TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Early Access - Closer]

I'm not even judging your group, but I think you nailed this. The vocals are so well used, the production quality is top-notch, and the rhythmic content/drops are amazing. In a lot of ways, the arrangement and sound design are pretty generic, and the vocals do get a tad repetitive towards the end, but that's definitely not going to stop this from being stuck in my head for the rest of the day. Fave'd and DL'd! Keep up the good work, man. ^_^

EarlyAccess responds:

Thank you so much man, i really appreciate that, ill take all the advice into consideration when it comes to making future songs! :)

[vice]

I like the soulful, eerie synths at the beginning and how they contrast with the dense energy of the drums and mid-range bass that come in shortly thereafter. The rhythmic content here is great, but I might've liked to hear some more melodic content. The breakdown at 1:15 helps keep the piece interesting by injecting some tranquility in between two sections characterized more by chaos. The production quality and sound design are both really admirable here, but I'm still not sure a piece this minimal is really my vibe. Still, you're clearly a really talented producer. Keep it up, man! ^^

mothlightx responds:

God damn. You have no idea how much this in-depth of a comment is appreciated. Lots of love for still giving it a listen (and some solid-ass criticism) regardless of if it's your vibe or not. <3

[i dont want to]

I like the mechancholy tone to the guitar at the beginning and the defiant lyrics. The vocals aren't quite prominent enough in the mix for my tastes sometimes, but I think you did a great job switching up the instrumentals here. The melodies at :43 really hit the spot, and that also applies to the solos at 2:12 and the final climax at 2:50. The transitions in this piece are especially good, from the echo-delay effects going into the bridge at 2:35 to the delayed "to" at 2:50. I also like a lot of the other details, like the slightly mocking tone you get in your voice at 1:54. I know I've criticized you for the abrupt endings in the past, but I think the fade-out here comes across as a bit lazy, and also is way too drawn out. Even just strumming the tonic chord at 3:20 probably would've gone over well. Overall, though, I think this is my favorite piece of yours that I've reviewed. It grounds the listener in a sense of inevitability with the lyrics, while having a lot of fun surprises in the composition - in many ways the opposite of what I heard earlier with your more recent tracks. Either way, keep it up, man! ^_^

[blame]

The synth at the beginning sounds a bit square and dry, but when the beat comes in it blends into the texture nicely. Again, these are some really evocative lyrics, and I think the vocals sit better in the mix here. The vocal layering in the final chorus really hits the spot, although it's a bit harder for me to come up with an excuse for that abrupt ending here than it was in "Designated Drivers." The composition could've been a tad more dynamic, too. I feel like the vocals are doing most of the work of keeping the piece engaging over time. That said, you did a good job giving a sugary pop-rock flair to unrequited love, and between the strong production quality and vocals, you've earned yourself a new follower my friend. Cheers! ^^

[designated drivers]

I like the refreshing guitar riffs at the beginning and the crisp drums. Your voice is really nice, but I think the vocals could use a little more boost in the mix, and towards the beginning they also sound a tad dry production-wise. Later on, the layering of the different lines help resolve this issue, though, and I especially like the harmonies at 2:16 - sounds like a barber shop quartet. :D The lyrics themselves are pretty heavy, but the vocals have a great flow to them that really forces you to follow the action, and the rhythmic component of the vocal lines adds some extra tension, almost like the narrator is sobbing in between saying the words. The instrumental track isn't quite as dynamic as I might've liked to see. A guitar solo before the final refrain would've really hit the spot. I also think the ending comes on pretty suddenly, but then again so does a car crash. Overall, you really told a story with this one, man! Major props for the passionate vocals, sound design, and flow here. ^_^

[Mystery (Original Mix)]

I like the airy and slightly eerie vibe at the beginning. The echo-y operatic vocals and crisp beats help give the piece a sense of interest despite the pretty minimal harmonic content in the piece. The mixing and mastering are really strong, though, and the sound design is really evocative and neat. The breakdown in the middle with the brighter tone was a nice touch, and I like the dreamy guitar at 2:43 too. The rest of the piece felt a tad repetitive, but you certainly have me sold on the atmosphere here. I could envision this being used in a video game or movie soundtrack with a post-apocalyptic theme as our protagonist gradually descends into a hallucinatory daze. Keep at it, man! ^_^

GalaxyTones responds:

Awesome! thanks for the review and kind words :)

[wakey wakey lil flowers]

I like the bright, cutesy tone at the beginning and the quirky lead synth at :15. The beat is really refreshing too with the heavy hi-hats. The clap sample is a bit generic, but the piece flows so nicely and the rest of the sound design is rather enjoyable. The melodies are upbeat and smooth, and I like the climax at 1:25 too - it comes on both gradually and suddenly, in a way. The final refrain at 2:36 helps hit the piece home too and makes the entire track feel conclusive. The outro with the distinctive pitter-pattery synth is nice as well. Strong work overall, guys! Sounds like spring indeed. ^_^

GrizzlyCogs responds:

wow thank you!

[IDNKWIGO]

I like the eerie vibe at the beginning and the smooth E-piano that comes in shortly thereafter. The trippy drums and altered vocals at :45. The lyrics fit the quirky sound design of the rest of the track perfectly. The piece is a little slow to progress at times, but you've clearly got a knack for crafting an engrossing atmosphere. The mixing and mastering are solid, too. I like the dreamy outro with the baby babbling and the gritty outbursts at 3:35 and elsewhere. It felt a little dragged-out by the end, but the stereo clicks and chord changes add enough interest to keep me engaged. Solid work, KingBastard! ^_^

[Contract Rush DX OST - MALWARE]

I love the energy and the cutesy synths at the beginning. The organic-sounding drums are also nicely done - clean, crisp, and punchy in the mix. The piece has a bit of a cinematic feel to it after a time, and the on-and-off frantic drum riffs help pace/structure it nicely. The melodies, while not super complex or anything, help keep me engaged, and I can tell it loops really smoothly in-game. Strong work, dude! ^^