LP - Shaken [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Touching and meaningful are the first two adjectives that came to mine while I listened to LP’s single ‘Shaken.’ With a sound that made me think a bit of Elle King, the single is soulful and funky and incredibly well-written.

No doubt other critics and reviewers will get into the social dynamics of this song, but I will save such discussion for them. For me good music falls into at least one of the three categories — emotional, entertaining, or creatively inspiring. The best of music is all three and ‘Shaken” has landed in that sweet spot.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

RAINNE - Dirty Little Dream [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“‘Dirty Little Dream’ unfolds lyrically like vintage Prince. However, with a hard-driving bass beat and sultry vocals, the single layers in a modern pop vibe before adding a jazz groove to this sexy single.

This is three minutes of a dream that definitely delivers a climax.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stolen Gin - Analie [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The driving force here is funky groove that gets you moving.

But don’t sleep on the songwriting, because there is genuine emotion lurking underneath that infectious groove.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Scarlet Drive - Just Think That You're Cute [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Delivered with the high-energy of No Doubt before Gwen Stefani went off to solo pop stardom, ‘I Just Think That You’re Cute’ is rife with literary references to match that uptempo ska sound. I imagine English majors singing along in coffee shops the world over, but this single is a fun groove for anyone that likes a lively tune.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Trebor - Drunk [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is an interesting project that is so much more than your typical three to four minute musical interlude. ‘Drunk” offers a perspective in what is really two tracks in one.

The inebriated impulsive and erratic flow early gives way to the soulful jazz infused regret of the next day. I prefer the latter musically, but without the rough night we never would experience the mindful reflection.

It is hard to compare this single to other music as it is both music and social commentary. Of course those elements are often combined, though not quite in this same way.

I am not certain this is a track that many will want to play over and over again, but it certainly is a viewpoint we all need to stop and think over now and again and this kind of songwriting makes me very eager to hear more out of Trebor.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Gommi - Louder [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Two Words ... Party Anthem!

’Louder’ turns up the volume and the energy with this array of beats.

Don’t think about settling in, because this is going to be a bumpy ride.And one you are going to enjoy!”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

River Nelson - Today [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is one of those tracks that surprises you. Take any ten or fifteen second snippet and you might think what is this basic beat and flow? But listen for a beat or two longer and the nuances settle in, and the lyrics penetrate, and you realize ... Damn, I have so been there ... had these same feeling of needing, and wanting something good to happen ‘Today.’

This is a single that feels like it came straight from your own inner dialogue. If only your own inner dialogue came with a snappy beat and a fresh flow with a slight reggae hint to it.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Caravan Palace - About You (feat. Charles X) [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Pure fun!

After opening with a roaring twenties vibe, this single keeps it interesting by reinventing itself throughout. The changes however, feel natural and perfect from beginning to end. So rather than being left feeling like you escaped a blenderm this finely produced track leaves you simply feeling ready to dance.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock)

The Coronas - Find the Water [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some singles strike an immediate chord that puts you on high alert before the lyrics truly sink in.

In the true spirit of a well-written Indie Rock song, ‘Find The Water’ is the kind of song that turns the gears and wheels within and makes you think not only long after the last note, but on each and every other listen afterward.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dion Todd (ft. Maya) - Be Alright [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“So clean and smooth, this perfectly produced duet feels like a hit from the first listen.

At the risk of ticking off the Beliebers, let me be the first to say, Dion Todd is the best Canadian Pop import on the airwaves.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Bria Lee - Piece By Piece [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Emotional vocals and great songwriting make for great starting pieces toward the creation of something great. Add a smooth melody to the puzzle that fits perfectly and you are left with pure art.

’Piece By Piece” has assembled all of these pieces, as well as the intangible “IT” factor that makes you reach and turn up the volume when certain songs come on. There are no pieces missing to this instant classic. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

B. Mills - Slow Motion [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Soulful and genuine, this track feels like the perfect soundtrack for any of us that have ever wandered off the path. The musical accompaniment to an awakening, an awareness, a rebirth. The melody is every bit as emotional as the lyrics, and the last beats of this one will have you wallowing in the feels.”

— Travis Erwin (LA onLock Blogger)

Elodie Rêverie - Fire in the Desert [Review}

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Elodie Reverie commands attention from the very first vocal note.

’Fire in the Desert’ is a perfect analogy for for Reverie’s voice ... warm and relaxing at times, crackling with sultry heat at others.

This track is a pure pop anthem that stokes you to sing along by the second chorus.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sterling & The Taste - Warm Body [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Smooth vocals and a silky melody lifts the single ‘Warm Body’ to that sweet spot that will have you grooving along.

With a sound that feels a bit like the old Jackson 5, this track infuses the old with the new to create a great tune. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Wilder Woods - Supply & Demand [Music Video Review]

“Woods voice carries a unique timbre that holds you tight to the lyrics, and while I have never thought of the term ‘Supply and Demand’ as an emotional trio of words, Woods’ talent makes them so. I felt and believed every word.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mike Stocksdale - The Only One [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Love carries the power to make us all do things we might not otherwise.

Mike Stocksdale has captured that power in ‘The Only One’ and in doing so, gives us a straight-up rock song timeless in both the message and delivery. He isn’t reinventing the wheel here, but he is masterfully reminding us of the emotions that lurk inside us all.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Philippa - before goodbye [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Honest and raw. Philippa gives us not an anti love song, but rather a song about the yearning sadness that seeing and hearing others in love can bring on after a heartbreak.

’Before Goodbye’ is a beautifully performed testament to the lasting power love gone bad has over us all at times.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dinley Jones - Fire [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Call it commercial fun.

Call it Funk Pop.

Call it whatever you want want, but Dinley Jones has found ‘Fire’ with his new single. It is impossible not to move and singalong to this one, so just give in to the flames and feel the ‘Fire.’”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Daniel Simmons - Body [Review}

Rating: 4 out of 5

“‘Body’ is a well-written song about the depression and unattached feelings that can overwhelm us in these social media crazed times.

Offering punk like vocals and a pop melody this is a single that delivers far more than a fun groove and commercial sound.

It delivers truth.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ariane - Fake Generation [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ariane calls out the social media generation with an emotional plea for that urges for for authenticity and genuineness from all of us. ‘Fake Generation’ offers smooth and alluring vocals over a dark, moody melody and in this construction, the tracks perfectly mimics the lyrics. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)