TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Chocnoon - Hydraulics (CCLXXVIII)]

I like the upbeat synth riff at the beginning. The drum samples and some of the synths are a bit cheesy, but a bigger problem is the mixing. The drums are very hard to hear once the harmonies at :24 come in. Notice how the drums sound a lot quieter at around :30 than they did at :10 or so? That’s a sign that the texture is getting distorted because you have multiple instruments playing at the same frequency range. You can fix it by adding a compressor to the drums, and then using an equalizer to filter out the bass tones (less than 200 Hertz or so) in the harmonic instruments. I’m sure you can look up “how to use a compressor in Jummbox” or “how to use an equalizer in Jummbox” to help you navigate the technicalities of your DAW. You also might already be familiar with these mixing tools - you should use them way more often, is the point. You can also try dialing back the reverb, which might be making the texture sound even muddier.

Production quality aside, I like the energy and rhythmic content here. The harmonies, while hard to discern in the muddy mix, fit nicely together, and you also have some cool transitions in here, like at 1:15. While the harmonic content is very repetitive here, the key change at 1:26 and the shifting instrumental palette help keep things interesting. Still, at some point I would’ve liked to hear an extended breakdown or bridge section where you strip away the beat and give the piece a stronger narrative appeal. Right now, it’s high-energy pretty much all the time, which isn’t very conducive to keeping the listener engaged.

Still, I like the shimmering synth at the outro (2:41), and overall the atmosphere, melodies, and progression of the piece are enjoyable. Keep at it, Derailment! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
.5/2
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?)
1/1
Composite score
5.75/10

name responds:

Well, the presets (and the DAW) aren't really the best. But I have to admit it, my mixing is not the best. But well... I wonder what's that .25/1 in uniqueness.

[Awake]

I like the neat riser at the beginning and the tranquil E-piano and guitar shortly thereafter. The transition between the electronic and acoustic-sounding parts is really smooth, and you channel the energy really well with the drums and effects. The echo-y drop at 1:25 is really catchy, if a bit minimal, and overall I’m really impressed with the variety in the sound design. The mix is a tad over-compressed for my tastes, but otherwise clean and clear throughout. The tranquil breakdown at 2:17 is good for some variety, and I love how you double down on it at 2:42 right when it seemed like you were going to launch into another big build-up. I really like how you decided to shake up the drop the second time around at 3:34, although the writing there doesn’t feel quite as well-varied and dynamic as the first drop. The piano outro was another good idea, though. Despite my nitpicks, this piece is seriously good - great mixing and mastering, killer sound design, plenty of variety, and some super catchy drops. Keep it up, DenPelm! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.5/1.5
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
.75/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
1/1
Composite score
9.25/10

[ROTTERDAM]

I like the smooth pads at the beginning and the sense of build into :23. The percussion at :23 is a tad dry, thin, and high-pitched, though. The mix is a tad over-compressed for my tastes, but I like the blissful melodies at :43. The gritty post-chorus at 1:05 may have dragged on for a bit long, but I like the filtering work at 1:24 or so and the mellow re-intro thereafter. The slight variations on the second refrain at 2:12 are good for some variety, and I also appreciated the key change at 2:31.

In general, the arrangement, sound design, and chord progression are all a bit generic here, but I do enjoy the glitchy sound effects during transitional moments in this piece. The production quality is also strong, and you’ve clearly displayed your good sense of harmony and rhythm as well. Some of the melodies could’ve been a tad more dynamic, but they were also certainly catchy and memorable. Solid effort overall, Denks! Keep it up. ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
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
.5/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7.75/10

[Concentrate]

I like the frantic acid synth riff at the beginning and the robotic-sounding vocals. The atmosphere is rich and eerie, although you quickly overuse the vocals. I like the drop at :44, especially the rhythmic content and the call-and-response between the higher-pitched and bass synths. The breakdown at 1:29 was good for a bit of variety, but it was also very short-lived and didn’t quite scratch my itch for some more harmonic depth in the piece. At some point, I would’ve liked to see you lean more heavily on atmospheric or melodic content to fill the texture, rather than the gritty, minimal synths. I do like how the piece comes full-circle towards the end, though, with that apprehensive acid riff. Overall, the production quality and rhythmic content here are really good, and I also enjoy the sound design and progression. That said, the composition is a tad underwhelming in terms of harmony and texture, and could also use a richer atmosphere at times. Still, you’ve made a catchy track with neat instrumentals and a distinct, ominous mood here, Demonicity. Keep at it! ^_^

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

[A Light From Beyond Tomorrow]

I like the synth guitar melody at the beginning. The shimmering synth at :10 is a little disorienting, and the pacing of the piece is very fast, with a lot of total shake-ups to the instrumental hierarchy in a short time. The production quality is great, though, with crisp drums and well-balanced harmonies throughout. Also, I really like the guitar solo at 1:28.

The piece seems to be structured as a series of melodic solos that alternate between a number of different synths. At some point I might’ve liked to hear a bridge or breakdown that breaks up that paradigm a tad, just for variety. Otherwise, the different melody lines kind of blend together while also not really contributing to an overarching sense of narrative. You also overuse the same couple of cadences at the end of each melodic phrase, giving the piece a sense of being pretty repetitive despite having a bunch of different melody lines in it.

Otherwise, the sound design is enjoyable, and you clearly have a good sense of harmony and rhythm. I think the very end of the piece could’ve been a bit more creative than a fade-out, but I understand that this piece would probably loop in-game. Regardless, breaking up the arrangement of the piece and focusing on structural cohesion in your tracks is a good next step for you. Keep at it, Deemo-R! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
2/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.5/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.75/2
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
7.75/10

Deemo-R responds:

Sorry to ping this like a year later, but for some reason I thought I had responded to this at some point! I'm actually surprised that you think the production was good, it's always been a point I feel like I've lacked on - perhaps not the general idea of "balance", but more that it leans too much into tucking everything into an even pocket of gray mush (nothing really jumps out in an ear-catching "ooh, what's that?" sort of way). Part of that I think comes from the way I've arranged things, which tends to veer into potentially oversaturating a track with too many elements that serve similar purposes. What's interesting is that I think you're pointing out the same idea, but from the perspective that it makes the overall cohesion less effective in a structural way. Which, by the way, I agree with, despite how embarrassing it is to feel like my control of form (one of the most documented aspects of music) is extremely lacking.

And yes, the arrangement part you mention is a big thought of mine - a teacher one described it as a necessity to consider the "density" of a piece. If it feels like a flat line, eventually a listener will tune it out. There's a lack of intrigue, and in my case it usually feels like it needs breathing room. I get a bit over-excited when writing energetic music, tending to focus too hard on the microscopic aspects of each line or bar, instead of a broader "see the forest, not the trees" approach.

Anyway, I know it's a bit weird to respond THIS late after the fact, but I just wanted to make sure it's clear that I always appreciate a critical look and spend a lot of time considering the things that peers offer about the craft. Thanks!

[Rise As Always]

I like the emotional appeal of the piano at the beginning, and the drums give the piece a good sense of energy and drive that it otherwise wouldn’t have had. That said, the texture is pretty minimal throughout here, and I would’ve liked to hear some more dynamic melodies, or at least a stronger sense of ebb and flow to the intensity level over time. This piece has a lot of potential, though, and I hope you’ll keep working on it. You’ve already nailed the sound design, mixing, and progression. The composition just needs to be more fleshed out in terms of harmonic depth and melodic content. Keep at it, Dax! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.5/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1/2
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?)
.25/1
Composite score
6.5/10

[on sight]

I like the catchy beats at the beginning and the chopped vocals at :16. There’s a good sense of build into :30. The drop is a bit minimal and harsh-sounding with that high-register synth, but the rhythmic content is good throughout. I especially like the percussion at around 1:04, and the mixing and mastering is really strong as well. My major complaint here is the lack of variety and originality in the composition. The arrangement, chord progression, and aspects of the sound design are all pretty generic, and at some point I would’ve liked to hear more melodic content or atmosphere, just to break up the repetition of the beat and vocals. Still, this is a catchy and well-mastered track with a decent progression, and I hope you’ll keep working on it. Cheers! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
2/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.75/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.25/2
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?)
.75/1
Composite score
7/10

[FANTASMA [NGADM 2023 Top 100]]

I like the apprehensive mood at the beginning and the orchestral sound design, between the string drone and church bells. There’s a good sense of build into :52, and once again into 1:07. The gritty synths during the drop don’t necessarily blend in well with the rest of the piece’s sound design in my opinion, especially the mid-range bass at 1:07. I like how you added back the string line at 1:40, but I would’ve liked to see it be a bit more prominent in the mix. The arrangement of this piece is a bit generic, but I enjoyed the eerie riff at 2:08 and the second build-up nonetheless. I would’ve liked to hear more variety in the drop the second time around, especially compared to the first one. That said, I really like the emotional appeal of the outro. Overall, great job with the mixing and mastering, well-balanced texture, and atmosphere/mood of this piece. Some of the compositional details of this piece could use a bit more massaging, but most of my complaints here are small details. Keep at it, D4W1LL13! Good luck with your album. :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
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
.5/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7.75/10

D4W1LL13 responds:

Thanks so much for listening! I gave my best efforts with this one, and strongly believed in its ability to compete in the audio deathmatch. It is extremely encouraging to see feedback from you and many others.

[POV: ohio]

I like the glitchy synth riff at the beginning and the echo-y mallets and sub-bass at :09. The snare sample at :18 isn’t my favorite - it sounds a bit thin and high-pitched. I like the cutesy melodies at :28, but occasionally you tried to do a bit too much with the rhythmic syncopations. I also think the texture sounded a tad too busy at :47. At some point, it would’ve been nice to strip away the beat and take the piece in a different direction (more melodic, or more atmospheric, etc.), just for some variety. After the first minute and a half or so, the piece is very repetitive, and also doesn’t have a lot of truly dynamic melodic content. The arrangement seems a bit formulaic and stale, despite the neat sound design and energetic beats keeping me engaged. Overall, I think the compositional details could’ve been more fleshed out here, and aspects of the harmonic framework are a bit generic, but the production quality, sound design, and a lot of the individual riffs are really enjoyable. Keep at it, Cyllum! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
2/2
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
.75/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7.75/10

[APSM (NGADM)]

I like the glitchy and ominous riffs at the beginning. The sound design and production are both awesome, and you nailed the rich atmosphere and moodiness too. At :46 or so, the piece loses a bit of momentum, and after a while I would’ve liked the piece to stay grounded in some more stable harmonic content. The melancholy breakdown at 1:40 is nice, and I really like the addition of the piano and the wavering synth pads at around 2:05. The filtering/volume adjustments on the pads at around 2:35 are a bit disorienting, but I like how the piece sinks back into a mellow atmosphere before the final drop at 3:23. That said, there are also a lot of moments in this piece where the texture is fairly minimal, and I might’ve liked to see either some more melodic content or otherwise a thicker soundscape. Still, the mixing, mastering, and instrumentation are killer here. Really evocative piece, CrowdDoll! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
2/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1/2
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
8/10

CrowdDoll responds:

Thank you so so much for your review. I really tried to go a little more Experimental for this piece because I want to explore the more crazy part of my music and extend the bounds of what I can do. But thank you for your honest feedback, I'll use it to improve my Round 1 track ( ╹▽╹ )