TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Bound By Fate (Original Mix)]

This is very good. I can really tell the mixing and mastering has improved a lot, and the vocals definitely add a lot to the piece as well. What plug-in did you use for the piano, btw? The piano in the original almost sounded out-of-tune at times, so I'm glad you replaced it. The structure and transitions are very well-done. All the structural twists and turns really make this piece feel cinematic in a way. The mood is the perfect mixture of energetic and atmospheric. The only thing I feel the need to point out in the negative for this piece is that the texture feels a little too thick for me around 5:58 and at other places (although this might just be because I'm not used to hearing it with vocals). Overall, this is one of my favorite pieces of yours, so I'm really glad you remastered it. Also, may I ask what the lyrics are, please? Anyway, I hope I'll hear from you again sooner rather than later. Btw, I can't describe how awesome it made me feel when you linked my channel to the text "You should go listen to this dude." I'm honored. Thanks Matt! ;D Talk to you soon. ^^

Dylnmatrix responds:

Thanks man. Yeah, I'd have to say that it's you getting acclimated to the vocals. It was also hard to mix those in, so I might have messed up somewhere in that regard.

Also, lyrics have been added to the author comments :3

Edit: Oh yeah I forgot to tell you what I used for my piano. It was the Nexus Grandpiano, from none other than Nexus.

[Solitude Salvation]

I like the instruments and the mood. In the beginning it sounds like you're creating some space for climax, like something's about to happen, but it progressed a little slowly in general. I thought the chords cut off a little suddenly at :34. I think either the sidechain or the limiter affects the strings too much between 1:06 and 1:33. I'm not sure what level you're at with the mixing yet, but please never use limiters on the master channel. Instead, adjust the volume levels in the mixer until the peak meter (top-center of screen) never turns red throughout the piece. Also, that instrument you used for the bass drum sounded a little inauthentic, and I think it had too much reverb. Lastly, I'm afraid the fade-out ending sounded a bit boring. Sorry this isn't really a very positive review, TeraVex. I do like the structure and reflective moods, and it would be good for a videogame, but I can't help going all out to make sure this track reaches its full potential. :) Happy new year! ;D

TeraVex responds:

I understand what you mean.
This was rushed out because I was working on something. (A prelude to Dawn Of Destruction) and it's not going to be done for a while so my apologies, I'll be sure to fix this up a little because honestly I agree with everything you've said up to this point.

[Just some doodles]

This certainly is a deviation from some of your other stuff, Matt. It's a little distorted for my tastes, and it gets very repetitive after a while, but it does feel very climactic and energetic. I like the transition at 2:05 a lot, but I think it could've led more of somewhere. The track does loop well, however. I think you need to use some other synths besides Z3TA+ and Sylenth because your music almost has TOO MUCH integrity across tracks. Also, the balance seems a little off at times: the bass completely overpowers the pads and melodies. Furthermore, I think the kick should be a bit louder - dubstep really relies on the contrast between the kick and the snare for the intense mood it communicates. Sorry if this review seems a bit nit-picky and negative, but I feel like I've learned a lot in the four months since I've reviewed one of your tracks and I'm trying to use that info to help you! ;) Talk to you soon, Matt! ;D

Dylnmatrix responds:

Thanks man. Appreciate all the reviews!

Honestly, I have a hard time seperating myself from Z3TA. I've become so emotionally glued to the damn thing and it's amazing library of synths and such that it's hard for me to put down. Also, Dr. Fresh and Sandstorm...I can't let them go. Espec. Sandstorm. I loooooove that gritty son of a bitch. But I've always been into distorted, gritty leads.

Anyways, I'll be sure to send you the improvements to the track when we finish it. I'll even write myself a note to remember.

[undersea and lost.]

Wow, this IS different than many of your other tracks! You really emphasized the harmonies more in this one. I love the structure, btw. The transition from energetic to pensive is done very well. However, I think when you transition back to a more energetic vibe at 3:29, it could be smoother. It got a little repetitive after a while, especially with the riff that pops in at 3:29 and other places. Also, for a piece that's so atmospherically driven, it ends a little suddenly. However, I must say I never got tired of the riff at :44 that just seems to encase the entire atmosphere of the piece. I think you did a good job with the dynamic contrast, too. Overall, of course, it's an excellent piece. Before I started listening to you, Johnfn, I didn't like chipstep that much (or maybe I didn't know exactly what it was), but either way all I know is that I'm a big fan of this style of music. Keep at it, Johnfn! ;D

johnfn responds:

It's funny you call the transition at 3:27. I agree with you but the one thing I do like a lot about this piece is how that 2:57 arp thing sort of fades out the middle section into the final section. The main problem with the transition is probably just that 3:29 repetitive melody. It's interesting how you say it's repetitive. While composing I figured it would just be one of those melodies that can't be repetitive because it's too simple and you'd hear it as just background noise (like the quick arps that kick off the piece). But after re-listening I agree with you. Learning things all the time. :D

Anywho thanks for the review. One final comment is about the genre of pieces like these. I normally put my pieces in the chipstep genre when they'd more traditionally fit into something like "chiptune", because the "chiptune" genre doesn't fit on here. But recently I dunno if this is even chiptune because it's using a lot of non chiptune elements too. It'd probably be closer to 9-bit, which is like chiptune that's been enhanced with sounds that aren't found in traditional chiptune.

Or maybe it's something totally different!

[Dark Reflections]

Strange how creative minds function best late at night, isn't it? I love the emotion and the contemplative mood. It's very relaxing but also thought-provoking. I love the structure, too. I'm exceedingly impressed that you improvised all of this. Even in its relative simplicity it manages to tell a story well. It's simply beautiful music, light on the ears and heavy on the mind. I imagine a cold winter somewhere in Europe during WWII, and a husband must leave his wife and children to join the war effort. The majority of the piece captures the train ride to the front, the man's mixed emotions of longing to see his family and excitement to crush the depraved opposition. At 2:34 he is leaving the train and walking into the morass of the soldiers' camp, and at 2:36 we see the wife and children, in tattered clothing, waiting at the train again in 1945 for the man's return. At 3:02, the man steps out, and we see that he is gravely wounded and has a visible limp. At 3:20, the husband and wife and kids find each other, and they are locked in a deep embrace, sharing in their sorrows at seeing their loved ones in such a state, but also sharing their happiness at seeing each other again, just like any strong family would. So, anyway, excellent work, BlazingDragon, and sorry if I got carried away with the story! ;D

BlazingDragon responds:

I'm definitely a night owl! All my most imaginative and productive work seems to get done after 10 PM. Everyone else is starting to go to sleep in the house, all is quiet, and I can totally pour myself into the music without distraction. It's really wonderful.

Excellent story that you've composed! I like the dichotomy of emotion. The man feels both excitement for battle and longing for family in the beginning, and in the end, the family feels both sorrow for their wounded loved one and happiness to in being reunited. That's the kind of depth I like to put into my music.

Thanks! :D

[Holography]

Very catchy and engaging. I love the "woops." It progresses a little slowly at times, but I do like the structure and transitions. You keep the energy up throughout, and it certainly gains points for uniqueness as well. "Ablixa" was probably my favorite NG track of 2013, btw, and I'm thrilled to see you're back! :D Happy new year, Garlagan, and keep it up, my friend! ;)

garlagan responds:

really glad you like it Andrew! happy new year you too