Everratic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Struggle]

The melody in the first section is lovely and whimsical. The way the composition seems to transition from an innocent beginning to a sense of struggle is masterful. The final section leaves me feeling that while the struggle persists, the subject learns to accept it.

The structure is excellent as it is, but it would be nice to hear this concept more fleshed out with more distinct sections.

I’m impressed by the use of the 13/8 time signature. The composition is very smooth and has a nice flow. I like etherealwind's rainfall visual; for me it has more of a snowfall quality :)

After the first section, I think the left hand arrangement could be a little more dynamic. The frequent low register bass notes get slightly fatiguing after a while, but it’s a minor gripe.

The track has noticeable levels of distortion and untamed resonances that sadly hinder the listening experience, especially with speakers. I also think there’s a lot of harshness around 2k hz.

I’m a big fan of your compositions and admire your storytelling abilities through music. I know my production score might sting, but this is an otherwise excellent piece, and I’m sure your production quality will greatly improve with time. Remember that there are many people in the community who can offer mixing feedback and assistance – I recommend joining the Discord server.

Solacitude responds:

Production quality has been the big weakness dragging me behind it seems, so I'm all for correcting it. I didn't feel like playing music today, but I reworked my post processing. I may send you a newer version, and if you have the time and feel like it, I may ask you for an opinion on the new mix. 3/10 was hard on the moral I admit. It was really a huge negative surprise, I didn't expect to be considered the worst of all, and by a big margin, in any category.

I get what you say though about mid frequencies blurring the mix. I use 4 mics, each their own EQ and compression, and add mix and master bus effects to glue it together. Keeping a clean sound over a wide range of dynamic with an instrument that creates a wide range of frequencies like a piano is way less easy than most people think. Nothing can be cut too much (Except very low freq) or it deteriorates the natural quality, the richness of the sound. Keep a bit too much of one freq on one of the mics and you lose definition in certain ranges as soon as louder dynamic comes.

Despite the harshness of this production score. I'm all for making it better! Better sooner than later. If my sound quality is disgusting I don't want to publish too many pieces before it's better. I'll reupload new versions of all the pieces I already uploaded at some point. I prefer 3/10 and high scores in other categories than high prod but low everything else! That's my consolation prize :)

I'm glad you find those qualities in my music despite attributing it a poor production quality.
I'll make it better! Thank you very much for the thorough review.

[A Minor Odyssey]

The melodies, accompaniment and drums are fantastic. The drum grooves align well to the melody, and the fills smoothly transition to the next section. The automation on the leads add a lot of character and make for good ear candy. I appreciate the understated feel of the piece, which makes for a smooth listen.

The track feels on the quiet side despite the high peaks in the waveform. Some subtle compression can reduce the peaks of the drums and allow you to bring up the volume a bit. The mix is pretty good, and part of that is thanks to a solid arrangement. I think there is room to add some personal flair to the mix though, as it feels a little vanilla. Maybe you can experiment with interesting reverbs, saturation, etc.

ChrisisD responds:

Thanks for your review and taking the time to listen! As for your comments, you’re absolutely right. I haven’t had the time to reach the mastering-stage for this track. It definitely needs some compression and could do with some effects as you mentioned.

[Broken Dream]

This is one of the most moving compositions I heard in a long time. 1:36 brings tears to my eyes. I sense so much emotion in every note and chord. It feels like you shared a very vulnerable part of yourself.

HollandAlbright responds:

Thank you, that means a lot- this one was expressing some heavy feelings when I was going through a rough time.

[FD - Save Point 17]

I love your ambient tracks! This one reminds me of that feeling of awe I had my first time exploring the world of Skyrim.

ForgottenDawn responds:

Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to me right now. 🙏

[Gravissimo]

The use of the low register is brilliant. The sustain and reverb create a gorgeous rich dissonance, and you give it plenty of time to flourish with breaks in the playing. It’s like the pad of dissonance is its own instrument responding to the piano phrases.

I’m also an avid news watcher and find a lot of world events disturbing. This composition captures that well.

Solacitude responds:

I went for these soft dissonant repeated notes exactly to "materialize" a drone pad, or literally drones. I'm really glad you noticed and appreciated it! It represents an underlying source of anxiety that sticks even in the calm moments. Descending chaotic melody representing despair, dismay, chaos. Then the heavy notes accompanying it are the traumatic events, the detonations, the sudden losses. The resonance during the long silences inspire me all of those who left Earth too soon, screaming in a muffed, silenced but perceptible voice "stop the insanity!".

I was not sure how this quite chaotic and dissonant improvisation would be received since it's unusual, not rhythmic or melodic. Being appreciated by a skilled and talented composer is always a balm to the heart.

Thank you very much for your review!

[Just Another Crime]

It sounds like a track that would play during a shocking revelation in a 90s JRPG.

Tangerine responds:

Thank you!

[Tangerine / 34 / A100]

I'm surprised by how entertaining this is :D

Tangerine responds:

A lovely 2 hours of two crackheads giggling under a bridge xd

[Event Horizon]

This is an NGADM audition review by request.

I like the guitar riff in the intro as well as the guitar solos later on. I think the composition peaks from 1:50 to 2:12, where there's a sense of congruence between all the lines and each instrument has some breathing room. The ending with the sub bass wave is well-executed

I think the track lacks a memorable melody or theme that gives it an identity, and consequently, the melodic lines often feel like disjointed improvisations around an unchanging chord progression. Additionally, there are sometimes too many competing lines.

Regarding production, there aren't major flaws, but it lacks refinement:
- Some instruments are masking each other, which can be partially addressed with EQ but also depends on the arrangement
- Some synths and guitars sound a bit harsh, likely in the 2-4khz area
- The percussion feels weak and could be more prominent. It's not just a matter of volume, there has to be space in the mix for their fundamentals.
- I don't sense much thought behind the use of reverb. I think you can create a more spatially dynamic mix and interesting atmosphere by using reverb more intentionally, but this only works if there is space in the mix.

I think some issues in both composition and production can potentially be addressed by thinking more about what you want to compose before you begin. What type of atmosphere and setting do you want? Do you want to tell a story or create a certain type of experience? What emotions do you want listeners to feel? If you get specific enough, but not too specific, it can help guide your decisions throughout the music-making process. It also helps to have reference tracks and to have a habit of deeply analyzing music by other producers (not just listening for pleasure).

You can clearly write interesting music. With consistent practice and studying, I'm sure you'll do much better in future competitions!

Sakita responds:

thanks, i really appreciate it, going to work in those aspects on the future

[Missing Mini Mushrooms! - AIM]

Congratulations! This is so cute and catchy.

Irish-Soul responds:

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU TOO! <3333

[Gently into the night]

I totally agree with etherealwinds! It's deeply emotional and spurs me to contemplate my life. I almost never hit the download button on NG, but this is an exception because I never want to lose access to this track. I look forward to your NGAUC submissions!

mjattie responds:

Thanks for the very kind words!