CS Hellmann - Southbound Train [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Trains are a bastion of Country Music but that lonesome whistle can conjure emotions for us all, at least those if us who grew up near tracks listening to that low rumble and horn deep into the night.

This Indietronica/ Indie Rock track taps into that brings the train nostalgia to underserved genres. Here the sounds are a catalyst for thinking about leaving home and starting over despite a need from those you left behind to have you close. A haunting track of memory and regret doing battle with hope and the need for new beginnings.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Sannia - august [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“As they say, you never forget your first love. ‘August’ was written about a lost love and the what-might-have-beens of that initial, tangible foray into dreaming of happily ever after.

Sannia delivers the lyrics with a mix of wistful nostalgia, and tender heartbreak to make you feel the heartbreak and lost opportunity. The track shifts from slow and tender to upbeat and regretful, and the blend is intoxicating. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lauren Waller - Dopamine [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A dark brooding song about plummeting over the edge and falling in love too fast.

We all crave that hit of ‘Dopamine,’ and this track from Lauren Waller explores our vulnerability when we want anything a bit too much.

This Alt Pop track delivers the foreboding and sensual side of putting yourself out there in harm’s way, at least in an emotional kind of way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

John Newman - Guiding Light [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A smoothly delivered track with a nice escalation up front to light the fuse. John Newman wrote this as an ode to his newborn daughter, though the track has a universal appeal that will resonate for listeners and take on new personal meaning for them as well.

The track has a nice uplifting energy, without going over the top making it a highly listenable track as good for a party, personal reflection while driving alone in the car, or simply chilling with a handful of friends. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

britta raci - embarrassing [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“There are many dimensions to a breakup, and just as many songs detailing the emotional toll, however few if any take a look at the embarrassment aspect of heartbreak. Reliving and rehashing all the things you said to them when blinded by love, and of course the public shame of having to explain to others what went wrong. Britta Raci covers that and then some in her Pop leaning Alt Rock track called ‘Embarrassing.’ The writing is solid and the emotions tangible, thanks to a passionate and emotive delivery.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Flora Cash - HOLY WATER [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Right in time for the season, Flora Cash sprinkles some dark ethereal ‘HOLY WATER’ into your ears. Let me share a few words direct from the artists before I say more msyelf

’As the veil between worlds thins approaching Halloween, this track tells a story of timeless connections and souls reuniting, merging mythic themes with contemporary Indie Pop nuances. Shpresa Lleshaj’s haunting lead vocal and Djordje Milanovic’s mournful violas stand out above a dynamic and almost operatic production.’ ~ Flora Cash

The haunting vocals mesmerize, as does the violin accompaniment. Far too many seasonal songs take a cliched and often kitschy angle, but this track is a perfect balance and is artistic in a way few such songs pull off. So much so, I hesitate to call it a holiday track as it is something I will be listening to year round.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

EĐĐIE - Freak on Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“This high-energy track has a classic Alternative Rock vibe that can be called a selp hype track. By that I mean anyone who needs a confidence boost or shot of adrenaline to get through their workout or simply motivate them to take on the day.

An anthem to the hustlers and go-getters, ‘Freak On Fire,’ is a musically supercharged track. The vocals at times do not match the musical energy though the juxtaposition does add a a touch of intrigue as well. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Josh Rabenold - Easy Money [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Everyone is searching for that easy life ... easy job, easy love, and of course ‘Easy Money.’ But usually, none of it is all that easy to come by, and when it appears to be so, there is always a hidden fee that might cost you even more in the end.

Josh Rabenold unleashes that very dynamic on this well-written, and haunting song that falls between Americana and Alt Country, with just a hint of pop vocals added to the mix.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Call Us Janis - The Greatest [Music Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“We all need a hype song from time to time. German band, Call US Janus gives us ‘The Greatest’ a straightforward and energetic ode to self-promotion and motivation.

Add this track to your workout playlist, or play it right before walking into demand that raise ,or anytime you need to a shot of confidence and ego to rally you into action.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rally 4 Reality - Jebediah [Music Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“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.’”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Fletcher Moudy - Let Your Hand Slip [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

king dem0 - coma [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

KYO! - Ran It All Up [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Alexion - 3AM In October [Music Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Easy Bear - In My Head [Music Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Courtney Farren - I Must Like It [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

TORQ x Derran Day x James O'Hea - (All Up) In My Head [Music Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“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. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ashley Elle - Death of Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Estella Dawn - Yes Chef [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“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. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Movie Night - Haunted [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger