By Lazlo
originally published: 09/25/2023
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 Blue Vervain, Andrew Pollinger, DirtyHands, Lost In Society, The Normal Living, and Commons 2. Plus a look back at "nightclub jitters" by evelyn forever.
Blue Vervain - "The Garden". Blue Vervain new 7 song release, "The Graden" is a masterpiece! It is a multi-hyphanate of musical genres, orchestral-indie-folk-pop-shoegaze among them, blended into a smooth, highly entertaining collection of songs.
Andrew Pollinger - "Acoustic Outtakes". I am often confused when I see someone call a release "outtakes", as Andrew Pollinger does with his new EP, "Acoustic Outtakes", because these "outtakes" are incredible acoustic pop-punk tunes. I want to rename the EP, "Acoustic Gems".
DirtyHands - "Here Comes The Fight". DirtyHands new single, "Here Comes The Fight", reminds me a lot of 90's modern rock ballads, and I love it!
Lost In Society - "Lights Out". Alt-Punk band Lost In Society is back with a new single, "Lights Out", to remind you that high energy rock, with a memorable chorus, is not dead! Hell yeah!
The Normal Living - "Pleasant Valley Flood". "Pleasant Valley Flood" is a 3 song EP from The Normal Living, that showcases the brilliance and diversity of the band. "Hurricane" is a perfect rocker to get things started. "Change" kind of builds from a mellow blues hard rock base, To a sweet, harmony-laden chorus. The title track closes out the EP with a catchy mid-tempo pop-rock tune that left me wanting to hear more.
Commons 2 - "Art Studio". An "Art Studio" can be a place of complete creative freedom. Commons 2's new EP of the same name showcases that creative freedom with 4 uniquely different sounding indie rock songs. There's a little blues, some shoegaze, pop-punk, and indie-pop, all tied together by some personal sounding lyrics.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
evelyn forever - "nightclub jitters". In the late 90's evelyn forever ruled the Jersey Shore local music scene and seemed primed to break in a big way. But like so many talented bands, they never quite got to the next level. However, they put out several amazing power-pop albums, including their 1997 debut, "nightclub jitters", which included "Rock And Roll Girl", a song which I think could still be huge today if they had label's PR team pushing it.
Alas, in the early 00's a band member left evelyn forever, and the band became Billion Boys Club, with a slightly heavier sound. By the late 00's they had disbanded completely.
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
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.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
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.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 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.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
