“Songs about people, (actual or fictional) can be tricky, but his one works in that it also feels like true tangible history as much as a fictionalized account. The American Dream isn’t the same for everyone and isn’t easy for anyone, and the lyrics here give us a taste of that dynamic.
This track from Rally 4 Reality is a tribute and ode to Robert Jebediah Freeman the Grandad from Adult Swim’s ‘The Boondocks.’”
“The one night stand is often romanticized and for good reason. The thrill of carnal excitement, and the potential of where it could go are boundless. ‘Let Your Hand Slip’ captures those emotions and feeling and the hard vocal edge of Fletcher Moudy sell it well here. The arrangement is a bit erratic, just like a heartbeat in such situations, and the resulting song sweeps you in just as if lust were leading you along.”
“The world can be an overwhelming place and that is exactly what king dem0’s track ‘coma’ is all about.
The song somewhat reminded me of Beck with a British accent, though with more of a vocal groove and flair to that side of the the production. The arrangement and musical side is a bit funky and blurs the lines of genre which adds to the track’s almost chaotic vibe which is the perfect way to express the intent of the song.”
“Some tracks are simply a groove and vibe. ‘Ran It All Up’ from KYO! is such a song. Riding a smooth flow and steady beat KYO! delivers an emotional ode to growing up and taking care of your business no matter the missteps along the way. It is the song of life so to speak, with the ups and downs and the perseverance to keep laying it out there while you chase your goals and dreams.”
“This track was an enigma for me. I loved the smooth groove and rhythm of the track, both musically and vocally, when it is going, but some of the breaks and pauses shook me. Lyrically, I was the same. There are great lines that forced me to lean all the way in, and then a few times the writing moved out from under me and left me confused. Then the trak abruptly ended.
Overall, a solid track that kept me on my toes so to speak, though I would like to see more consistency and a tidier ending.”
“Easy Bear brings the 90’s vibes on this track. Reminding me a bit of Cake, or The Presidents of the United States of America the high-energy offering of ‘In My Head’ comes with a chorus that is impossible not to join in and sing along.
I did find myself wanting more as the song was over far earlier than I’d have liked.”
“Courtney Farren has the rare combination of songwriting talent, and emotive vocal power to convey the words she’s written. ‘I Must Like It’ is a thought or idea we’ve all had as we find ourselves repeating mistakes or at least find ourselves back in familiar situations that we had not exactly been planning for ... leading us to wonder if maybe this is what we want despite ourselves. The writing is nuanced and is the kind of song you can glean something new from with each listen.”
“This Deep House collaboration brings together the talented trio of TORQ, James O’Hea and Derran Day. The smooth vocals of Day, do a great job of delivering TORQ’s story driven lyrics on this track. Meanwhile, O’Hea’s production dials in on both the emotion and musical build, to bring it all to life.
A fun track that grows on me with each and every listen. ”
“Ashley Elle proudly uses the term Sad Girl Pop and she just might be the Queen of the genre. Her emotive delivery and vulnerable lyrics pull the listener right into the heart of this track but she expresses the song’s intent well herself ...
’I moved to Los Angeles four years ago to attend college and pursue music,” explains Ashley Elle. “While I love it out here, there are many moments where I wish I could run home to my small town in Wisconsin. ‘Death of Me’ is a song to LA - a place full of dreams and possibilities wrapped in competition and insecurities.’
Truer words have never been said about Los Angeles and all that emotions she gives those who come here in search of something new and different.”
“Estella Dawn has fast become one of my favorite contributors here at LA on Lock. The New Zealand born/ San Diego based Pop artist often surprises me with unique lyrics and a diverse sound that always delivers talent to go with the the surprises.
’Yes Chef’ is a tribute the the friends-with- benefits dynamic and how anyone could not say yes to this starlet is beyond me. This is a sensual and fun track right at home in today’s Pop landscape. ”
“I am a sucker for a good story song. And a story song with a gut-wrenching twist of the knife ... YES PLEASE!
Butter the popcorn and settle in because Movie Night latest track, ‘Haunted’ is ready to carve up your emotions with this Pop Rock anthem to closure and that impromptu final meeting with your ex to try and wrap thigs up in a nice little box to stoae away. Of course life doesn’t work like that, and neither does this excellent song.”
“Connor Kauffman is an artist I’ve featured before and once again he’s blown me away with his talent and emotive expressions of the human condition.
Not everyone deserves second or third chances, even if you happen to share DNA with that person. Though that is a tough thing to accept because we are all conditioned to believe blood is thicker than water and that is exactly why some grievances hurt worse than others.
Kauffman uses his talent to share this experience and in doing so helps us find our own healing path all while being entertained by his stellar performance.”
“Deaf Andrews brings a whiff of nostalgia in both their sound and writing. At least on this track. We all experience that flashback of sentimentality so the song is certainly relatable, no matter when you grew up.
This is timeless Indie rock with a nice energy and balance of musical talent and thoughtful well delivered vocals. Can’t wait to hear more offerings from this talented group of friends.”
“Love is fraught with so many pitfalls and unfortunately cash can be a big one. Falling for a girl outside your means with $ in her eyes can be a frustrating endeavor and Summonte showcases that with this track. ‘OOHS &AAHS’ has an unconventional hook that is more sounds than anything else, but it works and the energy carries the track forward. I found myself moving and singing along to this relatable song.”
“Landon Keller brings the roadhouse gospel to yo your ears with ‘Bloom.’ Singer/Songwriter, Blues, Americana ... no matter what you call it the sound here is timeless and emotive and simply sings to the human condition.
You can draw comparisons to Nathaniel Rateliff or Charley Crocket perhaps if you need a musical reference but Keller infuses a bit of the deep South that makes me crave a Mint Julep and a plate of fried shrimp to ingest while I contemplate the emotions of life.”
“Coming with a Pop Punk vibe that is a bit in your face, Nothing but a Nightmare, taps into an early 2000’s vibe with their sound and style. ‘She Always Ruins A Good Time’ walks that ragged edge and offers up multiple viewpoints as well as a nice variation in the arrangement and build.
The writing is relatable and the energy palpable. A fun anthem to tilt your head back and song along to with all that you have.”
“If Rock and Roll Gospel were a genre, this track just might be its benchmark song. Alfie Sharp delivers vocal talent and an undeniable energy to the performance, but the track also boast provocative lyrics that will both entertain and make you stop and think at the same time.
If ‘All Or Nothing’ is the choice, this track certainly gives its all.”
“Riding an electric, pure Indie Rock sound and style Tony Salomone joins a long line of provocative raconteurs. This one hit me like Jack White joins the Arctic Monkeys. HIgh energy and fun to join in and song along with, this might be the most fun you can have with a ‘Red Light’ this side of Amsterdam.”
“It has been said ... that all good things must end, but for songwriters sometimes it is these ending that pave the way for the best material.
Distilling emotions into an intoxicating outlet is a talent, and Paul Cook & The Chronicles are certainly able to do that, but the band also has the musical and vocal chops to tell their stories in an engaging way. There is a touch of Lennon here for me and I was invested from the very beginning. ”
“A dark foreboding vibe makes this track perfect for spooky season. Lex Ether delivers some sharp writing, and the lines hit with a punch not every performer can deliver.
Though I did crave a bit more variation to help hold my attention, and the sinister laugh in the backing might have been overdone a time or two. Overall this track spoke to me and I have a feeling it is one of those songs that I will grow to love more with multiple listens as the lyrical power settles in my psyche.”