Extra Special - I Hate Love [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Love, or at least the pursuit of it has embarrassed us all at some point and this dreamy Indie Pop/Rock track takes a look at those situations.

’I Hate Love’ is an ode to all the embarrassing things you do when you are crazy about somebody who just won’t love you back. Stalking their online profiles, picking out an outfit just in case you happen to run into them (and working out in preparation for that same occasion), learning how to be a master chef in the kitchen, trying to manifest them back into your life by repeatedly saying their name into thin air. You know, normal stuff like that.” ~ Bushell on ‘I Hate Love’ ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ladysse - To Kill A Narcissist [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A twisty little track with enough attitude and confidence to make it all work. Musically, I was reminded of Jack White a good bit, though vocally the track brings a Pop Punk kind of edge that hits just right. Lyrically, this track could have gone deeper, but the tone and tempo make work well giving the song solid footing. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Filous - Trying Not to Think About You [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is an uplifting lightness to the production and performance of ‘Trying Not to Think About You.’ The work of producer Filous, and featuring the vocal talents of Nina Chuba, this track comes with a sultry Pop vibe that keeps you feeling good as it progresses along.

The energy and build will put a smile on your face and a bit of extra spring in your step. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Derek Luttrell - Red [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is the second track we are featuring today off of Derek Luttrell’s new album, ‘The Wolf Who Cried Boy.’ Both songs offer artful songwriting, and emotive vocals that hookt he listener in with their honest genuine approach. ‘Red’ is about the rage and anger we all feel at times and the futility of giving in to those emotions. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

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)