Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart - Sins [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart have a sound that blends roots rock, soul, and Americana. Their latest release ‘Sins,’ is a powerful, grungy blues track that highlights Rebecca’s raw vocals and the band’s gritty, NYC-inspired sound.

There are plenty of things to like here and the talent is undeniable. The production dynamics could have left a more pleasing finish to the tone, but instead they leaned in on that raw grit a bit more than I would have liked and I do wish the song had stronger sense of build or escalation. That said, I would love to hear more music from this collection of talented performers.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

deathbypeanuts x NanaBcool x Selassie x Dexter Francis Mason - Nightrider [Music Review]

Rating: 1.5 out of 5

“The groove is pleasing and I like that side of this track, but for me the vocals felt a bit melodramatic.

Overall this song was a case of trying to do and be too much. The talent is there and could have shined, but for all the world this one felt like a group of talented people saying ... Hey let’s throw everything we got up against the wall and see what sticks.

The end result felt like an unorganized mess lyrically, and the varying performance style felt at odds rather than complementary to each other.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Eric Hagen - Accuse Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Eric Hagen gives off Nathaniel Rateliff vibes on the track ‘Accuse Me.’ The track has a Bluesy Soul vibe, with some Americana thrown in for good measure. The song feels like a sit at home drinking while pondering how it all went wrong vibes. But rather than wallowing in despair, the lyrics take on a bit of righteous indignation to create an IDGAF brand of attitude.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kenny Sharp - Smooth [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kenny Sharp cuts us up with the gleaming blade that is ‘Smooth.’ This Retro Funk/ Soul number has a bit of Bruno, but also some Hip-Hop-esque verve that reminded me of Yung Grvy.

This is a one of those tracks that lodges in your gut and reverborates out to your bones with the groove. I dare you to listen to this and not be persuaded to move to the Funk.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Soul Survivors - You're The One [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A Blues infused Retro Soul track probably isn’t what you are expecting to hear coming out of the Netherlands. Though that is exactly what Soul Survivors gives us.

’You’re The One’ is proof you don’t have to reinvent the wheel when you have a wealth of talent and infuse emotion and passion into your work. This track has a timeless quality that feels a bit like a warm hug for the soul.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

L'Marco - Jubilant People (feat. AshtnMrtn) [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“L’MArco and AshtnMrtn team to give us ‘Jubilant People,’ a Reggae track that speaks to the times and the strong spirit of people who refuse to be controlled. Rhythmic and with a infectious beat this track is one that lingers in the mind long after that last note. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Paris Pick - Get My Baby Back [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Paris Pick is the Yukon’s Pop princess and this Retro Soul track will only add to her star power. ‘Get My Baby Back’ is delivered in a sing song vibe that certainly has influence in the doo wop era but the this track, about dealing with the losses life hands out, still manages to feel fresh and contemporary in style. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lisa Crawley - Hey You [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lisa Crawley deliver a sultry soundtrack to the complexities of our mind. The overall sound has an almost spaghetti western vibe that adds a mysterious air to the build. The mix of her sensual delivery and that grittier melody makes for an engaging multi-dimensional track that keeps the listener on their toes. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Isa Y - Lose [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A Jazz influenced Soul track, ‘Lose’ offers a chance to sit back and relax as you contemplate fate and the times in life when no matter what you do things just do not work out how you’d hoped. Isa Y clearly has an old soul and this track has a bit of that old school crooner to go along with the smooth musical groove. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

M'Lynn - Still Got It [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Emotive vocal power is at the heart of this track from M’Lynn. Riding a smooth R&B groove, ‘Still Got It’ offers a that soulful smooth delivery and the lyrics have a nice emotional hook. This song has one foot in the past and the other solidly in today’s musical landscape with a nice contemporary feel to the overall build. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Mallow Hill - Smoke [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Mallow Smoke delivers a smooth sultry groove on their latest track, ‘Smoke.’ Singer Mikayla Joseph did remind me some of Amy Winehouse and like her most famous hit this track also deal with addiction.

’Writing it was my way of expressing what it’s like to deal with someone you love struggle with addiction and substance abuse and how it presents itself in relationships,” Joseph explained. “ It healed my heart just a little bit. Fighting the demons that push you into a place where you become dependent on drugs and alcohol is hard enough by itself, trying to do it alone is even harder. And loving an addict is heartbreaking.’”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Noak Hellsing - All Day [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This track from Noak Hellsing delivers a nice tranquil vibe somewhat reminiscent to Sheryl Crow’s hit ‘All I Wanna Do.’

Except ‘All Day’ is more of a jazz-influenced soul sound with less of that Pop edged gloss.

THe track is a smooth ride and is the kind of track you can enjoy while taking a mellow evening drive, or while sipping a cold beverage poolside with friends as the sun sets. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

I AM SOPHIA - Meet in the Middle [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The world is unmistakably fractured and one of the few unifiers is music. I AM SOPHIA address the divided nature of society but offers a plea to ... ‘Meet In The Middle.’

The track has a Retro Soul vibe with a little dash of Reggae to spice up the offering. I have to think Bob Marley would be proud of the talent and of the message. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kenny Sharp - Stomp & Holler (feat. Mikki Brayboy) -[Music Review]

“The track truly took off for me with the tempo shift around :35 seconds in, though the initial build was intriguing enough to hold me until the song came alive. The back and forth tempo and vocal delivery is well crafted, and the overall track is uplifting and true to the human spirit.

Kenny Sharp will certainly draw comparisons to Mumford and The Lumineers and there isn’t anything wrong with that, but this track is far from derivative so it stands on its own just fine.

The addition of Micki Brayboy adds to the talent and gives the song another layer.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Mallow Hill - Thinkin' Bout My Baby [Music Review

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track introduces the world to Mallow Hill as it is the band’s debut single. ‘Thinkin’ Bout My Baby’ drips with sultry Blues and the vocal tone has a bit of Winehouse over the top of a Gary Clark Jr. musical vibe.

’Thinkin’ Bout My Baby’ is about the personal growth and realization of habits formed from toxic relationships and how we all tend to slip on a pair of familiar shoes even though the damn things tend to hurt our feet. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Michael Costantini - What Christmas Is For [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Christmas is a time for nostalgia, reflection, and of course sharing the love. Michael Costantini delivered all three with his track ‘What Christmas Is For.’

Musically, the track falls somewhere between a vintage Rock vibe and Retro Soul, while the lyrics feel entirely contemporary and festive.

This is the fresh new Holiday track I needed this year!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rosa Mack - When I'm Alone [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Rosa Mack delivers this track with silky smooth power. The blues-charged soul track is a gospel of sorts for self-empowerment.

’When I’m Alone’ is all about shedding what binds you and not letting others drag you down or hold you back. The track rises into a powerful crescendo, but is captivating from note one. highlighting Mack’s power not only as a vocal performance but as a songwriter.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - White T-Shirt [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Bad Flamingo are so masterful at making you see a moment through their eyes. They make you smell the room, ear the background noise and most importantly feel that exact feeling they were feeling. This song is dripping in fresh country swagger with production that never overpowers the sultry vocals. With lyrics like “you still fit me like the best damn blue jeans”, this record is poetic in the best ways. Now excuse me whilst I order a pack of white tees.”

— Andrew Amoah (LA on lock blogger)

Matt Storm - Idle Hands [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Idle Hands feels like rushing water in a creek on a summer day in 1998. It’s honest in a way I don’t think people are often “I can’t sit still, I just need to run, I’m just like my Mum”. It’s self-reflective but in a way thats not beating down on yourself but almost smirking as you watch yourself spiral slowly. “Can’t help but laugh, at the state I’m in, it’s like imprisonment” is one of the most honest lyrics I think I’ve heard. Now excuse me whilst I go back to procrastinating away 2023. ”

— Andrew Amoah (LA On Lock Blogger)

MICHA - Do Me Like You Do [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“When you’re opening verse includes the lines “She knows she could sell, lies to the devil, I’ve bought them myself” you mean BUSINESS. Do Me Like You Do feels like being ripped apart and being put back together by the person who ripped you apart in the first place. Vocally MICAH has the rare ability to let him self be consumed in the moment but maintain control over his voice. As out of control as his lover makes him feel he keeps himself composed in the storm. ”

— Andrew Amoah (LA On Lock Blogger)