dezabel - Fade Away [Review] September 19, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Contemporary R&B, Electro Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Combining the the talents of LA area singer and songwriter, Jazelle Paris, and Zurich based producer, Bilgi, ‘Fade Away’ is a mesmerizing track that I ironically expect to do anything but fade away. Paris not only supplied the vocals but also wrote the lyrics and melodies to the Electro Pop track that captures the fleeting thoughts and feelings of a high octane relationship slipping away into the night.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Nothing but a Nightmare - Problems Being Cool [Review] September 18, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rock, Commercial, Alternative, Indie Rock, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “A pure Rock anthem for anyone that has ever had trouble playing it cool. Nothing but a Nightmare delivers an energetic true rock sound, and their latest single ‘Problems Being Cool’ defies the traditional cliches of the genre, to bring forth a track with both heart and grit. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Confetti - People Suck (2020 Remix) [Review] September 15, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Pop, Rock Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “True to their name, Confetti comes at you with a party song. ‘People Suck’ might not be a conventional party song, but then there hasn’t been a damn thing conventional about 2020, so perhaps this is the party song we all need right now. This track is easy to belt out and song along with, and despite the revelry in style, it comes with some serious observations and thoughts. Cue this up as a barroom anthem for the day we can all gather together and drink once again.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
VENMC x ALI - Bunker Bitch [Review] September 14, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Capturing the anger of both a generation and much of a nation, VENMC and ALI pull no lyrical punches while calling out Trump, as well as those who still support the Reality TV personality turned politician. ’Bunker Bitch’ takes on the cowardice and bigotry of the man and administration directly giving us a hard-edged track rife with passion and indignation.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Neon Dreams - Don't Go Hating Me Now [Review] September 12, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Pop, Alternative Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Watching a friend fall and slip into a bad place is tough, but so is reaching out and helping them by speaking the truth. In those instances the friend can resent you and the help you are offering. Neon Dream offers a Pop Rock refrain of this phenomenon. ‘Don’t Go Haring Me Now’ is full of heart and hope and human kindness but also comes with emotion and talent and energy.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Rory D'Lasnow - An American Lie [Review] September 01, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Has the American Dream turned into ‘An American Lie?’ Rory D’Lasnow single, highlights the fact that for many, the ideals that landed this country the label of ... land of the free, and home of the brave, now feel are so badly tarnished that the dream feels more like a nightmare for many people. Of course this theme is very prevalent in music during these troubled times. And rightfully so. This track stood out for me for the clever wordplay of the writing, as well as the heartfelt delivery.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Drugstore Cowboy - Mexico [Review] September 01, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “The vocal tone of Drugstore Cowboy hooked me from the opening line. ‘Mexico’ is a single that instills a hopeful yearning brand of emotion that feels both nostalgic, and contemporary at the same time. The duo combine to create a sound that hints of Petty at times, and delivers the edge of Kings of Leon at others. This track is pure Indie Rock bliss.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Ali George - Melanie Brown [Review] August 21, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “Ali George gives us a solid Murder Ballad with the track “Melanie Brown.’ There is a Southern Rock sound to this track, though the Folk influence lurks there in the shadows as well. The lyrics tell the fictitious tale of a young man who falls in love with a hired girl and then becomes jealous of her exploits with others.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
The Criticals - High Life Clinic [Review] August 21, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “The Criticals never fail to deliver energy and attitude in their music and the band’s latest single, ‘High Life Clinic’ once again brings that Rock and Roll spirit that many bands strive for, but often fail to reach. There is a hint of Punk in this track and a catchy hook to go along with the in-your-face delivery. This is Indie Rock as it should be!” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Rain Division - Drop Dead [Music Video Review] August 18, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Bitter much? That question pretty much sums up the lyrical make up of ‘Drop Dead.’ But sometimes bitterness is warranted after a bad breakup. Rain Division delivers a hard-edged Alternative Rock track taking on the emotions of emerging from a toxic relationship with the knowledge the other person is entirely at fault. The video adds to to IDGAF attitude of the track, making both the song and the overall project quite entertaining. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Alvie & the Breakfast Pigs -Tokyo [Review] August 14, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Cry Baby’ with Johnny Depp is my favorite movie. Alvie & the Breakfast Pigs new single ‘Tokyo’ reminds me of the songs from that movie. The drums are energetic even though the vocals have a low tone you can still feel the emotion in the artists vocals. He is revealing how it may not seen as if they know where they are going but they are going to get to that point. ” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger) Tokyo is symbolic for a journey that most of us find ourselves on, trying to find a place where you belong. Tokyo represents a journey through life learning about yourself and traveling to find where you best fit. Adventuring into the unknown.
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)