TaintedLogic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Escape From the Grave]

Intriguing title. I love the dark organ chords at the beginning and the frantic riffs at :19. The percussion here is really nice and dynamic, and the heavy use of the ride cymbal gives it a somewhat jazzy feel. At times, I felt like the balance in the texture was a bit off - there's a big emphasis on the frantic harmonic elements, whereas for example, I think elements like the brass solo at :57 should probably take precedence, even though it's short-lived. The organ chords toward the middle make for a cool bridge, although perhaps that section could've been integrated a bit more cleanly with the final orchestral section at 2:04. That said, I really like the additional mallets and string harmonies during the final minute. The piece never quite relieves the sense of tension it creates throughout, but otherwise it's a great example of how you're so good at creating these cinematic masterpieces. Cheers, Ale! ^_^

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Hey! Nice to hear from you. I hope you're doing well :)

This is not my favourite of my own compositions, since indeed there are quite a few things that could be improved in it. I still like the general idea, but I just didn't have enough time to spend on it to really make it shine. I'm glad that you still found some enjoyment in it, and thank you for taking the time to leave such a solid review!

[The Newgrounds Composer]

I like the furtive beginning and the gradually more energetic and upbeat feel by around the 1-minute mark. The string at 1:30 or so are a nice touch, and the brass at 1:50 really helps thicken up the texture. Something about the timing of the harmonies/syncopations at 2:22 doesn't quite line up. Maybe it's that the string samples aren't quite reaching their peak volume on the down beat? The piano line at 3:11 was a welcome return to a more mellow vibe, but the transition there was also a tad abrupt. You really tripped me out with the couple short encores at the end, haha. Feels like they're the seeds of two entirely different pieces, but I especially liked the dreamy guitar at the very end. :) Keep at it, LSD! ^_^

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Thanks for leaving another review!

You're right about 2:22. It's always difficult to balance orchestral instruments around the piano, even if I would've recorded with a metronome, as the playing is quite dynamic. I feel like the mix could also use some improvement in a few areas. Other than that, I'm quite happy with the arrangement. The ending is indeed a bit unorthodox, but it makes sense in the context of the inspiration for the music! I recommend watching the animation, as the piece is partially based on that ^ ^

[Hopea]

I like the dreamy intro and the evocative sound design. The harsh elements of the texture at :38 are a nice touch, and I like how the progression starts to take on a darker tone until the piano comes in at :51. While the piece is a bit slow-paced at times, the sound design remains interesting, especially with the vocals at 1:30. The brass solo at 1:40 is great, but I think it would've been more impactful if there were some more substantive harmonies built around it. The percussion in this piece is great, though, especially later on when complementing the brass and woodwind melodies. I also like the cliffhanger ending. I think it fits a piece this whimsical and mysterious rather well. Great job, Ale, and happy 2022! ^_^

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Happy 2022!

I agree that the piece is a bit slow-paced, but I think that's in the nature of a composition like this, also combined with the artwork. I still wanted to find a way to let it progress, which is why I completely change the genre/instruments at the halfway point. I was trying not to let it move too far away in energy, however. I'm thinking that maybe this song should've actually been made into a loop, but I also like the ending as it is :/

Thanks for listening to some of my later stuff! I've been composing lots for projects, but I haven't yet been able to release any of it online. At some point, though, it should appear :)

[Aurora Beam]

Ooo, I like this. The dynamic piano melodies and crisp beats really hit the spot, and the airy pads and ghostly leads (like at 1:05) smooth over the texture nicely. The glissando at 2:15 makes for a neat transition, and the production quality here is super tight despite the busy texture. Mood is a great mix of relaxing and energetic. I kinda felt like the ending cam on a bit abruptly, but I'm sure it's meant to loop in-game. I've got to get more in touch with the gaming scene on NG. Good for you for landing all these tracks in games. Happy 2022, TV! ^^

TeraVex responds:

Ayyyy TL! Long time no see! It's great to hear from you, I'm glad you like the track! I still revisit this from time to time, I look back on it fondly.

[The Magical Forest]

Top-notch instrumentation here. I love the whimsical tone and variety in the texture throughout. The heavier section at :53 works really well, too, and I like how it's immediately contrasted with the more subdued tone at 1:10. The little filler mini-solos at the end of each phrase are great - I especially like the harpsichord at 1:50. The increased prominence of the vocal pads at 2:06 is a great way of ending the piece too. I think this is my favorite track of yours of 2021. Cheers, Everratic! ^_^

Everratic responds:

Thank you!

[Longing]

Oh, man, the feels with this one are strong. I love the rich piano at the beginning and the entrance of the strings later on. I think the first pause works better than the second one, perhaps because the texture is thicker when it stops at :57. But the piano sounds really organic. Are you playing one, or is that just an extremely well-humanized VST? Either way, lovely work, Everratic. ^_^

Everratic responds:

Thanks for the review! This is not live playing, I put a lot of work into humanization.

[Return of the Undead Princess]

Ah, yes. I've missed your waltzy orchestral music. :) The percussion here is especially nice, and I like the growing emotional appeal over the course of the first 40 seconds or so. The ritardando at :57 was a nice touch, although the ending felt a tad rushed. That said, you nailed the sound design and mixing as always. I'm sure Moon Jelly will be quite pleased. ^^

Everratic responds:

Thank you!

[We R Venom]

I really like this! The rhythmic elements of the initial couple of riffs really capture my attention, and the vocals are top-notch as usual. Your mixing and mastering is really strong, too, although occasionally the drums struggle to come through a tad. The structure felt a little formulaic after a time, with a repetitive chorus and some abrupt transitions to boot. A more dynamic solo or extended bridge section might've helped with that. Still, the track has a great, punchy tone and some cool drum fills. Strong work overall, dude2312! ^_^

dude2312 responds:

TaintedLogic!

Been a while! Thank you so much for your input. I am really glad you liked it! I will try to cool it down with the exclamation points but I really like it that you like it! lol

[JUMBO HEART XL (FULL ALBUM)]

Awesome, man! I've had this playing in the background while I clean out my home office, and I'm really impressed with the musical variety - equal parts danceable, edgy/dramatic, soulful, and mellow. I think Volty's Quest is still my favorite, but the track at 19:26 was also quite easy to hum along to. Part of me wanted the transitions between the tracks to be a bit smoother, but I know that most of them were made to loop in-game. I also like the (purposeful?) choice to put the beautiful, dreamy piece at 33:00 smack dab in the middle of the album. It really feels like a grand intermission of sorts. :) Anyway, looking forward to hearing more from you in 2022 and 2023! Cheers. ^^

ConnorGrail responds:

Thanks for listening! Funny thing, that track at 19:26 is also Volty's Quest, just the second track I made for it. So you might just have a favourite game haha. I'm also glad you enjoyed the quiet little intermission, no better place for a little break than halfway if you ask me 🙂

(Edit: just realized 19:26 is the first track of Volty, the one directly after is the second)

[God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen]

Awesome! You really made this your own, Connor. It has a nice, punchy vibe between the crisp drums and heavy down beats. The rest of the sound design is really top-notch too, and the vocals feel really dynamic between the more subdued tone at the beginning and the more passionate flair towards the end. Your mixing and mastering has really improved over the past year or two as well. Keep at it, man! Happy holidays. ^_^

ConnorGrail responds:

Thanks! glad you liked the dynamics and style of this one, I had fun contrasting the typical holiday music sound. Nice to see your name pop up for another review, happy holidays to you as well