TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[~SW~ Magnet Subway]

Dude, this is freaking awesome! I love the instruments and mood! You pull off this rather daring combination of emotions extremely well. It's pensive and relaxing at times, yet also energetic and in-your-face at others. Sometimes, it was a little too busy for my tastes, though, like at 2:23. I love the constant sense of direction, and the voices at the beginning and around 3:10 were a nice touch. I can totally see how you were inspired by Johnfn. It's very surrealistic and atmospheric...creepy in a way. I love your style, man. You and Camoshark are going to go far in this competition. Also, thanks for back-up judging in my competition. ;D

SkyeWint responds:

Hahahaha, 2:23 (and that entire area) was directly inspired by Thwekz, by Mr Bill (which I HIGHLY recommend).

The voices were part of what inspired the subway part of the title, they just fit almost perfectly.

No problem with the judging. Hope to see you again :D

[-Fuzzy-]

Yay! So cute and happy! I love how it's so melodic, yet also has a pretty prominent bass. Great job as always with the mood and instruments. It's a little long, but it also keeps a great deal of emotion and bliss throughout. I'm looking forward to hearing much, much more from you, Waterflame! ^^

[2019]

Okay, I like the melodies and instruments, but your balance is a little off. The bass at :19 is too loud, and I think the kick drum isn't bassy enough. Structurally, it's not bad, and it flows pretty smoothly, but I think you also need to work on your mixing. Here's some specific advice on that I give a lot of beginners:

First of all, press F9 in FL Studio. The window that just came up is called a mixer. If you click on the "master" tab, there will probably be a box on the right side of the window that says "Fruity Limiter." Please click on the arrow next to that box, and then click "none." You NEVER want there to be a limiter on the master channel. EVER.

Also, mixing gets screwed up when you actually don't have a limiter in there at all, but instead just didn't lower the volume levels. You should do this too, even after you get rid of the limiter. First, you need to link your instruments to channels in the mixer. Make sure that you have highlighted an instrument in the Step Sequencer (that's the window where you make all your patterns) and right click on a mixer tab (start with "Insert 1"). Then press "link selected channels > to this track." Do this for each instrument until they all have their own mixer tabs. Then, you have to lower the volume levels on each tab (the big sliding square knob below the inserts). In this particular piece, I would suggest lowering the volume level of the bass A LOT. You should lower the volume levels until the Peak Meter (top center of your screen) never turns red when you're playing your piece.

Another great thing you can do to limit distortion is called Equalizing, or EQ'ing, for short. I won't delve too deep into this now, as it's pretty complicated, but I will give you one basic tip which should really help you out. In each mixer tab (that is, for each instrument you have), click on the arrow next to the box that says "1," on the right-hand side of the mixer window. Then scroll down to "Parametric EQ 2." You can experiment with this more on your own or consult YouTube tutorials on how to use it best. For now, though, a little will go a long way: drag the knobs below 200 Hz (there's a scale at the bottom of the EQ window) all the way down to zero for EVERY instrument EXCEPT the bass and kick. Okay...hope all this helped. ^^

In addition, the fade-out ending seemed a little lazy. I'd challenge you to do something more creative with the ending! However, I do like the futuristic theme, and it's not bad for an early work of yours. Keep working at it, man! ;D

Joshster21 responds:

Ok then, I'm only 13 but I'll see what I can do. Working on an update based on your advice. I'l also sort out the EQ, I rushed that part a bit, I only made this over 1 day.

[Underdogs Rise!]

I love the combination of instruments, especially with the guitars and atmospheric fade-in. The sense of climax at the beginning and also through the verses was incredible. The lyrics and awesome, and I love the breathy yet powerful vocals. The solo at 1:52 was also pretty empowering, and overall I love the theme of underdogs and how well-integrated it is with the contest - very creative! The mixing is solid, and that riff at the beginning is really catchy and cool. Structurally, it's well-done, and overall it's very smooth-flowing. Nice work, MetalRenard! I can tell that you took a number of risks with this one, and I think they really paid off. That said, I think it couldn't have hurt to add some more instruments to it for increased intensity/variation, as you sort of stick to the guitar-bass-drums-vocals standard of modern rock throughout. It's also a bit short, and the effects of these potential other instruments might be better received if you extended this a bit. However, you have an excellent sense of harmony as well as melodic development. Despite it being relatively short, it feels structurally complete. Great work! I wish you success with your future projects my friend! ;D

9.25/10

MetalRenard responds:

Thanks for the lengthy review!
I'm glad you liked the song, it gets me worked up (in a good, adrenaline fuelled way) whenever I listen, but that's probably because I wrote it! :P
It's a shame you feel that way about the instruments, variation and song length. I did originally write my thoughts on that but I don't think it's worth disagreeing in a public place like a review. Don't worry, I won't PM you the stuff either, I'm not like that. :P
Honestly, I would have felt awkward if I'd won the contest, being a NGADM judge too, I guess you guys should have kicked me out at the start anyway. Haha

Thanks Mr Door!

[Chere Modesto]

Okay, I absolutely love the dynamic changes and instruments right off the bat. The bright piano and strings are beautiful. Sounds like a commercial involving a dog...somehow.........
Anyway, I think it is a bit minimalistic at times, but it certainly is very emotional, which somewhat makes up for that. I liked when you started introducing electronic elements at around 1:15. Innovative combinations are always good. ;) Also, the breakdown at 1:53 was well done, and the drums really help keep it interesting throughout the entire middle section IMO. Interesting how the mood progresses so much as the track goes on. In fact, it might even need a little more cohesion in it. I like how you brought back the blissful part at 3:28, but I think the transition itself could've been much smoother. The mixing isn't bad, and I thought the ending was pretty appropriate and conclusive. Overall, this is a strong piece with stand-out structural content. The melodic and harmonic content was good, and I personally think you've progressed a lot even over the course of the competition. Keep up the great work, LunacyEcho! ;D

8.75/10

LunacyEcho responds:

=> beautiful instruments =>

You've got a real-life violin to thank for that. :D

=> commercial involving a dog =>

You have an awesome imagination.

=> minimalistic =>

It sounds like minimalism is a bad thing! Of course, it can (coughcoughJohnCagecoughcough), but even non-emotional minimalism can be made into really awesome pieces.

=> innovative combinations =>

That basically sums up my music style right there.

=> interesting breakdown cause drums =>

During design, I was criticized for making the breakdown really repetitive, so I decided to add echo-y, reverb-y drums. And it worked out pretty well! I was also listening to a lot of Kor-Rune, so I introduced a modification of a drum buildup he inspired.

=> 3:28 transition =>

I didn't actually like that transition a lot. :D Still, I had to keep it for the sake of fitting those last few letters in at the end. The Morse giveth and the Morse taketh away.

=> mixing isn't bad =>

YES

(still not even entirely sure what mixing involves)

=> appropriate and conclusive ending =>

Whew!

=> stand-out structural content =>

I don't know about others, but the thing I like about the way I structure songs is that it isn't as repetitive. I think overuse of repetition is the downfall of instrumental music, as you don't have a voice keeping the listener company.

Thanks a lot for the review and the score!

[-Endgame-]

I love the glitchy and high-pitched synths. The punchy feel is really cool. It's also very catchy. Nice job with the bouncy and slightly creepy melody at :34. Almost sounds like you should've saved this one for Halloween. XD This one is short, yet sweet! Nice job with the mixing and mastering, and it's well-structured, smooth-flowing, catchy and fun...I love it! Well done, Waterflame. Instant DL and fave. ;D

[Deteriorate {Dj-Abbic}]

I love the combination of instruments at the beginning, and the mix is very clean and clear throughout. It's catchy and unique. I like the melodies and bass. It's punchy and staccato at times, yet also rather refreshing at others. 1:22 was a highlight. Excellent job with the LFO automations (at least I think that's what's making the effects at 1:33 and other places). It's slower than a lot of mainstream EDM pieces, yet it's also very danceable and energetic as it is. The melody at 2:00 also added a lot. You have an excellent sense of structuring, transitions, and harmony. A lot of the pieces I've been reviewing for the competition this round could easily be front-paged, and I think this is definitely one of them. Also, I really liked the cute and quirky way you ended it with that rather light synth, although the fact that it faded out was a bit disappointing. I often find fade-out endings a bit lazy and boring. Overall, though, fantastic work! If you're "not particularly happy with this yet," you're being way too hard on yourself! This is an amazing piece, Djabbic! Keep up the great work. ;D

9.5/10

DjAbbic responds:

I'm also disappointed at the fact that this faded out, which is one of the main reasons that I'm not really happy with this as it is.

The reason it's slower is because I think the many layers and automation details are brought out better at this tempo. I sped it up at one point, but it just didn't sound right (or perhaps the original tempo had grew on me).

In any case, I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed it. Thanks a lot!

[Out Of Twilight]

I like the blissful, quirky mood at the beginning and the 80s dance vibe you have going on here. The portamentos around :45 were a nice touch. I love all the synths, and that one that comes in at 1:02 was especially cool. The mix is clean and clear. I'm personally a huge fan of sub-basses, as I think they really help go that extra mile as far as adding fill. It's also very hard to get the volume levels on them right, and I think you did a great job of that here. I think you could've found a more effective transition at 1:32 than the sort of echo-and-start-again thing you did. The variations in the second half were appreciated, and I love the relaxed vibe throughout. The ending was a bit lazy, though, and I think you could've done a bit more with it, despite the full mix (aided a lot by the reverb) and relaxed vibe. All things considered, it's an appropriate length, and I think you've done an excellent job of establishing moods/emotions in your tracks, Birdinator99. Good work! Perhaps I was expecting something a bit riskier for the final round, but the unique vibe of your tracks does help you in the long run, as evidenced by the fact that you're in the final round! Anyway, keep up the good work! ;D

8.5/10

Birdinator99 responds:

I'm glad you liked the pitch bends. They're a favourite of mine!

The synth at 1:02 was one I knew I was going to use if there were wubs involved at some point. I ended up putting a bitcrusher on it and turned out lovely!

Also glad you agree with me on the mix -- sub-basses are rad!

Transition at 1:32 is rough for sure. I think next time I make something, I'm going to draw a little diagram so I can visualize the structure of the song beforehand, and maybe get some ideas from there.

Honestly, the whole second half is lazy, so I guess I got off easy when you only mentioned the ending, heh.

A lot of the reverb you thought you were hearing is actually a delay! Especially on that square synth -- atleast it was working for me this time. The ride cymbal has a lot of reverb though.

There's that word again! Unique! Yay!

Thanks again TheDoor6 -- I'm surprised you liked this more than my knockout round submission, but I can't say no to an 8.5 haha

[Serenity]

I love the atmosphere right off the bat, and the flutes and guitars were excellently integrated. It creates a sense of adventure, and the reverb really helps make it very full-sounding, bright, and cinematic. Excellent job creating space for contrast in the beginning, which really made the transition into 1:03 effective. The percussion also added to it considerably, and I absolutely adore the Celtic theme. It's amazingly smooth-flowing, and I love the progression. I just felt euphoria right up until that last chord. CHILLS, my friend...CHILLS! It has been extremely hard to come up with anything even remotely wrong with ANY of your pieces, but this...this is simply the icing on the cake of an overall breathtakingly impressive trio of pieces you've submitted for this competition. What I really love is that you tell a story with this music, Mr. Jones. I can see the girl waltzing through the forest, then racing her dog through a field of clovers and tall grass. She stops to pick one up, and next thing you know she and the dog are lying on the dock by the sea, watching the sunset. :') The quality of your instruments is amazingly high, and I'm exceedingly impressed that you played at least a couple of them live. The "different feel" you went for with this one most certainly paid off, my friend. If I ever direct a film, I know who I want to write the soundtrack: YOU! I'm running out of compliments, to be honest...Not only am I giving this a flawless 10/10, I'm also fav'ing and DL'ing this instantly. I would give you a personal standing ovation from my room right now, but my parents are asleep across the hall. I'm blown away...soul-altering work, Bassfiddlejones! ^_^

10/10

bassfiddlejones responds:

Wow... where to begin? Thank you for this awesome review. I absolutely love it when something I write can elicit emotions in the listener. I love it even more when it communicates a story! I was actually having a really crappy day when I got this review and it lifted my spirits greatly. I certainly hope you direct a film someday, I'd be more than happy to score it! (and I hope you didn't wake your parents!)

It's comments like this that inspire me to write music, and are a big part of what makes it worth it to me. Thank you.