Shane Rennison - I Think It's You [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The writing and premise of this track caught my attention and held me for the duration. I did crave more vocal variation from Shane Rennison on the track as the delivery stays with that one melancholic tone for the duration.

At its heart, ‘I Think It Is You,’ is a breakup song or at least one of self reflection that is going to lead to a breakup. Realizing the person you thought could be a long-term partner isn’t the one is a tough call and an emotional one a we first have to admit we were wrong in our original assessment. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kelly McMichael - Bomb [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kelly McMichael ignites the fuse on this ‘Bomb,’ with a sound that borrows from the retro vibes of the 80s.

That said, the track feels entirely contemporary so while yes, I was reminded of the Go-Go’s, I was also invested in the attitude and lyrical build that hits like the bluntness of today’s social media charged world. The vocal power and musical energy are up in your face in all the best ways.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Vilhelm Buchaus - Snow In The Summer [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track comes in with a retro 80’s vibe. Not quite Hair Metal, but more like a Springsteen, Bon Jovi kind of energy and old school rock style that provides instant nostalgia. Beyond that, Vilhelm Buchaus infuses passion and talent into ‘Snow In The Summer,’ that keeps you glued in for the build and climax of the track. Along the way the song started to feel more contemporary for me though truthfully it delivers what I’d consider a timeless sound.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Velvet Rouge - Lonely Since The Day We Met [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Velvet Rouge reminded me of Lucinda William on this track. Yes there are multiple voices, but the grit and overall tone had that same brand of defiant excellence that William does so well.

’Lonely Since The Day We Met’ builds in passion and energy throughout, and once it bites unto your psyche it refuses to let go.

This is the, in-your-face goodbye that we all want to deliver at some point in our life. Now we have an easy song to share with those offending parties as we say adios! ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

EDIE - Lie to Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a Pop Punk sound that has notes of 90s Grunge, EDIE unleashes her anger with ‘Lie To Me.’ Razor sharp lyrics cut to the bone in this break up anthem and EDIE’s vocals sell the anger and emotion start to finish.

This track is perfect for anyone going through a breakup or needing that reminder about the liar in their past. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

EĐĐIE - Letters

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written from an actual letter the artist received, ‘Letters’ is an engaging ride from singer/songwriter EĐĐIE.

The track ahs an Alt Pop or Indie Rock kind of vibe. The vocal performance is emotive and keeps the listener leaning in for the duration as t builds to his response to the letter. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Born Runner - Lose Yourself Tonight [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A high-energy track that sort of feels like Bruno Mars meets Neon Trees.

Born Runner delivers a unique sound so pinning them to any particular genre, or one direct comparison to another artist is tough, but I’ll call ‘Lose Yourself Tonight’ a Indie Rock Funk and say it is a perfect track for any motivational or party playlist because it delivers fun energy at every single turn.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Marella - I Think She's In Love With Me [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Marella has a Retro vibe over a Contemporary sound. That might sound weird but give them a lsitena nd you’ll see what I mean.

There are elements of surf rock and some traditional vibes to go with a lively West Coast spirit that feels right at home in today’s Pop landscape. Beach Boys meets Glass Animals.

’I Think She’s In Love With Me,’ is about that hopeless feeling of falling in live and there is a nice blend of emotion and nostalgia to make you feel the lyrical build each step of the way. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - Numb [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“No artist or band delivers dark, folksy blues the way Bad Flamingo can. The raspy tone and air of alluring mystery permeates most of their work and this intriguing duo keeps cranking out the engaging tracks utilizing that branded sound.

’Numb’ paints a picture and transports the listener to a dimly lit backstreet, a dusty dirt path, a concrete wasteland as a vagabond traveler drops the decree of the despondent, the independent, the restless. This track is a vibe and so is Bad Flamingo.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Nolea - Room [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is no dearth of musical talent in LA and now the band Nolea joins that fray with a an intelligent brand of introspections that is both chill and mentally provocative.

’Room’ is the kind of spacious song that allows the listen the rom they need to come to the emotion and lyrical build. There is an ethereal quality to the delivery and production dynamics here that simply allows you to freefall into the track.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Joh Chase - When I Got This Place [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Joh Chase is fast becoming one of my favorite submitters to LA on Lock. A little bit Sheryl Crow, a little bit Brandi Carlile, and a wholelot star in the making, Chase simply grabs the torch from those contemporaries and takes a turn holding it high.

’When I got This Place’ is pure LA, yet still has that universal spirit that will carry it far beyond the sun rays of Southern California. A groove and vibe that simply wraps around you like a lovers embrace after a hard day.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Trapper Schoepp - Meet Me at the End of the World [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The best songs transcend time and genre. Trapper Schoepp gives us that kind of timeless offering with ‘Meet Me at the End of The World.’
The track is his homage to a mentor and in that regard I’ll defer to Schoepp’s own words about this track ....

This upbeat indie rocker was written by NYC musician Jesse Malin and Mexican-American songwriter Alejandro Escovedo. Jesse is a mentor of mine and recently had a spinal stroke. This song is a benefit for him and it’d mean a lot if you’d consider it. He’s paralyzed and getting stem cell research. I am touring across EU now, singing this feel good song and raising funds for his recovery. This song is hitting radio airwaves here now! Thank you for taking a listen to this song! ❤️

You can learn more Jesse Malin and his story at this ROLLING STONE ARTICLE here: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/jesse-malin-stroke-healthcare-fund-1234770111/”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Razor Braids - It Goes Quiet [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Self -described as ... a Brooklyn-based, queer, female and non-binary identifying rock band that combines a heavy punk energy with an indie rock vulnerability culminating in passionate live shows and a dynamic sound anchored in a 90s alternative ethos ... Razor Braids is definitely a blend of nostalgia and modern day bad assery.

’It Goes Quiet’ is a track that you will feel like you;ve heard before at first listen but the deeper you dig in the more you realize it is every song you;ve heard before and no song you;ve heard before. it is universal but unique. It is a vibe that distills itself into spirits of the mind and body depending on your current chemistry. It is artful and entertaining in equal measures so give it a listen and discover what the track will mean to you. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

talker - Easygoing [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Nothing can render us more vulnerable than our own insecurities and ‘Easygoing’ from talker perfectly renders that dynamic into an entertaining ode to perhaps our brain’s worst function.

The track is sharp-edged yet tender and soft, not an easy combo to create and meld into a cohesive build and listening experience that is both meanigfu;a nd heartfelt. But talker does exactly that with precision and flair on this track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Dan Johnson - Along the Way [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Dan Johnson boldly sings the line ... I’d rather be a fool tomorrow, than a coward any day ... in his new single, ‘Along The Way,’ and in that simple brilliance, can be found both an idea and an ideal on how to live life.

Putting yourself out there, risking yourself in the name of love is dangerous and leaves us all vulnerable. Though of course not doing so, not allowing others to truly know who and what we are, leaves us isolated and alone. This uplifting track is a reminder to us all — you can’t truly live without taking some risks along the way.

The earmark of a great song is playability. A good song you can listen to a few times and be content, but a great song soars to life and compels you to listen time and time again. And with each listen you feel the emotion and come to a personal understanding that very well may transcend beyond the artist’s original intent as you layer in your own experience with the sentiments being sung. This is that type of song.

The genre is tricky here ,as the track defiantly and artistically straddles a many different lines. Big and theatrical. the single comes with elements of Indie Rock, Americana, and Gospel. At times it conjured thoughts of the Lion King with the chants and uplifting mantra that would be right at home on any Broadway stage or musical soundtrack.

But gerne is a marketers game anyway. For we consumers the lines are simple ... not for me, good, or outstanding.

And this track lands square in the latter category for me. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

DUUNES - Emotional Damage [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“it is tough to hear the term ‘Emotional Damage’ and not think of the internet meme voice, but DUUNES quickly transcends that stigma with this powerfully written song. THe soaring arrangement and strong Indie Rock edge erase the voice from my head and carry me away with a set of meaningful lyrics that hits right at the heart.

I’ve given this single a few listens and with each one I feel more connected to the track. Songwriting as it should be!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - Fast [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Few bands ride in with the level of intrigue, mystery, and seduction of Bad Flamingo. The black hats, masks, and sultry lack of buttons fastened on their shirts instills some of that, but the air of enigma is just as prevalent in their dark and sultry songwriting and delivery.

Bad Flamingo are fast creating an unmistakable brand and their latest single ‘Fast,’ is but another example of their intuitive power to give the world sjtu what it needs from them. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Review

Casino Havana - All For Nothing [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Casino Havana delivers this track with energetic Indie Rock energy and commitment. “All For Nothing’ is an anthem of jumping headfirst into the fray and both the sound and passion come through to sell that ideal.

This is modern Rock with intent and passion. The music and the vocals are dead on in that pursuit. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ships Have Sailed - Find My Way [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The track has that light energetic vibe of artists such as One Republic or Mumford & Sons. There is a Folksy brand of Pop to the sound that is uplifting in nature. The gist of ‘Find My Way’ is about living your best life and taking the opportunities as they come because you never truly know wha tthe future entails.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ambrosius - Hollywood Babeism [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Chasing the Hollywood dream quite often turns into a bit of a nightmare for most. Ambrosius has some fun with that as well as the lore of history in their single ‘Hollywood Babeism.’

Taking their cue from the Pixies musically, this Oslo based group gives us a unique tongue-in-cheek retelling of their own pursuit for some of that California gold. The overall result is a classic rock sound that reminded me of Queen, Springsteen, and Petty at different junctures of the track.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger