Will Solomon - Crazy Kid [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is an ode the dreamers, the chasers, the ones that defy the odds and achieve their goals despite the odds and the critics.

Will Solomon hails from Kentucky, but now calls Seattle home, and you can almost hear the influence of both places. There is a rustic Americana vibe that John Prine would be proud of, as well as an attitude and defiance that could be found in the 90s in the grunge sound. This track certainly isn’t grunge, but there is a subtle edge and bold resistance to what others say that is certainly Rock and Roll at its heart. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Amelie Patterson - The War [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“I suppose it is rather ironic, but there is a lot of great Americana music being created by Canadians these days, and Amelie Patterson certainly joins that select group. ‘The War’ has Folk and Indie Rock elements and is tough to categorize like a lot of Americana.

No doubt there will Brandi Carlile comparisons, and that is an apt similarity, but no mistake, no matter what artists served as her inspiration, Patterson is a talented and capable artist creating her own sound. Deeply emotional and brooding in the build, this is a track that I will listen to over and over again to extract every last drop of nuance and meaning.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kate Thornbury - Napkins [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kate Thornbury’s vocals have a hint of Stevie Nicks thought he delivery style is a bit more Phoebe Bridgers or Brandi Carlile with an sound that falls between Indie Rock and Americana.

’Napkins’ starts with a bit of sunny nostalgia but takes a deeper darker turn as the track progress and the dreams that were once written on disposable napkins are long gone but the emotions of heartbreak linger on.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir - Full-Handed [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written from the perspective of a child, watching his parents’ marriage fall apart, ‘Full-Handed’ is a slow burn. A sad track that gave me modern Johnny Cash vibes. There are Country elements here but the track has an edge that better fits Rock. Maybe that lands it squarely int he Americana category but trying to pigeon-hole such a track is a waste of time. The emotions is relatable to all and the slow build here sneakily punches you in the gut. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

William The Conqueror - Somebody Else [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“William The Conqueror captures simple brilliance with both their sound and writing. True artists tend to create works that defy just how talented they are, because they make it all seem easy somehow. That was the case here on the track ‘Somebody Else.’. The emotion and vocal nuance are understanded, yet impactful, not only from the first listen, but for many more beyond that initial experience.

Even though the band is British, this track might be categorized as Americana in some circles, or you can call it Indie Rock if you prefer, but the band offers the brand of timeless sound that really transcends genre.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Chris Kläfford - Maybe It’s Just Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If you wonder what Chris Kläfford sounds like, imagine an Adult Contemporary hit sung by Chris Stapleton and you will have a petty good idea. I am very intrigued by this Swedish artist and can’t wait to hear other works by him.

Emotive and vocal strength are the first attributes that caught my attention, though this is also a very well-written track delivered with power and an emotive touch that rises above the fray. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Prisoner & Key - Set In My Ways [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Prisoner & Key delivers a brooding track that is best compared to Springsteen taking a turn at an Outlaw Country song.

’Set in My Ways’ has grit and punch and almost slips into an Industrial vibe at times. The vocals are steady and moody with a dark undertone that defines the track overall.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jenn Howard - Microphone [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jenn Howard offers up a bit of New Orleans flair on this track that falls between a funky Jazz sound and a singer/songwriter vibe. Maybe you could call this Americana if hard-pressed to place the track within a single genre, but either way the song has soul and heart and comes with one of those melodies that gets down in your bones and makes you move. Joined by Ivan Neville, this one reminds me of my nights down on Frenchman Street in NOLA.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Natalie Prauser - East Texas [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“If you think Country Music is defined by the glossy, superficial pablum cranked out of Mainstream Nashville then you probably have no idea of the wide ranging talent that is keeping the traditional sound alive all across the country. Texas is no doubt the hub for Independent artists to not only honor the traditional sound but push it forward and Natalie Prauser is one of those genuine voices doing exactly that.

’East Texas’ offers a lonesome, down on your heels vibe. A classic drinking, or thinking, or simply living in reality song that resonates with heartfelt emotion.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - Devil and the Deep Blue [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Bad Flamingo is a duo I have frequently shared here at LA on Lock and ‘Devil and the Deep Blue’ continues their genre bending air of mystique. I’ll call it American for lack of a better alternative but this power duo refuse to be clearly defined in anyway and that is certainly part of the charm. This track has that dangerous spaghetti western vibe the band often exudes with a Rock and Roll edge that can’t be denied. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Love Hounds - Lazy Boy [Music Review]

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

Nate Amor - Beautiful [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Nate Amor drops this ode to love and appreciation. The timeless sound and arrangement combines with finely crafted songwriting to deliver the message in perfection step with the emotional build. There are Americana tones and a soft Southern Rock feel but really this is one of those tracks that transcends gerne and simply speaks straight to the soul. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - I Won't Let You Die Young [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Few bands can capture the level of allure and intrigue that Bad Flamingo does with their sound. Sure the masks they wear play part of the role in the imagery but the sound and songwriting are every bit as much to do with the mystery and intrigue. landing somewhere between Americana and Indie Rock this duo routinely delivers an outlaw aura of loneliness and desperation that translates into engaging and thought provoking songs. ‘I Won’t Let You Die Young’ ads to their catalogue of strong lyrics and mood setting tones.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Tommy Alexander - Feelings [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Tommy Alexander is a songwriter first and foremost, but that is not to say he doesn’t have the vocal talent and passion to deliver the words he writes. There are Springsteen and Johnny Cash vibes in the delivery and the emotion is palpable in both the words and performance. We as humans all have a myriad of complex ‘Feelings’ coursing through us, and we don’t always understand where they came from, but still we must deal with them. This track does a great job of taking that complex set of thoughts and distilling them into an entertaining and thought-provoking track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bedouin Soundclash - Walk Through Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a tough track to put a label on. Reggae? Pop Punk? American? There are elements of all three, but no matter what you call the genre, Bedouin Soundclash has given us an infectious track that burrows its way deep down in your soul. “Walk Through Fire” stuck with me through multiple listens and I found myself singing along long after the track had ended. This is one that will continue to impress no matter how many times you listen. A fun, energetic build and easy to join in chorus makes it a clear hit in my eyes. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Wake The Sun - King of the Road [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is nothing like a good it of time on the road to reflect and ponder on both how you got to where you are ,and where you are going. This track takes a look at how our paths shape who we are and where we are going. With a classic and timeless sound this track straddles a Folk/Americana and Indie Rock vibe while giving off strong vibes of what it is to be a free thinking, free travelling human in this place and time.

Simply put, ‘King of the Road,’ is a good song most if not al of us can relate strongly with. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

S.G Goodman - All My Love Is Coming Back To Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kentucky rock & roll truth teller S.G. Goodman releases a new indie rock single, ‘All My Love Is Coming Back To Me’ from her forthcoming album Teeth Marks, set for release June 3 via Verve Forecast. Goodman has a unique quiver to her voice that is almost Joplin-esque and the passion and attitude are infused into every word. I was also reminded of Jack White while listing tot he track so she is very good company with her sound. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Southbank - Best Mistake [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a decided Americana tone. Mainstream Country has left a lot of people high and dry and seeking real emotion with easy to sing with lyrics and vibes. This is the sound picking up that slack and Southbank is poised to be a real force. True genuine music and you can’t ask for anything more. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Morgan Myles - Woman Of My Word [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The slow build of this track is well worth the time it takes to unfold. Morgan Myles has a Country feel to her tone, but the deep range and broad emotional impact is far more impactful than most Mainstream Country offers these days. Think of Brandi Carlisle or old school Ronstadt more than the cheesy bedazzled brand of Country Nashville pumps out these days. This track heartfelt and real, and a journey far too many women face at least once in their lives.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Eric Lee - Come Break My Heart [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written for his wife, ‘Come Break My Heart’ is a tender and heartfelt ode of love. Could be classified as Country or Americana or simply a songwriter sharing his heart but what you can the track isn’t nearly as important as the emotions fueling it. With a hint of gravel and a nice emotive tone, Eric Lee delivers a track that sticks with the soul. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger