Sir Echo - Raven [Music Review] January 06, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Punk, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Blurring the lines of Punk, Alternative and Emo Rock, Sir Echo has a retro vibe that at times feels like the Bangles in a blender. ‘Raven’ is about the battle between fantasized or romanticized versions of a person, and the reality that they come with a complex history and set of flows just like every other person. Love might be blind, but eventually every relationship is tested by reality and here those ideas take flight thanks to dark wings and thrumming guitar strings. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
CrashMonkeys - Control [Music Review] December 30, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “CrashMonkeys are a bit of a throwback but I hesitate to call their sound Retro because the writing and delivery certainly has a contemporary edge. That said this is old school Rock and Roll with a down low dirtiness that lets you know they won’t acquiesce to outside forces for the sake of an extra buck. This is art with a serrated blade. Enjoy the cut. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Bluphoria - Set Me Up [Music Review] December 01, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Rock, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “With a sound that reminded me of The Rolling Stones meets Coldplay, Bluphoria drops the energetic Alt-Rock track, ‘Set Me Up.’ The lyrical hook is one you will be singing along with after the first chorus and with every subsequent listen you give the track. The vocal energy and emotion shine and instill a sense of attachment that carried me forward for the duration of the track. Can’t wait to hear more from Bluphoria as the sound and talent to keep building and carve a definite place in the Alt Pop musical landscape.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
CARØLINA - I want it now [Music Review] November 26, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Compulsions are a tough thing to fight and when they stem from lust or love the complex array of emotions are even harder to fight. This track from CARØLINA delves into just that with a Amy Winehouse/ZZ Ward kind of soulful groove that adds a sultry vibe. A slow burn that cranks up the heat in deliberate fashion. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
BOWIE - Milk Me [Music Video Review] November 26, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Electro Pop, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “BOWIE unleashes this haunting condemnation of modern societal ideals and the brooding emotive build hooks the listener with power and a bit of condemnation as we all are guilty of the crimes highlighted by this well-written track. The dark undertones of the production are a perfect mate to the expressive vocal style that has some comparison to Florence and the Machine.This is a track that gives off nuance and emotions in layers so give it more than one listen to truly take a deep dive in this finely crafted song. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Love Hounds - Lazy Boy [Music Review] November 23, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Punk, Americana, Country, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Punk Country? Yes it is, but there is nothing here that feels anything like the Corporate Mainstream Country most associate with Nashville. Instead Love Hounds, unleashes more of an Outlaw Country sound mixed with heavy Punk influence to give ‘Lazy Boy’ both an edge and a storytelling quality that lands in between genres. But make no mistake, this is not so much a niche type track as it is one that takes the best elements of various genres and turns them into a unique, but broad appeal.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Kelaska - autopilot [Music Review] November 11, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Pop, Rock, Alternative Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “I love the line ... All my friends are starting families while I am starting therapy and that encapsulates the meaning of this song very well. An emotive performance about feeling like time and life is passing you by while you are still trying to carve your place out in the world. There are Pop sensibilities but also a deep emotion songwriter vibe that adds an extra punch here. Kelaska is a talent to keep an eye on and ‘autopilot’ is the kind of timeless track that we will all be listening to for decades to come. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Exit - A Lesson In NFL Blitz [Review] October 30, 2022 by Kreadiv Kesh in Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “As we gear into football season “NFL Blitz” is a perfect song to for highlights and touch downs. The song intensifies itself by carrying through the melodies and gearing up for a higher level or excitement. I like how each vocals take turns and display their talent at a particular tempo.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Mixed Kid Fridays - Something To Shout [Music Video Review] September 13, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Punk, Pop, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “A big chanting anthem, that feels a bit like a drunken sing-a-long in the best of ways. Mixed Kid Fridays are clearly having fun, and this bold and sparing track embodies that. The track is truly ‘Something To Shout’ about, and it is futile to resist the energy of this one. A great party song for you and your friends to belt out once you have all properly lubricated your vocal chords.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
44Phantom x Machine Gun Kelly - Don't Sleep, Repeat [Music Video Review] September 07, 2022 by Kreadiv Kesh in Alternative, Rock Rating: 5 out of 5 “Don’t Sleep, Repeat” has a smooth yet energetic delivery. 44phantom and Machin Gun Kelly gives us a pop meets rock love track. They explain their emotions when it comes to relationships but bring engagement to anyone listening.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Arkells - Teenage Tears [Music Video Review] September 05, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Indie Pop, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “The Arkells are joined here by Tegan and Sara on this heartfelt track. ‘Teenage Years’ hits all the feels and the blend of voices play off of each other to add to the emotional intensity of the build. The writing is spot on and the delivery every bit as flawless. A track you can listen to over and over again and pick up new nuances each time you do so. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Francisco Martin - Narcissist [Review] August 26, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Pop, Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Many of us catch ourselves being in selfish or unappealing way, and recognizing those tendencies exist helps guide us. Francisco Martin puts that perspective into song form and that gives us even more chance to reflect and realize we are not alone in this pursuit of being better each and every day. A tender vulnerable song with energy is tough to pull off but ‘Narcissist’ doe exactly that. A fun ride!” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Justin Clancy - Run From The Devil [Music Video Review] August 05, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Indie Pop, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “The track hits like Billie Eilish meets Justin Timberlake with a heavy dose of attitude and verve to push it forward. An engaging track and beat that demands and holds your attention.’Run From The Devil’ could be the first you’ve heard of Justin Clancy, but given the incredible talent and passion it certainly will not be the last. An intense yet entertaining ride.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Gina Naomi Baez - skyline [Review] August 05, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Gina Naomi Baez is a successful actor and multi-talented artist. Her latest track, ‘skyline’ is about finding and holding on to positivity even when life turns dark and tumultuous. A slow building and emotional delivery holds the listener tight and well-written lyrics keep the intrigue and attachment at peak levels. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
ibeshocker - Bad News [Review] July 26, 2022 by Kreadiv Kesh in Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Ibeshocker is sending a musical warning and its “Bad News”. Someone will show you signs that they are no good from their actions. The song speaks on those signs but as he recaps he notices that she could just be misunderstood. Some girls just want to have fun and party while others bring drama along the way.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Delilah Blower - This Ain't Love - [Review] July 20, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Soul, Contemporary R&B, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “The vocal tone carries a bit of Amy Winehouse, but the groove and build feels more like ZZ Ward. Either way, Delilah Blower is her own artist and certainly delivers the it factor right from the start. ”This Ain’t Love’ is the kind of track that sinks its hooks in deeper and deeper as you listen, and that sticks with you long after the final note has faded from your ears.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Francisco Martin - "Hate You To Love Myself" [Music Video Review] July 13, 2022 by Kreadiv Kesh in Alternative, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 4 out of 5 “We all tend to have a dark period in our life. LA Based Artist Francisco Martin speaks on being self centered. Being so caught up in what is going on and not going on that you tend to take emotions out on others. Regardless if you are the problem you must find peace.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Bonnie The Planet - Ariel [Review] June 25, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Electronic, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “I loved the writing of this track above all else but that is not to say the vocal talent doesn’t shine as well. There is an honest almost conversational vibe to the lyrical build and the emotive delivery feels every bit as genuine. Dark and light at the same time this single really simply felt honest and true the way few artists can pull off. Add in a unique vocal tone and songwriting that didn’t really hit me as similar to things I’ve heard before and I was hooked by the talent and uniqueness. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Gwyn Love x LA+CH - good luck rly [Review] June 17, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Electro Pop, Indie Electronic, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Gwyn Love has the kind of emotive voice that hooks you from the first word. This track has some Pop Punk elements that have a 90s nostalgia feel but also some Contemporary Pop vibes that make it feel modern and timely. Almost in the vein of Taylor Swift collabs with Green Day. Well-written and sneakily pointed the track keeps you leaning in and eager for the next line. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Josh A - "SOBER (ft. Neffex)" [Review] June 10, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial, Rap, Alternative, Hip-Hop Rating: 4 out of 5 “This hard-hitting track takes a look at what it feels like to be stuck in the heavy mud of addiction. Personal responsibility is one thing, but the systemic problem created by a capitalistic society is the culprit in the cross hairs here of this flow which blends Rap and an Alternative Rock style to deliver the message. This is a song that has the power to make people stop and think about this problem and the people fighting to stay above ground.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger