Derek Luttrell - Called You King [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“It’s never wise to tick of a songwriter, or writer of any kind for that matter. This track is a songwriter speaking his mind after being mistreated and to explain here is the description from the artist himself ....

’Called You King,’ is written about an aging ‘local hero’ band that did everything it could to keep myself and other musicians from having the spotlight at any given time. They kept me close, but made sure to sabotage my life at every step. Lies, stealing, and adultery. All of the good stuff. They’ve been called king of their hometown for too long, without bearing any fruit. Midas minus the golden touch. Enjoy! ~ Derek Luttrell”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Riley Michaels - Now I Know [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“ Imagine watching MTV Jams and the video comes to life. This is how I felt with Canadian Artist’s Riley Michaels new song and video ‘Now I Know’. Standing at the mic surrounded by a band the talented artist plays the guitar as he rocks out to his emotion of being driven insane. He speaks on lessons learned but allows you to really engage with the music.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Arms Akimbo - Dizzy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Life on the road is not easy for any band or touring act, and yet the allure and call is inescapable. LA Indie Rock band, Arms Akimbo, takes a dive into those aspects with their latest single, ‘Dizzy.’ A smooth melody and infectious lyrical build makes you almost feel the wheels rolling beneath you as you sit back and miss about everything back at home, while still mesmerized by the allure of that next stop on tour.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Saint Chaos x Sam Tinnesz - Walk [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A motivational Rock Anthem that belongs on your workout, or simply your — get out of bed and kick ass, playlist.

Saint Chaos delivers a a touch of Imagine Dragons to the sound, though ‘Walk’ offers its own unique edge for sure. The energy and determination shine through on the track and I dare you to listen without feeling a jolt of adrenaline come your way.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Blame My Youth - Fantastic [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“In a time when much of the music is about angst and tension, this track offers a nice contradiction. Although they are delivered with the edge and passion usually reserved for anger, the lyrics of this track are actually quite positive and it is refreshing to hear such a big bold declaration in pure Rock glory. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Fialta - Omg [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Growing older is not for the weak. ‘Omg’ from the band Fialta, takes on the emotional dynamics of having one foot planted in the carefree realm of unbridled youth, and another foot tiptoeing into the unknown of spectrum of ... I can’t keep doing the same old shit as my 20’s fade away.

The single is fun and quirky though sobering at times. This is one to both sing along to and contemplate over afterward.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Nothing but a Nightmare - Problems Being Cool [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A pure Rock anthem for anyone that has ever had trouble playing it cool.

Nothing but a Nightmare delivers an energetic true rock sound, and their latest single ‘Problems Being Cool’ defies the traditional cliches of the genre, to bring forth a track with both heart and grit. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Drugstore Cowboy - Mexico [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The vocal tone of Drugstore Cowboy hooked me from the opening line. ‘Mexico’ is a single that instills a hopeful yearning brand of emotion that feels both nostalgic, and contemporary at the same time. The duo combine to create a sound that hints of Petty at times, and delivers the edge of Kings of Leon at others. This track is pure Indie Rock bliss.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Barbacoa - Follow Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Nothing makes music come alive like a steadfast belief in what is written. That conviction shines when performed, and Barbacoa has captured that magic on this single.

With an emotive delivery, not only vocally, but also in the instrumentation comes through immediately and it is that more than anything which commanded my attention as a listener. Lyrically the track took me a couple of listens before I too truly began to dial in and appreciate the writing in the same way I did the vibe of the performance. But he good news is this is exactly the kind of track you will want to play over and over again.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Holly Ouellette - One Time, Pt. IV [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Holly Oullette fully embraced songwriting after a Hockey injury curtailed her athletic pursuits, and what the ice loses, the music world gains in a talented writer and emotive vocalist.

Part of a larger project, ‘One Time’ is about trying to rekindle the spark and hope from a damaged relationship that once held great promise. The emotions shine through in both the writing and the delivery, making this an engaging track that simple refuses to let you go. Look for the complete project titles What I Can’t Take Back to hear more of Oullette’s talent.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SHOCKEY - HIGH [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Billed as a hybrid strain of Wiz, Surfaces, and Sublime, SHOCKEY’s debut single ‘HIGH’ also has a bit of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ permeating in its smoky soul.

Straight out of iconic Laurel Canyon, this is the new Stoner Anthem you didn’t even realize you were craving. Fire up this track while you fire one up, and get lit while you consume both. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Slim Kings - Raw [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The Slim Kings might be skinny in stature, but the band is clearly thick on talent.

’Raw’ is soul-filled Indie Rock track that carries hints of Billy Joel melodically, and Springsteen vocally, all with a bluesy Retro Soul groove that conjures vibes of a long smoke-filled night on the Boulevard.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Alix Page - Frank [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Alix Page showcases her songwriting talent on ‘Frank’ by playing off of the Frank Ocean track ‘White Ferrari,’ while giving us a track that borrows, but does not steal from a classic hit.

Page’s vocal are tender and yearning in this ode to unrequited love. In both the lyrics and the performance, you can feel the tangible sting of a missed opportunity.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

J GRGRY - China Creek [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some voices just catch you from the start. The earnest passionate sound of J GRGRY was such a voice for me.

This slow building love song never felt tepid, but rather stoic and determined in the way a lasting love must be. The rising crescendo was important in the progression. The talent shines here in this unassuming and honest track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Criticals - High Life Clinic [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The Criticals never fail to deliver energy and attitude in their music and the band’s latest single, ‘High Life Clinic’ once again brings that Rock and Roll spirit that many bands strive for, but often fail to reach.

There is a hint of Punk in this track and a catchy hook to go along with the in-your-face delivery. This is Indie Rock as it should be!”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Emili - Autopilot [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Emili comes at you with a vibe sweet innocence vocally, but the emotions of the songwriting delivers an edge and grit.

’Autopilot’ is about rut, routine, and expectations. The desire to shake things up rather than than toe the line and do exactly what everyone is expecting and demanding of you.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Evening's Empire - Movies (Who I Really Am) [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Evening’s Empire has captured the Indie Rock vibe and sound and distilled it into an engaging first single from their upcoming album, Alive For Us.

There are definitely hints of Springsteen here, though the track has its own vibe musically that makes it stand alone with a sound that grips you as it builds into an emotional crescendo. ‘Movies (Who I Really Am)’ is as the band says ... about the resolve to hold on to the parts of life that make it worth living.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Thirsty Curses - Bruises On Your Shoulders [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A clever bit of songwriting, and a simple yet imaginative video highlight this track. There is something here that reminded me of Elton John, but just a hint because Thirsty Curses certainly have their own brand of uniqueness to stand on.

’Bruises On Your Shoulders’ is simply put ... the song of life. An entertaining and concise look at the ho-hum, the dreams, the everyday. Hard to categorize, but I was thoroughly entertained.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Mandevilles - You Feel Like Nothing [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some flames simply cannot be reignited, and The Mandevilles give a classic Rock sound on “You Feel Like Nothing,’ a track that takes a dive into that very idea on relationships.

Coming with a raspy vocal sound that reminded me some of Bonnie Raitt, this song taps into the emotions of the singer’s own experiences and that fact shines through in the genuineness you feel while listening.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

All My Friends Hate Me - Blood [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“My job as a reviewer usually involves me summarizing and then encapsulating a song to bring it alive to entice potential listeners in a scant few words. But sometimes it is best to let the artist describe their track and this is the case on this one ...

This is a confession. Sorry, mom.

’Blood’ is about the 14-year-old insomniac kid I used to be, who was dying to get out of a small town, and would do pretty much anything to feel alive. I used to wait until my mom went to sleep so I could ‘borrow”‘ the car keys and take my friends on late-night joyrides in her beat up Volvo. For some reason, a LOT of those nights ended with all of us laughing at each other, and bleeding all over a grocery store parking lot, after trying to pull off Jackass stunts in shopping carts.

It’s the ‘Blood’ that made us who we are. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)