VNXI - We Are Ghosts [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We are all in ghosts in a way. Our memories think of people no longer in our lives as how they were, rather than how they may be now in a present we are not part of..

’We Are Ghosts’ by VNXI expands on that idea and gives us a heartfelt emotional track about the way our memories play tricks on us. The track has a soft, Alternative/Indie Rock vibe that is easy to digest and connect with though lyrically the ideas longer in your mind long after the last note. ”

— 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

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

April Jai - Stop Fighting It [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Am Electro Pop track about taking that next step from friends to something much more. Who will make that move to transcend and change the tone of the relationship? ‘Stop Fighting It’ is described by the artist as ... ‘your spicy ‘friends to lovers’ female empowerment song.’

April Jai utilizes her talented vocal skills to tease and taunt both the listener and subject of her desire in the lyrical build. ”

— 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

Dot. - Indigo [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Dot. has the kind of vocal tone that simply invites the listener in. Soft and tranquil and rich in tone much like Norah Jones, Dot. takes us an a smooth easy vocal journey through being proud and happy with your work and not succumbing to the outside pressure of bending your art to the needs and wants of others. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Codefendants - Def Cons [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Utilizing a variety of tempos and deliveries, the Codefendants capture magic with ‘Def Cons.’ A blend of Punk, Ska, Hip-Hop, and Skater Punk makes up the overall arrangement. Each set of vocals delivers a different tone, and yet they all mesh and sync to create one wondrous piece of music. Lyrically, the track has just as much to offer, and I’ll definitely be adding this one to several playlists and listening to it for years to come.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Parris LaVon - WEAK [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Parris LaVon shares a bit of vulnerability on this flow, but despite the title of the track he clearly is anything but ‘Weak.’

We all have our problems and roadblocks but persevering and coming out the other side is what defines who and what we are. The beat and rhythm here are smooth and the lyrical flow lands its emotional punches with a raw earnest vibe that feels genuine. A track to listen to over and over again to appreciate the various nuances.

Be sure and check out the entire new album, WINTER IV which just dropped this week. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Scarlet Opera - Alive [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The Scarlett Opera has a contemporary Queen feel to them in, that they do the unexpected and do it quite well and with purpose. No one quit compares to Freddy Mercury, but the vocals here soar and certainly deliver their own brand of standout talent that sweeps the listener up and into the build of the track.

Slightly theatrical, boldly Rock & Roll this is a band to invest in early so you can tell all your friends you hard them before the world caught on. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ 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

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

Sir Echo - Raven [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Blurring the lines of Punk, Alternative and Emo Rock, Sir Echo has a retro vibe that at times feels like the Bangles in a blender. ‘Raven’ is about the battle between fantasized or romanticized versions of a person, and the reality that they come with a complex history and set of flows just like every other person.

Love might be blind, but eventually every relationship is tested by reality and here those ideas take flight thanks to dark wings and thrumming guitar strings. ”

— 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

Bluphoria - Set Me Up [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With a sound that reminded me of The Rolling Stones meets Coldplay, Bluphoria drops the energetic Alt-Rock track, ‘Set Me Up.’ The lyrical hook is one you will be singing along with after the first chorus and with every subsequent listen you give the track. The vocal energy and emotion shine and instill a sense of attachment that carried me forward for the duration of the track.

Can’t wait to hear more from Bluphoria as the sound and talent to keep building and carve a definite place in the Alt Pop musical landscape.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

CARØLINA - I want it now [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Compulsions are a tough thing to fight and when they stem from lust or love the complex array of emotions are even harder to fight. This track from CARØLINA delves into just that with a Amy Winehouse/ZZ Ward kind of soulful groove that adds a sultry vibe. A slow burn that cranks up the heat in deliberate fashion. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

BOWIE - Milk Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“BOWIE unleashes this haunting condemnation of modern societal ideals and the brooding emotive build hooks the listener with power and a bit of condemnation as we all are guilty of the crimes highlighted by this well-written track. The dark undertones of the production are a perfect mate to the expressive vocal style that has some comparison to Florence and the Machine.

This is a track that gives off nuance and emotions in layers so give it more than one listen to truly take a deep dive in this finely crafted song. ”

— 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