Cece Benz - End Us [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is about regret and love. Often, regrets over love come from not taking that shot, but this track is about not breaking up with you know the relationship is not for you. It is about the regret of fighting for something you don’t even want in the first place.

Cece Benz has artfully written every word to give this track a literary story feel that not many songwriters can pull off as effectively as ‘End Us’ does.

The great writing here makes the listener personally invested right form the beginning.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

That Brunette - birthday boi [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“That Brunette gives us a track of nostalgia and societal defiance. An anthem of sorts against the norms, ‘birthday boi’ is about celebrating with that one friend you can be your true self with and forget the world is out there raging around you while you do.

This song lyrically feels like a teen movie from the 80s but the Electro Pop edge is decidedly modern and the combo is a great way to show that some things and emotions never change even if the world around us does. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lui Peng - Otherside [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lui Peng deliver a pure Pop sound that has a Ed Sheeran meets the Weeknd vibe for me. ‘Otherside’ is an emotional love song that will no doubt make its way to a lot of shared playlists and dedications.

Coming with a nice emotive energy and upbeat tempo the track has a feel good side to go with the romantic vulnerability. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bex - Did I Do Something Wrong? [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Bex deliver the kind of vocal power and emotiveness that is rare individually but all the more so when found in tandem.

’Did I Do Something Wrong?’ offers a slow emotional build and conjured imagery all on its own. This lends the track a theatrical bent that cannot be ignored but here the drama does not feel manufactured simply real and genuine.

The track has a modern Stevie Nicks vibe and could have been a Fleetwood Mac track back in the day but that is not to say it feels dated or even particularly retro. More like timeless in this case. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Razor Braids - It Goes Quiet [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Self -described as ... a Brooklyn-based, queer, female and non-binary identifying rock band that combines a heavy punk energy with an indie rock vulnerability culminating in passionate live shows and a dynamic sound anchored in a 90s alternative ethos ... Razor Braids is definitely a blend of nostalgia and modern day bad assery.

’It Goes Quiet’ is a track that you will feel like you;ve heard before at first listen but the deeper you dig in the more you realize it is every song you;ve heard before and no song you;ve heard before. it is universal but unique. It is a vibe that distills itself into spirits of the mind and body depending on your current chemistry. It is artful and entertaining in equal measures so give it a listen and discover what the track will mean to you. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Caroline Romano - Used by You [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Caroline Romano has established herself as one of my favorite artists that routinely submits their creative efforts to LA on Lock and I look forward to catching her show May 2nd at the El Rey Theatre here in Los Angeles.

’Used by You’ is a an honest unyielding track about one sided relationship and the amount one party is willing to give while the other simply takes and takes.

Catch this rising Alt-Pop star on tour at these locations.

Caroline Romano Tour Dates:

April 26 - Bend, OR @ Domino Room
April 27 - Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
April 28 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos
April 30 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
May 2 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
May 3 - Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
May 4 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
May 7 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Cambridge Room
May 8 - Austin, TX @ Antone’s Nightclub

”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

talker - Easygoing [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Nothing can render us more vulnerable than our own insecurities and ‘Easygoing’ from talker perfectly renders that dynamic into an entertaining ode to perhaps our brain’s worst function.

The track is sharp-edged yet tender and soft, not an easy combo to create and meld into a cohesive build and listening experience that is both meanigfu;a nd heartfelt. But talker does exactly that with precision and flair on this track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Ability - Constellations [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With strong imagery and a hard-edged musical arrangement, ‘Constellations’ from The Ability is the Alternative Rock track you didn’t know you needed to hear.

There is an element of hope within this lyrical build, but there is also the peril and pain of the journey we all call life. The build almost feels hectic at times but then again, so does everyday existence so the vibe is perfect for the message the song is trying to convey. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Beks - Think About It [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Temptation lurks in the shadows for us all and Australian songstress, Beks takes on temptation with her latest single, ‘Think About It.’

For me the track is the antitheses of Miley’s hit ‘Flowers.’ the vibe has the same brand of independence though instead of a using that as a brand of revenge this track is about resistance.

The vocal talent and funky groove is pure Pop perfection, and I fully expect to hear this track all over the place in the coming months. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Libby Whitehouse - OMG [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Libby Whitehouse unleashed this energetic Pop track and it is exactly the kind of song that catches fire and goes viral. ‘OMG’ has a catchy hook that we can all song along to and the infectious beat transports us to a different time and place as we lose the world around us for a few minutes.

A fun song to throw your head back and sing along as you move to the beat.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Doppe & Kokke - Run To Me [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This Deep House track from Doppe & Kokke has a slowish build over the first minute which fits the genre. The track sets a mood and vibe quite nicely and the smooth clean production is without a single misstep. The vocal performance is every bit as engaging and the emotional side of the track builds in a tangible way carrying the listener along for an exquisite journey. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

DUUNES - Emotional Damage [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“it is tough to hear the term ‘Emotional Damage’ and not think of the internet meme voice, but DUUNES quickly transcends that stigma with this powerfully written song. THe soaring arrangement and strong Indie Rock edge erase the voice from my head and carry me away with a set of meaningful lyrics that hits right at the heart.

I’ve given this single a few listens and with each one I feel more connected to the track. Songwriting as it should be!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bad Flamingo - Fast [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Few bands ride in with the level of intrigue, mystery, and seduction of Bad Flamingo. The black hats, masks, and sultry lack of buttons fastened on their shirts instills some of that, but the air of enigma is just as prevalent in their dark and sultry songwriting and delivery.

Bad Flamingo are fast creating an unmistakable brand and their latest single ‘Fast,’ is but another example of their intuitive power to give the world sjtu what it needs from them. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Review

ZIMMx - We Gonn Be Alright [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“ZIMMx will draw some comparisons to Post Malone and while that is an apt place to put this track it would be a disservice to dismiss this track as derivative. The overall sound is original and fresh and the two voices blend and build to make this track soar emotionally. An easy groove to ride and feel makes ‘We Gonn Be Alright’ standout from the fray and I expect this to be a track on the playlist you share with your significant other. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jon Vinyl - Clouds [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Jon Vinyl knows how to utilize the slow burn to get his point across. ‘Clouds’ offers a touch of nostalgia in a Contemporary R&B vibe that simmers and sizzles in the best possible ways. The emotions in tangible and the performance spot on. Add this to that playlist you go to when the lights are dim and the body next to yours is inviting. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

John Conlin - Love Me Just a Little [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“You up?

This the cliche of middle of the nigh wantonness and the idea of John Conlin’s latest single, ‘Love Me Just A Little.’

The track avids the cliche and delves into the emotions of wanting a bit more than a middle of the night booty call. The single builds along the way and the chorus is one that you will be joining in to sing along with especially during the backhalf of the track.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

LVRBOY - 16 [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“LVRBOY takes us on a nostalgic ride back in time with ‘16.’ All those first magical experiences are impossible to duplicate and the further we get from them the more we romanticize such memories. This track delivers that gut punch of remembrance and my only real critique is I wanted so much more as the track felt super short barely cracking the two minute mark. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Casino Havana - All For Nothing [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Casino Havana delivers this track with energetic Indie Rock energy and commitment. “All For Nothing’ is an anthem of jumping headfirst into the fray and both the sound and passion come through to sell that ideal.

This is modern Rock with intent and passion. The music and the vocals are dead on in that pursuit. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Eleven Point Two - Out of the Noise [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The synth heavy intro and overall arrangement lends this track an 80’s vibe though the vocal edge and emotions feel decidedly contemporary. Eleven Point Two is the creative name for a pair of talented brothers originally from Michigan but now working out of the LA area.

THe track has that timeless sound that only Rock music can really find and the writing is sharp so each listen unveils a new nuance to ponder. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Gonsofus - Vanilla Blue

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This funky little number comes straight out of Slovakia. And perhaps that is why the sound is so tough to categorize. Ther eis a retro vibe the energetic arrangement but also a Contemporary emotional thread that captivated me. Gonsofus is a track that layers in the sounds and feeling and when the female vocals hit I knew I was hooked in for the full ride. GIve the quirky number that is ‘Vanilla Blue’ a shot and I think you’ll become a mit mesmerized as well.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger