TWO - Cage Fighter [Review] July 17, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “There comes a time when you either tap out, or you dig in and fight. ‘Cage Fighter’ is a track about the latter option and the duo that is TWO, embodies that not only in the lyrics and arrangement of this song, but in the fact they have emerged from their own strife and struggles to reunite with this project. A hard rocking track with an edge, this is one to add to your motivational playlists. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
The Dirty Pennies - Love Ain't Free [Review] July 12, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Oh hell yeah! They say a thing that just keeps coming back around is like a dirty penny, well here The Dirty Pennies bring back that hard edged infectious rock sound that is timeless so maybe that is how the band got its name. ’Love Ain’t Free’ is a gritty jam that wraps around you an refuses to let you walk away. There is a decided White Stripes vibe to this track.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Very Very - Do Right [Music Video Review] July 11, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Electro Pop, R&B, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “This mid tempo Track from Very Very brings a stream-of-conscious type of emotion with a vocal flow that is alluring and bare in its honesty. The beat backing the track is a subtle and simple addition that really adds depth while also pushing the track forward enough that it does not feel too languid. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Waynewood - Body Bags [Review] July 09, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “A dark brooding flow that mirrors the twisted mental journeys our minds can take us on at times. This track is a mood — a dark mood, that no doubt will not be for everyone, but the emotion feels true and genuine and the progression mesmerized me into taking this morose trip right along with Waynewood.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Dallas Thornton - Dance Till We Die [Music Video Review] July 08, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Indie Rock, Alternative, Pop, Rock Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Dallas Thornton is an entertainer in every possible way and that is evident in the rocking sweeping performance of his vocals, as well as his theatrics in the video that comes with this track. I mean this in the best possible way, but if Pauly Shore had a baby with Lady Gaga, I imagine the result would grow up to look a lot like this video.This is anthem, a Rock celebration, an energetic stomp across the musical stage. So have fun, break out the air guitar, and the imaginary microphone and let yourself join in as we ‘Dance Till We Die.’” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
FORT - We’ll Burn That Bridge When We Get To It [Music Video Review] July 06, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Music Videos, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “The duration of this song was by far the best 8 mins to my ears.Known as a cinematic rock band Fort introduces the newest single in a very live atmosphere. The intro is delicate and builds up over time to a more influenced vibe.” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
GARZI x Travis Barker - Sick of Me [Music Video Review] July 06, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Pop, Hip-Hop, Alternative, Music Videos Rating: 4 out of 5 “1.. 2... 3...’I’m so ‘Sick Of Me’ is an alternative single by Garzi featuring Travis Barker. The visual starts out with a road trip with a bit of car trouble episode that turns into a moment of destruction in the woods. The drums provide a fed up yet lit cadence as Garzi releases his tension vocally. ” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
Gab De La Vega - Phoenix From The Flames [Review] July 01, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Punk, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “This is a high-energy track comes at you with one foot in the Alternative sound of the 90s, and another in more of a contemporary Folk Rock stratosphere. Delivering a solid Rock and Roll vibe, ‘Phoenix From The Flames’ is about taking the hard punches life comes at you with, and not only surviving, but thriving to fight another day.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Fab The Duo - Our Love Is Resistance [Music Video Review] June 30, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Indie Rock, Pop, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Coming with a big bold statement, Fab The Duo comes with ‘Our Love Is Resistance’ which speak loud and clear its beliefs and intentions. From the duo themselves ... ’Our Love Is Resistance’ is a power ballad in honor of Pride Month and the #blacklivesmatter movement. The music video was filmed at Stonewall, the birthplace of gay rights. With beautiful gospel harmonies, cinematic horn section, and wailing guitar, this rock anthem reminds listeners that love truly conquers all!”” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Ivan Beecroft - The Candyman [Music Video Review] June 28, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “A dark and dangerous look at drug addiction, ‘The Candyman’ uses a 90’s era beat and sound to deliver a warning about your friendly neighbor hood drug dealer. Rock vocals that feel sticky and gritty deliver the goods on this track which feels almost apocalyptic. The imagery of the video adds an entire layer to the vibe of this track. Together the package puts a tangible spin on an untouchable dilemma.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Gorden - Bittersweet Kiss [Review] June 26, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “The melody captured my attention first ,and then the vocal tone came in with its strong emotive quality to further hook me. The lyrics are also poignant and honest and the elements are well-balanced and complimentary of each other giving this single a well rounded emotional appeal that fits the singer/songwriter genre quite well.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Lawson - Animals [Music Video Review] June 16, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Commercial, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “In an absolute absurd brand of fun, the video for ‘Animals’ is almost a tongue-in-cheek reprimand for anyone that takes songs too literal. That is exactly what the video does and here it makes for a good bit of humor. As a band Lawson is wiling to have a bit of fun at their own expense while giving us a visual representation of their track about the infatuation of love. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Gus Miller - Roll Right On [Review] June 15, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Americana Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “From Gram Parsons psychedelic 70’s love for the California desert, to Willie’s bond with the Texas Hill Country, the laid back Outlaw Hippie Country vibe has long been rooted in place and attitude. Gus Miller joins that movement that is still alive and well today. These days the sound is often called Americana, but it doesn’t really matter what you call it because this songwriting and delivery style is all about attitude and the emotion of being content in your own skin and environment. And those ideals transcends genre, a term which has always been about marketers and promoters for more than the fans and the music. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Dave Farah - Lone Rider [Review] June 06, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “The cost of chasing your dreams can exact a toll on the psyche and Dave Farah delivers the emotional tax that leaving behind your friends and family levees upon your mind in “Lone Rider.” With a rising ballad type of feel, this is a track that is easy to connect to and feel to your core, even if you have never struck out alone to conquer the world.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Lenkie - Trouble [Review] June 01, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Contemporary R&B, Alternative, Folk Rating: 4 out of 5 “Love and lust are tricky things, and if you are not careful, the chase is what you come to crave more than the actual act of being with someone. Lenkie is a 17 year old South African artist living in New York City, and here she gives us track that feels wise beyond her years. Dark and brooding and intuitive, the mood feels as dangerous as the girl mentioned in “Trouble.”” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Skuzii x Wilke$ - Act Like That [Review] May 29, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, Alternative, Contemporary R&B Rating: 4 out of 5 “You ever save a snack or a bit of leftovers in the fridge ... then come for them hungry late at night only to discover someone already ate your food? The betrayal is real, and amplified all the more when the food thief is your significant other. This track is about those emotions and the overall selfish attitude of a disrespectful lover. The writing is humorous, but still emotional and poignant. the way real truths tend to be. The chill flow makes it easy to connect, and I found myself in a musical brand of amen as I nodded along in agreement.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Anna Pena - Retribution [Review] May 29, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Electro Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Dark and gritty, this Electro Pop track promises ‘Retribution.’ There isn’t a person alive who hasn’t craved a little pay back for those who have done them wrong and on this track, Anna Pena puts that desire into a set of menacing, yet sultry vocals that makes you taste the need for revenge on the back of your tongue. The single delivers a nice arrangement which offers variation and a build that keeps you tethered to this song.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Hövring - Revolution [Review] May 29, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “Perhaps the ‘Revolution’ in question is one to return to a time when Rock music was loud and fast and carried an edge. If so, HÖVRING is one of the leaders of the charge. This track is simply pure old school Rock and Roll. Straight out of Denmark this single brings the drums sound you’d expect, the front man energy you need, and of course, an attitude that leaves you ready to challenge the world.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Estella Dawn - Wonderlust [Review] May 26, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Indie Pop, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 4 out of 5 “Estella Dawn is fed up with the added scrutiny women face. Too think? Too thick? To sensual. Not alluring enough? ‘Wonderlust’ is an intricately delivered revolt to the idea the opinions of others should get in the way of who you are and how you feel. Dawn’s vocals are lush and rich and brimming with seething attitude, though you get the sense there is even more power lurking there should she need to call upon it. This track makes a statement for a talented young artist.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Kadeema - What Are We Not Saying Now? [Review] May 22, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Rock, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Has the spirit of political correctness swung to far? Have we as a society muzzled ourselves to the point that we can no longer freely speak our mind? That is the question ‘What Are We Not Saying Now?’ asks. Kadeema drops this well-written and thought provoking single, but the philosophical side aside the track packs entertaining value as well. The vocal are engaging and varied and the beat and melody energetic and persuasive. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)