By Lazlo
originally published: 09/04/2023
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 Fuey, Bruce Donnola, The Psychedelic Cowboy, Elephants In The Storm Drain, Messy Humans, and illuminihilation. Plus a look back at "Shut Up" by Six To Eight Mathematics.
Fuey - "Liberation Theology". Brett Fuentes started the band Fuey back in 2018, so to say I have been waiting for this debut album for years is no exaggeration. "Liberation Theology", is a great collection of jam-rock based songs, some having a singer-songwriter vibe, others a much more electrifying, almost psychedelic, rock vibe.
Bruce Donnola - "Mugshot Blues". I suspect a recent high profile mugshot being all over the news and social media was the impetus for Bruce Donnola's new single, "Mugshot Blues", but this song deserves more longevity that one news cycle, as it is a fine acoustic blues number.
The Psychedelic Cowboy - "Naked and Unplugged". "Naked and Unplugged" are 4 The Sensational Country Blues Wonders! songs re-recorded solo acoustic, by front man The Psychedelic Cowboy (aka Gary Van Miert). I think I may like these stripped down versions even more than the full band versions. Just guitar and vocal really allows the songs to be more laid back and introspective.
Elephants In The Storm Drain - "Part I". People say all the memorable original band names have been taken, but it is pretty safe to say that Elephants In The Storm Drain is a band name that you won't easily forget. And the three songs on their debut EP, "Part I" are pretty indelible heavy-alt-rock. I am looking forward to Part's 2 & 3 (or II & III), as this is just the first chapter in an ambitious concept album.
Messy Humans - "Here's To Nothing". 6 songs in under 13 minutes, hell yeah Messy Humans' "Here's To Nothing" is punk rock!
illuminihilation - "Shattered Shields, Pt. 2". Among the tags on illuminihilation's "Shattered Shields, Pt. 2" album in Bandcamp are: 'alternative, metal, emo, folk, hardcore, indie rock, metalcore, & punk'. Confused? You won't be after you listen to this masterfully diverse album!
Also, if you go to illuminihilation's Bandcamp page (which I recommend you do), you can read the lyrics while you listen and really delve into them.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Six To Eight Mathematics - "Shut Up". It is crazy to me to realize that Six To Eight Mathematics' "Shut Up" album came out 6 years ago this month. Plain and simple, this album rocks! Loud, fast, female punk rock and roll, with musical hooks that draw you in, and lyrical hooks that cut to the bone!
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
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.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
FEATURED EVENTS
