Ryan Cassata - Extended Vacation [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The attitude here is what is so captivating. The lyrics, written from the heart, are belted out without a care in the world, and the result simply feels like an artist having fun by saying exactly what is on their mind without regard to getting every note perfect, or creating a flawless performance. This is music from the heart and it spoke to mine.

Sound wise, it feels like the Country Rock that came out of California in the 70’s,. Something in in the vein of Gram Parsons and the Flying Burrito Brothers with a modern flair.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Freedom Fry - West Coast [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Freedom Fry are one of my favorite discoveries since joining LA on Lock as a reviewer. They often surprise me and this track is no different.

’West Coast’ delivers nice harmonies over the top of a classic California sound, and lyrically the track is sharp and twisty, in the way that Freedom Fry’s lyrics usually are. As you listen, the emotion permeates the air and warms you like the golden rays of a setting sun. There is both hope and trepidation here, and that so perfectly captures the feelings of chasing a dream.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Soo Line Loons - Dancing at the VFW [Music Video Review]

Rating 4.5 out of 5

“This is an honest, simple song that comes alive do to the true to life lyrics and emotion of the performance.

A nice guitar melody brings it all out. I grew up in Texas and have attended more than one dance at the VFW and I’ve see many a man that this track could have been written about. These men are not obvious heroes to a stranger’s eyes but this song is about the kind of characters that define huge swaths of what this country is.

I will finish by saying this song delivers a realness and a spirit that modern contemporary Country Music rarely does. Call this Folk or American if you will because it does not fit commercial Country these days, but it is straightforward good music. Guy Clark would be proud.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stardawg - Runaway [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track feels bigger than it is, thanks to the layering both vocally and musically.

As a duo, Stardawg relies on the depth of their talent to achieve such a complex sound. Lyrically, ‘Runaway is the kind of song that can be taken different ways and still have true meaning and emotion. I for one, am eager to get a listen to both the upcoming EP and a live show from this LA based pair.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Arielle Silver - Lonely Time of Year [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This holiday anthem presents a different side of the cheery odes of yuletide celebration. Bordering on Country, this singer/songwriter track, stays this side of melancholy with a sense of truism and a classic holiday melody. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Shandel & Samuels - Heroine [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The duality works very well on this track. The blend of voices brings an emotional thread to a well-written song about being stuck in the rut. This is two songwriters delivering their well-honed craft with precision and feeling.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Corey Durkin - Rest My Bones [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a nice road song in the traditional Folk kind of way.

The heartbeat of Dylan, the bones of Guthrie, the blood type of Kerouac.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Grayson Ty with Fleuke - One Regret [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“A beautiful folksy song about that one love that slipped away.

’One Regret’ is a song of heartache, but also one of hope because the emotions are so universal and it always gives us hope to know what we are feeling is shared by others. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Hudson Rainer - Country Home [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Bringing a throwback sound, Hudson Rainer has channeled the vibe of vintage Neil Young and The Band to give us a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Stripped down emotional music at its best. I like it! ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Horace Holloway - King Of Diamonds (feat. Fleurie) [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“There is a nice wordplay to the writing, and the vocal performance is a natural for such a song. Landing somewhere in the Americana, Singer/Songwriter spectrum of Folk music, ‘King of Diamonds’ is a track that is easy to fall into. I do wish we had heard more of the female voice that came in at the end.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brothers Page - Back To You [review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Intricate harmonies combined with a perfect pace and tempo make this a fun song fall into the groove.

Folk Rock EDM is not a thing as of yet, but Brothers Page has a hand in all three genres here. Motivational without being cheesy ‘Back To You’ is a song that gets you moving while putting a smile in your face.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dante Mazzetti - Hey Now [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Folk Yeah!

A sprinkle of Prine, a dash of Dylan, a hint of Guthrie ... the final recipe is damn sure satisfying, but the flavors of the past are evident in every bite. Sit down and savor this one and welcome Dante Mazzetti to your ears.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Faultlines - Heartfire [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Faultlines brings us a folk/pop fusion complete with meticulous harmonies and a nice, even melody proving that Heartfire > Heartburn.

Seriously, I can’t wait to hear more from this LA Folk trio as talent abounds vocally, musically, and in the songwriting.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Lucy & La Mer - Blue Dress [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“This is a fun song long before you figure in the touches of irony.

Billed as “Indie Pop” it carries a decidedly folk sound, but genre really is bend and manipulated throughout this single.

The choice to utilize chords and a melody far more prevalent in country music to make a statement about Bisexuality feels like a subtle social statement. People are people. Love is love and lust is lust. Dividing and lumping various elements of humanity into genres is wrong and so too is it a shame to limit the scope of well-written music.

The fact that this story, detailing our heroines infatuation with the “Blue Dress” clad women of her desire, is musically a country song ... makes me smile and appreciate the emotion and vocals all the more.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Graylings - Little Bird [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“The melody is dark and deep and before the first lyric is delivered, you already feel the emotions.

The metaphor of the “Little Bird’ is one that will hauntingly speak to anyone that has ever made a personal sacrifice in the name of love, only to eventually realize you clipped your own wings ... for all the wrong reasons.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Peridot - Fleeting [Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I felt every word.
I believed every word.

Sweet mournful vocals accompany this well-written song of longing. The piano and strings are the perfect accompaniment to this voice.

Fleeting describes much of life and Peridot has captured it oh so well with this release.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Vetle Forsell - "Strange Clouds" [Review]

“Most folk music beckons listeners to reflect upon woes and take us to a somewhat melancholic, yet serene, state of mind. We might think of something we have lost or are trying to find meaning in––realtionships, friendships or even just not knowing where life is taking you. Vetle Forsell’s “Strange Clouds,” aims to take us to this place of introspection. Originally from Norway, Forsell is heavily influenced by bands like Pink Floyd and Sufjan Stevens. The gentle crooning and steady acoustics compel listeners to float around, as he talks to us about these everchanging “strange clouds.” However dreamy the song may be, Forsell is far from being aloof. His lyrics imply a person grappling with self-realization. Definitely worth a listen to those who revel in indie-folk and a good pondering of life.”

— BGiraldo