Girlcrush - I'm Easy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written after a sex dream, the group is quoted as saying, ‘We hope this track makes people horny!’

Which begs the question ... Is there any purer motivation to create music out there? Straight out of Denmark, Girlcrush describe themselves as ... Queer-feminists playing jangly, earnest pop-punk.

’I’m Easy’ gives off a sultry rock vibe that harkens thoughts of Joan Jett, The Go-Gos, and other that paved the way, but the band still feels original and contemporary by delivering their own sound and attitude.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Fluorescents - Not Another Pop-Punk Song [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pop Punk with a splash of Celtic Rock sound thrown in, Fluorescents latest single, “Not Another Pop-Punk Song’ is perhaps poking a little fun at themselves with that title because of course this track is another Pop-Punk song. However, it is a fun energetic one that stands out because of the talent and wryly sharp writing. The musical shifts keep you on your toes and the vocals make it easy to sing along. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

HOLY FIELD- N.E.W. METAL [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Is it Link Park, no Its Holy Field!!!

”Holy Field is a group of six talented individuals from four corners of the globe and their new song is wild.
Usually metal music can take over the artist’s vocals but N.E.W Metal is a blend of cinematic sound, big guitar riffs, snappy rhythmic sessions and thick bass. In light of social distancing and isolation the group still managed to be creative musically and visually. They are seen in a wide open field with a birds eye view as they performed in their version of ‘HOLY FIELD.’”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

MEGG - SHAMOO [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“An ode to the big gas guzzling giant rides that get us there without style or the so-called juice. ‘SHAMOO’ was written in honor of a Suburban that belonged to the artist’s dad after his passing it was inherited by MEGG and the vehicle took on a new meaning in her grief process. This track comes together as a fun summer anthem for hitting the road, driving to the beach, or simply cruising around the block with friends. Pop with a little bit of a Punk vibe.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

All My Friends Hate Me - Blood [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“My job as a reviewer usually involves me summarizing and then encapsulating a song to bring it alive to entice potential listeners in a scant few words. But sometimes it is best to let the artist describe their track and this is the case on this one ...

This is a confession. Sorry, mom.

’Blood’ is about the 14-year-old insomniac kid I used to be, who was dying to get out of a small town, and would do pretty much anything to feel alive. I used to wait until my mom went to sleep so I could ‘borrow”‘ the car keys and take my friends on late-night joyrides in her beat up Volvo. For some reason, a LOT of those nights ended with all of us laughing at each other, and bleeding all over a grocery store parking lot, after trying to pull off Jackass stunts in shopping carts.

It’s the ‘Blood’ that made us who we are. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sir Winston - Hollywood Hills [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A bit of Indie Electro Punk that does not fall far from the tree of Jack White. A warbling vocal style emotes the emotion and disarray after a night of hedonistic fun. ‘Hollywood Hills’ from Sir Winston is a mood and a tangible vibe for anyone that has ever woken up in that state of confused delirium. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Gab De La Vega - Phoenix From The Flames [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a high-energy track comes at you with one foot in the Alternative sound of the 90s, and another in more of a contemporary Folk Rock stratosphere.

Delivering a solid Rock and Roll vibe, ‘Phoenix From The Flames’ is about taking the hard punches life comes at you with, and not only surviving, but thriving to fight another day.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Rx27 - Hell of a Time [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is hard edged Punk with writing that surprised me. Rx27 delivers a unique duo of vocal sounds that simply gathered me in and refused to relinquish that grip. through multiple listens.

’Hell of a Time’ is one of those phrases that can be taken different ways, and this well-written set of lyrics offers a tangible glimpse of that, though for me it did take a few listens to truly have that fact soak in. Genre wise, this one is Punk with a side of classic Goth rock tossed in.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mel Bryant & the Mercy Makers - Never Thought [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Mel Bryant & the Mercy Makers comes with an attitude and edge that feels like both Punk, and Rock, and generational in all the best ways.

Per the band’s description ... ‘Never Thought’ is a quarter-life-crisis, a coming-of-age and a breakup song, squeezed into two, angsty minutes.

That definition fits, proving this band knows not only what they want to say, but also has the talent to achieve exactly that. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SeepeopleS - New American Dream [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is the pure Punk sound with something to say, that the censors don’t want you to hear or see.

Banned by Facebook, the video features animation done by the famed Pete List of Celebrity Death Match on MTV.

SeepeopleS ‘New American Dream’ will no doubt offend some, but any Punk song worth its salt does the same. This track is political and pointed. The lyrics alone speak loudly, but the imagery of the video adds even more punch.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Escape The Box - Whatever Happened [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is impossible to separate from its video and while watching, it unfolds like a short film more than a music video. Especially for the two plus minutes before the music kicks in. I wanted to stop and move on to the next submission early on, but something kept me tethered and watching.

The music hits at the exact second it needs to, adding emotional punch to the piece. The rebellious vibe of the Punk sound is alive here, but musically there is a second vibe that goes beyond that to give this track a fresh uniqueness that says ... Yes I’m pissed off and not going to take it anymore, but also ... I am headed onward to bigger better things.

This video is part of four song/four film project and I have a feeling once you’ve delved into one, you will be on the hook for the remainder. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Odd Holiday - Heartbreak [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“A Punk ballad of heartbreak that is so perfectly constructed you feel every emotion. I am not talking one emotion, but the full range that your mind and heart goes through post breakup.

The vocals remain true to the Punk sound and sensibilities, while melodically the track delivers a variety of sounds to achieve this impact. Each layer brings its own set of feelings and blended together, this track feels both simple and complex. Just like any true ‘Heartbreak.’”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

LPX - New Mood [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“In a lot of ways, this track feels like a punked-out, anxiety-filled version of Sheryl Crow’s classic rock diary ‘All I Wanan Do.’

LPX is the high-octane alternative solo project of Lizzy Plapinger, and ‘New Mood’ is in her own words a ... ‘visceral take fueled by a post panic adrenaline rush, it’s an anthem for change and breaking habits, committing to yourself and wanting more.’

The track is Pop Punk, Rock, and Alternative all in one.

It is raw emotion and energy and truth.

It is music from the heart soul and body.

It is a track you need to listen to . Not once. But may times over. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

LPX on tour:

https://LPX.lnk.to/Live2020PR

4.12 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater w/ Carly Rae Jepsen

4.14 - Seattle, WA @ Moore Theater w/ Carly Rae Jepsen

4.15 - Seattle, WA @ Moore Theater w/ Carly Rae Jepsen

4.16 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater w/ Carly Rae Jepsen

4.18 - Houston, TX @ Revention Center w/ Maggie Rogers

4.20 - San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater w/ Maggie Rogers

4.21 - Memphis, TN @ Orpheum Theater w/ Maggie Rogers 

Native Sun - Juarez [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is in your face Rock and Roll in the style of New York Punk that hints at the past, but delivers a modern take lyrically.

The video begins calm enough, but the imagery is such that you know an explosion is forthcoming and Native Sun delivers exactly that. This collection of hard-rocking immigrants writes and sings about their experiences in what might be the biggest divide this country faces. And they do it with passion and verve.”

— 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)

Chasbo Zelena - Indignation [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track came to me labelled as Punk, but I’d describe it more as Electric Blues, or ZZ Top with a Euro edge. Hard guitar riffs and a gospel like vocal delivery an anthem to counter culture and indignant social commentary. Which is perfect for a track titled ‘Indignation.’

Chasbo Zelena hails from Slovakia and this track intrigued me enough that I will go seek other works. This track isn’t exactly a commercial fit that you are likely to hear on the radio, but if you want a hard-driving single to blare through your speakers this is one to add to your playlist.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Duplo - Yeah! (It Ain't Easy) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Punk is not dead.

There are a lot of bands that can bring the punk sound, but far too few that truly capture the intelligent defiance that once upon a time defined the genre.

The Duplo have captured that brand of rebellion here with a hard-charged melody, beat, and spot-on vocals delivering a direct yet meaningful set of lyrics. Coming out of Finland, this is a band with something to say, and the the bad ass chops to say it with fire and fury.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

No Time For Reason - Catfish [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A Punk Pop anthem that delivers an energetic punch.

’Catfish’ is about exactly what you think it is, but that predictability is not a negative, because the band goes full throttle start to finish. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Felin - Money Honey [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pinpointing exactly what I love about this track is tough. There is an undeniable energy to the performance, and the video is wryly funny.The overall sound here us Euro Punk in nature and the overall project of song/video carries the same European flavor throughout. Well worth a watch and a listen.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Notel Motel - Soviet Cigarettes [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With a melody that would feel at home in a James Bond flick, and vocals leaning toward the Punk side of rock, Notel Motel offers a unique blend of sounds. But the real hook here is the mesmerizing lyrics that keep you listening while wondering WTF they are going to say next. That is not to say the lyrics are ambiguous. No, they are simply unpredictable in all the best ways. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)