By Lazlo
originally published: 08/25/2025
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 Awfully Good Times, PYNKIE, Greg Bullock, Countermoon, Wax Seal, Banquets, the dt's, and Yawn Mower. Plus a look back at "Vacancy" by Skytop Motel.
Awfully Good Times - "Sound". A melding of alternative/math/emo rock, with a more acoustic feel on the first track, and some alternative rap on the final track, is the way I'd sum up Awfully Good Times' EP, "Sound". I'd also say their band name is apt, as I had an awfully good time listening to it.
PYNKIE - "Big Feeling". 14 minutes of blissful dream pop, that's what I think of PYNKIE's new EP, "Big Feeling". It is fitting that among the tags for the EP on her Bandcamp page are, "cozy", "dreamy", "nostalgic", and "warm".
Greg Bullock - "Everything's Fine!". Greg Bullock from Cyborg Amok, could have used the dog sitting int he burning cafe meme as the cover for his new single, "Everything's Fine!", but he didn't. However, this dark-gothic-folk-rock song perfectly captures the way many of us feel about the state of the country, and the world right now.
Countermoon - "Memories". Countermoon's bio is, "Too rock for the jazz people, too jazz for the rock people.", which left me wondering what I was about to hear on their single, "Memories". What I hear is the first Earworm Of The Week. This is some harmony laden pop-rock!
Wax Seal - "Confidential". Wax Seal is Marcello Ramirez, and their new indie-folk-rock album, "Confidential", is explained best by their liner notes:
"Written over the course of seven years,
this body of work traces a path
between adolescence and adulthood.
Like a long, fragmented journal entry,
Confidential is an intimate reflection
of the illusions we wake up from as we grow."
Banquets - "Episodes". When Banquets announced their first live concert in 9 years, happening Saturday at Crossroads, I figured this was a nice one-off reunion. Little did I know that the indie-rock/punk band would follow that with the announcement of a new album, "Petty Relics" (out 10/17), and the first single from it, "Episodes". it is everything a Banquets fan could want from a new single!
the dt's - "Sun Shine Down". the dt's new single "Sun Shine Down" is not just a great power-pop song, it is the second 'Earworm of the Week'! Nothing really goes my way either, but when this song is shining down it shines on me (this will make sense if you listen to the song), and shines so brightly it puts a smile on my face.
Yawn Mower - "I Just Can't Wait To Die". I can't say I like the title of Yawn Mower's new album, "I Just Can't Wait To Die", though I do understand the feeling with the world we are currently living in. However, the music is superb! Yawn Mower has always been an incredible alt-indie-rock band, and this album brings their talent to the next level.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Skytop Motel - "Vacancy". Skytop Motel's parting album in 2020, "No Vacancy", contained "Vacancy", a masterpiece of a grungy-alt-power-pop tune.
Both Dan Taggart and Ted Orbach from the band continue to put out incredible music, the former as Danello, The Sad Surfer, and the latter as Possum In My Room.
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
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
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