By Lazlo
originally published: 07/31/2023
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 Jacob Chacko, No Good With Secrets, Psychiatric Metaphors, Honey Wild, Separatr, and Torment Of Giants. Plus a look back at "Movin' On" by 1L (Bil Brixton).
Jacob Chacko - "Back For More". If you're looking for a good mid-tempo tune to listen to while relaxing on the beach, or anywhere, check out Jacob Chacko's new single, "Back For More".
No Good With Secrets - "Harmony and Chloe". "Harmony and Chloe" from No Good With Secrets is a collection of demos, but the decidedly lo-fi sound and rawness of these jangly-power-pop-punk songs is amazingly fulfilling and fun.
Psychiatric Metaphors - "Flower Market Exchange". Whoa! On Psychiatric Metaphors' 7th album, "Flower Market Exchange", the normally fuzzed-out-psych-rockers change gears, and do a... I guess the best way to describe it would be chill-rock, with some mellow surf-rock and jazz-adjacent flourishes. You really should stop reading my description and check it out for yourself!
Honey Wild - "Sweat on the Brain". From the funky open, Honey Wild's "Sweat on the Brain" got me up on my feet and grooving. Then the vocals kicked in and the song became a full on funk rock party.
Separatr - "QUEEN ACE". I don't know why Separatr decided to move from Seattle to Asbury Park, but I am thrilled they did. The noise-pop duo's new EP, "QUEEN ACE", is high-energy rock & roll that reinvigorated me! If their Separatr's live energy is anything like this, then one should see them as soon as they can!
Torment Of Giants - "Lion Heart & Paper Tiger". Torment Of Giants have returned with their second album, "Lion Heart & Paper Tiger". They are still bringing a punk attitude to their hard-alt-grunge-rock sound, but they also have some mellower songs on this. To be clear, not mellow, just mellower, like a dark-alt-rock vibe.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
1L (Bil Brixton) - "Movin' On". In 2014 1L (aka Bil Brixton) released his first EP, "#ItsPersonal)", and the world was introduced to his unique uke-hop sound. Bil had been a poet for some years, so it probably is not surprising that he writes some very meaningful lyrics and can adjust his flow to the music perfectly. Lamentably, his last release was in 2017, and by 2019 he stopped performing live also. I do hope someday he will return to making music.
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
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday
(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania - a Beatles Tribute Band on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. This band invites you to take a memorable trip back to the 1960's to experience the wonderful sound and stage persona of The Beatles.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
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