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
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday
(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania - a Beatles Tribute Band on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. This band invites you to take a memorable trip back to the 1960's to experience the wonderful sound and stage persona of The Beatles.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th
(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
