By Lazlo
originally published: 04/10/2023
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 Stewart Dolly, Dub Proof, JV Team, Joey Biondi, Flycatcher, and Reese Van Riper.
The Stewart Dolly - "Jon Bon Jovi Rest Area". The Stewart Dolly's last release was in 2019. I thought we might have heard the last of this alt-pop-rock band. I am thrilled to be wrong, as their new 4 song EP, "Jon Bon Jovi Rest Area", highlights more of their wonderful Weezer-esque sound.
Dub Proof - "Neptune". I love that Dub Proof describes their songs as, "If you took the conscience of Bob Marley, the funk of George Clinton, the boom-bap of classic hip-hop, and the abstract delays and reverbs of 70's dub reggae you'd have the recipe." I can't top that.
What I can say is that their blend of reggae-dub-rock is what I want to listen to while relaxing on the beach on a sunny day.
That and I can't believe that their new album, "Neptune", is only their second album, as they have been a band over a decade. But, if they need that time to craft an album as good as this, then I will not pressure them to work faster.
JV Team - "The Great Before". Local super duo JV Team partner next door neighbors Jim Caputo (Somerdale) and Van Kapeghian (Camino Sound, furiousBall, The Fondaleros, Dresden Codex) for an 8 song debut of dreamy-alt-power-pop, with a hint of blues rock. "The Great Before" is such a joy to listen to, I hope this is duo continues to create more music.
You can read a recent interview BlowUpRadio.com's Sean Manuel did with JV Team here.
Joey Biondi - "Orchids". Joey Biondi has recently released 4 singles that really enforces his music style that he describes as, "a mix of new wave, goth, alt rock, and retro 80s, drawing inspiration from artists such as The Cure, The Smiths, Kate Bush, Joy Division, Beach House, Tears for Fears, Echo and the Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs and Radiohead." I could not have summed up Joey's sound better myself. While "Orchids" is the one I reference above, all 4 of these singles are outstanding and will soon all be heard on BlowUpRadio.com's internet station.
Flycatcher - "Stunt EP". Musically, Flycatcher's new "Stunt EP" is three energetic, and two mid-tempo, alt-pop-rock. Lyrically it is like a diary laid out for all the read. The stunt is how they perfectly paired the two like a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. These songs are perfect!
Reese Van Riper - "Saints". Reese Van Riper continues to be a master at combining soul, blues, swamp rock, and folk, into a package of wonderful songs.
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://mstdn.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
Tropicana Showroom presents Gov't Mule on Friday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City presents Gov't Mule on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 9:00pm. For three decades, Gov't Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable.
bergenPAC presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. UB40's unmistakable blend of reggae rhythms and pop sensibility made them one of the most successful British bands of all time.
Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Hot Tuna, an iconic American blues rock band, has been delivering a profound musical experience to audiences pushing six decades.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a Tribute to the Elton John, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson Trio Tours of 1970 – 1972 featuring Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes), Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux) and John Conte (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes).
Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will be filled with peace, pickin' and harmonies on Sunday, August 9, 2026 as Pineystock returns for a "far out" afternoon celebrating the sounds and spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.
FEATURED EVENTS
