Dax - Dax-To Be A Man (Ft. Darius Rucker) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Dax is a versatile talent that can come with a hard-edged Hip-Hop flow or a theatrical horror core track and then here on this track, Dax deliver offers an earnest ballad along with Darius Rucker.

’To Be a Man’ is an ode to the emotions and pressures of being a man. Not just any man but a responsible hard-working man trying to do his best despite the pitfalls and stresses that we face.

Dax and Rucker’s voices blend and play off each other well on the track and the emotions carry the day on this honest and vulnerable look at a side of being a man that often is overlooked. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jade LeMac - You're Not A God [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Jade LeMAc ahs that ‘It’ factor. It drips from her vocals and audio presence like a a sweet elixir that just might intoxicate you with a single drop.

From Jade ... “‘You’re Not A God’ is for that one person who thinks they’re better than everyone. We all know the type! It’s an anthem for the underdogs, and a big middle finger to those who think they can push people around.”

There is a hint of Billie Eilish in the attitude and tone but, LeMac’s talent shines on its won and this track delivers an edge and intricate build that hooks and compels you to hit repat and listen all over again. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Penny Roox - By My Side [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Dutch songstress, Penny Roox expertly delivers ‘By My Side’ over the top of a richly layers track full of soaring strings and a mellow piano.

The emotive performance borders on theatrical at times but stays in a more Commercial style with heartfelt writing and the vocal power to make you feel every word.

Tranquil, yet evocative.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Little Quirks - Storm Like Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Little Quirks is an all-girl trio of two sisters and their cousin from Australia. ‘Storm Like Me’ is a folksy Pop track and the first single from their new album due out early next year.

The song is an ode to being true to yourself even when you are wrong. We all say and do stuff we wished we hadn’t but there is a power in owning our mistakes and trying to do better next time, rather than turning and running from them or make asinine excuses. This sound proudly proclaims, HERE I AM ... flaws and all. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Stephen Flickner - not the type [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Stephen Flickner possesses the type of emotive vocal delivery that instantly hooks a listener. Rich and tangibly emotional Flickner delivers this Alt Pop track with precision and emotion. The build pulled me forward and I stayed invested to the very end.

’not the type’ is an engaging, well-written track that offers an a timeless sound and message. Simple a good song from a talented creater and performer. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Sweet Kill - Undead [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Delivered in a deep baritone reminiscent of Nick Cave, The Sweet Kill gives us a track perfect for the season. ‘Undead’ isn’t purely a Halloween track, but it does fit the mood and vibe of this time of year.

The press release details include this description ... THE SWEET KILL is a one-man Post-Punk, Dark & Gothic artist. Driven by cold synths, atmospheric guitar and melodic bass, multi-instrumentalist and velvety crooning baritone, Pete Mills conducts a Darkwave masterpiece of romantic sorrow echoing the laments of The Cure and Joy Division.

The track is a dark romantic ode to an immortal being in love with a mortal facing peril and the is left with no choice bu tto convert his love so they can be together for eternity.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lauren Waller - Dopamine [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A dark brooding song about plummeting over the edge and falling in love too fast.

We all crave that hit of ‘Dopamine,’ and this track from Lauren Waller explores our vulnerability when we want anything a bit too much.

This Alt Pop track delivers the foreboding and sensual side of putting yourself out there in harm’s way, at least in an emotional kind of way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

britta raci - embarrassing [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“There are many dimensions to a breakup, and just as many songs detailing the emotional toll, however few if any take a look at the embarrassment aspect of heartbreak. Reliving and rehashing all the things you said to them when blinded by love, and of course the public shame of having to explain to others what went wrong. Britta Raci covers that and then some in her Pop leaning Alt Rock track called ‘Embarrassing.’ The writing is solid and the emotions tangible, thanks to a passionate and emotive delivery.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

EĐĐIE - Freak on Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“This high-energy track has a classic Alternative Rock vibe that can be called a selp hype track. By that I mean anyone who needs a confidence boost or shot of adrenaline to get through their workout or simply motivate them to take on the day.

An anthem to the hustlers and go-getters, ‘Freak On Fire,’ is a musically supercharged track. The vocals at times do not match the musical energy though the juxtaposition does add a a touch of intrigue as well. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Fletcher Moudy - Let Your Hand Slip [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The one night stand is often romanticized and for good reason. The thrill of carnal excitement, and the potential of where it could go are boundless. ‘Let Your Hand Slip’ captures those emotions and feeling and the hard vocal edge of Fletcher Moudy sell it well here. The arrangement is a bit erratic, just like a heartbeat in such situations, and the resulting song sweeps you in just as if lust were leading you along.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

king dem0 - coma [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The world can be an overwhelming place and that is exactly what king dem0’s track ‘coma’ is all about.

The song somewhat reminded me of Beck with a British accent, though with more of a vocal groove and flair to that side of the the production. The arrangement and musical side is a bit funky and blurs the lines of genre which adds to the track’s almost chaotic vibe which is the perfect way to express the intent of the song.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Courtney Farren - I Must Like It [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Courtney Farren has the rare combination of songwriting talent, and emotive vocal power to convey the words she’s written. ‘I Must Like It’ is a thought or idea we’ve all had as we find ourselves repeating mistakes or at least find ourselves back in familiar situations that we had not exactly been planning for ... leading us to wonder if maybe this is what we want despite ourselves. The writing is nuanced and is the kind of song you can glean something new from with each listen.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Katie Gregson-MacLeod - September [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The vocal prowess of Katie Gregson-MacLeod elevates this track and makes it impossible to skip ahead or drift away from her delivery. Lyrically the emotions are strong and tangible and the intricate delivery kept me leaning in and intrigued for what came next. This is one I will listen to for years to come as the combination of unique talent and human realness give it a timeless quality that will always speak to me. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ashley Elle - Death of Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ashley Elle proudly uses the term Sad Girl Pop and she just might be the Queen of the genre. Her emotive delivery and vulnerable lyrics pull the listener right into the heart of this track but she expresses the song’s intent well herself ...

’I moved to Los Angeles four years ago to attend college and pursue music,” explains Ashley Elle. “While I love it out here, there are many moments where I wish I could run home to my small town in Wisconsin. ‘Death of Me’ is a song to LA - a place full of dreams and possibilities wrapped in competition and insecurities.’

Truer words have never been said about Los Angeles and all that emotions she gives those who come here in search of something new and different.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Estella Dawn - Yes Chef [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Estella Dawn has fast become one of my favorite contributors here at LA on Lock. The New Zealand born/ San Diego based Pop artist often surprises me with unique lyrics and a diverse sound that always delivers talent to go with the the surprises.

’Yes Chef’ is a tribute the the friends-with- benefits dynamic and how anyone could not say yes to this starlet is beyond me. This is a sensual and fun track right at home in today’s Pop landscape. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Movie Night - Haunted [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“I am a sucker for a good story song. And a story song with a gut-wrenching twist of the knife ... YES PLEASE!

Butter the popcorn and settle in because Movie Night latest track, ‘Haunted’ is ready to carve up your emotions with this Pop Rock anthem to closure and that impromptu final meeting with your ex to try and wrap thigs up in a nice little box to stoae away. Of course life doesn’t work like that, and neither does this excellent song.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Madeleine McPherson - Treat Me Right (Bubble Song) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Madeleine McPherson delivers this ode to taking care of yourself and saying goodbye to those in our lives who do not treat us right.

Tenderly delivered with confidence, ‘Treat Me Right (Bubble Song)’ is a Pop anthem to moving onward and upward. The talent shines and the lesson to be learned here is one we all need at some point in life.

At times her vocals remind me of Miley, but not enough to consider this derivative or an imitation. McPherson stands on her own talents without a doubt.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Casino Havana- All For Nothing [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This song is a burst of energy from the introduction of the electric guitar at the beginning of the song. Casino Havana delivers a pure rock and roll smash. Well versed lyrics and storytelling over banging drums and violent guitar strums. The lead vocalist carries the song with his intense, aggressive vocals while still giving your vocalist deliverance that blesses the ears with its melodies. If you put all the elements of rock into a pot and created a song, this would be it. Great song. Even greater listen.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Connor Kauffman - Far Too Late [Músic Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Connor Kauffman is an artist I’ve featured before and once again he’s blown me away with his talent and emotive expressions of the human condition.

Not everyone deserves second or third chances, even if you happen to share DNA with that person. Though that is a tough thing to accept because we are all conditioned to believe blood is thicker than water and that is exactly why some grievances hurt worse than others.

Kauffman uses his talent to share this experience and in doing so helps us find our own healing path all while being entertained by his stellar performance.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Deaf Andrews - Phone Line [Músic Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Deaf Andrews brings a whiff of nostalgia in both their sound and writing. At least on this track. We all experience that flashback of sentimentality so the song is certainly relatable, no matter when you grew up.

This is timeless Indie rock with a nice energy and balance of musical talent and thoughtful well delivered vocals. Can’t wait to hear more offerings from this talented group of friends.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger