Asbury Park-based two-piece Yawn Mower’s “Return of the Lentils” marks their fifth release by North Jersey indie Mint 400 Records... READ ON

Mike Montrey Band premiere “Spirit of Youth,” their first single and video from their forthcoming EP, “In the Middle of Hope.”... READ ON

Despite having to put a world tour on hold, the Phillipsburg-based punk trio Houston & the Dirty Rats have had great success with their new digital and 7-inch EP, “Songs? From the Bathroom Stall!” ... READ ON

Demos for a Difference is a massive digital project that features nearly 200 tracks that will benefit the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which aims to fill the void of social justice within the Black community caused by racism, especially a racially biased criminal justice system. The collection exclusively is available on Bandcamp, which waived its revenue share on the day of the July 3 release. ... READ ON

While waiting to return to the studio, the Lawrenceville-based pop-rock band The Beagles have released six socially distanced videos lensed by award-winning director Scott Glazer. One of them, "Anew," is the Makin Waves Song of the Week and a video premiere.... READ ON

The eclectic Jersey Shore band 40 Pound Hound, featuring former members of Dirge, Black Nasa and The Atomic Bitchwax, flirt with stoner rock and grunge with a hefty helping of classic rock. Their four-song debut EP, “Ghost Ship,” stylistically ranges from Peter Green’s original version of Fleetwood Mac to Creedence Clearwater Revival to Three Dog Night and more. ... READ ON

Reality Suite have released a five-song maxi single with a live version of the song “Cut, Burn, Bruise,” which also is the camera-friendly band’s latest video.... READ ON

Morris County-based Sonofdov, aka Dennis King, not only has won awards for songcraft from the New Jersey Folk Festival and the International Songwriting Competition, he’s also prolific. His five-song EP “Battle Lines” is an immediate follow-up to the late 2019 LP, “Towers,” which was featured in New Jersey Stage upon release. Both are on the North Jersey indie Mint 400 Records, also home to Fairmont, The Extensions, Don Ryan, The Milwaukees, The Brixton Riot, The Clydes and more.  ... READ ON

Don Giovanni recording act Roadside Graves return with the somber song cycle “That’s Why We’re Running Away,” their first studio collection of new work in five years. ... READ ON

Marlboro-raised singer-songwriter Christian Sparacio’s latest single, “Pacific AM,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.... READ ON