By Lazlo
originally published: 09/18/2023
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 The Catholic Girls, Lost Romance, Asinine Relevance, Joseph Alton Miller, Slow Transits, Rachel Ana Dobken, and dream complete. Plus a look back at "The Straights" by Echofission.
The Catholic Girls - "Hear My Prayer". The Catholic Girls first started as an all girl band back in the 1980's. Their latest release, "Hear My Prayer", sounds just as rocking as their stuff 40 years ago. Three versions of the title track, including an inspired "dance Version" with an 80's synth sound, and an equally solid B-Side, "I Can't Wait", make up this release.
Lost Romance - "Limousine". Lost Romance's new single, "Limousine", not only has some heavy hitters on the track, Steve Ferrone (drummer for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers) and Jack Daley (bass player for Lenny Kravitz), but it is also a new direction for the band with a rocking blues sound that is absolutely wonderful!
Asinine Relevance - "[I]". Judging by the two songs on Asinine Relevance's "[I]" release I would have to say this band is influenced by the thrash-grunge-punk sound of some of Nirvana's harder songs. Looking forward to hearing more from this new act.
Joseph Alton Miller - "This Old Car". A new song from Joseph Alton Miller is like reuniting with an old friend. His folk/Americana sound is so warm and inviting, and his lyrics always tell an engrossing story. His latest, "The Old Car", is no exception. It is in fact, exceptional!
Slow Transits - "Parallel Moves / Circle Breaking". Two new songs from Slow Transits, "Parallel Moves" & "Circle Breaking", showcase how you can be experimental-psychedelic-post-punk, while still having dream-pop sensibilities, making both songs fascinating.
Rachel Ana Dobken - "Cruel, Cruel, Cruel". Rachel Ana Dobken's new song, "Cruel, Cruel, Cruel,", isn't just a great single to get excited for her forthcoming 2024 album, "Acceptance", it is also an awesome pop-rock tune and an earworm!
dream complete - "Always Somewhere EP". "Always Somewhere EP" from dream complete is 4 excellent alternative hard rock/shoegaze songs.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Echofission - "The Straights". When Echofission released their quintessential album, "The Straights" in 2008 I wrote about how special an album this was and that "in my opinion, is destined to be looked back on years from now as a classic album". Here we are 15 years later and yes, I still think of this album as a classic! A blend of indie rock, pop, and a pinch of 90's jam rock, the album is perfect from beginning to end.
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
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.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
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