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 Greg McGarvey, Stomer, Shotgun Bill with the Tango Kid, Mars Kushi, and Jared Hart. Plus a look back at "Broken Glass Dance" by Red Flag Fleet.
Greg McGarvey - "You Don't Have A Map". Greg McGarvey follows up his "crickets surround" with a with a sort of sequel, "You Don't Have A Map". As he explains in the liner notes, "These songs are sung from the point of view of the guy from ‘crickets surround,’ but with the help of his friends, he’s breaking out of his shell and taking some chances."
The music takes some chances too. There's some psychedelic folk, mixed with catchy rock, experimental, folk laments, and more catchy rock, all held together as a cohesive album with some interstitial instrumentals. This album is epic!
Stomer - "Rhome". Do you like hook laden alternative folk rock with a pinch of emo? Then you definitely need to check out Stomer's new album, "Rhome". It is very good!
Shotgun Bill with the Tango Kid - "Dos Hombres Acusticos". Close your eyes and picture Shotgun Bill with the Tango Kid sitting around a campfire in a western. Sharing some stew and whiskey. Their acoustic instruments is all they have, and all they need, for a good time on "Dos Hombres Acusticos".
Mars Kushi - "BEFORE THE LOVE". Mars Kushi's latest alt-dance-pop-edm album, "BEFORE THE LOVE", should be put on as the soundtrack to your summer party.
Jared Hart - "Room Keys". "Room Keys" is but two songs (the title track and "Downwhen"), but any release from Jared Hart is a joy to my ears. Some lovely jangly slices of Americana/Folk.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Red Flag Fleet - "Broken Glass Dance". Red Flag Fleet only lasted about 3 years (from 2008-2011), and during that period only released 5 songs (a 4 song EP, and a single), but they were 5 great modern/alt-rock songs. My personal favorite of which was "Broken Glass Dance".
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)
