TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[The Calm Before The Storm]

The chord progression at the beginning is pretty unique. The synths were a little cheesy and dry, and didn’t vibe that well with the distorted beat at :13. This piece doesn’t have a lot of harmonic variety or a strong sense of direction. The sound design can be really harsh (example :44), and the harmonic content is minimal. Relative to the synths, the drums are way too loud, and the arrangement of the piece consists of a series of distorted drum patterns and similar synth patterns connected weakly by sweeps and crashes. The awkward pauses starting at 2:09 are jarring, and I would’ve at least let the reverb do the work of bridging the gap there. The drum beats are cool, and you have a good start on the harmonic framework of the piece with the synth patterns, but overall this track was missing a lot of the compositional components that I look for: harmonic development, strong melodic content, phrasing, smooth transitions, good structuring, etc. Sorry if this is a pretty negative review, but I think the drum beats and synths you have now would fit nicely into a more fleshed-out track. Keep at it, TheBeginnersEnd! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.5/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
.25/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.75/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
0/1
Composite score
4/10

[Chipy]

I like the catchy synths at the beginning and the crisp drums. The more relaxed, atmospheric section at :23 is nice too. There’s a great energy and blissful vibe at :43. You have a good sense of harmony and progression, although it still seems that 1:28 is the only prominent example of melodic content in the piece. The production quality is solid, and the piece comes together well by the end. You could’ve had a more creative ending than the fade-out, although overall the arrangement of the piece is really nice too. Not much to complain about here! Keep up the good work, BasiatordeCoronatus! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
2/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.25/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.75/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
9.25/10

Basiator responds:

Cool and Thanks for review, i appreciate it very much.

[The Unexpected (NGADM AUDITION)]

I like the groovy guitar part, although the string pads sound a little inauthentic and cheesy. The piece is a little slow to progress, and has a bit of a choppy arrangement. I think the transition at :58 works well, but I was a little confused when the piece was absent of harmonic content for so long, and the harmonic content only comes back after another fade-out and re-introduction of the drums at 1:32. At 1:40, the panning is a little excessive, and the drums don’t come through the mix so well. The extended pause at 2:40 is awkward, and overall my main problem with the piece is the disjointed structuring. The piece has a lot of great harmonic ideas and funky riffs, but not a great sense of connectivity and flow over time. Still, you’re clearly a talented guitarist, and the rhythmic content and melodies here are enjoyable. Keep at it, ambivalentinquire! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.25/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.5/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.25/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.75/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.5/1
Composite score
6.5/10

Soundslave responds:

Thanks I agree with everything you have said here, was trying something a little different with the tuning I wasn't used to and it was rushed, probably should have went with something that wouldn't have been a challenge for the Audition but live and learn, Thank you for taking the time to review respect!

[Expurgation]

I like the ominous mood at the beginning and the energy. The synths sound a bit gritty and unpolished, and some of the drum samples are a little cliche too. The piece is also a little slow to progress at the beginning, but I like the more legato elements of the texture by around 1:30. I think the mixing effects on the drums, especially the reverb, is a little excessive, and negatively affects the clarity of the texture. There’s a good sense of climax into 2:22, and overall I like the indistinct synth riffs and foreboding mood here. That said, I would’ve liked to hear some more structural variety, melodic content, and gradual transitions. Right now, there’s a lot of high-impact rhythmic material and angry synths in the texture. The composition might have a bit more shape if you had a couple of extended atmospheric sections or something. The piece is also long enough that it’s hard to stay grounded in any structural repetition after a while. You also overuse the echo-y effect at 7:09 (and plenty of other places). I appreciated the extended moment of thinner texture at 7:25, and also the somewhat sleepier end to the piece, even if I typically regard fade-out endings as pretty lazy. It seems like the thrill of the great battle scene you’re portraying has subsided in the midst of all the cries of the injured and dying. Overall, solid work with the sound design, mood and atmosphere, and harmonic content. The compositional details and mixing could both use some tightening, though. Keep at it, Cheshyre! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.25/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.75/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.5/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.75/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.75/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7/10

cheshyre responds:

Thank you so much for taking the time to write out a solid review. This is constructive and I can and will learn from these critiques. Again, thank you so much for listening and for your time!

[Kamzang (take 2)]

I like the cute synth riff at the beginning and the emotional appeal of the strings at :17. The mix is a little quiet, and the synths don’t always come through clearly during the string-heavy sections. The melodic content here is great, but at times not quite prominent enough in the mix. For example, at 1:19, I wanted to hear more of the violins and less of the lower strings playing the chords. I also would’ve liked to see some more structural variety in this piece. After the intro, the energy and dynamics level here is almost constant, despite a good sense of climax towards the end. The piece would benefit from a little more shape via an atmospheric breakdown or something. The ending also comes on a little suddenly. That said, I like the energetic yet majestic mood here and the sound design. Strong work with the composition overall! Keep at it, Mrcoolisimo. ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.5/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
2/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
8.75/10

[Fly]

I like the blissful mood at the beginning. The sound design is a bit cheesy, although I like the melodic content at :30 and the sense of climax into :45. The sidechaining is a bit heavy, and I think the reverb is a bit excessive at times, especially on the pads. The arrangement of the piece is a little cliche, although the progression is smooth. Mixing-wise, it’s clear that the the kick is distorting the lead and pads at 1:45, although I can hear most of the other instruments clearly throughout. I liked the little fake-out transition at 2:30, and the composition comes together well by the end. Some more variation on the main melody would’ve been nice, especially towards the end, and the ending was a little sudden. Overall, I like the harmonic content, mood, atmosphere, and rhythmic components. The mastering, composition, and variety might need a bit more work. Keep at it, Vatriox! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.25/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.75/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.75/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.75/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.25/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
1/1
Composite score
7/10

[DJN4T - Vortex]

I like the funky synth riffs at the beginning and the reverb on the lead. The progression is pretty slow-paced here, though, and the mix is very quiet. The sound design can be a bit cheesy, and the composition needs a stronger sense of development over time, especially during the first 2 minutes. I like the beat at 1:54, and the texture does come together well at these more energetic sections, although I would’ve liked to see more harmonic variety in this piece. The arrangement and instrumentation are pretty cliche, and I also think you need some more compression to enhance the richness of the texture, especially in the verses. That said, you clearly have a good sense of harmony, rhythm, and progression. Keep at it, Nactl23! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.5/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.75/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.5/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.5/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7.25/10

Natcl23 responds:

Such an elaborate comment, thanks a lot ^^

[Hyperspace Overload (40 Days of Struggle: Day 8)]

I like the catchy synths at the beginning. The chord progression is a little cliche, and I wish the drums were both louder in the mix and more creative. I also would’ve liked to see some more original sound design and structural variety here. The energy level is almost constant throughout the piece, and overall the composition just needs more fleshing-out. Still, nice work with the rhythmic components, harmonies, and rich texture. Keep at it, DaveSlayer! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.5/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.5/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.5/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.25/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
6.75/10

DaveSlayer responds:

Thanks for a comprehensive overview! Getting feedback is rare these days, I'll do my best to improve! :3

[18 H]

I like the car sound effects and chill eastern-sounding instrument at the beginning. The vocals are nice, too. The bass and kick at :25 sound a little over-saturated in the mix, although the vocals are really smooth and well-articulated. The recording quality is strong, too. I would’ve liked to hear more variation in the instrumental track, though. The texture is pretty stagnant over time, perhaps with the exception of the more legato approach to the vocals at 1:29. I think the piece needs more structuring and shape in the composition. It would’ve been nice if you broke down the drum beat and eastern instrument riffs at some point and had some more atmospheric/melodic content. I’d also like to see a translation of the lyrics. Overall, though, the production quality is strong, the mood is fun, and the rhythmic content is catchy. Keep at it, Galicross!

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.75/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.25/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7.75/10

GALICROSS responds:

Thank you so much. Your opinion will allow me to work much better news.
Here is the idea of ​​the text in English.
Hard to translate, because French words are our expressions

Come my end of the day
face well burnt, I look at the counter
but the lion remains at rest.
I call dekar, I will not be burned.
boost ! the sound on an air of undead (hollywood undead)
the exile inside, 18h

first engaged, in neutral
I will fall back.
idiot or
construction
I fuck the world, let me sleep
Too much clio concerto, i realize to me
I am more than at the level
I hang up, I will move
it transpires

still 18h on the road
fuuuuuuuuu
next door, just landed
pleasure
big cleavage
black rayban
a little ruffled
but I must surely hallucinate


she goes, mine is raging
I find it disgusting, only Michel Angel pass
the inner exile makes one feel
burns caution, state of consciousness
I believe in a movie
that heat, 18h

sun through the windows burns me
the jeans glue, clim on feet
but the rays are so strong
I'm crying like DARC on the bucher
finish in my ashtray
charred, empty and dried
a background thirsty evian 18h

18h on the road

it becomes strident, I roll at a pace
I will not be on time
quiet without risk
with a big breaker
active grandpa
the asphalt is burning
deadly temperature
I will be able to pass
end 18 km / h


like when we I'm waited
I have the pulsating sternoma
in the apartment there is just my knife
who is waiting for my dick
just tired, worn
by this fucking journey
exit this day
I'm going game 18 h





see you soon

[Volume By Erik VIP (Music)]

The intro could’ve been a bit more creative than a fade-in, but I like the catchy beats and sound design. The sweep at :58 also sounds cool. My main problem with the piece is the lack of variety, especially in the harmonies. I wanted to hear some stronger, more dynamic melodic content, and also some more variation during the final refrain at 1:31. That said, the additional harmonies at 1:48, while short-lived, were a nice touch. The sweep at the end also cuts off a bit suddenly. I would suggest letting the reverb do the work of helping the atmosphere fade out. Overall, I’m enjoying the production quality, blissful mood, energy, and rhythmic content of the piece. I think you need more variety, more originality in the sound design and arrangement, and more creative sound design to keep my attention here, though. Keep at it, Eric-VIP! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
2/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.75/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.5/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.5/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.25/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7/10

Erik-VIP responds:

Thanks!