band of 'First Call' musicians, including Saturday Night Live drummer Shawn Pelton, come together to deliver 20,000 Roads: The Music of Gram Parsons, a soulful and heartfelt celebration of the timeless catalog of one of American music's most influential pioneers. The show comes to the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Bergen Pop/Rock Ensemble Brings Revives the '90s with The Roots of Pop & Rock Volume III
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Bergen Community College's talented Pop/Rock Ensemble returns to the stage for one electrifying night of '90s favorites with The Roots of Pop & Rock Volume III, a live tribute to the unforgettable sounds of this influential decade. Join the ensemble on a journey back to a time when alternative rock reshaped mainstream radio and pop music soared to new creative heights. The diverse array of artists being paid tribute to will run the gamut from Nirvana and Green Day to No Doubt and the Spice Girls to Selena and Shakira.
South Jersey Jazz Society to Honor Bob Ferguson
(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor Bob Ferguson with the 2026 "George Mesterhazy" Jazz Master award at a gala event to be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club starting at 6:30pm.
South Jersey Jazz Association To Honor Bob Ferguson At Awards Ceremony on April 30th
(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor trumpeter Bob Ferguson with the 2026 George Mesterhazy Jazz Master Award at a gala event on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club. The award, named for a much-beloved local jazz pianist who made a lasting mark on the great American art form of jazz, is given to individuals who have greatly contributed to the performance of jazz both locally and nationally.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Green on April 30th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Greene on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. A native of Santa Barbara,California and now residing in Austin, Greene has ridden his Blues-soaked rock into the 21st century, traversing a constantly changing global (and musical) landscape.
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