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)
