By Lazlo
originally published: 11/03/2025
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 Flycatcher, Ciara Zwicker, The Nightly Noodle & Opposite Action, Jonathan Tea, Lily Vakili, Rhonette Smith, and Dr Scientist. Plus a look back at "Dear You" by The Extra's, Inc.
Flycatcher - "Wrench". Flycatcher continues to impress with their latest album, "Wrench". It is alt-rock, filtered through Americana/Folk, with just a hint of grunge.
Ciara Zwicker - "The Cure to Fear". I have yet to see Ciara Zwicker refer to "The Cure to Fear" as a concept album, but given radio broadcast interludes within the album, and the overall arch of the album, I'd be surprised if it wasn't intended to be such. But even if you just want to hear some great alternative rock, without paying attention to the overall story, it's a damn fine album.
The Nightly Noodle & Opposite Action - "Broken Record". If you are a regular listener of BlowUpRadio.com then you are already familiar with The Nightly Noodle's beautiful songs and guitar noodling. Adding the soulful vocals of Opposite Action on the collaborative EP, "Broken Record" is perfection!
Jonathan Tea - "Big & Bright & Restless". On "Big & Bright & Restless", Jonathan Tea gives us 8 songs of Grade A Americana. Despite the first track on the album, do not "skip it".
Lily Vakili - "Oceans Of Kansas". "Oceans Of Kansas" is a masterpiece. This is Lily Vakili's opus! Over the span of 9 songs the album takes you on a journey, some pathways are folk, some are psychedelic, others bring you down small alleys between buildings and into other lush soundscapes.
Rhonette Smith - "Loss". Rhonette Smith dabbles in adding electronic sounds to her rock music on her latest single, "Loss". It is used to great effect helping to elevate the power of this song about a very personal subject matter, but one we all deal with.
Dr Scientist - "It Hurts". "It Hurts", is a misnomer. Dr Scientist's latest alt-pop-rock album had me smiling, singing along, and all around feeling good. Nothing hurts doc, it is pure joy.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Extra's, Inc. - "Dear You". Before Pete Jager started putting out amazing solo music, he fronted The Extra's, Inc. Both solo and with his former band, he has captured some lyrical truths into Punk, Power-Pop, and Folk/Americana songs. One such song that quickly became a fan favorite is, "Dear You". I suspect it is because the lyrics are relatable... that and everyone loves a song with an F-Bomb in the chorus.
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
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.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
