By Lazlo
originally published: 09/18/2023
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 releases by The Catholic Girls, Lost Romance, Asinine Relevance, Joseph Alton Miller, Slow Transits, Rachel Ana Dobken, and dream complete. Plus a look back at "The Straights" by Echofission.
The Catholic Girls - "Hear My Prayer". The Catholic Girls first started as an all girl band back in the 1980's. Their latest release, "Hear My Prayer", sounds just as rocking as their stuff 40 years ago. Three versions of the title track, including an inspired "dance Version" with an 80's synth sound, and an equally solid B-Side, "I Can't Wait", make up this release.
Lost Romance - "Limousine". Lost Romance's new single, "Limousine", not only has some heavy hitters on the track, Steve Ferrone (drummer for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers) and Jack Daley (bass player for Lenny Kravitz), but it is also a new direction for the band with a rocking blues sound that is absolutely wonderful!
Asinine Relevance - "[I]". Judging by the two songs on Asinine Relevance's "[I]" release I would have to say this band is influenced by the thrash-grunge-punk sound of some of Nirvana's harder songs. Looking forward to hearing more from this new act.
Joseph Alton Miller - "This Old Car". A new song from Joseph Alton Miller is like reuniting with an old friend. His folk/Americana sound is so warm and inviting, and his lyrics always tell an engrossing story. His latest, "The Old Car", is no exception. It is in fact, exceptional!
Slow Transits - "Parallel Moves / Circle Breaking". Two new songs from Slow Transits, "Parallel Moves" & "Circle Breaking", showcase how you can be experimental-psychedelic-post-punk, while still having dream-pop sensibilities, making both songs fascinating.
Rachel Ana Dobken - "Cruel, Cruel, Cruel". Rachel Ana Dobken's new song, "Cruel, Cruel, Cruel,", isn't just a great single to get excited for her forthcoming 2024 album, "Acceptance", it is also an awesome pop-rock tune and an earworm!
dream complete - "Always Somewhere EP". "Always Somewhere EP" from dream complete is 4 excellent alternative hard rock/shoegaze songs.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Echofission - "The Straights". When Echofission released their quintessential album, "The Straights" in 2008 I wrote about how special an album this was and that "in my opinion, is destined to be looked back on years from now as a classic album". Here we are 15 years later and yes, I still think of this album as a classic! A blend of indie rock, pop, and a pinch of 90's jam rock, the album is perfect from beginning to end.
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 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
EVENT PREVIEWS
Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey
Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
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