BlowUpRadio.com’s New & Notable NJ Music 9/4/23



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 Fuey, Bruce Donnola, The Psychedelic Cowboy, Elephants In The Storm Drain, Messy Humans, and illuminihilation. Plus a look back at “Shut Up” by Six To Eight Mathematics.

Fuey – “Liberation Theology”. Brett Fuentes started the band Fuey back in 2018, so to say I have been waiting for this debut album for years is no exaggeration. “Liberation Theology”, is a great collection of jam-rock based songs, some having a singer-songwriter vibe, others a much more electrifying, almost psychedelic, rock vibe.

Bruce Donnola – “Mugshot Blues”. I suspect a recent high profile mugshot being all over the news and social media was the impetus for Bruce Donnola’s new single, “Mugshot Blues”, but this song deserves more longevity that one news cycle, as it is a fine acoustic blues number.

The Psychedelic Cowboy – “Naked and Unplugged”. “Naked and Unplugged” are 4 The Sensational Country Blues Wonders! songs re-recorded solo acoustic, by front man The Psychedelic Cowboy (aka Gary Van Miert). I think I may like these stripped down versions even more than the full band versions. Just guitar and vocal really allows the songs to be more laid back and introspective.

Elephants In The Storm Drain – “Part I”. People say all the memorable original band names have been taken, but it is pretty safe to say that Elephants In The Storm Drain is a band name that you won’t easily forget. And the three songs on their debut EP, “Part I” are pretty indelible heavy-alt-rock. I am looking forward to Part’s 2 & 3 (or II & III), as this is just the first chapter in an ambitious concept album.

Messy Humans – “Here’s To Nothing”. 6 songs in under 13 minutes, hell yeah Messy Humans’ “Here’s To Nothing” is punk rock!

illuminihilation – “Shattered Shields, Pt. 2”. Among the tags on illuminihilation’s “Shattered Shields, Pt. 2” album in Bandcamp are: ‘alternative, metal, emo, folk, hardcore, indie rock, metalcore, & punk’. Confused? You won’t be after you listen to this masterfully diverse album!

Also, if you go to illuminihilation’s Bandcamp page (which I recommend you do), you can read the lyrics while you listen and really delve into them.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

Six To Eight Mathematics – “Shut Up”. It is crazy to me to realize that Six To Eight Mathematics’ “Shut Up” album came out 6 years ago this month. Plain and simple, this album rocks! Loud, fast, female punk rock and roll, with musical hooks that draw you in, and lyrical hooks that cut to the bone!

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