TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[XenoXenon - Years Ago]

I like the airy texture and emotional appeal of the beginning. The rhythm of the chords feels a bit square and regular; I can tell it's not really being played live. Using more tempo automations and subtle dynamic/note length shifts will help "humanize" it a bit more. I like when there's a bit more energy in the texture at around :40, but I think you could've done a little more with that refrain before returning to the dreamy atmosphere at 1:00. There was a nice subtle sense of build into 1:50, but I think you could've done more with the refrain again, especially since it was the last one. This piece needs a little more melodic content to drive it home and complete the story arc you set up here. Still, nice work with the sound design, atmosphere, and phrasing with this one. The composition just needs a tad more depth imo. Keep it up! ^^

XenoXenon responds:

Thanks for the feedback :)

[-Gabberfly-]

I like the cutesy synth rolls at the beginning and the rhythmic details. The sound design is definitely a highlight here, between the guitar synths, static-y bass, and VGM-ish percussion. This piece reminds me a lot of your track "Grind District" from a few years ago - rhythmically driven and short, with really engaging and robotic-sounding instrumentation. The track is a bit repetitive, but it also captures a great sense of energy and progress. Makes me want to get up and run around. Strong work! Looking forward to a higher upload rate in 2020. :)

[Hymn in Ab Major]

I like the Auld Lang Syne vibes I'm getting from the opening organ riff. The white noise at the beginning was a little overdone, though. You really threw me off with the transition at the 1-minute mark, but I like the fun jazzy riff at 1:10 and the rhythmic details. Piece has a fun "mash-up" quality to it, and the production quality is rock solid as expected. The vocal recordings add some comedic value, and I personally think the melody at 2:15 is the highlight of the piece, short-lived though it was. The outro has a soulful edge to it, too. There are a lot of good ideas in here, guys. I'm sure BilliumMoto loved it! The experimental flair was a bit jarring at times, but I still really appreciate the creative energy you brought to this track. Happy 2020! ^^

[Wondrous Trek]

I like the anticipatory mood at the beginning and the bright tone of the lead synths. Great sense of build into :44, and the mix is really tight and spacious as usual. The melodic content is really refreshing and catchy, and and certain sections of the piece also have a fun rhythmic flair, especially the drop at 1:30, breakdown at 2:15, and transitory material. The upbeat mood and sound design really make this piece what it is in my mind. The arrangement might've been a tad cliche, and sometimes I think you spend a lot of the piece on the build-ups/transitions, but the piece still has plenty of extended "moments of arrival" to keep me entertained. Nice work overall, MKT! Happy 2020. ^^

[Let's Go Bowling]

Fun piece! I like the cutesy synths and the cheesy bowling alley sound effects. Sounds like something out of an '80s movie montage. Rhythmic details and mixing are solid too. Just wish it was a bit longer/more varied. Happy 2020, Jacob! ^^

Jacob responds:

Thank you! The vibe seems to have translated well. I agree that it could use more variation, and I may add it later on - if the feeling strikes.
I appreciate the review, man!
And a happy new decade to you, too. I look forward to hearing the fruits our growth and change. :)

[F-777 - Shock Rave]

I like the quirky synths at the beginning and the bouncy feel of the texture. Song has a nice "retro" 2008-ish vibe about it. The composition itself is pretty simplistic, but the rhythmic content at the drop at :54 helps keep things engaging, and the piece is short enough that it doesn't seem too dragged-out or repetitive. The mixing is rock-solid as usual, and overall it's a very catchy and fun track. Keep at it, F-777! Happy 2020. ^^

[The Fever is Growing]

I like the emotional appeal of the piano at the beginning and the airy vocals. I also like how the rhythmic pace of the piano slows down at :35. The lyrics themselves are rather repetitive, and I think some of the rhymes could've been more creative and/or advanced the narrative of the piece better. That said, after the 2-minute mark the powerful vocals and melodic variations really help the piece come together. While the composition here overall is pretty simplistic, you channeled the emotion in this piece really well. The mixing is also rather strong, despite the minimal texture. Nice work, all things considered. I should check out that album of yours. Glad you're still posting on NG, though - I remember listening to a lot of your tracks back in 2012-ish. Keep up the good work! ^^

[~Fore~ Medusa]

I like the dreamy atmosphere at the beginning. The growly bass and beat at :35 help change the mood in a more ominous direction, and I like the spacey piano at 1:25 and the accelerating clicks at 1:35. The glitchy transition at 1:50 was a nice touch, and the rhythmic content during the last 30 seconds or so is rather creative. I wish this was a more structurally complete track, but it clearly shows a lot of potential. The mix is clean, the sound design is cool, and the mood is both engaging and varied. Keep up the good work, Aliaspharow! Happy 2020. ^^

[Joulupuu On Rakennettu]

I love the organ - haunting sound. The vocals and instrumental tracks blend together very well. I especially like the layering on the vocals and the mellow verses with just the piano (e.x., 1:35). The harmonic framework of the piece kinda reminds me of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Even has a similar structure. I appreciate how you created variety in the texture here despite the repetitive verses (which I imagine were holdovers from the original). Hope you guys enjoyed the holiday. :) Looking forward to hearing more of your work in 2020. ^^

[-Encounter-]

I like the ominous church bells at the beginning and the 2008-ish techno synths thereafter. The texture is a bit minimal and perhaps missing some atmosphere for a while, but things start coming together more by around the 1-minute mark. Those cutesy melodies at :58 help give the piece a stronger sense of direction, and I love that growly mid-range bass synth at 1:15, especially combined with the vocal samples. The bridge at 2:15 or so was a little bland, but the melodic content at 2:40 was nice. I also like the thin, pizzicato-y synth at 3:25. I might've liked to hear a little more melodic development later in the piece as, at the end of the day, the arrangement is pretty straightforward. That said, I think the sound design and rhythmic details really make this piece what it is. Enjoyable track, PredatorMusic! Happy New Year. :)

Preds responds:

Thanks for the review! You are always welcome here, your constructive criticism is amazing!