By Lazlo
originally published: 03/17/2025
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 new releases by Joey Affatato, The Comrades, Indeyevid, The Clydes, Chris Rockwell, and Timelord Smith. Plus a look back at "It Ain't Me" by Status Green.
Joey Affatato - "Two Song Demo". "Two Song Demo" is an accurate title for Joey Affatato's new release. What's surprising is the liner notes say these songs were recorded in early 2017. I can only assume these songs sat on the shelf for 8 years because he was too busy with The Carousers. Whatever the reason, I am glad these are out now because wonderful acoustic, folk-pop songs.
The Comrades - "Fascist Snow (Preview). Okay, follow me here. The first new release by The Comrades in 16 years, was actually conceived by bassist Greg Matwijiszyn in 1999 as a short story, that lead singer, lyricist, guitarist Jimmy Williams completed writing in 2002, and the band recorded and was mastered by lead guitarist, engineer, producer Darren Faller in 2010, before he moved away (and sadly passed away in 2019).
So here we are in 2025, and the remaining three members are attempting to finish the metal punk project, because it seems like this story is more timely than ever. As the band describes in the liner notes:
"I hope the story told in these four pieces serves as a sobering reminder of the abject cruelty and sadistic abuse that many of our fellow human beings are being subjected to right now, and how easily those in power can similarly destroy your life in an instant, while others will mock you and revel in your pain. What you do with that knowledge I leave up to you."
Indeyevid - "Indeyevid". Indeyevid's self-titled album is everything you want from the grungy-alt-punk band. It's loud, angry, and fucking rocks!
The Clydes - "Sleeping On The Side Of Your Head". The Clyde's return with the first of three new singles, "Sleeping On The Side Of Your Head", which is my Earworm of the Week! The band describes the song as, "new-wavey, with a surging Brian Johnson guitar riff, Brent Johnson lyrics about trying to find hope on the horizon, and a melodic Andrew Orlando bass groove." What more do you need to know? Go check it out!
Chris Rockwell - "Rockwell Rebel Radio 2". It has been 9 years since Chris Rockwell's classic album, "Rockwell Rebel Radio", but the sequel, "Rockwell Rebel Radio 2" (note: missed opportunity in not subtitling it Electric Boogaloo), is here! Like the original, the mix of alternative hip-hop/rap with a punk attitude, and some social commentary, makes this album both compelling and highly entertaining.
Timelord Smith - "Turtle". This is a first, but we have a second Earworm of the Week! Timelord Smith's new 6 song EP, "Turtle", is infectious pop-alternative rock. I can't get these songs out of my head, and that makes me happy.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Status Green - "It Ain't Me". Like Evelyn Forever before them int he late 90's/early 00's, Status Green was another band that was moving up the Asbury Park scene in the late 00's/early 10's, belting out catchy pop rockers and building a fan base with their live show. "It Ain't Me" is a prime example of why they were so popular when they were around.
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 be part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon (and bridged on BlueSky)
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny and the music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny - The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Dude Cervantes & The Panchos will open the night. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 7:30pm.
Shinedown to Play Shows in Newark and Philly in July
(NEWARK, NJ) -- One of the biggest bands in the world, Shinedown, will be releasing their brand new studio album EI8HT on May 29, 2026 (via Atlantic Records) and released the new song "Outlaw." In addition, they announced their massive Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including local stops at Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, July 21st and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 23rd.
Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd
(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
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