TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Fun on the Farmyard]

Hahaha. Really cute piece. The progression is a little cliche, but the vibe melodies and catchy rhythmic framework really sell this piece well. I thought the brass, while fun, didn't sound too authentic. The extended refrain at the end is a nice touch, and the cheesy variations on the melody at the 2-minute mark made me smile. Seems like the chickens are happy. Keep at it, LunacyEcho!

[Snow, Snow, Snow!]

I like the bright pads and cute synths. The bass is really groovy, and the melodies at :30 are super cute. It's not the most involved or energetic piece you've ever made, but that's okay. Certainly seems fitting for a video game. I like the jangly shakers that become pretty exposed at the breakdown, and I can tell that the loop is really smooth (even if it doesn't seem that way on NG). Cool piece! Keep at it, EndK. ^^

endKmusic responds:

Yeah, this was just a fast experiment, unlike my other stuff, but I'm super satisfied.
The 'real songs' in which I put more effort I tend to name " endK - 'songname' "
Other ones (like this) just have a title. ^_^
Think I was playing Stardew Valley at that point and got influenced. :thonk:
Thanks for the review! :)

[Hans Zimmer - Time (Geoplex Remix)]

Excellent! I'm so happy you did this. I love the original, and your electronic spin on it maintains all of the cinematic flair. I suppose it could've been a bit more creative, as the arrangement is not discernibly different from the original, and I think your orchestral samples could've sounded more authentic. Otherwise, it's a fun piece, and mini-swells into the downbeats after 2:20 were a nice touch. Cool stuff! Looking forward to hearing more full-length tracks from you, Geoplex. ;)

[endK - Mermaid]

I like the cute synth riffs at the beginning and the dreamy pads. The progression and sound design are both really satisfying, and I can hear the influence of the mermaid theme. It's a smooth-flowing and well-structured piece overall. You say it's part of your "fast-paced rhythmic stuff," but I think a lot of melodic came through rather well here. My main complaints include the lack of more legato-y elements in the texture, and also a missed opportunity for a stronger climax towards the end of the piece. Overall, though, this is a really fun piece with some glittery synths and catchy rhythmic elements. Keep it up, EndK!

endKmusic responds:

Melodies are simple and kinda generic here, didn't do my usual stuff, yeah, I'll get back to that!
About the climax - at one point I just didn't want to mess around with it.
It took a while to produce this one .. I agree nonetheless. :)
Thanks for all the compliments, advices and listening as always TL!

[Recovery]

I like the dreamy atmosphere at the beginning. The heavily filtered arpeggios at :39 were a great touch, and overall the texture sounds really rich and full. The piano melodies at around the 1-minute mark were really cute, yet also took the piece in somewhat of a different direction. Overall, the pacing of the piece is pretty slow, but compared to a lot of ambient pieces it actually sounds pretty dynamic. The emotional height at around 2:50 was especially satisfying. There were some parts of the piece where I wanted the drums to be a bit more creative or present, but otherwise I thought you used the sound design really well here. The soothing mood and airy quality definitely make this piece what it is, though. Keep it up, Colin!

ColinMuir responds:

Thanks for the review TL!

[Sink or Swim]

Cute piece! The tempo feels really slow for a VGM track, but I like the melodies and progression. It might've needed some drums to keep it moving along at times. I can picture this song as a menu tune for a game, though. My favorite element of the piece was the victorious vibe at :33 (and again at 1:40). That said, I was surprised when the upper voice in the chord at :46 didn't resolve down a semi-tone like I thought it would. Maybe I just need to unlearn cliches, but it still felt like you rushed into the section at :50 a bit. Anyway, I'm over-analyzing as usual. Fun piece, Jordi! I hope you'll continue to experiment with new genres and moods. :)

[Direction]

Been a while, Garlagan! I love the haunting vocal ambient stuff at the beginning and the melody once it finally "lands" at :31. Part of me wanted it to be a bit more legato, but the rich chords underneath it really help fill out the texture regardless. Nice rhythmic work in the drums, too. By around the 2-minute mark, the main theme of the piece is getting really repetitive, despite some intense creativity in the non-harmonic elements of the piece. I think my favorite thing about the progression was the subtle transition to 6/8 time at 3:08. That part also had a really cute, waltzy vibe to it. The final refrain ties the piece together well, although I was still itching for a bit of a different direction to the piece by the end (no pun intended). The distorted, ambient content at the very end was really well done, though. Overall, I'd say my favorite elements of the piece were the sound design and production. Keep up the good work, Garlagan!

garlagan responds:

thank you TL!!

[-Momentary-]

Huh! Haven't heard a hip-hop track from you in quite some time. I certainly like the ambient quality and the way the chords cut off so precisely before the next measure. The details really make this piece what it is, like the subtle pause at :58 and the sound effects. I really like the brighter chord at 1:16, too. The drum samples are super nice and clean. I think the faster pacing of the chords towards the end is a nice touch, too. I agree that the piece doesn't really have a proper melody or a strong sense of progression at times, but for what it is it's a really enjoyable track. Simple in some regards, yet satisfying. Keep it up, Waterflame!

[Yötön Yö]

I like the organ at the beginning. The progression gets brighter as the intro moves along, and the percussion at 1:03 was a great touch. The mix is a bit quiet, but otherwise quite clear and crisp. Your lyrics are always so spiritual, Jordi. I commend you for taking on an immense challenge with the linguistic requirements here. ;) One instrumental choice that caught me off guard was the plinkish sound at 2:35 - is that from the organ too? Somehow it didn't quite fit the rich chordal atmosphere of the song in my mind. Excellent work with the sense of emotional height by around 3:35, though. This piece comes together very well, and I thought your choice of a rather melancholy final chord was strangely refreshing.

Sorry for not reviewing this sooner, and congratulations again on all your hard work over the course of the ADM! ^_^

etherealwinds responds:

Sorry I'm replying so late TL! Thanks so much for the review :) some really kind words!