New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 12/22/25

By Lazlo

originally published: 12/22/2025

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 Psychtooth, The Garden Roads, New Antics, A Color Engine, Southpaw, Ipkiss, and Ferocious Designs. Plus a look back at "Deal With The Devil" by The Brixton Riot.

Psychtooth - "Party Patrick Doesn't Wanna Party Anymore". "melancholy junk rock" is how Psychtooth describe their music, as in a junk draw would have a hodge-podge of things in it. I'm not sure I'd describe them that way, but I get what they are saying. Their new album, "Party Patrick Doesn't Wanna Party Anymore" does combine lo-fi, alt-rock, garage rock, and punk rock, into one of my favorite albums of the year!

The Garden Roads - "Destination Never Knows". Tim Malcarney, formerly of The Silence, returns with his latest project, The Garden Roads. Their debut album, "Destination Never Knows", is chock full of potential hits (in fact trying to decide which songs to play on BlowUpRadio.com is a challenge, as I'd like to play them all... and may).

New Antics - "New Antics". New Antics self-titled debut album is come catchy, angsty, high energy, alternative rock. I like it!

A Color Engine - "Voyage Underwater; 56 Knots (2026 REISSUE) ". Back in 2007-2008, A Color Engine (Don Ryan and Eric Burchfield), made the album, "Voyage Underwater; 56 Knots". The band has long since broken up, and each have put out wonderful solo releases.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



So here we are in 2026 and Don went back to this album and did what he is calling "a total re-working of it", because when they originally made the album, "we had absolutely NO idea what we were doing as engineers, producers, and mixers - so there were tons of problems with our original mixes."

I don't have the original release to compare this reissue to, but the 2026 version is incredible!

Southpaw - "Tumbleweeds". The thing about Southpaw I like so much, is in an era where Modern Country doesn't sound very country at all (to me at least), they make these timeless country songs, the latest of which, "Tumbleweeds", is beautiful.

Ipkiss - "Paper Under the Tongue". Ipkiss's latest single, "Paper Under the Tongue" is infectious, tough to get out of my head. Luckily, this is the only type of infection I want to get.

Ferocious Designs - "You Better Hold On Tight". The yacht rock influence on Ferocious Design's latest single, "You Better Hold On Tight", is proudly worn on his sleeve. I dig it!

Not New, But Memorable Corner

The Brixton Riot - "Deal With The Devil". Way back in 2008 I first heard The Brixton Riot when they sent me their "Sudden Fiction" EP. I believe "Deal With The Devil" was the very first of many of their songs to grace BlowUpRadio.com's airwaves. It is a good example of their hook-filled power-pop.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



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

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Street Survivors - Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience

Friday, October 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


The Bob Band - A Bob Dylan Tribute

Friday, October 09, 2026 @ 8:00pm
The Strand Center for the Arts
400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, NJ


Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band®

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


Dueling Pianos

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


The Wag's Halloween Spectacular

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ