TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[daze]

I like the mysterious mood at the beginning and the gradual crescendo into :16. The rhythm at around :30 threw me off a bit at first, but I'm getting into the groove once the beat comes in shortly thereafter. I really like how you're playing with the reverb and filters here, although the stop-start nature of the beat makes the arrangement sound a bit choppy at times. The bridge at 1:30 is super cool - I love the gradual build-up there too. The variations during the second drop are subtle, but they really help keep the energy up later on. Nice work overall, Crysstal! ^_^

Crysstal712 responds:

reverb swell overuse !!

[Lunar Fractals]

I like the feeling of underlying tension at the beginning and the spacey pads. Stylistically, the piece certainly feels very retro and minimal, and the mix is a tad bottom-heavy at times. That said, the sound design has a good amount of variety in it, between the koto, mid-range techno synths, and stringed instruments later on. The mix sounds a bit dry in places, and I would've liked to hear a richer atmosphere, with a bigger role for the pads and drone-like instruments that appear in the background at around 3:35. The melodies at 4:00 are really nice, tying the piece together well towards the end. Solid work, fellas! ^_^

[-Astroid Groove-]

Alright, I have some catching up to do with your tracks, WF. I love the blissful melodies and catchy harmonies in this one. I'm also not used to hearing a four-on-the-floor beat from you, so that was refreshing. The drum breaks during the bridge at 1:53 or so are also really nice. The mix is punchy and full, and I like the mid-range electronic bass that kinda sounds like a slap bass too. Overall, this is a really solid track! And the flirtatious string flourish at the end is just icing on the cake. :D

[song for a very small friend]

I love the sense of dignity and grace in this one. Sounds like a good alternative to Pachelbel's Canon for a bridal party walking down the aisle. Some of the cadences are a little cliche, but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm sure you did your cat proud, Midi. ^_^

[a lofty nest]

Love the atmosphere and pensiveness of this one. The rhythmic content is a bit square, but the little swells of the pads at various points help keep me engaged, and the last 30 seconds or so really encapsulates a sense of wonder and discovery. Strong work, Midi! Keep it up. ^_^

[unseen]

I like the grouchy bass at the beginning and the crisp beats at :09. I would like to hear more of the atmosphere/harmonies in the mix here. Otherwise, the texture sounds a tad empty, although the rich pads at :44 are really nice. I like how the sound design of this track evolves in a really subtle way throughout the piece, which helps neutralize the somewhat repetitive and minimal harmonic content. The piece could still use some more mid-high range frequencies at times, but the catchy rhythmic content, neat instrumentation, and solid production quality are all highlights for me. Keep it up, Crysstal! ^_^

[Santa's Prison Stint]

I like the edgy guitar riff at :17 and the crisp drums. The intro vocals were a bit cheesy, but the lyrics starting at around :35 are very amusing. Sometimes the vocals don't come through very clearly in the mix, though - ideally, they should be a little more front-and-center than the guitars. The snare could also sound a bit punchier in the mix. The solo at 3:18 is great, and generally the composition here is really strong. Despite my complaints about the production quality, the rugged and gritty texture of the piece are really enjoyable. Keep it up, guys! ^_^

[gutter rap oldhead type beat]

I like the guitar riff at the beginning and the crisp beats later on. Could use some vocals or otherwise stronger melodic content, but I appreciate the quirky variations at 1:02 and the vinyl scratch at 1:25. Mix sounds really clean and punchy. Keep at it, Midi! ^_^

midimachine responds:

some weeks are better than others hehe - only gonna get busier but the beats still be weekly'd :)

[Thorn]

It's a little hard to follow the rhythm at first, but by :25 this is turning into a really neat, if a tad minimal, groove. I love the distorted second layer of drums that sounds so bottled up in the mix (comes in at :52). The prominent guitar riff at 1:20 really provides a nice, soothing melodic contrast to the gritty beats characterizing the rest of the piece. The heavy bass at 2:35 was a great touch, too - really felt like the pendulum swung the other way back towards the gritty and down-to-earth. The synth melody at the very end is nice too, although the fade-out ending was a bit of an underwhelming way to end the piece. Still, this is another great example of a slow-burning composition that really takes the listener on a journey by the end. Keep at it, LAPSE! ^_^

LLAAPPSSEE responds:

All the strings are done on bass. No geetar. :D

Yeah, sorry about the ending. I think I had more material. Sometimes I think of it as like the "yadda yadda" of a conversation or something, I guess. I can't quite tell what compels the fade outro. Some laziness? I think I want the listener to think "...and it went on like this for eternity" or something, haha.

<3

[Cotard Has Me Pegged]

I think your piano-heavy songs are my favorites in general. From a relatively tame beginning, you concoct a storytelling masterpiece here. With those characteristic spacey pads and quirky drums as a base, over time you weave a thick atmosphere full of echo-y guitars, dreamy synths, and eventually a frantic, jazzy piano riff and glitchy compositional details. The piece is simultaneously full of variety and intimately cohesive, cycling through a variety of moods and textures while remaining squarely in the same narrative universe. The last minute or so of the track felt a tad mellow, but also has a great slow-burning energy about it, like the tension from the piece has not been resolved and there is going to be a sequel (maybe wishful thinking on my part?). Either way, this is a top-notch track, LAPSE! Keep up the great work. ^_^

LLAAPPSSEE responds:

I think piano was my first instrument love? Piano, drums, bass. Simple as.

This particular track comes from a bit of a heavy place. The mind is a powerful governing force.
I've always thought the outro-y bits are a bit more hopeful feeling compared to the start.

I'm just banging stuff together and hoping it turns out alright.

You know I like my sequels. :P

Thanks so much for the many reviews.