TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Ascent]

I like that synth at the beginning, but I think the rhythm is a bit disorienting at times. Couldn't hurt to have a beat earlier on or some harmonies to support the rhythmic structure. I think the real problem is that there are just too many notes in there, man, and you should stick to some simpler rhythms and focus more on the progression and variations. Eventually, when you get a feel for rhythm more, it'll be easier to know what sounds jarring and what doesn't. It also really helps if you play a musical instrument. This piece is short, which is okay, but what really bothers me is that there's not a lot of structural variation (breakdowns, bridges, verse-chorus play-off, etc.), melodic development, or dynamic contrast. The harmonies were also a little jarring at times, but I think that might just partly be because you have too much going on in there. The reverb kind of gave it a nice spacey feel, but it also added to the disorienting nature of the rhythms. Overall, I think it has some potential - you have some good ideas in here. However, it needs more variation. Try fleshing out these ideas more, simplifying them if necessary, while still keeping it smooth-flowing and coherent. This is challenging, I know - but once you learn to find a balance between coherence and variation, it makes your pieces all the more pleasant to listen to. It's just that this one is WAY on the too-coherent end, okay? ;) Keep working at it, man! ^^

xxxZigZagxxx responds:

Thanks for the feedback, man. hopefully i'll work on these things. cheers!

[The Yanterflum's Grotto]

I liked the combination of instruments and rather impressively-oriented frantic arpeggios! :D It is a little simplistic and bare-sounding at times, but the compositional value is rather good. You have a good sense of progression and structuring, and it's very smooth-flowing. You control the pace of it very well, as it effectively transitions several times from slow to fast and back. An interesting piece, but to be honest a little lack-luster later on. There are some good ideas here, but you needed to flesh them out a little more. I think you should've done more harmonizing and had more melodic development throughout. The beginning was rather show-y, and didn't really set up the rather dry latter two-thirds of the piece very well. I'm being a bit tough on you, though. It's not that bad at all! I loved the instruments and how they worked together, and I see no problems with the mixing or mastering. Keep at it, WingoWinston. ;) Overall, good job. ^^

7.5/10

[Solitary Cave]

I like the atmospheric mood at the beginning and the synths. The relaxing melodies are good, and it definitely has a good sense of climax and direction throughout. It is a little simplistic and repetitive at times, though. The main melody recurs a lot during the first two minutes. I appreciated the variations you started incorporating around 2:30, though, but even those last for a lengthy 45 seconds. I didn't think this piece had to be 5.5 minutes long - maybe 3 or 4 instead. The structural relief at the breakdown at 3:14 was welcome, though. I think the chord progression is a little cliché, and I think you needed some more transitional variety besides the simple sweeps and crashes. That said, the mixing is pretty good, and I like how you concluded the piece. Overall, it's pretty good. I've been tough on you. The repetitiveness and simplicity are the main things, but keep up the good work, Tourmithefly! ;)

7.25/10

[Celestial Grief]

I love the choir. It sounds very pretty and definitely establishes the theme of church very well. The organ and strings really work well together. I think the progression is interesting, and the melodic and harmonic content is superb. It's rather fast-paced at times, and sometimes there could be more smoothly-done transitions, like at 3:05. The ending seemed fitting, though, even if it was a bit rushed. It has a good sense of direction to it throughout, and I hear no problems with the mixing or mastering. All the reverb on the instruments really gave it the feel of being performed in a chapel, btw. This is, overall, a very entertaining and creative piece. Haunting, in a way - maybe the church is abandoned? Anyway, excellent job! This is a very amusing work! ;)

9/10

[Mechanical Hypocrisy ROCK vers]

I love the mood and instruments, and the vocals are very well done. The lyrics are good, but the vocals really made the conspiratorial and intense mood they imply come to life. It's climactic and dramatic, and I love that I feel like the singer is personally talking to me! The instrumentals are a perfect mix of soothingly atmospheric and subtly apprehensive. I love the synth melody that pops in at around 1:10. I think the mood of the piece slowly evolves into triumphant. It really feels like you're free at the end. Excellent job channeling the emotions here. The mixing and mastering was very good as well, and I see no problems with the balance or anything else of that sort. This is a job well done, MetalRenard! Also, I'd like to personally inform you that we had SkyeWint step in as a special back-up judge to score your submission, as Troisnyx didn't feel comfortable doing so in the end. Anyway, good job. ;) Keep it up! ^^

9.5/10

MetalRenard responds:

Awh thanks! I'm glad you like my voice, it really boosts my confidence to continue singing when people tell me that. I'm hoping to include vocals in all my submissions for this competition, if everything goes to plan.
Cheers!!!

[LL (Old) - Host Victim (2014]

I love the creepy robotic vocals at the beginning and the ambiance. The vocals set the mood perfectly. I think I'd like it even better if they were even more distorted, just to set that dark mood even more. The vocals at 1:02, on the contrary, were a little too angry and distorted-sounding for my tastes, though. I think that you could make the vocals sound distorted and obscure without making them so aggressive. It is a rather long-winded piece, though, and I think it needs more dynamic contrast and variation in the instrumentals. Perhaps it's only my personal opinion that it's too distorted and angry, though. I think the instruments and mixing are pretty good. The ending was a bit lack-luster for such a show-y piece, though, and I think it really shouldn't be 6 minutes long - maybe 3 or 4. I might have added more reverb to the vocals, but toned down the attack a bit. Otherwise, though, a pretty solid effort. Keep at it, Lich! ;)

7.5/10

[Rise]

I like the frantic synth bass at the beginning, and the quirky lead at :15. I think you needed a more effective transition at :15, though, even if it was a simple crash. I like the climactic nature of it and the melodies. You have a great sense of harmony. I loved the transition at 1:25. I think this piece has a great sense of direction to it, and it definitely keeps my attention throughout. That said, I think you had some slight balance issues. For example, the bass at around 1:30 and onward was a little too loud. Also, you have some really high-pitched and harsh tones in there later on which could've been compressed more, at the very least. Otherwise, it's an extremely amusing, energetic, and fun piece. The title seems fitting. I think you needed another crash at 3:06 though to aid in that transition. The ending was good, and it doesn't even make a bad loop! Great work, Larrynachos! I think you could potentially go very far in this competition. ;D

9/10

larrynachos responds:

Thanks! Your points were all incredibly valid, and I agree with all of them. I'm flattered to receive such a high score!

[Popping Flowers]

I like the warm chords at the beginning and the way the synth arpeggios gradually fade in. It definitely felt climactic into :46. I think the chord progression was a little cliché, but I did enjoy the melody and the upbeat and blissful mood. The transitions are smooth and the progression is well done. My main problem with it is that you didn't really do anything unexpected or "risky" if you know what I mean. It's an enjoyable piece, but it's one of those that a lot of people would call "good" but not "fantastic," y'know? It was a little repetitive later on, and I think you needed some more variation on the melody to keep my attention, to be honest. The ending was a little lazy, too, and even a transition that's slightly different would've helped gain you some more points in my eyes. Anyway, sorry to be so negative. It's really not that bad at all, and definitely deserving of the All-Star group despite my grievances. The mixing and mastering is good - no complaints there - but that doesn't really help get it past its simplicity. Good job with the mood, instruments, and all, though. Keep up the good work, ForeverBound, and sorry if the results come out when it's a bit too late over there in Europe! ;)

7.5/10

ForeverBound responds:

I wasn't intended to do something risky, I just wanted and easy to listen song whitch is catchy as well and I think I did the job well for that. but Thanks for the review and for hosting this competition