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Jersey Rock Band of the Week Kanak

Kanak’s latest EP “On the Outside” is available now! Tune to Jersey Rock on 95.9 The RAT Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30pm to hear cuts from the release. Tom Kanach will call in to the show each night!

Image courtesy of Kanak

New EP "On The Outside" Available Now!

Kanak just released a brand new EP and celebrated it in epic fashion with a killer release show at The Crossroads in Garwood.  The evening was hosted by Matt Pinfield and provided fans with a great first opportunity to secure the EP in physical form.  We believe it was a very fitting event.

"On The Outside" is a triumphant achievement, made possible via a collaboration of music veterans.  It was engineered and produced by industry legend Ed Stasium and mixed by Kurt Reill of House of Vibes and The Grip Weeds.  Tom Kanach said:

"Ed is a perfectionist and demanded my best vocal performances. Usually when it’s just the band, no one ever says, “Do better!” about the vocals.  Ed demanded my best, which took more than three or four takes. Ed is the real deal. He knows how to get great sounds and performances out of bands. Plus, it was fun. Ed is a very funny guy, also from New Jersey, so we all had a similar sarcastic sense of humor."

He continued,

"Kurt is amazing whether mixing or producing. Check out anything by The Grip Weeds or the latest Anderson Council release and you will hear what I mean."

The band ended up recording more songs than they needed for just one EP.  It's great news for fans of Kanak, because there is a good chance another EP will be on the way in 2024.  Stay tuned to Kanak's social media for future release announcements.

One of the stand out tracks on the new EP is "Outside." It's a declaration of individuality and a high-energy kick in the pants from a band that knows how to hit hard.  Speaking of the track Tom Kanach said:

"I think everyone has felt or feels like they don’t belong at some point in their life.

I wrote “Outside” because I have often felt different or like i didn’t belong. I wanted to remind myself that the things that make us different are what makes us unique and should be viewed as a positive. The song starts out asking why don’t I fit in ?Why aren’t  I normal?

But the middle section is that the inner voice inside our heads saying “the difference between us are what makes us special and should be embraced. It`s boring to be normal .Instead of alienating each other for our differences ,we should celebrate them. " 

Tune to Jersey Rock on 95.9 The RAT Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night at 11:30 pm to hear the latest from Kanak!  Tom Kanach will call in to the show each night!

Learn more at kanakmusic.com.

Check out Kanak performing at The Saint in Asbury Park!

Enjoy Sweet And Tart Cranberry Beers This Season At These New Jersey Breweries

Jersey's favorite son may be Bruce Springsteen, however Jersey's favorite son when it comes to fruit may be the cranberry. While it's not the type of sweet treat picked off the vine, bush, or tree, the tart cranberry plentiful here. Furthermore,  it's applications are wider than you may think. From jellied cranberry sauce, to hot sauce and salsa. From cranberry breads and muffins, to candy, cookies and even pies. If you look hard enough, you can find this superfood, that is a boost to your immune system and your digestive tract, without leaving you feeling "bogged down".

Wet Harvesting Technique For Cranberries Displayed At Royal Gardens

(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Cranberries in brewing.

It's post Halloween now, and eyes begin to turn toward Thanksgiving. That means with all apologies to pumpkin pie, it's cranberry season! That means cranberry beer. According to a 2021 article by the Chicago Tribune, while no one knows if cranberries were eaten at the first Thanksgiving, the fruit has become a staple at Thanksgiving dinners and, increasingly, in beers that roll out around this time every year. Furthermore, the article states that while there is no shortage of breweries incorporating cranberries this time of year, many of those beers aren’t very good. They’re too astringent or too sweet as it can be difficult to find the right balance. However, some brewers have found ways to highlight the flavor of the berries without making a beer that’s too tart or overly sweetened.

Harvest Begins At Colorful Cranberry Bogs

(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

Cranberry beer brewing at the Jersey Shore. 

As is the case across the country this time of year, some local Jersey breweries are doing their own take on incorporating cranberries into their beer. Much like pumpkin beers, each cranberry ale, gose, or lager, has it's own distinct flavor. Some highlight the cranberry as the star of the show. Meanwhile, others brew their beer with the intent to have the cranberry as a subtle note in the background.

Harvest Begins At Colorful Cranberry Bogs

. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

Here are some great Cranberry Beers from around the country: https://mybartender.com/beers/best-cranberry-beers/

Harvest Begins At Colorful Cranberry Bogs

(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

However it's done, here are some fantastic cranberry beers worth trying this Holiday Season from local Jersey Breweries.

Cape May Brewing - The Bog Cranberry Shandy 3.9% ABV

The story goes that they were working on a cranberry wheat beer, added jusssst a little too much cranberry, and so they added some lemonade. Viola! The Bog was born. Like the can says, "Sweet, Tart, & Full Of Cranberry Goodness".

Last Wave Brewing Point Pleasant - Cranito Cranberry Gose 5.3%

Cranito is a cranberry gose ale featuring pureed cranberry and Atlantic sea salt. Light, refreshing and tart, this beer was made for the bountiful feasts ahead. Brewed in collaboration with the Turkinator, from Hoagitos hoagie shop who's newest location will be opening in Point soon. 

Beach Bee Long Branch - Cranberry Cinnamon Herbed Cider 5%

Beach Bee's classic Thanksgiving treat is back. A tart start of cran, with a smooth finish of cin. They also are currently offering a Cranberry Lime Cask Cider

River Horse Brewing Ewing - Cranberry Tripel Horse 10%

Tons of cranberries are added to the award winning River Horse Tripel Horse Ale base make this a perfect high ABV to sip by the fire.

Hidden Sands Brewing Egg Harbor Township Cranberry Wheat 5.5%

Pilsner Malt, Red Wheat, and White Wheat to make this full-bodied ale. Cranberry notes lend to a mild tartness and refreshing taste.

Tom Hanley is the host of Jersey Rock, New Jersey’s longest running local rock show on 95.9 The RAT. He got his start in broadcasting at Monmouth University's WMCX-FM. He's hosted Jersey Rock since 2016, been on the air at WRAT since 2008, and been listening to RAT Radio since 1996! Jersey Rock is a multi-platform local music brand that provides exposure to NJ artists. The on-air program features a different Garden State band each week. Tune to 95.9 The RAT every Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday night at 11:30 pm to hear call-ins and songs from the Jersey Rock Band of the Week! Each week Jersey Rock features a different music video as the Jersey Rock Video of the Week . Between Jersey Rock's on-air and online platforms, there's opportunities for 9 different NJ bands to be featured each week. If you're in a NJ band and want to be on Jersey Rock, e-mail Tom Hanley. Send your mp3's, videos, pictures, and links to jerseyrock@wrat.com