Wez Atlas - Overthink [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“All of us ‘Overthink’ things from time to time, and rarely do those jumble of thoughts settle into a groove as smooth or entertaining as this track about that very thing.

Born in Japan, and raised in Colorado, Wez Atlas drops this chill vibe about the treachery of getting stuck inside our own thoughts with a unique and interesting perspective. Nicely produced, and well-written, this is a soulful reflective Hip-Hop that will make you think as much on the third, (or thirtieth) listen as it does on the first.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Blank Statues - Chameleon [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track from Blank Statues conjures up the 90’s sound with hints of Nirvana, The Black Crowes, and Soundgarden all in the mix, but like the title, the single is a bit of a ‘Chameleon’ as it progresses along giving us a soulful rock and roll refrain early before settling into a sick guitar solo that then ushers in a Cobain-esque outro that stick with you. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Tarion - For Real, For Real [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track about the dating culture of the modern world comes with retro funk sound and this unexpected combination makes for lively entertainment.

Quick and to the point, at barely more than two minutes, the single offers a fun groovy ride. If I had to pin a genre on this one I’d call it Pop Funk, but you can’t ignore that soulful retro vibe either. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Anthony Profits - Pen Chances [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“An old school flow is the focus of the performance, though there is also a soulful interlude that adds to the melancholy vibe.

Anthony Profits delivers genuine sound on this strongly written track with the East Side of Indianapolis in mind, though these lyrics deliver a universal relevance. The pace is slow, but impactful, and the beat stays out of the way to let the mood unfold on this rainy day kind of track. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Promoe - Snabb Bil [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Snabb Bil-Fast Car”

”Promoe is a Swedish rapper and its hard to believe by looking and listening to him that he is in the classic 40 club. His age has nothing to do with his sound other than the fact it explains the wisdom that he gives through his music. Even though I could not interpret what he was saying I felt it through his sound. His sound and the beat took over me in a natural way that kept me hooked in as I pressed replay ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Hello Victim - Out of It Alive [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“I thought about the movie ‘Get Out’ when I saw the tea. Hello Victim name describes their new visual. With a wicked situation and gothic like vocals ‘Out Of It Alive’ is giving meaning to until death do us part.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

The Mowgli's - Vacation [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The Mowgli’s, who are fast becoming one of our favorite bands here at LA on Lock are back with another bit of ear candy. Smooth harmonies and an infectious beat keep the tempo upbeat and light in this ode to needing a ‘Vacation.’

Right now I think most of us are dreaming about getting away, or at least getting outside and this light airy bit of Indy Pop feels like a treat in its own right.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

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CIAN DUCROT - FUCKED UP ALL THE TIME [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“The feeling that you are failing others is a hard one to take, but when you feel like you are failing yourself, that pain is all the worse. And sometimes you can’t escape one of those facts, without intensifying the other. This single by Cian Ducrot is all about the demands of expectations others put on you and balancing them with the things that make you happy.

The haunting and emotional vocals here are a huge part of the story, but lyrically this track emotes from the very beginning. And the imagery of the video, of one man trying to do it all, proves very effectual as well. This is a piece of music that will truly make you stop and think about your own direction. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Peri El - Tired of You [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Peri El drops this soulful crooning ballad about being utterly and fantastically fed the hell up.

There is a jazzy lounge vibe to the beat and melody, and a smooth sultry flow to the vocals which in some ways makes the razor sharp lyrical jabs catch you by surprise.

This is the a track that could become an anthem for every woman out there sick and damn tired of being fed bullshit. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Tranq - Weekend [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This smooth instrumental track came to us via the Netherlands with the artist note written in Dutch, so I have no idea their comments in regard to intent, but I do know what the piece said to me personally.

Titled, ‘Weekend,’ I can only guess the piece is meant to convey the mood of a nice relaxing day with no obligation or places to be. And in that regard the vibe landed perfectly. The flow and progression are intriguing enough to keep me on the hook while also establishing a mellow relaxed mindset.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SHY Martin - can I call you back? [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“A poetic stream of conscious, vibe permeates SHY Martin’s latest single, ‘can I call you back.’ From the very first line ... my mind is just like a hotel, I’m checking out when things don’t go well ... you understand the emotional depth of the lyrics.

The vocal performance is haunting and quite though very alluring and gripping as well. The production gets out of the way for the most part, but is present enough for this Electro Pop track to truly come alive. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Pat Rossi - Anxiety [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pat Rossi comes in with a vocal style that feels part of a huge rock ballad before his solo performance settles into a more of an emotional rock vibe. There is a definite frayed feeling to the varying parts, and given that lyrical the track is a look at anxiety this is no doubt the exact effect Rossi was hoping for in the arrangement.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Leena Regan - Flowers [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Leena Regan captures the spirit and emotions of a runner quite well. I don’t mean a runner as in a jogger or marathoner, but rather a person that flees from others when things get to intense.

Yes, even these kind of runners haves emotions even if they run like hell from them. Don’t fall for a runner because they will bolt at the first sign of attachment.

’Flowers’ puts you inside that mindset and allows for some clarity to the motivation behind them, no matter which side of that spectrum you may be on. Delivering an Indie Pop sound, with engaging vocals and a nice commercial beat and production, this is a track that pulls you in and holds you there. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Joey Bread - I Love Quarantine [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“If you are looking for a laugh to get you through this current state of the world then Joey Bread has a sliced you off a track full of self-deprecating humor.

Catchy and funny in the same way ‘Pretty Fly For A White Guy’ was, ‘I Love Quarantine’ is a hearty offering complete with Bread spreading on the fun side of being isolated at home nice and thick.

The video adds another layer to the lyrics and will help keep that smile on your face as you listen to the silver lining of our new lifestyle.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Yorxe - Hide Your Bodies [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Yorxe stacks the lines of these lyrics up like the proverbial bodies she sings about. Coming at you with a sinister vibe, her performance is intriguingly dark, while the beat and melody feels both Industrial and pop like at times. The track begs for a video as it stirs imagery all on its own and would be even more potent with the perfect visuals to punctuate the aura heavy track.

The timing of this track could harm it’s potential as the thought of stacking bodies has taken on new meaning in recent weeks, but for those able to step outside of the news cycle and appreciate music on its own merits this is a track that speaks for itself. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

MOLI - So Jealous [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The envy of others via social media, and social stalking fueled by jealousy. These are the twin emotions MOLI calls upon in ‘So Jealous,’ and both come through in every word. At times the vocal flow has a ZZ Ward meets Elle King vibe, but at other times it feels more like a pure Pop refrain. Either way the track is quite entertaining and engaging. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

FAMES - what do i call u? [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Lyrically, ‘What Do I Call U’ is an emotional question poised to a former love, and the line about the word ex feeling wrong — ‘because it crosses out how important you were’ — is quite powerful and sums up the vibe of the song very well.

The song comes with a Pop vibe, but is as well-written as any track you are likely to find in any genre. Real and honest, the words and performance pulls you in and holds you there.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kat Hammock - Space [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The need for space from a person or place is something most of us have felt at one time or another. Here in the midst of this quarantine, that need is no doubt stronger than ever before as we all feel stuck in one way or another.

Here in this track, the sweet vocal vibe of Kat Hammock borders on a traditional singer/Songwriter vibe with a hint of Country and the combination pulls you in close to her heart. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

JST FRNDS - Long Nights [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track has a fun light vibe to it though lyrically there is a heavier emotional underbelly that makes it even more interesting.

The video brings an ever darker tone, though not without its own bit of wry humor. The video is a short film in its own right and the track could be taken several different ways depending on the listeners own emotions and experiences. This is a project that surprises you with its many nuances and complexities and is well worth your time to listen and watch.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Anthony Profits - Can't Stop Won't Stop [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Short, but energetic and to the point, Anthony Profits gives us his thoughts on his latest track ... ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, is actually a song where I am paying respects to 8ball and MJG. They had a song called ‘Lay it Down,’ and I was inspired by 8ball’s verse and put my own style to it.’

The single delivers an classic vocal style with just a hint of funk, especially in the intro.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)