penelope - slippin' to you [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The overwhelming sense of loss is a tricky little thing that can hit you long after the fact, and from the most innocuous angles. This track is about a lost love, and the emotions that hit you out of the blue as a result. The writing here make your realize how close the grief over a relationship’s end, is very similar to the grieving loss of a departed love one. Expect, there is an added bit of awkward hurt when you are left to wonder what that person is doing at any given moment. Re they thinking of you? Do they ever think of you? And they are right there at hand, often only blocks away, or perhaps on the other side of town.

This track delivers such complexities of the mind in soft Pop glory that at times reminded me of vintage Joni Mitchel, with a modern vibe to make it feel all the more relevant.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SeepeopleS - New American Dream [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is the pure Punk sound with something to say, that the censors don’t want you to hear or see.

Banned by Facebook, the video features animation done by the famed Pete List of Celebrity Death Match on MTV.

SeepeopleS ‘New American Dream’ will no doubt offend some, but any Punk song worth its salt does the same. This track is political and pointed. The lyrics alone speak loudly, but the imagery of the video adds even more punch.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jovani - Half Life (Feat. Dvniel) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jovani is a Lithuanian DJ that teams up with LA based vocal artist Dvniel on this latest latest single “Half Life.”

Jovani has produced an upbeat energetic track that will no doubt be shared by couples pledging a life together. The emotion behind the track captures the euphoria of falling in love quite well, all in a glorious EDM style that is as easy to dance to as it is to sing along with as you ride down the road with your windows down and the wind whipping your hair.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Louis Metric - Lonely [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Being happy with yourself is important anytime, and it is one thing many of us struggle with after a tough break up. But in these current times, learning to cope and be content with isolation is more important than ever before.

This track comes with a Hip-Hop/ Pop vibe and is well-written and performed with a touch of wry humor that comes through in the imagery of the video as well as the vocal flow. And it does so with a message that you can be alone and be perfectly okay.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Make You Cry - From the Loving Hands of Our Creator [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Don’t be fooled by the title of Make You Cry’s latest single, ‘From The Loving Hands Of Our Creator’ into thinking this is an uplifting bolt of inspirational lightness. Perhaps the song does offer its own brand of inspiration, but make no mistake this is a dark and brooding rock song.

The vocals are nuanced and emotional and the video offers up some evil rabbit imagery to add an element of appropriate weirdness to the metaphor of choice that the lyrics pose. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Pink Elefants - Rehab [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“It is no secret that Addiction is tough on everyone that loves you. This track comes from the viewpoint of a lover trying to break free from a relationship to save themselves from being pulled down alongside the one that can’t stay clean.

The track utilizes several vocal styles which do a good job of showcasing the various emotions and moods of the distancing process. Lyrically sharp, the lyrics are easy to stay focused in on, and to sing along with. It’s not a happy song, but one of true emotion with a hint of jaded bitterness to make it truly feel real.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Lune - Wi-Fi [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This tracks bare and stripped back vocals hooked me early on. I listened in the way you watch a story unfold on the street, that you perhaps are not supposed to see, because the nature of this track is slightly voyeuristic in that it feels like an intimate conversation between friends.

The Electro Pop vibe is subdued and the track progresses with that one single voice doing the heavy, emotional lifting. Though the track does have enough splashes production wise, to elevate it above the artsy status and give it just a hint of commercial flair.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Escape The Box - Whatever Happened [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is impossible to separate from its video and while watching, it unfolds like a short film more than a music video. Especially for the two plus minutes before the music kicks in. I wanted to stop and move on to the next submission early on, but something kept me tethered and watching.

The music hits at the exact second it needs to, adding emotional punch to the piece. The rebellious vibe of the Punk sound is alive here, but musically there is a second vibe that goes beyond that to give this track a fresh uniqueness that says ... Yes I’m pissed off and not going to take it anymore, but also ... I am headed onward to bigger better things.

This video is part of four song/four film project and I have a feeling once you’ve delved into one, you will be on the hook for the remainder. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Smoke - Out Da Mudd [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Smoke drops the video for his lyrically moving track ‘Out Da Mudd’ off of his solo debut album, RAYSEAN BROWN.

Much like the storytelling power of the single, the imagery portrayed in the video keeps you watching. With a straight up flow style, and writing that builds and puts us in the mindset of another, Smoke unleashes the emotions and consciousness necessary to truly feel a track like this. I was pulled in early and stayed on the hook for the duration. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Federal Av - Brighter Days Ahead [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Perhaps on another day, in a another moment in history, this track would not bring the relevance it does today. But hey, we all need a bit of cheer and hope right about now. And in the words of Alanis ... Isn’t it ironic, that it comes from a band called Federal Av?

Nevertheless, feast your ears and smiles on this soulful, uplifting track and forget about toilet paper shortages, cancellations, and the blight that has set all of the chaos into motion.

Go ahead, close your eyes and enjoy some fun music for a few minutes, because this crazy world is going to keep spinning faster and faster either way.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

King Magnetic & DJ E.REX - "How It All Started (feat. GQ Nothin Pretty)" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“You gotta expect a track called ‘How It All Got Started’ to deliver an old school vibe, and this one certainly brings that flavor. This is one to play loud and proud as you reminiscent with your boys that you’ve been rolling with for years now.

King Magnetic takes us back to his stomping grounds of Allentown, PA for this nostalgic new video. The single is a collaborative effort produced by New York’s DJ E.REX, with a guest appearance from Mag’s longtime collaborator, GQ Nothin Pretty.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Onk Lou - Grey Goose [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When an artist is having fun expressing themselves it shines through in the project. Make no mistake, Onk Lou is having a hell of a lot of fun in the video for ‘Grey Goose.’

But of course when you have the mad talent that Lou possesses, it is easy to have a good time unleashing your creativity upon the world. Just when you think you know what this track is and how it is going to progress the vibe shifts and surprises.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Neon Brown - "Maintain (feat. Vursatyl)" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is a history lesson, an essay on social status and race, and a solidly entertaining example of Lo-fi Hip-Hop at its best.

Spot on and observant writing showcase a flow that builds engagement as it moves forward. Visually the video captures the vibe and power of the words with precision and enlightenment.

This is a song to watch, to hear, and to ponder afterward. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Max Frost - Back In The Summer [Music Video Review}

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A hard undulating beat kicks this track off which has that feel of a true summer hit. The video is fun and captures the spirit of the track.

You could very well be hearing Max Frost and ‘Back In The Summer” all year long as this is the kind of infectious track that takes hole when the days are long and the sun is warm. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

R3HAB x Clara Mae x Frank Walker - "More Than OK (Acoustic)" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This is a BIG, quiet song. That might sound like a contradiction, but the emotions behind the lyrics and performance are huge while the quiet production perfectly brought them forth.

Clara Mae delivers passion and tenderness in her vocal ode to wanting more out of life than just being okay. Her inflection is perfect and it is easy to feel her investment in the message.

This multi-national collaboration between Mae, R3HAB, and Frank Walker has created a track that speaks loud to the hearts and souls of everyone and it does so with spot on production and a timeless feel. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Hotel Mira - Speaking Off The Record [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Honest and vulnerable, Hotel Mira drops ‘Speaking Off The Record,” a track that feels as much like a diary submission as it does an intimately written song. Call it a confession if you will, but we are talking about the feelings, thoughts, and actions everyone of us feels, so this track is more about being bold and saying out loud what few have to courage to express. This is not the same as admitting a wrong, which is truly what a confession is. This is an expression of humanity and a damn entertaining one at that.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ashya - Steez [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Ashya comes in as a woman of confidence and spark. Dressed in an outfit that reminds me of Madonna her new single ‘Steez’ is that one song that you play right before a girls night out. The single is produced by Top 50 Billboard Producer Micah Street which gives it a pop and energetic sound. So as you hop in the car with your girls roll the window down and allow the air to blow your hair as you sing along.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

James Gillespie - Someday Sunday [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“James Gillespie has the kind of voice that captivates from the first note and this track about getting away briefly to recharge and recenter yourself is engaging.

The style of the video was not always easy to stay focused on but that is kind of the point in that it is not always easy to get out and away for yourself.

The secondary vocals of Natti Shiner add the emotion and spirit of the track. Gillespie will be making his first tour stops in North America later this month. March 23rd at the Mercury Lounge in New York and March 25th at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

James Curran - Just Breathe [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track brings the energy right from the first of the vocal flow. The imagery of the video takes a bit to develop, but lyrically this single delivers line after line that keeps you on the hook.

Give this one a listen and I guarantee you it will get your head moving to the beat. The various vocals all bring something unique to the mix. The song features Moosh from Moosh & Twist, Aha Gazelle. and of course the talent of James Curran who you can bet you have not heard the last of after this one hits. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

DA BREAK - Miss Rosa [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The imagery of the video is stunningly powerful and sobering, and the scene will no doubt disturb some viewers. So strong emotion is created in the video that it is tough to connect the musical groove to what your eyes are seeing, but the Disco Funk sound of the single is compelling in its own right so i suggest after you have watched the engrossing story unfold to listen to the track once again.

Through several listens, I eventually understood how the two elements fit together to create sort of an Avant Garde art piece that leaves you thinking about it long afterward.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)