New Jersey’s local music scene is constantly growing and fluctuating, and while some local musicians wane away from the scene, some of the best, like these five, stick around. Following May 10th’s and last week’s list of local NJ bands you need to listen to is this third modest list consisting of another five that you need to check out immediately.
1. The Blithedale Romance
This New Brunswick-based band consists of four very talented musicians who write captivating original songs. The Blithedale Romance is a progressive punk rock group, and between their debut album “King” and their sophomore effort “Wanderer,” they have released a bunch of really cool, complex tunes with great hooks. They often play shows around the tri-state area and even travel much further to put on some awesome, entertaining performances.
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2. Milkmen
Milkmen is a rock group also based out of New Brunswick, but their style extends over a number of genres, including punk and alternative rock. Their songs are short, sweet and wildly energetic. This rock trio crafts some complex arrangements with catchy melodies, so you know their live shows will always be a lot of fun. They released a bunch of their own original songs on a self-titled album back in December.
3. ManDancing
ManDancing is a cool rock group based out of the New Jersey area. Their songs are smooth and melodic and often even make you want to sing along. Most of their tunes progress a lot slower and more relaxed than most other rock groups from the area, but they’re just as enjoyable. Toward the end of January this year, they released 10 original songs on “Everyone Else,” which you definitely shouldn’t skip over.
4. Sunflower
Sunflower is an interesting indie-folk/psychedelic folk group from the Cedar Grove/Caldwell area of New Jersey. They have only released a few songs so far, most of which appear on their self-titled album, but each track is original and creative. This is another local New Jersey band that will serenade you with their inventive acoustic songs and soothing, harmonious melodies.
5. International Override
International Override is a very entertaining hip-hop/ska/punk rock group with engaging, energetic songs. This four-piece from Clifton has only released a few tracks so far, but each one differs from the last and is just as enjoyable. They say: “We make the punk rockers get down and the hip hoppers get up,” and I couldn’t have said it better myself.
