Parris LaVon - WEAK [Music Review] March 05, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Rap, R&B, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Parris LaVon shares a bit of vulnerability on this flow, but despite the title of the track he clearly is anything but ‘Weak.’ We all have our problems and roadblocks but persevering and coming out the other side is what defines who and what we are. The beat and rhythm here are smooth and the lyrical flow lands its emotional punches with a raw earnest vibe that feels genuine. A track to listen to over and over again to appreciate the various nuances.Be sure and check out the entire new album, WINTER IV which just dropped this week. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
The Scarlet Opera - Alive [Music Review] February 27, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Lyric Video, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “The Scarlett Opera has a contemporary Queen feel to them in, that they do the unexpected and do it quite well and with purpose. No one quit compares to Freddy Mercury, but the vocals here soar and certainly deliver their own brand of standout talent that sweeps the listener up and into the build of the track. Slightly theatrical, boldly Rock & Roll this is a band to invest in early so you can tell all your friends you hard them before the world caught on. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Anastasia Elliot - Bones [Music Review] February 24, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Indie Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “Anastasia Elliot is a vocal powerhouse that at times reminds me of P!nk blended with Brandi Carlile. And ‘Bones’ is the kind of soaring track that you can’t turn away from or shake from your head afterward. Like a musical hammer the staccato cadence of Elliot’s delivery bangs home the message with both precision and force. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
STARRY EYES - Jetlag [Music Video Review] February 21, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “STARRY EYES has followed a tumultuous path, and at times a tragic one as well, given one of the founding members lost his battle with drugs. Still, the band has preserved and pushed on, and the rough road has perhaps made them better writers and contributed to the deeper meaning in their lyrics. ’JETLAG’ is about the toll of chasing your dreams an how what we find out in the world is not always what we imagined. I can’t wait to hear more from this talented band. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
SUNKIN - Bellicose Grounds [Music Review] February 21, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Riding an almost sarcastic lyrical build, SUNKIN delivers this track with a subtle energy that sells the vibe and sentiments quite well. Each listen I gave the track unleashed new little lyrical gems and the wry delivery captivated me as well. An Indie Rock gem that spoke to me louder with each replay. The chorus stuck in my head and I found myself signing along throughout the day which made me eager to give the track another listen.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger
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]