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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 3/20/23


By Lazlo

originally published: 03/20/2023


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 Quiz Show, The Maravines, The Gumbo Gumbas, Big Rips, and Wet Methods.

Quiz Show - "Quiz Show". A little over a month ago in this column I raved about a single from Quiz Show's then forthcoming self-titled album, telling you to listen to them because their songs are incredible punk/post punk alt-rock, not because the band contains Chris Matthews, a founding member of Shudder To Think, and Kevin March, the drummer for Guided By Voices.

Those reasons still apply on this awesome album!

The Maravines - "Orange". The Maravines are masters of indie-folk-rock, with beautiful harmonies and hooks that draw you in. Their latest release, "Orange" contains some new songs, along with reworkings of some of their songs that have been around for several years. It is perfection, like floating upon calm waves on a warm day, relaxing and engrossing.

The Gumbo Gumbas - "Zydeland". You do not have to go to New Orleans to party with a great Zydeco band. New Jersey's own The Gumbo Gumbas seem always ready to bring fun and energy! The two mellower songs interspersed on the album, give you a chance to slow dance, or have a drink.




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Their latest album, "Zydeland", is only available at their shows, so put on your dancing shoes and go have a good time!



Big Rips - "Fun Face". Described on Bandcamp, "A bunch of songs about depression, half finished demos, and other little bleeps and bloops to unsuccessfully try to fill up 2 sides of a tape."

The lyrics are definitely serious and about depression, but they are masked under the "fun face" of undeniably upbeat, happy sounding music... just like so many mask their depression.

Wet Methods - "WET METHODS". 19 songs in 26 minutes, you might things these songs are all going to be loud and fast punk songs, and you'd be largely wrong. While there is a punk ethos throughout, most of these songs would fit more neatly into alt-indie-rock. With the longest song clocking in at just over 2 and a half minutes, even the most time strapped person can find time to check out these songs, and you should because they are great.

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://mstdn.social/@BlowUpRadio




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EVENT PREVIEWS

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Shemekia Copeland to Perform Free Concert in Atlantic City

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Award-winning vocalist Shemekia Copeland will give a free performance as part of Tony Mart's Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk concert series at the Kennedy Plaza in Atlantic City on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. Showtime is 7:00pm.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents Straight No Chaser - SUMMER: The 90's

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Straight No Chaser – SUMMER: The 90's Part 2 on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 7:30pm. Featuring their twist on 90s classics like Lisa Loeb's "Stay (I Missed You)," "Everybody" by Backstreet Boys, "Linger" from The Cranberries, and Santana's "Maria Maria," Straight No Chaser brings audiences of all ages back to a simpler time, one unafraid of bright neons, loud prints, and cool boy bands.
 



A

A Chat with Jasper Smith of Straight No Chaser Which Brings its "Summer: The '90s Part 2" Tour to STNJ on July 16

Straight No Chaser is bringing its Summer: The '90s Part 2 Tour to State Theatre New Jersey on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The nine-member a cappella group originated in 1996 at Indiana University in Bloomington and has gone on to sell three million albums, earn two gold records, and amass over 1 billion streams on Pandora.



Hoboken's

Hoboken's Sinatra Park to Host Concert by Freedy Johnson and Karyn Kuhl and the Gang

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Local events organizer, Geri Fallo, who retired last year, is inviting you to celebrate with her, as she embraces new and exciting endeavors. Come enjoy a free evening of music in Hoboken's Sinatra Park (525 Sinatra Drive) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The evening is presented by Mayor Ravi Bhalla, The Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs, and Geri Fallo. The event is free, and music starts at 6:30pm. Come early for the best seating.



MPAC

MPAC presents The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert on Thursday

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Limited tickets remain for The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Showtime is 7:30pm.



FEATURED EVENTS

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Indigenous

Indigenous

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Straight

Straight No Chaser - SUMMER: The 90's Part 2

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music


 

Bria

Bria Skonberg

Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

KC

KC and the Sunshine Band

Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

The

The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert

Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music