Melody Federer - I Hate Love [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Melody Federer drops this Anti-Love song which delivers an eerie vibe — as if the track were created for a Valentine’s Day version of NIghtmare Before Christmas.

There are clear Pop Elements, but ‘I Hate Love’ offers its own brand of angst-filled rebellion that wraps around your cold heart like a sinister snake looking for warmth. Dark and winding, the arrangement captivates and intrigues even as you fear the bite of those jaded thoughts.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

TEKE::TEKE - Meikyu [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track hit me like a fever dream. A dream I might have after getting drunk on Sake and then falling asleep while watching Pulp Fiction. I gotta be straight up honest and say I’m not sure what captivated me so much on this track, because I can’t translate a word lyrically, but the Japanese Surf Rock sound hooked me and wouldn’t let go.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Lex Holmes - Camera Roll [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all have those old camera shots that transpose us back in time in an instant. With the new single, ‘Camera Roll,’ Lex Holmes unfurls the emotions of such a trip and the times behind it.

The Indie Rock sound, and slow tempo of the track combine to hook the listener in and put them in the perfect place to reflect on their own set of images.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Zach Hood - Flashbacks [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is as honest and emotionally bare as music gets. Zach Hood drops a deeply personal Indie Pop song about the emotional effect on a child when one parent simply walks out of their life. Divorce is rough on all involved, and the imagery of the home videos here doubles down on the emotion of the track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Covstline -Tattooed Lies [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Rock isn’t dead; you just have to find the right tunes. Covstline’s new single ‘Tattooed Lies’ is an 80’s inspired production with a twist. The punk rock vocals introductory has a clever delivery. Every tattoo someone has tells a story and Tattooed Lies reveals that. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

The Luka State - Fall In Fall Out [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If life were presented like a novel, then no doubt each chapter would represent the times we fall in and out of love. The Luka State has given us a track that takes the emotions of those ups and downs, and distills them into musical form. I hear hints of vintage Springsteen and splash of Bryan Adams to the vocal style with an almost gospel like musical build that comes across as pure Indie Rock.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jenny Kern - Coming Back For Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jenny Kern dials up the mood of solitude on her new track, ‘Coming Back For Me.’ The writing and vocal performance combine to capture the vibe of what I’d describe as lonely determination.

The realization that we are each responsible for our own emptions ... be it happiness, anger, pain or any other, is a tough one to grasp, but knowing how to be okay completely within yourself is a worthwhile pursuit for us all .”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Devora - Not Dead Yet [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Devora says of the single — ‘This song commemorates the ups and downs of life, while celebrating the moments that we have today, if only for today. It’s a salute to going your own way in life and carving your own lane undaunted—observing one’s uniqueness, honoring yourself and embracing the crazy ride along the way. This song is a salute to outlaws everywhere.’

Travis says of the single, This is a kick ass supercharged track that pumps through your veins from start to finish.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Candid - Amputation [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The Candid offers up the pain of having your heart removed. ‘Amputation’ is not a word widely used as a synonym for hear break but having your soul ripped out by a bad breakup is no less panful than losing a limb while you are are enduring the emotional pain so it works well here in this raw, Indie Rock delivery. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Bad Flamingo - Dead Man's Hand [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Fans of Jack White will appreciate the eclectic and at times, defiant sound of Bad Flamingo. This is not the first track from the masked band that has caught my attention here at LA on Lock, nor is it likely the last given the band’s proclivity for mood setting productions and arrangements.

There is an element of Spaghetti Western here with a bit of trail dust carrying a hint of bad girl grit. Such a track will miss for some, but if you are looking for something different than the same old radio tracks — Bad Flamingo has a leg up on the competition.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Marlow - Different Lives [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is an Indie Rock track that delivers an almost stream of conscious vibe that reminded me of the arrangement for “Bittersweet Symphony.’ Marlow does deliver an slightly different energy on their single, ‘Different Lives’ than that classic hit from The Verve, but fans will certainly appreciate both.

The lyrical message is one that is simple, yet highlights emotions and a position that we’ve all found ourselves in.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

I am Korny - Vampires [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Feeling like a track straight out of a Peaky Blinders episode, ‘Vampires’ is a dark, bluesy track with a brooding build and a sinister underbelly.

The Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds influence is there, but so is a bit of Johnny Cash and Jack White. Call it Southern Gothic meets Euro Waltz, but if you are in the right mindset, this heavy track will feel right at home in your ears. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

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)