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 The Cucumbers; Dr. Void; best dressed ghost; Laree H. Cisco; DDA; Mourning Coffee, aevina; and Psychtooth. Plus a look back at "Don't You Move" by The Mighty Alrighty.
The Cucumbers - "As You Heard Me - Songs From "Hello George". The Cucumbers (Deena Shoshkes & Jon Fried) have been a big part of BlowUpRadio.com for over 25 years, and a part of the local music scene even longer. These songs, written by Deena, relate to Jon's novella "Hello, George" (a PDF copy comes with a download of the album). The novella is described as, "the story of a songwriter, a music publisher and a country music legend - and falling in love with a song demo."
Dr. Void - "Speed Kills". Dr. Void (Funch, Nerve Tonic, Dr. Void & The Death machines) is back with a new EP, "Speed Kills", and he perfectly channels his anger at the state of the country, and world, into his rockabilly infused punk rock songs.
best dressed ghost - "Funhouse". "Funhouse", a single from best dressed ghost's forthcoming release is a high energy garage punk rock song that makes me excited to hear the rest of their forthcoming release. And the video is pretty creative too.
Laree H. Cisco - "FAWM 2026". Every February artists around the globe participate in FAWM (February Album Writing Month), where one tries to write and record 14 songs in the shortest month of the year. Laree H. Cisco has been a part of it for many years, I often joke it is the one time of year we get new music from him. This year he completed the challenge, as you can hear on the 14 songs, "FAWM 2026" collection. Despite the crunch to complete the songs in a short period of time, there's no bum tracks here.
DDA - "4". DDA (David Andrew Devine from The Number Theory, and Zigman Bird) has finally completed "4", he 4 song EP. I say finally, because some (if not all) of these songs predate the pandemic. His songs have a chill vibe to them, but are also catchy rock with a slight psychedelic vibe... you know what, you should just listen to it yourself. I am terrible at describing music. I just know what I think is good music, and this my friends belongs in that category.
Mourning Coffee, aevina - "You and I". "You and I" pairs the prolific Mourning Coffee with the alluring vocals of aevina. Their voices intertwine so well together that I hope this is more than a one off.
Psychtooth - "Synapses//Adore". Two new songs from Psychtooth? Yes, please and thank you! "Synapses//Adore" are endearing lofi-alternative rock songs. Both starting off slow, eventually erupting into heavier, fuzzed out guitars. I love it!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Mighty Alrighty - "Don't You Move". I can't believe it is almost 8 years ago that The Mighty Alrighty's debut album, "The Confines", was released. At the time a solo project, Andy Napolitano's first release as a self described, "Apartment Rock" artist, was full of hooks and catchy alt-pop. "Don't You Move" may be my favorite from this release, where Andy harmonized with himself on the vocals. The song still gives me the same chills it did when I first heard it, and it has gotten even better with the addition of band members Mike Hetman and Albert Semler (a reimagined version of the song with them features on their 2019 EP, "Once Then Ifs").
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)
