Natalie Prauser - East Texas [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“If you think Country Music is defined by the glossy, superficial pablum cranked out of Mainstream Nashville then you probably have no idea of the wide ranging talent that is keeping the traditional sound alive all across the country. Texas is no doubt the hub for Independent artists to not only honor the traditional sound but push it forward and Natalie Prauser is one of those genuine voices doing exactly that.

’East Texas’ offers a lonesome, down on your heels vibe. A classic drinking, or thinking, or simply living in reality song that resonates with heartfelt emotion.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - Devil and the Deep Blue [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Bad Flamingo is a duo I have frequently shared here at LA on Lock and ‘Devil and the Deep Blue’ continues their genre bending air of mystique. I’ll call it American for lack of a better alternative but this power duo refuse to be clearly defined in anyway and that is certainly part of the charm. This track has that dangerous spaghetti western vibe the band often exudes with a Rock and Roll edge that can’t be denied. ”

— 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

Nate Amor - Beautiful [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Nate Amor drops this ode to love and appreciation. The timeless sound and arrangement combines with finely crafted songwriting to deliver the message in perfection step with the emotional build. There are Americana tones and a soft Southern Rock feel but really this is one of those tracks that transcends gerne and simply speaks straight to the soul. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - I Won't Let You Die Young [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Few bands can capture the level of allure and intrigue that Bad Flamingo does with their sound. Sure the masks they wear play part of the role in the imagery but the sound and songwriting are every bit as much to do with the mystery and intrigue. landing somewhere between Americana and Indie Rock this duo routinely delivers an outlaw aura of loneliness and desperation that translates into engaging and thought provoking songs. ‘I Won’t Let You Die Young’ ads to their catalogue of strong lyrics and mood setting tones.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Tommy Alexander - Feelings [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Tommy Alexander is a songwriter first and foremost, but that is not to say he doesn’t have the vocal talent and passion to deliver the words he writes. There are Springsteen and Johnny Cash vibes in the delivery and the emotion is palpable in both the words and performance. We as humans all have a myriad of complex ‘Feelings’ coursing through us, and we don’t always understand where they came from, but still we must deal with them. This track does a great job of taking that complex set of thoughts and distilling them into an entertaining and thought-provoking track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bedouin Soundclash - Walk Through Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a tough track to put a label on. Reggae? Pop Punk? American? There are elements of all three, but no matter what you call the genre, Bedouin Soundclash has given us an infectious track that burrows its way deep down in your soul. “Walk Through Fire” stuck with me through multiple listens and I found myself singing along long after the track had ended. This is one that will continue to impress no matter how many times you listen. A fun, energetic build and easy to join in chorus makes it a clear hit in my eyes. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Wake The Sun - King of the Road [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is nothing like a good it of time on the road to reflect and ponder on both how you got to where you are ,and where you are going. This track takes a look at how our paths shape who we are and where we are going. With a classic and timeless sound this track straddles a Folk/Americana and Indie Rock vibe while giving off strong vibes of what it is to be a free thinking, free travelling human in this place and time.

Simply put, ‘King of the Road,’ is a good song most if not al of us can relate strongly with. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

S.G Goodman - All My Love Is Coming Back To Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kentucky rock & roll truth teller S.G. Goodman releases a new indie rock single, ‘All My Love Is Coming Back To Me’ from her forthcoming album Teeth Marks, set for release June 3 via Verve Forecast. Goodman has a unique quiver to her voice that is almost Joplin-esque and the passion and attitude are infused into every word. I was also reminded of Jack White while listing tot he track so she is very good company with her sound. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Southbank - Best Mistake [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a decided Americana tone. Mainstream Country has left a lot of people high and dry and seeking real emotion with easy to sing with lyrics and vibes. This is the sound picking up that slack and Southbank is poised to be a real force. True genuine music and you can’t ask for anything more. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Morgan Myles - Woman Of My Word [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The slow build of this track is well worth the time it takes to unfold. Morgan Myles has a Country feel to her tone, but the deep range and broad emotional impact is far more impactful than most Mainstream Country offers these days. Think of Brandi Carlisle or old school Ronstadt more than the cheesy bedazzled brand of Country Nashville pumps out these days. This track heartfelt and real, and a journey far too many women face at least once in their lives.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Eric Lee - Come Break My Heart [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written for his wife, ‘Come Break My Heart’ is a tender and heartfelt ode of love. Could be classified as Country or Americana or simply a songwriter sharing his heart but what you can the track isn’t nearly as important as the emotions fueling it. With a hint of gravel and a nice emotive tone, Eric Lee delivers a track that sticks with the soul. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jesse Roper - Hold On Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Fans of Nathaniel Rateliff and Leon Bridges will dig Jess Roper’s sound. Coming in somewhere in between those two well know acts, Roper delivers a big bold sound, and a soulful groove that holds the listener as well as it hooks initially.

’Hold On Me’ is a an anthem of love. A big musical amen shouted to the heavens in appreciation of the one that captures your intrigue.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Faded Rose - Judgment Day [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Faded Rose delivers a sound that falls somewhere between Lucinda Williams and Maranda Lambert. Perhaps a touch more commercial than Lucinda, but still with that jaded and ticked off attitude. Faded Rose is not quite as commercial as Lambert, but still possesses that same strong feminine determination that has made Miranda a star. ‘Judgement Day’ is a well-written track with emotion and musical punch to make you feel it deep in your bones.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Sarah Gross - Amy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sarah Gross joins a growing movement of talented women pouring their heart and soul out with Folk driven Americana. Currently, Brandi Carlilse is the name many associate with this sound, but Gross offers a softer vocal style that stands on its own. This track, like the rest of the EP is written about the New York town she grew up in and the rich slate of characters that Gross walked beside over the years.”

— Travis Erwin

Suitcase Souls - Nashville October [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Fans of Jason Isbell and Phoebe Bridgers, will find it easy to connect to Suitcase Souls and their new single, ‘Nashville October.’

Deferring to the band here is what they say of the track ... “‘Nashville October’ is the smoke smell in your jacket from last night’s backyard hang, the photos in your camera roll of a selfie that *barely* fit everyone, the feeling of letting go of a past season to grab hold of right now and living in the moment.”

The track does have that worn nostalgic feel that makes our memories both fuzzy and acute and in that the emotions is easy to find and feel. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

Micah Edwards - Girl from the Valley [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Micah Edwards calls his sound Texas Soul ... I simply call it damn good music.

I do hail from Texas originally so the Lone Star State has a soft spot in my heart, but I don’t care where you ‘re from, this is the kind of soulful, smooth song that speaks straight to the emotions. Timeless yet contemporary as well, ‘Girl From The Valley,’ simply feels right from the very first note. Can’t wait to hear more music from the talented Edwards.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Belaver - Mount Misery [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Strong writing, backed by an emotive and heartfelt delivery, will always find a place in the musical landscape and that is what Belaver gives us with the single, ‘Mount Misery.’

The track unfolds in low key fashion that is easy to digest and fell but the delivery is spot on in tone. The writing delivers punch through the entire progression making this is the kind of track that sticks with you long after the last note has faded.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Leeroy Stagger - More Love Than Money [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Leeroy Stagger sounds like what I imagine the Grateful Dead would be with Jason Isbell fronting them. ‘More Love Than Money’ is a groove and a mood, but the writing delivers more emotion than you’d expect from such a fun and light melody. A song that makes you want to shout amen as you sing along and feel every word.

Stagger is one voice I’d love to see perform in person as I have now featured a few tracks from the talented Canadian. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rett Madison - Skeptic's Angels [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Rett Madison give us a tender and vulnerable track about losing touch with that faith and wonderment we all have as kids but lose as age and skepticism takes over. The need to believe in something remains leaving us all a bit disjointed at times and this track beautifully captures the emotional struggle of being a realist but also letting go and simply trusting in something or someone. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger