By Lazlo
originally published: 08/07/2023
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 BreakTime, DLFC, Chris Batten & The Woods, The Deflators, Don Ryan & The Blank Canvas Movement, furiousBall, and Matt Fisher & the Telephone Junkies. Plus a look back at "Time to Burn" by The Number Theory.
BreakTime - "She's The One/Love And Harmony". Whoever said, "there ain't no cure for the summertime blues" [Editor note: it was Eddie Cochran], probably never heard BreakTime, who continue to cultivate their 60's retro-pop sounds with their latest singles, "She's The One" & "Love And Harmony". Both evoke feelings on summer fun on the beach, while neither song is about that.
DLFC - "File Under Tastee - EP". "File Under Tastee - EP", is the second release from DLFC, a side project featuring three members of Jon Caspi & The First Gun (Jon Caspi, Pete Jager, and Doug Lane), sharing the vocal duties. Fans of the First Gun, and Pete Jager's solo (and The Extras, Inc.) music, will recognize their combination or power-pop and punk rock. The tasteeiest track of all is also the mellowest, "True", with lead vocals from Doug Lane.
Chris Batten & The Woods - "The Ceiling". We had to wait 15 years for the first new Chris Batten & The Woods song. Thankfully, it took less than a year later to get their newest single, "The Ceiling". The song is a blistering Americana/Alt-Country-Rock tune.
The Deflators - "Check Your Pressure". I was trying to come up with a better description for The Deflators' debut EP, "Check Your Pressure", but I can't, because much like their EP, their description is spot on: "Melodic Punk reminiscent of 70's Power Pop, 80's New Wave with a dash of the 90's for good measure."
Don Ryan & The Blank Canvas Movement - "Warwalking Part Three". The third installment in Don Ryan's "Warwalking" albums, has been a long time coming. Parts One & Two were released back in 2020. I don't know, or care, what the delay was. Don Ryan & The Blank Canvas Movement can take as long as they like as the end result is an incredibly moving, and upbeat, Alt-Folk/Americana album.
furiousBall - "The Last Music on Earth". furiousBall's 14th album, "The Last Music on Earth", is an ecclectic collection of modern rock tunes. The songs are unified by Van Kapeghan's ability to imbue these soundscapes with enough hooks to make each an earworm, no easy feat.
Matt Fisher & the Telephone Junkies - "Dance With Me Easy". A funny thing happened when I was listening to Matt Fisher & the Telephone Junkies' 2006 album, "The Clock Doesn't Stop". I knew Matt had fronted Smile Mafia for awhile, but had not heard anything recently.... until I did a web search (because I intended to talk about their 2006 album in "Not New, But Memorable Corner") and discovered that Matt Fisher & the Telephone Junkies just released a new album, "Dance With Me Easy". Only took 17 years for a follow up album, but well worth the wait, with a mix of power-pop and mid-tempo acoustic pop-rock tunes.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Number Theory - "Time To Burn". In the early 2000's The Number Theory combined indie-rock with power-pop and classic rock, into some the catchiest art-rock tunes. It is hard to believe their album, "Time To Burn", came out 20 years ago.
Side note: The lead singer continues to put out music today as DDA (https://ddaartiste.bandcamp.com)
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
Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will be filled with peace, pickin' and harmonies on Sunday, August 9, 2026 as Pineystock returns for a "far out" afternoon celebrating the sounds and spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
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.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
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.
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