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
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on September 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades.
Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- It's been a landmark year for Ella Langley. Fresh off a sweep at the ACM Awards where she won all seven awards she was nominated for, two recent American Music Award wins, and being the soundtrack of the summer for a trio of German fans on Twitter traveling through America during the World Cup. Ella continues one of the most dominant runs in music. She brings The Dandelion Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on September 10, 2026 at 7:00pm. Special guests ERNEST and Gabriella Rose will open the night.
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library
(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Tony Award Nominee Joshua Henry to open Kean Stage's 2026-2027 season
(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- Kean Stage is thrilled to announce that Joshua Henry, three-time Tony nominee and star of Lincoln Center Theater's Ragtime, will open their 2026-2027 season with two performances of his show Get Up, Stand Up! on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm at Enlow Recital Hall (215 North Avenue) in Hillside.
FEATURED EVENTS
