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 All Systems Go, Chris Fantasia, Free the Witness, Somerdale, and Teen Idle. Plus a look back at "Turning 'Round" by Boxcar Nancy.
All Systems Go - "The Lowdown". All Systems Go are such an amazing pop punk band. Their new song, "The Lowdown", is an anthemic tune with a hook that is caught in my head (in a good way).
Chris Fantasia - "J Curve II". With some of the song titles on Chris Fantasia's, "J Curve II" being "My Cat's Nuts" and "I'm On Drugs", this album may not be for everyone. But, if you're looking for some fun punk/alt-rock, this is well worth a listen!
Free the Witness - "Youth of Tomorrow". Free the Witness', "Youth of Tomorrow", rocks! The combination of punk and metal makes this 5 song EP nearly 13 minutes of high energy awesomeness!
Somerdale - "Let's Get Started". Somerdale are master's of power-pop. Their latest, "Let's Get Started", is the auditory equivalent of a sunny 70 degree day!
Teen Idle - "Nonfiction". I have been playing Teen Idle's music on BlowUpRadio.com for several years now and watched how her early acoustic demos have led to some stunning singer-songwriter dream-pop. Her new album, "Nonfiction", seems to be the culmination of transformation from home recording, to potential dream-pop star. This album is incredible!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Boxcar Nancy - "Turning 'Round". In 2004 John Raido fronted the band Boxcar Nancy and released one shining album to folk, Americana, and rock, "Turning 'Round". The album, in my opinion, was equally influenced by Bob Dylan & The Band, and 70's singer-songwriters.
These days John Raido is living in Connecticut, going by the moniker Foggy Otis, and is a master of the ukulele. You can hear him performing live as part of BlowUpRadio.com's 16th Annual Banding Together Webathon, benefitting the Spondylitis Association of America, on October 13th-16th.
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