Social Drag - Remind Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track from Social Drag feels a bit like a 90s throwback. Could have been released then as Country with an edge, or a Sheryl Crow-esque track about the emotions of failed relationships, but that is not to say the single is dated. It’s not.

And while ‘Remind Me’ doesn’t quite fit the Outlaw or Americana sound of today’s Alt-Country, labels are not what good music is about anyway, and neither are timestamps. This track simply conveys the emotions it was intended with solid talent behind it so for me or anyone to place it in a strict category is a waste of time.

Listen and enjoy, or feel and wallow if you prefer, but either way the intent of the song was established and delivered, and in the the end ... that’s all that matters in the subjective world of expressive art. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Devon Thompson - Napoleon [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Devon Thompson has a unique and sultry vocal tone and this talented guitarists offers up a Rock vibe that is every bit as seductive as the vocal tone. This track is about unrequited love and the emotional pettiness of the one whose affection is unreturned. ‘Napoleon’ is infused with attitude and grit and the result is this timeless track that feels modern yet could have arrived from a number of musical decades. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

GAYLE - everybody hates me [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“GAYLE has established her talented presence with a string of hits and her latest release, ‘Everybody Hates Me,’ is the next offering from this rising star. The energy is a bit tongue-in-cheek and sarcastic, though the emotions and vulnerability are also lurking there in the mix.

GAYLE has the ability to create entertaining and fun vibes while still coming with a bit of hard-edged truth to the lyrical content as well.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Scarlet Opera - Alive [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The Scarlett Opera has a contemporary Queen feel to them in, that they do the unexpected and do it quite well and with purpose. No one quit compares to Freddy Mercury, but the vocals here soar and certainly deliver their own brand of standout talent that sweeps the listener up and into the build of the track.

Slightly theatrical, boldly Rock & Roll this is a band to invest in early so you can tell all your friends you hard them before the world caught on. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Scarlet Opera - Big City Thing [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“There is something about The Scarlett Opera that puts me in mind of Queen and while it is hard to pinpoint exactly, I think it is a bold uniqueness that simply feels like freedom. Freedom of convention, freedom rules, and freedom of spirit that can only come with you create art for yourself first and an audience second. ‘Big City Thing’ is a flamboyant celebration of artistic freedom that gets in your ears and then in your soul.

Rock and Roll with flair and verve and a total disregard for what anybody thinks about that.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

The Collection - Rose Colored Glasses [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“It is never easy to see the postives after a break up but, ‘Rose Colored Glasses,’ from North Carolina indie-pop band The Collection hopes to change that. The single is the third single released from their new EP, How to Survive an Ending, due out on January 27, 2023. The track has a Folksy Pop vibe and is easy to fall in and connect emotionally. A track of uplifting energy and hope despite the end of the relationship. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bluphoria - Set Me Up [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With a sound that reminded me of The Rolling Stones meets Coldplay, Bluphoria drops the energetic Alt-Rock track, ‘Set Me Up.’ The lyrical hook is one you will be singing along with after the first chorus and with every subsequent listen you give the track. The vocal energy and emotion shine and instill a sense of attachment that carried me forward for the duration of the track.

Can’t wait to hear more from Bluphoria as the sound and talent to keep building and carve a definite place in the Alt Pop musical landscape.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Love Hounds - Lazy Boy [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Punk Country? Yes it is, but there is nothing here that feels anything like the Corporate Mainstream Country most associate with Nashville. Instead Love Hounds, unleashes more of an Outlaw Country sound mixed with heavy Punk influence to give ‘Lazy Boy’ both an edge and a storytelling quality that lands in between genres. But make no mistake, this is not so much a niche type track as it is one that takes the best elements of various genres and turns them into a unique, but broad appeal.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kelaska - autopilot [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“I love the line ... All my friends are starting families while I am starting therapy and that encapsulates the meaning of this song very well. An emotive performance about feeling like time and life is passing you by while you are still trying to carve your place out in the world. There are Pop sensibilities but also a deep emotion songwriter vibe that adds an extra punch here.

Kelaska is a talent to keep an eye on and ‘autopilot’ is the kind of timeless track that we will all be listening to for decades to come. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

44Phantom x Machine Gun Kelly - Don't Sleep, Repeat [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Don’t Sleep, Repeat” has a smooth yet energetic delivery. 44phantom and Machin Gun Kelly gives us a pop meets rock love track. They explain their emotions when it comes to relationships but bring engagement to anyone listening.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Francisco Martin - Narcissist [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Many of us catch ourselves being in selfish or unappealing way, and recognizing those tendencies exist helps guide us. Francisco Martin puts that perspective into song form and that gives us even more chance to reflect and realize we are not alone in this pursuit of being better each and every day. A tender vulnerable song with energy is tough to pull off but ‘Narcissist’ doe exactly that.

A fun ride!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kelaska - Honey [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Breakups are maybe the best fodder for songs that there is. Raw emotions and heartache have given us some great and memorable songs and now, Kelaska delivers another great title hitting that theme. ‘Honey’ offers that sweet taste of revenge in Sythnpop glory and so much of what is said mirrors thoughts we’ve all had in this situation.

Despite hitting some familiar ground the arrangement and lyrical makeup blends with vocal talent to make this track stand out and resonate. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kenny Sharp - Good Gemini [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A fun honest track about the intricacies of a relationship and how an observant and caring partner can simply know what’s going on. The track is light, but still impactful and simply feels genuine in ways few songs pull off. Kenny Sharp believes what he is singing and that comes through in every line and moment.

’Good Gemini’ is the kind of song that might never pull in the masses but will instill a deep connection with those who take the time and truly feel the lyrics and nuance of the performance. An artful track one might say.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Redwoods - On The Weekend [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Straight up Rock and Roll energy from the very beginning! Redwoods is delivering that supercharge brand of rock that bands tend to shy away from for some reason. here, “On The Weekend’ is all about getting our there and having a good time. Just letting yourself enjoy things as they come. Like a blend of old school Loverboy meets to Foo Fighters. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

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RONIN - I JUST FKN HATE YOU NOW [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a male Billie Eilish feel, this dark and emotive track fromRONIN unleashes a tight lyrical refrain that is laced with both anger and vulnerability. The emotion is very much palpable on this slow and deliberate build. The arrangement is a perfect match to the nuance of the performance and mood of the track. The writing is dark and stark at times, but spot on in capturing the essence.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Two Phase Commit - Sometimes [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is the kind of Alt Rock song you don’t hear as much these days, but fans of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden will find it easy to dial in and connect with the track. All will others because the single offers a timeless set of vocals that is lacking in today’s charts. Talented and emotive, this build holds the listener tight and keeps them leaning in. The melody and musicianship are every bit as strong.

The hard edges make this one easy to love. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

De'Wayne - Die Out Here (ft PoorStacy) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“De’Wayne unleashes this Alt-Rock track about being true to yourself rather than allowing your need to fit in or the demands of society dictate who and what you are. This energetic ode tp personal freedom feels unique in its arrangement and construction and highlights the artistry every step of the way. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

GAYLE - e-z (Feat. UPSAHL and Blu DeTiger) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“No longer a stranger to our blog readers or the world, GAYEL is blowing up in a big way and ‘e-z’ is yet another stellar track off her EP. Joined this time by UPSAHL and Blu DeTiger, GAYLE once again delivers in your face attitude is that trademark husky yet sultry tone that pulls the listener in immediately.

A word from the artist herself ...

’e-z is my way of making fun of the way that people make fun of my generation. I’ve been obsessed with UPSAHL and Blu DeTiger for years and I’m so excited that we got to collaborate on this together.’ - GAYLE”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Congregation - Soundtrack to the End of the World [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pure Rock and Roll revolution! As me tentatively reenter into the post pandemic world we need a walk up song and this track is it. The Congregation has given is the ‘Soundtrack to the End of the World’ and is is hard charged and glorious so kick open the damn door and stomp on through to the other side. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Connor Kauffman - Bleed [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We have all shed some blood, at least metaphorically, in the name of love. Connor Kauffman has tapped that emotional vein on this passionate track that has a hint of 90s Rock along with a contemporary Pop Punk vibe at times.

’Bleed’ offers a catchy hook and a lyrical progression that is easy to dial in on and sing along with. Straightforward Rock that speaks to the heart.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger