Everratic's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[AIM - Fox Dreams]

This is very enjoyable! I especially like the use of percussion and the organ. If possible (I know it's difficult if you're using free/cheap instruments), I suggest working to improve the realism of your virtual performances. That would take the song to the next level.

Petrol4brains responds:

Really glad you liked it! You’re right, the guitar definitely has potential to sound more dynamic, I ignored some features it has for the sake of simplicity but I’ll try to dig in deeper next time I use it!

[Tutorial (SplatterDash Remix - Instrumental)]

I like the percussion!

SplatterDash responds:

Thanks!

[Your Father's Blade]

This is one of the first songs that inspired me to dabble in orchestral music so I still like to listen to it sometimes. I'm happy you republished it :D

From my experience, it's extremely difficult and rare to create a melody that's as moving and powerful as this one. The orchestration is phenomenal, and although the song builds up to the climax in a sense, each second is pleasurable enough to listen to that I'm not waiting for it.

My favorite instruments in the song are the double basses. They provide an earthly vibe and greatly enhance the emotional appeal.

I read the judges' reviews and have to say that I disagree with the criticism that the build up is too long or not stimulating enough. Absolutely no part of the song feels remotely extraneous to me. The comments regarding the chord progression and harmonization confuse me even more because that could kill the song's identity and turn it into something not befitting of the title.

I know a lot of time has passed, but I hope you make more music like this :)

EvilRaccoon responds:

Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it. I really enjoyed making this track back then, the way it evolved,etc.

Unfortunately, the belittling which followed through a horde of PM's from the judge was a testament to the true perspective and what they really thought of me and the music. I haven't spoke to them since, and any time I see their participation, anywhere, I steer clear. It was a toxic amount of negativity.

[Say Their Names (Not Forgotten)]

The song is perfect for the purpose. It sounds so somber.

zybor responds:

Thank you Everratic! Also thanks for stopping by :)

[AIM 2021 - Citadella]

This is very relaxing :D

You perfectly captured the water and futuristic vibes. I love the arpeggiating synths and the transformations of the lead instrument. You created a beautiful atmosphere with all those pads.

The only thing I would suggest is EQ the low-mids of the mid-range instruments such as the piano and suppress any resonant peaks in the mid-high range.

Albe responds:

Thanks Ev! Will have that in mind for next time, glad you liked it!

[The Newgrounds Composer]

This is so heartwarming. The animation made me cry, and then the song made me go through that again. Nice job!

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Thank you! Had you seen it before? I thought I might have shared it earlier, but perhaps not with you. Good luck in the competition ^ ^

[Silver or Steel?]

This is amazing! The percussion is awesome.

KevinMueller responds:

Thank you!
I'm happy you enjoyed it. :)

[Adventure of Tomorrow - Jessie Yun]

I love the transition at 2:51!

JessieYun responds:

Thanks a bunch, Everratic :D

[Northpeaks' Shadow (Newgrounds VGM Challenge)]

This is a VGM Challenge review.

I like the double bass (I think) rhythm. The upfront, sharp transient percussion sounds out of place in this ambient orchestral context; furthermore, it's relatively dry to a point of distraction. I like the other percussion a lot; it seems you used string instruments percussively. The song makes me imagine exploring a dungeon in a rpg that takes place in a medieval time. I'm not getting strong Northpeaks vibes, but I suppose this song would indeed work in a dungeon environment in such a game.

I like the eeriness of the flute lines. It helps establish an otherworldly, creepy vibe.

The song lacks a proper intro and outro, and it doesn't seem like it's meant to loop. I would like to hear more sections and development, but this is a good start.

WakerLink responds:

thanks for the feedback man, really appreciate it. Yeah, it does indeed kind of lack intro and outro because it was somewhat rushed due to the fact that I joined the challenge VERY late, so I was mainly trying to get the main idea/feeling down that I had associated with the theme and develop it to make it at least somewhat coherent. Thanks for hosting this challenge, it was pretty damn fun

[Northpeaks Summit]

This is a VGM Challenge review.

Composition:
I'm blown away. How did you make a song this good with freeware? I almost always find something lacking in songs that are composed exclusively with freeware, but in this case, I have no gripes. You masterfully used what you had on hand.

The intro effectively takes me to the environment stated in the description. I sense the undercurrents of danger while simultaneously imaging the beautiful scenery. The climax is powerful without being overly dramatic.

The plucked instruments instantly establish medieval vibes, and the raw, earthly sound of the strings enhances this setting.

The one instrument I find a little confusing is the trumpet. It sounds like it belongs in a 19th century United States setting.

Production:
Everything sounds properly reverbed, as far as I can tell. You managed to avoid clashing frequencies and excess mud thanks to a solid composition. The mix sounds full when it needs to and the dynamic contrast is just right.

Utility:
I think this would fit nicely in a video game based on my prompt. My only suggestion would be to make it a bit more loopable - it doesn't have to be a deliberately seamless loop.

This is amazing work!

vermeen responds:

Hey Everratic! Thanks so much for the write-up and kind words. And looking back I agree with the trumpet sounding pretty out of place, hehe! At the time I probably must've wanted some kind of "main voice" to be featured on the track and I stuck with that instrument, oh well. Can totally hear the unintentional Civil War-ish vibe it gives. A thousand thanks again for making this event and prompt! I learned a lot about composition in the process of making this track.