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
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.
Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra presents "Music in Bloom" on June 7th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) will present its Spring Concert, Music in Bloom, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus. The performance will feature GPYO's top ensembles in a dynamic program of orchestral works by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and John Philip Sousa. Showtime is 3:00pm.
The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on June 7th
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 7:00pm. NOTE: This show was originally scheduled for May 14. All tickets will be honored on the new date.
Orion Weiss Returns to South Jersey on June 7th
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes pianist Orion Weiss in his third appearance on their series on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00pm. Weiss is a "brilliant pianist" (The New York Times) with "powerful technique and exceptional insight" (The Washington Post).
Mahwah Museum to host Les Paul 111th Birthday Celebration: "The Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute Show with Tom & Sandy Doyle" on June 7th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Raise a toast to a legend. Celebrate Les Paul's 111th birthday with an unforgettable Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute at The Mahwah Museum performed by Tom & Sandy Doyle on Saturday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00pm. Cake will be served as they toast the birthday.
Anderson Brothers to Play 'Best of Berlin' at June Jersey Jazz LIVE! Concert in Madison
(MADISON, NJ) -- In March 2025, multireedists (and twin brothers) Will and Peter Anderson released an album on the Arbors Records label entitled The Best of Berlin, performing 13 tunes composed by Irving Berlin.
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.
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