Step's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Withering Conflagration]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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I've been listening to your tracks for a while now but, perhaps shamefully, this is the first time I've ever reviewed one. To get the pleasantries out of the way, I adore your sound design, and actually disagree completely with stunkel that the synth work isn't up to par. Maybe you could've included some grittier instruments, but honestly what you have here is fantastic. You also have some really neat composition going on behind those vocals, and those lyrics are positively savage, haha. Like I've come to expect from you, the production is also solid.

The primary problem I have with this, and unfortunately a lot of your other songs in this style, is that it really does get monotonous, quickly. Vocals have a habit of stealing the listener's attention, no matter how good or bad they are, since the brain automatically attempts to figure out what's being said. Not that these vocals are bad, but they are unchanging and almost completely indiscernible without the lyrics in the description to follow. This leads to an experience where I'm just listening to a guttural, atonal, and incomprehensible voice for pretty much the whole track, and can't really appreciate all the other cool stuff you have going on. My suggestions? Vary the vocal style, and maybe go for a cleaner, singing style for some parts. Give the lead part to another sound. Add drastic changes in mood/style. Things like that.

Apart from the rather apparent monotony, this is insanely well-produced stuff, with an absolutely murderous atmosphere and surprisingly awesome composition to boot. It's a shame to see you go, but thanks for taking part!

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SCORE: 9.0/10

[~SW~ Thurm ins_wa_]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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God, this sounds so Skye. The quirky/eccentric style presented with a super clean mix full of earcandy is something I always prepare myself to hear when I load up one of your songs. While I loved EliteFerrex's track for his melodies and overall charm, this definitely takes the cake for production. The deep bass synchronising with the kick gave this track a lot of rich and wide fullness, and makes it sound absolutely wonderful at high volumes with a decent sub. One thing I've always appreciated about your music is that you don't overload the track with a ton of sounds. You said yourself in the description that you only used 8 instrument channels, but you played around with their sound so much and give them all a lot of individual attention that you give off the illusion of this having an enormous palette of sounds. Also, mmm, those punchy drums.

Honestly, I was a bit hard-pressed to find much wrong with this. That's obviously a good sign, but at the same time, I felt like I wasn't completely taken aback like I tend to be with your other songs. I feel like it doesn't have enough noteworthy melodies or completely crazy/unique ideas to bring it to a level beyond "neat". Your production is stellar and your use of unorthodox time signatures is really damn cool, but at the same time I feel like this is a bit more "safe" than what I've come to expect from you. If this had more memorable melodies or more exciting/out-of-left-field sound design, then that would certainly fix this rather vague issue I have with the track.

I don't want to give off the impression that I don't like this, though. This is still incredible stuff. Can't wait for your next track.

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SCORE: 9.3/10

SkyeWint responds:

Step! :D Hi!

Honestly, you're right - I was kinda playing it safe with a lot of this. I was experimenting with a bit of sound design stuff, but I was also experimenting with the other time signature, which was the biggest "different" thing about this. It's dnb. In 7/8. How common is that?

I've got something else interesting planned for the next track. You'd probably expect something like it more from one of the other people in the contest, but I'm putting my own spin on it. :)

[Facing the Foe]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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Oh man, the Final Fantasy vibes are strong here! I'm going to get this out of the way: the composition here is among my favourite from this whole round. You had an idea, a style, a mood, and you executed everything perfectly. The structure is rock solid, the transitions are all perfect, the instrumentation is fitting... In the composition department, this just excels. I also appreciated the more daring compositional nuances and ideas, like the various modulations, 1:29's totally unexpected Picardy third (that's echoed again at 1:56), and how you pulled off that INCREDIBLE loop with those really neat chord changes and organ fade-in. The intro is just a totally different key and tempo but you kept your cool and nailed it, which really impressed me.

I'm afraid that the production of the track is where you lost a couple of points, since its execution isn't even in the same league as the composition's. I think you've done pretty well for yourself, but a combination of somewhat poor mixing and a lack of more contrasting dynamics gives this a somewhat "held back" impression. A classic example of this is 2:33, where the music audibly rises in composition, but sonically, it remains at roughly the same level, leading to a very unsatisfying and anticlimactic aftertaste, as everything feels held back from what it could be. There's a lot of potential in this track that isn't realised.

I hope I've explained myself properly. While I was rooting for both you and Chrono (happens a lot at this stage of the NGADM haha) I do think you had the slightly better track. Excellent job, and good luck in this next round!

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SCORE: 8.7/10

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Whoo!!!

Final Fantasy indeed. Definitely my main inspiration for this track, even if there are some other series which have great inspirational battle music in them as well.

The thing that is the most important to me, is that people enjoy the compositional aspect. I plan to gradually improve my mixing and production based skills, but I feel that when it comes to composition, I already have something going.
I'm glad that the style and structure is consistent this time as well. I think it helped that I was really in a flow when I made this.

I pretty much modulate automatically nowadays. I don't know why... I think I've always loved modulations of all kinds, and try to find ways to fit them in. They can also give a new feeling to every variation, as even if you hear the same track, but in a different key, it will sound different. Also, transitions somehow get so much more powerful with the right modulation!!

1:29 and 1:56 are nice catches. I felt that even though I wanted to keep the same rhythm and drive going throughout the track, it needed a few places where that structure is challenged, even if it's just for a moment. The same goes for 2:43.

That change in rhythm and tempo for the loop is really weird. I'm surprised myself that it works. The only reason I knew it would, is because for some reason it worked on the piano. I mean... It's such a weird transition o.O

And aah yes, the inevitable. The production is definitely lacking on the parts you mentioned, as well as in general. in a summary, I think what Geoplex said about the track lacking power, is the simplest way of putting it. Also, some points really fall a bit flat XD

I did the best I could for now, but I hope that in about 5 years, I might finally have an inkling of an idea of what I'm doing :p
I definitely agree that 2:33 is the best example, and the most unbalanced part of the mix. I'm impressed you heard the music rises in volume (but not sonically) though; if I didn't know, I totally wouldn't have noticed it. I fade out the percussion there, which shows just how much it adds to the frequencies it's prominent in, and how well the lack of it shows. That section definitely didn't even get close to having the effect I wanted it to have :D

Don't worry, you definitely explained yourself well. I was rooting for both Chrono and dem0 and myself as well, so I totally get that. I would probably simply lie down and die from judging, because I'd often end up rooting for both competitiors :)

Thanks a lot for the review, as well as for the high score, not to speak of organizing this whole thing!

[What Lies Beyond]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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ChronoNomad! You've recently undergone somewhat of a jazzy phase for the NGADM, considering that your last couple of NGADM tracks have leaned more towards the jazz side, and as much as I think you're hugely talented in that area, this is a (definitely welcome) reprise of the style that originally hooked me to your music. There's a certain sense of unwavering, steady flow in this piece that gives it its character. You effortlessly weave melodies from all sorts of instruments together with seamless transitions and transfer of the lead voice. It's a composition style that's not uncommon in RPGs, and like Geoplex it gives me enormous nostalgia for Runescape haha.

Now, my main problem with this is that it's extremely generic. Kidding, just wanted to get you worked up because I know you hate that word :p. I actually adore the style of this piece, even though it's nothing particularly new, since it's what gives it its likeable, RPG-esque charm. However, I absolutely think that you could've gone for a more dynamic approach here. It's a complaint I have for a lot of NGADM submissions and it's starting to make me think it's more personal bias than anything, but it's an opinion I still believe in strongly.

I feel like instead of taking us on a journey, as your description implies, you seem to lull around one particular spot, without exploring anywhere new (save for a slight hint of danger/tension at the end). On top of that, there's no melody the listener can really attach himself to. It feels more like an exercise of "question answer" between various instruments, and while it all flows very well and I respect that stylistic decision, it unfortunately doesn't do the song's memorability any favours. This is why, like Geoplex, I think this falls more under "starter village background music" than "magnificent, unforgettable journey soundtrack".

Despite that, I still love what you've done here, and feel like this could easily grace the soundtrack of any RPG. Wonderful work, and it's a shame to see you go!

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SCORE: 8.6/10

ChronoNomad responds:

Steppeus Maximus! What can I say? I love getting NGADM reviews from you, man. Always have, always will. It must be because I hold your talent in such high esteem. You blushing yet? Good! On we go...

As you say, I had been enjoying a more Jazz-centric sort of experience recently, but I wanted to go back to those roots that so many are familiar with. Before I continue, I just have to say that I was really hoping to get a review from you on One of Those Days! Not that I didn't get some excellent feedback already, but yeah...figured it couldn't hurt to ask. :3 I really like that this one's giving folks such awesome nostalgia trips. Makes me wish that I'd played a bit of Runescape, myself...

Generic--!? Oh, you! Got a mind like a steel trap, you have. But yes, for some reason the g-word really bugs me...even if it happens to be true. I mean, it's just such a generic comment, don'cha know! ^__~ The fact that you really enjoy this style makes it all worthwhile, and I'll probably be making music of a similar ilk for a long, long time to come. Admittedly, I could have taken a more dynamic approach, but I'm not convinced that even doing that would have secured my spot when I'm up against the ball-busting tag team of LSDem0! And interestingly enough, I agree that it's really been the case with a lot of tracks in the NGADM. Funnily enough, while I tend to see such things so clearly in other people's work, I guess I'm just too close to my own. And maybe a bit too stubborn about some things...but I worry about how many changes from outside sources just end up taking away the instrinsic me-ness of the music. If I make too many compromises, I just don't feel like I'm being true to myself. Foolish pride, no doubt--but there it is.

Well, I suppose this actually turned out to be more like the music that plays as you prepare for such a wayward journey, as opposed to something that plays during the epic wanderings of an adventurous soul. Still an homage to wanderlust, but only a taste of the beginning. I'll be keeping the idea of a main theme in my mind going forward, and I appreciate that you respect the decision, but it nonetheless didn't do any favours to the composition. Apparently trying things out at crazy times is something that I excel at! But yes, ultimately this falls under the umbrella of "Hey, let's go on an adventure" as opposed to "Wow! This adventure is totally EPIC!"

Really happy to hear that you love the track despite its shortcomings, and all the awesome RPG comments are exceedingly well-received! Thanks so much for the opportunity. I'm sorry to go, and it's been a lot of fun, but I'm damn proud of everyone going on for being so filthy stinking talented. The bastards. :D

[No Hope in the Horizon]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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I always like it in the NGADM when matchups turn out to be sensible and the tracks in the matchup synergise with each other. SoundChris made a classical organ solo and here you are with a classical piano solo, and a very well-composed one at that. I love the generally apocalyptic and tense mood of this piece, but I also like how defiant you are to the style you established, adding in unexpected twists such as the soft intro or the awesome change to a happier major key at around 1:22. It's a track that's hard to forget and has neat and well-executed ideas.

The main reason I gave you a very slightly lower score than I gave SoundChris is because, while your listening experience is better paced, I feel, it's also short-lived! Just when you introduce an awesome new section and when you've really caught the listener's attention, the track ends. This is a huge shame because this could've very easily been fleshed out more. Given your apparent aptitude at changing moods in an ostensibly haphazard but oddly smooth fashion, I think you'd have had no problem developing this track further.

I also feel like the Alberti bass accompanying the track was too loud, and not really how a pianist should be playing it. The emphasis should be on the lowest note of the broken chord, while the others should be much more dampened. Your tempo changes and dynamics give this a realistic, humanised impression, but it's tainted by that little nitpick. Also, I feel like your piano is too bright. I would've liked a sample that sounded less harsh and bright.

Anyway, this is super solid composition and I enjoyed listening to it! While I'd say this track and SoundChris' are both compositionally strong, on the basis that his had more melodic content I gave him 0.1 more than you got. Hope my review helped, and thanks for participating.

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SCORE: 8.3/10

NyxTheShield responds:

Thanks for the feedback and i am glad you enjoyed it, i really, really, and i mean, REALLY wanted to develop this further but i just couldn't (I faced an extremely sudden and harsh end of semester that left me with ZERO free time, i composed this in basically 2 hours with my Notebook's speakers while studying for an Assembly test hahaha) i will finish it though!! This weeked i will try tot ackle it and give it a proper ending.

Also, i didn't know what the hell was an Alberti bass, now i know it XD I am no pianist so some of this things kinda skip me, i try to sequence them in the most humanized way i can, i always supposed that the lowest note should be the "stronger" in that kind of arpegy, i will pay attention to it.

I like bright pianos </3 I think you would have enjoyed the sample without my equalization in fact! (It's EZKeys Grand Piano equalized with an M kind of shape, with enhanced bass and high frequencies)

Again, thanks for the review c:

[QUI SEDET AD DEXTERAM PATRIS]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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Let me just say what a refreshing feeling it is to listen to classical music in the NGADM after all the super epic or super progressive tracks I've heard so far haha. This is a very solidly composed and perfectly enjoyable classical organ piece, with excellent use of ornaments, and flowing chord progressions with sensible cadences. Despite your computer problems and EXTREMELY limited time, you managed to create a well-thought-out track like this, and I have nothing but praise for that... though I suppose you're used to situations like these by now, considering how unfortunate you've been recently!

I have two issues, one related to the sound/production, and one related to the general composition. The former issue was already mentioned by stunkel. During the faster passages of notes, everything seems to distort into a blur. This is at least partially due to the reverb, no doubt, but I know the song wouldn't be the same without the reverb. However, I'm adamant that with enough careful MIDI velocity editing and compression/reverb fine-tuning, you'd be able to strike a balance between that glorious cathedral reverb and clarity in the fast passages. That takes time though - time you probably didn't have - but it is what it is.

The composition-related complaint I want to mention is that I feel like this track rushes through the music and doesn't "settle" on a section before moving onto the next. While it's all flowing and smooth, I was really hoping that it would take the time to establish a certain motif, play around with it, etc. The fact that the music runs ahead so quickly cheapens the effect of each section. For instance, the reintroduction of the intro's melody at 1:29 should have had a much stronger effect, but since the song excitedly bounced from one melodic idea to the next before reaching that again, it came off as less impactful than intended.

Anyway, that's my thoughts on this! Above all, I'm still impressed you pulled something off, let alone something of this calibre, and even managed to get through to the next round. Congrats, and here's to hoping your computer doesn't explode before the round's over!

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SCORE: 8.4/10

SoundChris responds:

Hey Step! Thanks a lot for your - again - ultra detailed and great review! That i sticked with a solo instrument piece and even a not common style had one reason: I had to compose on my notebook in a daw that isnt my comfort zone, and that had to happen within something about 8 hours. I knew that the machine would not allow me to produce something really complex concerning midi cc editing with several deeply edited instruments. So i decided to go for a solo instrument piece with a kontakt instrument. My pianos platinum would not have worked on that machine so i had not the tools to write a - for my ears convincing - piano track ... you know that i am very nitpicking about this instrument :D

I understand what you mean with the distort in faster passages. But that has been done by intent to reach a higher level of realism. To explain that i will tell something about the instrument itself:
- the sound of an organ is extremely influenced by the room it is installed in. It makes a huge difference if you hear an organ in a cathedral a chappell, a concert room (those are rare) and so on. Also it makes a huge difference if the room was built for choral music (notre dame etc. - those have a MASSIVE reverb and everything is very wet) or if it is tailored for organ (i am not sure here but i think those are a little bit less common. I think you could hear this sound mostly in more modern churchs who have been designed to have better reflections). I tried to achieve a sound that you could have heared in a church / basilika in the 18th century and i assumed that the sound there would just not have been that clear. I was thinking of an old room with very time-worn wooden banks and a massive organ. The verb was chosen to be very long to have a more authentic sound.

- I think that velocity isnt an issue. This is an organ piece. You press a button and the sound is always the same- You cant play a key soft or hard. The sound always is the same. That is because of the mechanics of the instrument.

Composition-wise i tried to go for a toccata style piece. That is why i wanted to keep it busy, dramatic with just a few pedal points. Sure slower passages also would have been cool. But within a 2 and a half minute piece its hard to make a hard stop and change. I found it more consequent to handle it like bach did in several organ works.

I am really happy that this piece worked for the contest round. It was a risk. But you know me: I always try to push my limits and to go where i think i could learn something new :D Now i have got my working system back and i hope that i will have the chance to show my full potential. Well - lets see what happens!

Thanks a lot for that very detailed and awesome review (just like always) and all the best,
Chris

[Dark n' Damp]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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Now this is one hell of a track. By far the most atmospheric out of this round. Despite it being so long and drawn out, I love how there's still a lot to take in. You hear occasional sound effects here and there, subtle variations in the song's parts, and meaningful changes later on in the track that completely change the atmosphere or mood. This is, in my opinion, precisely how one should pull off an ambient/progressive track of this type. For instance, at 2:46 you introduce this subtle whistle-esque background instrument that, given the imagery you've created for your track, sounds a whole lot like wind whistling to the tune of the music.

While I'm impressed with how patient you are in this track and how you take your time with everything, I can't help but think the pacing is still a bit slow. There were points where I got bored with what I was listening to, possibly because of the general lack of definable foreground melodies during a lot of the sections.

When we finally get treated to the heavier metal sections it feels like a relief, but it shouldn't feel like a relief. It should feel like the whole song was building up to it and feel like we enjoyed every second of the ride. Don't get me wrong, this is still suitably captivating and REALLY well-made, but I was hoping for some more interesting stuff to happen in the quieter bits to justify calling this more than just "background music".

On a couple of smaller notes, the snares you use in this track are very mid-heavy, especially in the former third of the track, which strains the ear a little. For a track that boasts a super wide and hollow atmosphere, having a snare that's so dry and concentrated on a specific set of frequencies is a bit unfitting, lol. Lastly, the voices at 3:24 are really cool and fit with the whole "cave" premise you've presented, but I think they're a bit dry. Might be just me though.

Anyway, let me just say that it's a huge shame to see you go. You were up against one of the highest-scoring contestants this round, but you definitely didn't go down without a fight, and one hell of a fight at that. This is well-structured, wonderfully atmospheric, and all in all an unforgettable experience. Excellent work, and I hope my criticism helped.

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SCORE: 9.0/10

[Zen]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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Damn, man. I think this has to be my favourite track from you. You certainly have me in awe right now. Those solos are no less than superhuman, especially starting at around 1:40. The melodies are also fantastic and memorable. I very much appreciated those subtle things like 1:26's solo starting similar to your main melody but then delving into new territory. Ultimately, what gave you an edge over your opponent (and over a lot of other contestants this round) was that this possesses a lot of wow factor. The guitar playing is just so damn good and there are wonderfully climactic tension releases like 3:40 that altogether make this track insanely impressive.

I have two main complaints. First is a small mixing issue. The drums get kinda drowned out during the more busy sections. Other than that, this is a phenomenal mix with a lot of clarity and some really neat use of reverb. The other complaint is that ending. You're doing a disservice to the huge and impressive nature of your track by ending it on a low note like that. Similar to what I said to bassfiddlejones, I would've certainly gone for a more bombastic ending.

I have nothing but nitpicks for this killer track. You've impressed the hell out of me. One of my favourites of the whole contest thus far for sure. Wonderful work!

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SCORE: 9.7/10

PirateCrab responds:

12 years of guitar playing is paying off then ha!

Yep, drum mix was fixed with my most recent 'Past, Meet Present' mix (You might have to clear cache as it's reuploaded as of today) but everything's much more powerful now so thanks for pointing that out.

I'll have another look at the ending. Haven't got a clue how to end it other than that though!

Thanks for all the compliments and criticism! :)

[Son of Beach (NGADM '15)]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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To nobody's surprise, you've churned out another beast of a metal track. The one thing I want to get out of the way first is how well-executed I think this song is. Your guitar playing is spot on, the transitions are smooth as butter, and there's an excellent sense of rhythm in the riffs. You also take certain riffs and melodies and repeat them more than once, which is always a good idea as it gives the track a more cohesive, satisfying listening experience, rather than just a "shopping list of riffs", as I like to call it.

Your production, for the most part, is stellar. I especially liked how you mixed the guitars. I think there was a slight dip in mixing quality in the drums department, though. They're still suitably powerful without being too overpowering, but as someone below me said they feel rather detached from the rest of the track, mix-wise. I actually think the snare's the most guilty of this. That snare drum sounds a bit too much in the forefront compared to the rest of the instruments, and it leads to some snare-heavy sections being particularly tiring to the ear, such as the intro and 1:25.

In terms of arrangement, I think this has a solid structure and each part leads naturally to the next. However, I can't deny that the track started to get a bit disinteresting and monotonous at points. The break at 2:44 was a welcomed change, but I feel like the rest of the track wasn't melodically strong enough or texturally varied enough to fully keep the listener's attention.

That said, this is a super solid metal track. Thanks for taking part in another NGADM!

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SCORE: 9.1/10

JDawg00100 responds:

Thanks for the review, it was a lot of fun!

[Unsung Hero]

This is an NGADM Round 2 Review

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I usually write NGADM reviews in the order of the official pairings, but just this once I feel like making an exception because this was one of the standout tracks of the round and I have some stuff I've been itching to say about it. So, here we go!

The composition is tremendously good. Like, I am in awe here, listening to how effortlessly you command your melodies. This has some of the best composition I've heard in this competition so far - straightforward and catchy enough to appeal to casual listening, but with tons of juicy, more complex content such as the time signature changes and modulations. Your use of motif ties everything together beautifully, making for a truly epic listening experience.

Now for the issues I have with the track! First off, I have some mixing qualms. I think this is a really wonderful and full mix, but at the same time, I was bummed to hear parts where the different parts of the song just get drowned out, like 1:25 and towards the end. I also absolutely agree that the drums should be louder, particularly the snare and cymbals. I could feel a nice punch from the kick but I was hoping for more power in the other drum hits. Another small thing I feel like I should mention is that there's this resonant, shrill tone that plays at 1:34's section and I can't for the live of me figure out what it is, but it's driving my ear crazy haha.

Lastly, in the transitions department, while you had some really fantastic transitions like 0:21, you also had ones that you didn't quite sell me on. 2:07's transition could have been much better executed, I feel. The dissonance is rather off-putting, and rather than giving the intended effect of "hey, we're introducing the main melody again, so here's a cool buildup", it feels more like "I want to get back to the main melody again but I'm not really sure how", lol. I'd have chosen a different set of chords to pull off that transition. On a final note, the ending felt a bit underwhelming, given the huge and exciting demeanour of the track. I would have personally gone for something more bombastic.

I've spent more time complaining about the bad stuff than praising the good stuff, but I feel like criticism is more helpful to you than blind praise haha. I need to emphasise that this is a REALLY good track, and it got my second highest score of the round. Can't stress that enough. Brilliant job you two. I deeply look forward to what you'll cook up next.

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SCORE: 9.6/10

bassfiddlejones responds:

Step! I'm glad you liked the track, we're working hard to keep up with this schedule D: I'm honored to make the top of your review list, and we will definitely use your critiques in the next round. THERE WILL BE DRUMS (maybe).... (Ok there will definitely be drums). And I think that the only thing at 1:34 is the guitar and a solo horn, I'm not sure what you are hearing.

As I mentioned in my reply to johnfn, we skimped a bit in the transitions department, which we will not do in this upcoming round. Already working hard, hope to kill it!