TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Tear Through The Sky (NGADM 2023)]

I like the high-octane guitar riffs at the beginning and the punchy drums that come in shortly thereafter. The drone-like vocals at :22 are nice, although at times (:32, 1:10, 1:58, etc.) the lyrical vocals sound a tad over-processed. That may have been intentional, but it comes across as a bit cheesy. That said, I like the outer space theme and compositional details, like the way the guitar mimics the melodic contour of the vocals at 1:51. The piece might’ve used some more structural variety at some point to break up the constantly frantic and energetic texture, but the rhythmic bridge at 2:41 at least gets you part of the way there with a relatively thin texture. The extended countdown at 3:02 was a little bit drawn-out, but the guitar solo at 3:15 absolutely shreds. It’s a great way of hitting the piece home, although the drums get a tad buried during the last minute or so when the guitar is really dominating the texture. Still, I love the melodies, sound design, progression, and rhythmic content here. Keep it up, CrossCarrasco! ^_^

Also, really sorry to hear about your uncle passing. Hope he had a long and happy life.

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.5/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
2/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
8.75/10

CrossCarrasco responds:

Thank you for the feedback!

[moonlighting]

First of all, I’m so sorry to hear all that you’ve been through in the last couple of weeks, Trois. Can’t even begin to express how glad I am that those two people were there that day. You have some incredible grit to be able to channel all these experiences into such a beautiful work of art. Wow.

—

I like the relaxed mood at the beginning, the smooth lead guitar, and the heartfelt vocals. The way the “more than I” line fades out at 1:34 strikes me as a bit awkward, and there are other times where your voice sounds a bit strained towards the ends of phrases. I understand that’s part of the emotional quality you intended to put behind the song, but for me it doesn’t quite land.

I love the vocal layering and added instrumental tracks during the refrain, though. The guitar solo at 2:58 is really nice, although the vocals could’ve used a bit of a boost in the mix there. I like the soulful bridge at 3:22 too, though I felt the vocals could’ve blended better between each of your parts. The dramatic breakdown at 3:55 was absolutely chill-inducing, and that section in turn leads well into the outro with the heavy guitars at 4:10. From 4:34 on is another example of the vocals getting a bit overwhelmed in the mix, but was also a really resolute and fitting way of concluding the piece.

Overall, downright inspiring work here, you two. I also want to say that it’s rather refreshing to hear a song that has such a consistent rhyme scheme throughout, although that’s a pretty small detail in the grand scheme of things. Rock on, Troisnyx and DisOmikron! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.5/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.5/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
2/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
9.25/10

Troisnyx responds:

Thank you for the review.

Unfortunately there's been enough going on on Newgrounds and elsewhere to show that that grit doesn't matter, my intentions and emotions and musicality don't matter, and this song was needlessly prescient with a certain very popular Newgrounder's gaslighting of his victim and the entire Newgrounds community.

So yeah, frankly, I'm done. I stayed on because of my modship, because people needed to process recent happenings, but I feel like I could disappear tomorrow and the sordid things behind this song would go on with absolute impunity because nobody gives a shit.

[cloud reverie]

I like the tranquil guitar and nature sound effects at the beginning. The tempo feels very loose towards the beginning, and the panning is a little too heavy for my tastes. The sound design is really good, including the glitchy electronic elements that really bleed into the texture by 1:04. Sounds like an edgier version of “Every Photon, 100 Times a Second” by @SleepFacingWest. The melodic content in this piece is also good, but a bit understated at times, like the smooth synth melody at 1:50. I also think the arrangement is a tad choppy, with some sudden transitions and a compositional approach that’s taking you in a few different directions at once. The atmosphere, instrumentation, and production are probably my favorite elements of the piece, although the experimental texture and rhythmic content are not far behind. Really evocative work, LordAndiso! 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
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
1/1
Composite score
9/10

LordAndiso responds:

Thank you so much for the review! I will learn a lot from this! This is amazing that there are competitions like this, really brings the artists self-improvement :D

[We Are Free [NGADM 2023]]

I like the atmospheric intro. The vocals sound nice and confident, but are also a tad over-processed at times, and the lyrics themselves are a bit cheesy. The mix is loud and punchy, but during the drop at 1:05 the drums get a bit lost. I like the sound design, especially at the breakdown at 1:43. The crisp strings, choir pads, and later the return of the prominent bass at 2:08 all really hit the spot. The rhythmic content and filtering work at 2:34 are especially nice, although the heavy breaks there also bury the vocals once they come back in at 2:47, and the vocals also get a tad repetitive towards the end of the piece. Overall, I enjoy the upbeat and triumphant mood, synth melodies, and progression of this piece a lot. I think the production could use some tightening up, and the composition could use a tad more variety later on. Still, you struck a great balance between atmospheric and danceable here. Keep at it, Benji!

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.25/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.25/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
2/2
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?)
1/1
Composite score
8/10

Benji-G responds:

Thank you so much for the review TaintedLogic!

[Be That As It May]

I like the prominent hats and rich guitar chords at the beginning. The snare at :19 sounds a bit distorted and heavy for an otherwise tranquil piece like this. The vocals are great, and seem much more up-front in the mix than the last time, which I appreciate. I also really like the variations in the instrumental tracks at around 2:00. The high-pitched vocals at the bridge at 2:51 are also a highlight, as is the doodling at 3:29. The outro is a bit dragged-out, but otherwise I really like the languid pacing of this piece. Overall, I think you nailed this, Spoonman! Such a peaceful and heartfelt track. Keep it up! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.25/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
2/2
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

SpoonMix responds:

Thank you, TaintedLogic for the review! I did want to do something about the snare, the gated reverb is very noticeable in the beginning... Thank goodness my vocals are a bit better for you. I am aware, also, and wanted, the fade out to be shorter, but I enjoyed that I was able to produce the instrumental and wanted to preserve it... mainly for myself. I'd definitely shorten it if ever this song becomes part of an album...

[meet me outside]

I like the pensive mood at the beginning and the eerie atmospheric elements at :12. The prominent bass and lo-fi beat are nice, although the piece remains pretty minimal throughout, with a rather bland composition and repetitive harmonic content. I think it’s a great start, but I’d like to see you flesh out the structure a bit more. Hope you get a chance to finish this sometime. Keep at it, NashQP! ^_^

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?)
.5/1
Composite score
7.5/10

NASHqp responds:

Thanks! I was extremely busy at college and was wishing an extension for the deadline so I could complete this song, but I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I might consider finishing the song.

[Guest of Honour]

I like the smooth guitar riffs at the beginning and the rich, echo-y harmonies at :13. The vocals at :25 are a bit soft in the mix, but the furtive tone and thick layering are both really nice. I love the defiant attitude at 1:08, although the drums get seriously lost in the mix there. The rhythmic content and variety in the instrumental tracks throughout is totally a highlight, here. At 2:38, a more ambitious solo or something would’ve been welcome - otherwise, I felt like the last 30 seconds was the most bland part of the composition here. Still, you nailed this, Mischa. Love the edgy vocals, sound design, progression, and atmosphere. Make the drums sound punchier, and this piece is damn near a 10/10. Rock on! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.5/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.25/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
2/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
1/1
Composite score
9.25/10

Mischa-head responds:

Thank you very much!

[Lordant - The Lost Tale]

I like the sense of wonder at the beginning. The vocals and bell-like atmosphere are great, and the rich string swells and melodies are absolutely beautiful. The mix is sharp and well-balanced, and you also make the most of simplicity with the majestic piano breakdown at 1:34. I thought you could’ve done a bit more to give the section between 1:46 and 2:30 a stronger sense of direction, though. This piece seems to be missing a strong “point of arrival” later on that would’ve really hit it home. Still, you get full credit for production quality, atmosphere, and instrumentation here. Another gorgeous piece, Lordant. Keep it up! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
2/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
2/2
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?)
.75/1
Composite score
9/10

Lordant responds:

Thanks for feedback, as always!

[Somewhere I'll Find You]

I like the punchy guitar riff and drums at the beginning. The saxophone at :25 was a good idea, but I think it could’ve been a bit more prominent in the mix. The rich atmosphere and electronic/rock hybrid sound design are really good here, although at times the composition didn’t feel as dynamic as it could’ve been. The transition at 1:53 with the heavy panning is cool, and I really like the solos at 2:21. The last minute and a half or so of the piece seemed like a missed opportunity to shake up the harmonic framework and/or main riffs of the piece, but I enjoyed the echo-y, mellow outro nonetheless. Overall, this is strong work, BOE! Definitely has a distinct emotional appeal. Keep it up. ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.5/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
8.5/10

BeyondOurEyes responds:

Thank you for the feedback and score, glad you dig it! I probably would have pushed the sax volume up a tad if it was a more convincing / realistic VSTi, I'm looking into replacing the basic one I used here. But I'll keep this all in mind for future tracks and the next submission! \m/

[Runner]

I like the dark atmosphere at the beginning and the dystopian voiceover. The groovy bass at :30 and the tense, apprehensive vibe are enjoyable, but the minimal texture and overuse of the spoken-word vocals are turn-offs for me. Right as the instrumentals seem like they’re picking up, the vocals often cut in abruptly. If the vocals are original, it’s certainly impressive voice acting, but frankly voice acting isn’t what I’m looking for in competitions like this. I think you could’ve done a lot more with the instrumental tracks in terms of variety, richness, and melodic content. The production quality is probably my favorite element of this piece - the mix is clean, if a bit bottom-heavy. The sound design is a close second, though. I especially love the gritty old-school techno synths. Still, the fact that the vocals are the main thing driving the narrative here is a bit concerning to me, and the vocal sections often don’t have much else going on simultaneously to keep me engaged. Overall, I’m not sure this functions well as a stand-alone track, but if you can team up with someone from the movie portal, it would make for a compelling short film. Keep at it, Ukatz! ^_^

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

Ukatz responds:

Yea, everyone says like "IT'S DEFINITELY A GAME OST", "Maybe a film soundtrack?".
Just don't know how show myself to someone :c

About diversity in instrumental part, i think just not enough time, try my best for this deadline.
Just happy to participate in this competition, thanks :3