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

Angel Abaya - The Bubble [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all live in our own little bubbles and Angel Abaya sings about that on this track. ‘The Bubble’ sounds a bit like Natalie Maines singing Pop and lyrically he track is about how sometimes we find comfort in our own little sanctuaries whereas other times we want to pop our protection and explore the world and meet new people that inhabit it. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ La on Lock Blogger

Dogboy - Rush [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track from Dogboy reminds me of the old saying ... No one gets out alive.

That statement is generally used to describe life, but in a more metaphorical sense, it can describe relationships, because while you can escape a bad relationship but the scars and emotions often lurk in the shadows and reappear to plague us somewhere down the line.

’Rush’ is a detailed look at that kind of lasting mark on our hearts and soul and the artistry on the track drives the point home with Rock precision. The track is a bit of a genre bender, but the energy and attitude carry the day quite well.”

— 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

Devon Thompson - Napoleon [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Devon Thompson has a unique and sultry vocal tone and this talented guitarists offers up a Rock vibe that is every bit as seductive as the vocal tone. This track is about unrequited love and the emotional pettiness of the one whose affection is unreturned. ‘Napoleon’ is infused with attitude and grit and the result is this timeless track that feels modern yet could have arrived from a number of musical decades. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

STARRY EYES - Jetlag [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Music certainly has its fads and trends, though sometimes a simple, yet timeless sound is what best captivates and holds a listener. That is the case with ‘Jetlag’ from STARRY EYES.

The writing is intricately delightful, and the classic build and sound could come from several musical eras though the end product does not feel dated in anyway. The vocals unfold in a smooth emotive tone and make you lose the world around you as the meaning and emotions penetrate your brain. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

High Tropics - Girlfriends [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“I love music that can be taken multiple ways, because life is complex like that and we need music that fits different times and moods of our lives.

’Girlfriends’ can be taken as a straight up song of heartbreak and remorse for a failed relationship. Or it can be taken as an ode to that sweet girlfriend we call May Jane. Either way High Tropics delivers a gem dressed up in Indie Rock packaging that might remind you a bit of The Killers.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Nikki White - Fairweather Friends [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Nikki White taps into the past with her latest single, ‘Fairweather Friends’ which has a retro 80s feel at times, without feeling dated or coming across as interpretive. This track, about letting go of those friends who are only around for the good times, is original and fresh paying homage to the glory days of Pop.

White’s vocals sell the lyrics well, though the writing is strong enough to stand up to repeated listens so the emotional depth is there as well.. Overall, a solid Indie Pop track that highlights the talent quite well.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Shayla McDaniel - Awake [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Shayla McDaniel delivers this track with a vocal precision that intensifies along with the lyrical build, and by the first chorus I was hooked for good. With each subsequent listen I felt more connected with both the words and performance. This is a track that wraps around you like a warm blanket and simply feels like genuine comfort.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - Keep Off of You [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“As always, Bad Flamingo delivers a true vibe with their music. This latest single, ‘Keep Off of You’ has hints of Alt-Country with a bit of a Billie Eilish feel at times. The attitude, and mysterious sexiness of the band adds to the allure, though at the end of the day, it is rich vocal tones and a razor sharp lyrical edge that cuts through the fray and makes Bad Flamingo stand out.

I hope to catch these power duo live and in person one of these days, and until then I look forward to see what they unfurl next.”

— 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

Yasha - 96 Shine [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The mood of the song is a vibe. The vocalist has an almost Giveon type of tone. The accents of the harmonizations add texture and volume to the hook which is already catchy in itself. The way the snare sits on top of the beat makes it hard to not nod your head to this one.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Anastasia Elliot - Bones [Music Review]

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

talker - Don't Want You To Love Me (Oceanator Remix) [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“In and out of love. These kinds of tumultuous relationships often lead tp frustration and Talker takes on that dynamic with the single, ‘Don’t Want You To Love Me.’

This remix, created by Oceanator, dials in on the conflicting emotion such a relationship creates and the track comes away with a mixed set or sounds and vibes as a result. Fitting given the mixed up emotions such a situation crates. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

STARRY EYES - Jetlag [Music Video Review]

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]

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

Pauric O Meara - come home [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pauric O Meara offers this heartfelt track as an extended hand for those down and out and needing help or at least an encouraging word.

’Come Home’ is a call for those who have wandered off path and need a safe haven. The emotive vocal style and musical build combine to instill hope while still maintaining an edge of anxiety which gives the track an added sense of credibility and resonance.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Eiza Murphy - Haunted [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Trying to love someone whose heart still belongs to another is a futile effort and on the track ‘Hanted,’ Eiza Murphy explores the frustration and hopeless feeling of doing exactly that. The emotive vocals sell the story and emotion quite well on this short but effective gut punch of a single. ”

— 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

CrashMonkeys - Control [Music Review]

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