BlowUpRadio.com’s New & Notable NJ Music 3/25/24

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 new releases by Turnpike Gates, Kanak, Surfing For Daisy, and Rubber Band Gun. Plus a look back at “Breathe” by Hey Tiger.

Turnpike Gates – “Not Myself Today”. Turnpike Gates describes their first full-length album, “Not Myself Today”, as, “a collection of eight songs that chronicle the psychologically draining experience of living in a post-pandemic American city.”

It is also a rollicking collection of songs that combine anthemic rock & roll with punk swagger, so while the subject matter might be draining, the music is energizing.

Kanak – “On The Outside”. I have been a fan of Tom Kanach, the frontman of Kanak, and his music going back to my college radio days in the 90’s when I played his band Well Of Souls on a local music show I did at WMCX. Here we are 30 years later, and he is still putting out incredible music, with “On The Outside” being 6 power-pop songs to make your day better.

Surfing For Daisy – “Jammin’ G (Saturday Night)”. “Jammin’ G (Saturday Night)” is another wonderful single from Surfing For Daisy. A very soulful Americana/Folk Rock song.

Rubber Band Gun – “Zero Love Songs”. Rubber Band Gun’s latest album, “Zero Love Songs”, may not contain love songs (though one song is titled “When Lovers Dream”), but it does contain 9 mid-tempo songs, some jangle pop, and a few chill pop.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

Hey Tiger – “Breathe”. Christina Alessi & The Toll Collectors are a huge part of the New Jersey music scene, especially the Hoboken/Jersey City area scene, but years before Christina Alessi fronted Hey Tiger. They were also an amazing band that rocked all over NJ, and even got to open for Bon Jovi at Giants Stadium (footage of which can be seen here).

“Breathe”, one of their first singles, is a powerful slow build of a song, and still a masterpiece to me all these years later.

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 be 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