By Lazlo
originally published: 07/06/2026
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 with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Loose Panic, Max Rauch, Madeline Fung, Bike Routes, and 9fm. Plus a look back at "The Communist Song" by The KumQuats.
Loose Panic - "Weightbearing". Loose Panic's bio describes their debut album as, "a collection of nine songs that reflect on the burdens we carry—as individuals, and as a generation of seekers in a country and society we barely recognize anymore. Themes of meaning, place, loss, memory, love, and identity weave throughout the record."
You could think from that description this is a dour album, but these serious lyrics are filtered through some powerful, and catchy music, that seems to be inspired by 90's Alt-Americana-Rock. It makes for a brilliant album, I am sure I will be listening to for years to come.
Max Rauch - "Made an album". If you are in any way involved in the New Jersey music scene you have probably heard of Max Rauch. Be it from the music he has made with LKFFCT, NGHTCRWLRS, MAUCH, among others, or the local artists he has produces at his Domestic Bliss Recording, he has been a big part of the scene for many years.
His latest release, "Made an album", is 8 infectious power-pop tunes... well more accurately 7 power-pop tunes and a lovely acoustic number to close the album.
Max describes the album as being about, "feeling disconnected from your own truth, caught between the life you curate and consume online and the one you actually live daily."
I think we can all relate... and even if you somehow can't in this world we live in, did I mention about infectious these songs are? Go check it out now!
Madeline Fung - "Hon". Madeline Fung has made an earworm of a pop-punk song in, "Hon", that bowled me over on first, and repeated listens. That fact that this is not only her debut single, but she is also 11 years old, just blows me away. This is definitely an artist to watch. Can't wait to hear how her music continues to develop.
Bike Routes - "Prairie". BlowUpRadio.com has been playing Bike Routes' music for about a decade now. David Lawrence Osterhout's project has come a long way from those earnest beginnings. The songs have always been pop infused rock, almost subverting the more serious lyrics, but the production value has come a long way from what I recall being bedroom demos that we originally played back in the day. As their latest album, "Prairie", is released by Blue Grape Music, hopefully Bike Routes will find the bigger success I think they deserve with this wonderful album.
9fm - "Desperate Lengths". In what appears to be a theme in this week's column, 9fm's latest single, "Desperate Lengths", is as the title suggests, a serious song lyrically, but filtered through an alt-pop song that has a dance vibe to it I found irresistible!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The KumQuats - "The Communist Song". Is it possible for a song released 30 years ago to be even more relevant today?
Sadly, in this case, the answer is yes.
In 1996 The KumQuats released "The Communist Song", a fun punk song, that the band describes as, "deadpans its way through olive-drab clothing, government-made vodka, and teaching the manifesto 'to all the kiddies in the school yard.'"
The song appears on "The Royal Holy Order of the Golden Kumquat", which the band has remastered and re-released to coincide with the nation's 250th birthday.
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
Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will be filled with peace, pickin' and harmonies on Sunday, August 9, 2026 as Pineystock returns for a "far out" afternoon celebrating the sounds and spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
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