WHATEVER WE ARE - ROMANTICATION [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Escaping together is key to every relationship, and this track is about the hedonistic urge to let loose and reconnect in all the best ways. Think of it of the Pop song equivalent of What Happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, though of course when you are with the one you love, letting your lust carry you away doesn’t need neon lights and free booze to fuel the=at carnal desire. The track itself offers several different voices and styles, keeping you intrigued for the ride. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

EMM - Devil In Disguise [ Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“ Is it Lady Gaga? No the voice you are hearing is Artist EMM. EMM new single ‘Devil In Disguise’ isn’t about a man or failed relationship but the voices in your mind that you hear even when you don’t want to hear them.Ever heard of battle of the mind? Yes, that’s a toxic trait but also can be the Devil In Disguise In EMMs case. This song will have you dancing but also intrigued but the lyrics.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

You can listen to DEVIL IN DISGUISE on your favorite streaming platform right here: https://song.link/i/1493566494 + add it to your favorite music playlists! One more song on RUBY coming! You all caught up? If you like this video, please share it! I'm 100% INDIE and your shares, likes and comments mean so much and are so helpful. Love you! - EMM Follow Emm: INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/emminreallife WEBSITE: https://www.emminreallife.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/emminreallife/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/emminreallife TWITTER: https://twitter.com/emminreallife SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/track/5EfhJJ... MAILING LIST (Join if you want to see a show!): https://mailchi.mp/52b060b6c371/emmlive DEVIL IN DISGUISE was created by EMM, Taylor Wilzbach, and Zoe Fisher Video by Kevin Sarrico and EMM #EMM #DevilInDisguise #Pop

The Exits - Double Crosser [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some bands just have that sound. The Exits are such a band.

What is that sound?

Well, its a blend of all those who have paved the way before, and a unique boldness that rings loud and true. It is the Rock and Roll spirit.

Rebellious and lively, and captivating. ‘Double Crosser’ brings that entire vibe to your ears with an energetic arrangement, and a set of lyrics that tell the story of a distrustful couple as their relationship implodes. The soaring vocals hint at Punk and Pop and the track is one that buzzes around your skull. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Helena Mayer - Headspace [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Helena Mayer delivers a Pop track dealing with the jumble of thoughts, emotions, fears, and doubts, that fill all of our heads. The track is about taking charge and not becoming overwhelmed by our own memories. The vocals are talented and engaging and the beat keeps the track moving forward with precision and bounce. A track that feels right for your workout playlist, or any other time when you are working toward a better you.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SITA - Glide [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The chill Indie Electro Pop vibe here is very relaxing and transcendental . Fitting, given that he lyrics are from the viewpoint of someone that has passed away and is now making a new journey.

The vocals are soft and almost siren-like in the way they whisper to you in such compelling force. The production adds dynamics to make the backing sound like a gentle river amid birds and butterflies. The overall effect is very calming and the ethereal while still maintaining Commercial sensibilities to the single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brandon Colbein - Mess [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“With a bit of gravel to his voice, Brandon Colbein drops the emotional verses of ‘Mess’ on us and we can feel the disoriented pain of a bad a breakup. Then the chorus hits and Colbein’s voice smooths out into a higher pitched tone of emotional disbelief. The melody and the beat here deliver that same juxtaposition giving the song a back and forth feel that is exactly how most of us a feel when we are an emotional mess. The arrangement of the track shows as much talent as the vocals and songwriting making this a track with legs enough to become a lasting standard. Can’t wait to hear more from this talented artist. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Aaron Taos - I Just Fell In Love With My Ex [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes there are connections that we can explain. We try to suppress our feelings and avoid people but often times it could just take one moment, one call that’ll send it all racing back. Aaron Taos tells his story of letting go and falling in love with his ex. It’s either captivating or addicting but you will have to listen to the song to grasp it”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Peri El - Slow Down [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is all about the vocals. Peri El does a masterful job with pace and tempo and allowing the emotion to develop. There are moments of power and wonder, but the track is strongest for me in its quieter moments.

Toeing a line between a classic Adult Contemporary sound, and a more Commercial/Jazz vibe, the track changes when it hits the bridge. That interlude is brief, but works very well to give a unique spin on the track and keep the piece feeling solidly contemporary.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Flow'etic x Natel - Jelly Water [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a nice fusion of Reggae and Rap to this track. Lyrically, the single is about those fake ass friends we have all had to deal with at one point or another.

Playing off of a Jamaican proverb the chorus is catchy and hooks you easy enough. The track is fairly chill, with a low key beat and melody. Well produced the blend of music and voices is interwoven to perfection. This one is all about mood and vibe. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jaycreux - Buggy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jaycreux drops a soulful Hip-Hop flow that feels a bit stream of conscious in the mood, but also brings a nice groove in the beat and melody. His voice has just a touch of rasp, and the performance brings emotion and passion which keeps the single interesting, and makes it easy to connect with. The lyrics are complex and layered, making this is the kind of track you will pull new things from every single time you listen. ”

— 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)

NEO NOIR x AIMEE - Jezebel [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track is one of these songs that feels like therapy for the artist that wrote it. The thing is, when a songwriter and performer puts this much into a track, it often turns out to be therapeutic for the rest of us as well.

The song is wryly humorous, in its directness, and the vocals bring a pure Pop rhythm that is easy to become engrossed in and sing along with. The chorus is catchy and fun, and overall the song offers one big FU to the narcissistic assholes we have all known. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Amanda Spvde - Other Girls [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The slow beat and tempo would not work nearly as well without Amanda Spvde’s stellar vocals on this track, but as it is, the balance is perfect.

Here, the heartbreak builds and is palpable throughout the track because of the outstanding vocal performance, and the production got out of the way to allow that magic to happen. This is a track to play on repeat when your own heart is caught in those vulnerable moments at the end of a relationship.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Rouno - On My Way (feat. Chris Yoon) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is a Future Bass love letter written to a distant lover. An ode to the longing inspired by a long-distance relationship, the track brings an emotional resonance. The beat and melody are soft for the most part, with enough build to make the track interesting and engaging. The production, lyrics, and vocal performance compliment each other to create a seamless, emotional thread.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Mayblues - Modern Nocturne [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track delivers that smooth, almost snakelike Alternative Rock rhythm that Nirvana made famous. here that vocal style comes slithering in over the top of a bluesy beat.

Lyrically, the song details a doomed relationship that was meant to be casual, in the friends with benefits kind of way, but those situations never last long, because invariably one party catches THE FEELS. And we all know once the feels come out, there will soon be a cosmic train wreck that derails what was only meant to be a steady hook up.

Call it commentary of today’s dating world if you must. But what matters here is the single has genuine heart and emotion along with a talented retro vibe. Check out this rock solid single from The Mayblues. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Grand Am - Five Days A Week And Twice On Sunday [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Inspired by a storytelling acquaintance in New Orleans, ‘Five Days A Week and Twice on Sunday’ is a bluesy Alternative Rock single about the power and definitive feelings love inspires in us all. The track captures the desperate need and want quite well all with a soulful groove that shines through the beat and melody.

Grand Am has given a track that pulls you in and hooks you with both emotion, and a hint of funk behind their Rock and Roll sound. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Hello Ocean - Whatever You Wanted [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track has an old school Adult Contemporary/ Country feel in the vein of Linda Ronstadt. The vocals are heartfelt and emotional and I could feel every last word. Lyrically, the single is delivered from the viewpoint of a forsaken lover who is not quite ready for the relationship to be over. ‘Whatever You Wanted’ is less about desperation, and more about hope. The plea of the heartbroken lover is soft and touching and explores a situation most of us have found ourselves in at some point.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

COUNTERFEIT. - 11:44 [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jumping right in with the opening line ... ‘Raise your middle finger, gotta let them know,’ COUNTERFEIT. wastes no time bringing energy and passion to their latest single ‘11:44.’

The track came to me labeled as Indie Rock, but in a lot of ways it feels more Punk to me than anything else. The lyrics are calling for change and engagement with the world around us. This is a rocking political track full of energy and solid writing. A high-energy song urging action.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

MoCity Jones - Won't Be Long [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If you are thirsty for some old school sound, with a modern spin — then MoCity Jones has you covered.

The lyrics are sharp and relevant. The flow definitely has an old soul to it, both in that it shows the influences of the past, and that brings a hint that Soul sound, especially during the chorus.

The track builds in tempo and emotional impact and I can see myself putting this on more than one playlist and listening to it for years to come. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Beecher's Fault - Head On [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Like the title suggests, ‘Head On’ is a track that straight up faces what it is attempting to say, and expresses the emotions at hand without much subterfuge.

Smooth, soft vocals, that carry a hint of Folk in the tone, deliver an uplifting and encouraging set of lyrics that are affirmative and entertaining at the same time. The melody is not complex , and overall the song brings gentle, but meaningful message that is easy to connect and stay focused upon.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)