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 Katye Kellye and The Interruption; Solo For Dolo; Backyard Superheroes; Danello, The Sad Surfer; and Loveseat Pete. Plus a look back at "America Is For Everyone" by Hal Guitarist.
Katye Kellye and The Interruption - "New Year, 1904". Katye Kellye and The Interruption go Celtic Rock in their excellent new song, "New Year, 1904". The band describes the song as, "Based on a James Joyce story that takes place at family New Year party, the protagonist grapples with his identity, jealousy and his future."
Solo For Dolo - "Trauma Bonds". I've been a long time fan of Solo For Dolo, but his latest single, "Trauma Bonds", may be his best, and most personal, song yet. Why are you still reading this? Go listen to the song!
Backyard Superheroes - "Mass Hysteria". Ska-Punk band Backyard Superstars have really outdone themselves on their latest album, "Mass Hysteria". It is all the fun musically that you would expect from a ska-punk band, combined with some deeply personal and affecting lyrics. This album really hit me in multiple ways.
Also, they dedicated the album to their pets, "the real heroes", and 25% of all online sales will be donated to the NJSPCA.
Danello, The Sad Surfer - "Danello, The Sad Surfer II". Danello, The Sad Surfer returns with, "Danello, The Sad Surfer II", which ironically is largely comprised of songs written & recorded prior to the first album. So why were these not released first? No idea, but it is clearly not because they were of lesser quality than the debut album. Danello, The Sad Surfer continues to make some of the catchiest indie-pop-rock songs, which almost masks the heavier lyrics.
Loveseat Pete - "Alamo". Remember the "Alamo"! In this case "Alamo" is the debut full length album from Loveseat Pete. The album is full of indie-power-pop rock, with a few shoegaze and folk rock songs for a well rounded collection.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Hal Guitarist - "America Is For Everyone". Was Hal Guitarist inspired by Woody Guthrie when he wrote "America Is For Everyone" back in 2018? Quite possibly. I look at the song as being in the spirit of "This Land Is Your Land". As the incoming administration next year is already trying to make certain types of people feel like they don't belong in America, I prefer the more optimistic, inclusionist view of Hal Guitarist.
That's all for this week.
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 at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio (and bridged on BlueSky at https://bsky.app/profile/BlowUpRadio.gardenstate.social.ap.brid.gy)
