Kiesza - Crave [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a real 80’s vibe to this track, both in the sound and imagery of the video. Kiesza delivers the vocals with energy and a theatrical brand of emotion that works very well in the build toward the chorus.

’Crave’ is a song that just keeps rising and pulling you along until it explodes into a chorus that arrives with a smart satisfaction.

The video is simple in concept, but works well to keep you entertained and dialed in on the track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Joshua Wood Orchestra - Surrender [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track took a little bit to find its legs for me, but once the vocals really got going I was hooked in and enamored by the sound. The tone is unique, with a splash of Dylan and a bit more of Orbison going on vocally, with a Springsteen kind of vibe to the overall arrangement as well.

Lyrically, the track is more repetitive than perhaps most of the music that sticks with me but here it all works as part of a mood and attitude.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jaywop - Bill Bellamy [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes you just need something that sounds and feels different. Sometimes you need to smile and enjoy an offtrack bit of humor. Sometimes you need some Jaywop. None of that is to say that Jaywop is not seriously talented, because it takes true talent to create a track that sounds good and entertains in this way.

’Bill Bellamy’ is as clever as it is goofy and the vocal flow is as engaging as it is fun. Give it a listen to put a smile on your face.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

BabyJake - MadHappySad [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“BabyJake is showing all the emotions with ‘MadHappySad,’ and he’s doing it with a verve and style that hooks you in deep.

The 8-Bit video game inspired video is a nice visual touch that adds a layer of thought in that all-too-often we approach life as if it were a game. We are desperateness to hit that next stage that we go through the so-called steps to level-up. Often that is settling into a relationship and we know we are supposed to, but sometimes the person is right and wrong at the same time. Sometimes they are simply there because we feel like they are supposed to be, and in that sense the emotions are conflicting.

This track is about doing more with your life besides leveling-up in the expected ways.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Matt Lovell - Trouble [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Some songs simply come alive with the spirit behind them. it almost seems as if they take on a life of its own.

Let me introduce you to Matt Lovell and just such a song. “Nobody Cries Today’ is sassy and bluesy and groovy. Lyrically the track is about fighting your way through those tough dark times, by trying to stay positive and light. The writing is sharp and poignant with a wry bit of humor and sarcasm and it all comes alive.

The video adds more fun complete with a tinseled demon. Least I think that is what the dancing tinseled creature is supposed to be. Give it a watch. Give it a listen. This is one you won’t want to miss. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dax - Joker [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Come here let me whisper something in your ear..... Dax’s new single ‘Joker’ is surely a musical delivery to your ears. He flips out on each verse with a crazy dynamic that is sure to grasp your attention when he rhymes. In a visual that attacks bullying he shows people regardless of appearance you shouldn’t judge because his talent goes beyond perception”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

12AM - Lost [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The raw, stripped bare vocal performance is palpable on this track. ‘Lost’ lays open the wound and emotion of missing the one that you love. Played over a piano melody, with vulnerable honest emotion, the track does not rely on embellishments or glossy production, but is simply the work of a talented songwriter openly pouring his heart out.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mustafa - Stay Alive [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If Jack Johnson had grown up in an inner city, this is the track he would have written. Instead this tender , emotional track comes from Mustafa, a 23 year old songwriting poet who hails from Toronto’s Regent Park, an area that has seen its share of gun violence.

Mustafa was first moved to make music after losing several close friends to gun violence. He sings to the departed and to his hood. Even with his serene demeanor, the effect is riveting. Every part of the song is understated, from the single guitar to the subtle keys and the mere suggestion of percussion. The finger-picked acoustic notes wander along the scales without hurry, matching Mustafa’s breathy, soulful vocals perfectly as he goes from nostalgic, to hopeful, to profoundly sad.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Trinity Rose - Morning Text [Lyric Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Trinity Rose’s voice is the musical equivalent of that pretty girl next door. Sweet an innocent, but fully capable of breaking your heart if you are’t paying proper attention to her. And Rose’s latest single, ‘Morning Text’ feels exactly like that.

On the surface, that tantalizing R&B groove is smooth and mellow, but lyrically the track is a dagger to the heart of her enthralled morning messenger. The beauty of this track is in its simple complexity, and no, that is not an oxymoron.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jasmine Thompson - Love For The Lonely [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jasmine Thompson secured a record deal with Atlantic records at only 13 off the strength of her YouTube performances. Now 19, Thompson has only refined her talents that much more.

”Love For The Lonely’ is a powerful ballad about finding and maintaining love even when it is less scary to walk away or destroy the burgeoning relationship. The video adds to the emotion and isolated mindset giving the project a cohesive intimate vibe to go along with the powerful performance.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Gavin James - Boxes [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“An energetic uplifting track for everyone that has ever been told ... they shouldn’t, they can’t, they won’t.

Gavin James has heard the dream killers talking to him since his childhood in Dublin, but the singer/songwriter did not listen to any of them for long. Preferring to ignore the naysayers and the challenges, he chased his musical dreams despite the odds. This track is testament to both his talent and perseverance.

The animated video is fun and as energetic and engaging as the music. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

somegirlnamedanna - kitchen table [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“somegirlnamedanna is a mouthful, but this track establishes that same girl as a big force to be reckoned with so perhaps they two are perfectly matched. Emotion laid bare, such as this song gives us, speaks loudly far beyond the actual decimal level or style. The vocal tone of yearning vulnerability on the track only adds to the punch of this track.

’Kitchen Table’ is as true a song as you are likely to hear this year, or any other, and the homespun vibe of the video is the perfect accompaniment.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Pink Elefants - Blame On Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pink Elefants are a trio of talented vocalists each with their own sound and flow. This diverse talent gives the band a varied and rich sound that is engaging and hard to pin down genre wise. There is a vibe reminiscent to The Weeknd, as well a smooth Pop feel to ‘Blame On Me,’ which lyrically is about the burden of bearing the brunt of blame in a breakup.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brilly Asher - Traumatized [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Brilly Asher drops this honest and unflinching track about the way our behavior hits others. Anytime a talented artist, truly lays bare his soul the result is an engaging song with relevance, because human nature leads us all to make the same mistakes, have the same dreams, share the same fears.

The flow here is slow and steady and carries a hint of an R&B vibe. The backing is fairly low-key and stays out of the way for the most part without adding a lot of punch on its own. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Joe-Y - Cudi [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Joe-Y offers up a diverse set of vocal sounds and styles on his latest single, ‘Cudi.’ I will admit to being surprised by the level of talent more than once. This Ohio rapper is one to keep an eye on for sure.

Lyrically this track is about chasing dreams and perfection while also dealing with the struggles of mental illness and letting the doubts from that come in. The flow ranges from a straight up Hip-Hop vibe, to an almost Reggae like rhythm and tone.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Lucy Cloud - Jealous [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Part of the hook is the almost disenfranchised vibe to the vocal performance, which works here because it further conveys the emotion of being stuck in a rut — watching and envying others live their life.

The age of social media makes this a real phenomenon that affect most of us to some degree or another, and here, Lucy Cloud delivers a tantalizing example of being ‘Jealous.’ ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Fake Shark - Superstitious Thing [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This is the song you will be singing the rest of the day. With a hook you can’t escape from and an energy that bites into the soul, ‘Superstitious Thing’ is a single with true allure. Add in a fantastic and farcical video and the track is all the more memorable.

There is a Robert Palmer, ‘Addicted To Love’ kind of draw here that can’t be denied. The imagery will bring a smile to your face and the rhythm will have you moving along. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

AFIKA - Guide Me Home Featuring TOTEM [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Music is a form of art and AFIKA is a true artist. He guides us into his new song ‘Guide Me Home’ with the vocals on Totem in a revelation of peace. For the lost souls who walk in the middle of nowhere not sure what direction to follow this will not only move your soul but save it with its lyricism”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Tireek, Lonely Leonard - Hold On [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes all any of us can do is ‘Hold On’ as we go through tough times. And sometimes you gotta hold on for years to get where you want to be.

Tireek and Lonely Leonard team up to give is a glimpse of their coming up through tough times, but finding the love and strength around them to help them hold on. Both flows are honest and engaging, and the beat production feels right for the emotions fueling the track”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Flawes - Look No Further (Lowlights Version) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Flawes released an album titled Highlights not long ago, and now they are dropping a follow up EP aptly called Lowlights which includes four raw, stripped down versions of emotional tracks from that first album. ‘Look No Further’ is one of them, and here the vocal talent and songwriting shines through in the most bare vulnerable way. Most music is born in such a fashion and here you can feel that intimacy behind the track as we experience it in something close to it’s purest form.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)