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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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 Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 1:39 am Post subject: Extensive Reviews for each track |
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Alright, here is my “review” for all of the other tracks on this project. I’ve listened to them all many times in the previous days so I think I’m ready to submit this “play-by-play” type of review. And as such, I guess they are more for the artist than listeners…but so be it. That’s how I review, so whatever.
One thing though: As I am writing this I realize some of this stuff would have been good suggestions on the WIP board (to those that utilized it), but unfortunately I am not that great at giving criticism to an unfinished piece, for whatever reason. Furthermore, I was swamped at the time a lot of it was put up (and I was at school w/o any nice monitors to hear some of it), so I hope you aren’t like pissed I didn’t say these things earlier. And don’t forget I’ve listened to these like 10-15 times by now, which I tend not to be able to do with WIPs. Sorry!
*Well it also seems to be taking me a little while. I’ll be adding more to this topic in the next few days. Again, all tracks will be reviewed in the coming days. In CD order.
Track 1 – H20 – Overcoat
Initial Impressions:
I remember how quirky this tune was in the WIP boards. Still sounds like that. It’s a fun piece, one that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:23: I like the mellow synth here. I think it was a good choice; it does in fact feel “watery”. The gradually modulation is a nice touch. Unless it came like that?
0:24-0:45: Love the bass. Very deep, but not overbearing. The fluteish synth is awesome, the change at the end of the phrases really gives it a interesting flourish. Personally, I think a couple of grace notes and turns here or there would have livened it up a bit.
0:46-1:30: This drumbeat is beyond quirky; lo-fi and kinda strange, it is your quintessential style that I hear here. Someone complained about the panning on the “tom.” I’m listening to it on nice monitors, and it doesn’t bother me. It’s far enough to be pretty noticeable but not too far. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if it sounded different on headphones. I just don’t really listen to music on my monitor headphones much, so I’ll leave them be. Regardless, I think it makes the beat more interesting, but I suppose you could have closed down the space a little, if it was too far apart on headphones. The falling sine synth later on is by far my favorite part of the track. It’s just…airy and cool sounding. At this point, you’ve captured the environment of the game during this track perfectly. I really don’t know how people can say this specific track doesn’t have the same feeling, because I really hear the water in this tune!
1:31-2:15: Melody comes back. Well good, I think maybe a little extra stuff coulda helped. Maybe a countermelody? I don’t know. It’s actually not bad or anything, just almost stale. Anyway, afterwards something new DOES come in, and it’s all better now. Good. I like the new additions. I guess you could have faded them in slowly during that previous section? I just noticed though, the synth from the beginning does fade in, but leaves quickly. I think that could have been in longer.
2:15-3:00: Big additions to the drum track. Sound great, no complaints. The addition to the melody is perfect! Just what we needed. I am left wanting a little more high-end than just the melody, perhaps some crash cymbals (though that’s my impulse to over-use them a little D . Anyway, this sounds like the climax, so I kinda was left wanting a little more, well, climaxing or something. Actually, with the slightly oriental influence, a long gong hit would have worked great. Ah well.
3:00-End: Gradual fall towards the end. It works, and is quite effective really. The cool synth returns, but I would not have minded it being around for maybe 5 seconds more.
Overall:
Quite a solid piece to start the project on. Not too over-the-top, but fun to listen too. If this (as it should be) were the first thing I listened to, I’d be really encouraged to listen to the rest. Good job, I like it!
Track 2 – Modulation – tumult
Initial Impressions:
Never heard this piece on the WIP boards, but the first thing I noticed when I heard it was the production values. I know that’s your strong point, tumult. This arrangement by far was the best production on the album, I think.
Breakdown:
0:00-1:08: Well, it’s really cliché, but it works. Thunder and rain, if you haven’t heard it…Anyway, the tune comes in. The samples in this are also fantastic. Is that EWQL RA?? The rising sine-sounding synth at the end of the phrases is a great addition giving this section a little motion. Now, I don’t mind the thunder going on, but having it right on the beat every time personally annoys me. It feels really unnatural. Near the end, the reversed thunder part is a great lead-in to the main part of the song. But as I said on Overcoat’s track, a soft cymbal roll might have made that crescendo even better?
1:09-1:39: Phenomenal violin. I want that sample. Bass and drum leveling is perfect. Who said the bass was too loud? I like it the way it is. The ends of the phrases again have that sine-like synth; I really like it. The song builds to this part, but it really ends too soon! Only 30 seconds. I wanted more.
1:40-End: Return of the on-the-beat thunder. Same melody as the previous section. I am really not a fan of the ending. It just stops with the thunder. Actually, I kinda think the thunder is over used in here, but only when I really listen and think about it.
Overall:
Really mellow, I like the feel of this track. As I said, the production and samples in here are top-notch. My main gripe is just the length! Some more could definitely have been done here. However, just listening, the track does stand on it’s own at this length. So I guess I know you probably could have maybe done more, if given a chance. Oh, and the ending. Something a little less sudden would have really helped.
Track 4 – Taking Advantage – Quinn Fox
Initial Impressions:
Hahaha, awesome. Yes that is my initial impression. Having this Quinn track first on the CD was great, his style really shines through and leaves you wanting more.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:13: That intro synth is hilarious and makes me smile everytime I hear it! And it stays around, so hooray. The drums come in…there really isn’t enough praise I can give you for those drums. By far my favorite drumbeat in the entire project. It’s fun, and you switch it up a lot, and in general it’s just awesome. Makes me grab my drum sticks and play along on my desk (really!).
0:14-0:35: So what if it’s a cliché sound, it works perfectly here. It rumbles a little in my sub, which makes it awesome (reminds me of my Doom track). Only problem here; the drums have a little too much highs and I can hear a tiny bit of clipping on my monitors. Not much, just a little more EQ and it would be gone. Nothing to fret about in the long run.
0:36-0:55: This jams. That’s all there is too it. Drums continue to kick my ass. Then an excellent break building up…
0:55-1:00: Unexpected dropout, but not in a bad way. More building!
1:01-1:22: Anyway, we get there! Love the melody synth and everything. Great section here really hits with a joyful rendition of the melody. However, I am getting a little distortion here and there, mostly in the bass I think. I guess the gain could have been a couple decibels lower? Oh well. Frankly I didn’t notice on a couple other sound systems or even on my monitors the first time I heard it, only when listening critically.
1:23-1:32- Nice break. There are a lot of good breaks in here, actually. The rhythmic drum/lead combinations work very well together.
1:33-2:05: Ha, I thought that other section jammed? This does too, but 10x more. And then holy crap, the lead at 1:51 is ridiculously awesome. The rest works to get us to the next section.
2:06-2:22: NICE solo. Really ties the piece together. I’m a little torn on the drums. On one hand, they are sparse but work well; on the other hand, this is almost the climax it seems, so I wanted something a little more forward-moving. But, it works, and the solo makes it all better anyway!
2:23-2:33: Good lead in to the next section, but I would have liked to maybe hear that synth move around a little in the stereo field.
2:34-End: Another melody rendition, with several synths at once. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite have the power I would have liked. Actually I think it’s the drums. A slightly less rhythmic part probably would have worked better, accenting the high points of the melody. And I guess actually this would only work if the previous section had crazy drums rather than the subdued stuff. However, that’s all just me talking out of my ass; it works regardless. The ending is cool and sounds final enough for me.
Overall:
This piece jams all the way through. One of my favs of the project, like Overcoat’s it is just fun to listen to! Main problems are the slight distortion in a few places and the anti-climactic point in the music. Overall though I really like it and can live with the issues, especially since the mastering issues are only on the nice system. I need to check this out in the car tomorrow on my way to work!
Track 5 – Grass Stains – Tackle
Initial Impressions:
When this was a beginning WIP, I wasn’t too impressed, but wow the changes you made really made a difference!
Breakdown:
0:00-0:23: Well I’ll be frank; I like the musical ideas of the intro but I just don’t like the guitar tone or parts in general (And I think you admitted as much about the tone?). But it definitely is an effective intro. Then the distorted guitar comes in…hmm there are some serious volume issues in the transition. The clean guitar needed to be a good 5-10 decibels softer to mix well with the transition, or vice-versa I guess.
0:24-0:45: That’s more like it! I can tell you are more comfortable with the distorted parts. The backing tracks are fantastic, and the lead nice too (especially the quick little wammy bar!). A little later the flanged backing part is awesome, sounds really cool and unexpected. Now, a bit of a let down is the kinda weak drums. It’s really not your fault, but with all of the live stuff around it they just don’t fit. Also, too many tom parts. A good room reverb/delay might have helped, along with a lot of EQ, if you had them.
0:46-1:09: Only after much listening did I actually even notice that this is the same loop, except with almost the original lead from the game instead of the guitar! A really great idea, the effect is great. Was there a reason you took out the echoes, though? I kind of missed them, myself.
1:10-1:32: More original lead goodness. Rhythmic guitar track is nice. But I have major issues with the drums here…they just sound so fakey and unreal. Also it’s not the best loop. Again, too much tom. The hihat part though is good. Just overall sounds a little busy, if you know what I mean. The lead guitar lead in works perfectly to bring in the next section.
1:33-1:55: Excellent little solo section, this is my favorite part. The next part though, the melody synth is mixed way low. I can’t hardly hear it. Definitely could use some more volume.
1:56-2:18: Same as 0:46-1:09. I really wanted some change-ups here to progress the song. Actually around here I really noticed a lack of bass. I’m guessing you don’t play that like the guitar? I don’t know if a synthesized one would have stuck out, but a cool bassline would have been perfect here.
2:19-2:42: More repeating…nothing much to say here.
2:43-End: An effective ending, probably the best so far.
Overall:
When you really listen to this track critically, I really can see how much is reused. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, and as I remember you were having some trouble with this track. Not to get ahead of myself, but Ball of Ballos totally blew me away after this song; it’s a lot better. But back to this track-it works and has some great parts (the solo for example). Overall, not a bad track, but it’s not the most innovative either. I notice a lot of people did like it here and elsewhere, so that should be enough for you there. Maybe because it has an Alt Rock kinda feel. Reminds me of the Greenday show we did in marching band. Well I’m rambling now…basically it’s an okay arrangement.
Track 6 – Mimiga Vibe – k-wix
Initial Impressions:
Project leader k-wix has batted this track around the WIP board for a while, and it’s a pretty strong track overall.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:36: I always liked this intro. The strings sound electronic, but it’s perfect for the genre. The hihat part is superb and flows really well. Finally, someone uses a reverse cymbal! I was hoping I wasn’t the only one…
0:37-0:53: This synth solo has always been slick! Love the sliding pitch. Off-beat e. piano works well to give us chords. I think the solo could have been mixed a tad hotter; it gets overwhelmed by the background EP near the end.
0:54-1:12: Adds some drums. I like the drumbeat a lot. It’s not quite standard electronica, but has a good rockish feel. Hihat is especially nice.
1:13-1:49: The melody comes in pretty unobtrusively. I think the pitch-modulating solo has run its course and could have been cut here instead of the next loop. But the next loop is pretty killer. The melody morphs into a nice lead and the drumbeat adds the snare. I really like that snare. It’s not your run-of-the-mill snare but it fits here perfectly. Also, at the beginning (1:13) you have this loud bassdrum hit that a while ago I told you didn’t fit. If I remember, you said it was a mistake, but unfortunately it’s still in there. Sticks out like a sore thumb for me, still.
1:50-2:08: Really dig the melody here. The space between the notes really make the track groove. However, the end of the phrase just hands there (someone mentioned this I think). If I remember, wasn’t there one more note after that? A semi-lead in to the melody looping? I don’t know, but I can hear something in my head that would have made it a little smoother at the end of the phrase.
2:09-2:44: Mellows down a bit, good, I see you are building back up again. That lead might could be a little louder. Next section, your arps are awesome! I hear that loud bassdrum again; here is where it’s supposed to be I guess. The build up at 2:35 is awesome, especially the variance on the beat, nice.
2:45-3:02:More melody, hooray. Same kinda deal as last time but with more stuff going on.
3:03-3:20 This is nice and chill, even if your beat stays. A good resting point…
3:21-3:57: Woo solo. Nice! Especially that blue note at 3:46. The background guitarish synth is pretty sweet sounding! I wish it was a little closer to the front of the mix so I could hear it more. Overall the solo is great, but it arrives without much fanfare. Maybe a little more drums would have helped, or a bigger build-up, I don’t know.
3:58-4:14: Good ol’ standard electronica hook, but very well processed, as should be expected. Tempo change works really well; I’ve heard a lot of attempted tempo shifts that worked out…not well at all! But yeah, very affective and not too abrupt or anything.
4:15-5:27: I really liked the rock/electronica fusion you have going on here. Pretty unexpected but very awesome. The changes in the melody are really perfect and give this part so much tension, it really builds up well. Kudos on by far the best part of this track!
5:28-End: I really could hear this sick organ thing in my head here, but that’s me. Or maybe some fast 16th stuff. Regardless it is still cool. Suddenly we have harmony and it rocks hard. The fills near the end there are fantastic and help make the drum track less monotonous, plus they are just nicely done in terms of rhythmic interest and such. Ending is a little sudden. Ohnoes don’t change chords! Ahhh!! Yeah a little melodramatic I know. But that Min7 chord was sweet, I think if you would have just increased the volume until it was as loud as could be and then cut off it would have been great! As it is, that major chord comes outta nowhere and is a little odd.
Overall:
The synth work in here is incredible, and the rock fusion stuff is pretty sweet! Production and mixing on the whole is good. A solid track from our project leader that deserves some attention.
*Alright 5 more tomorrow I guess
_________________
My arrangements, original compositions, and recital recordings:
http://iplayflute1985.googlepages.com/
Last edited by corran on Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:18 am; edited 1 time in total |
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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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| Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 1:41 am Post subject: |
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Two more tracks have been reviewed. Didn't get as much done because I am dead tired after work. More tomorrow though...
Track 7 – Ballrawg – Quinn Fox
Initial Impressions:
Another piece that is just fun to listen to, this track captures the slightly odd Balrog’s character perfectly.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:11: The first thing I notice here is the bass being really low, and the sample used not usually used with such short notes. But, it is actually not bad at all, and just gives the piece an interesting, bouncy start. In short, I like the bass synth…
0:12-0:35: Once again you have me jammin’. Seriously awesome percussion work again, and the synths chosen are perfect. The guitarish, distorted background synth in the latter half of this section is awesome. Also I here some nice panning in the stereo field here (more noticeable than some other tracks). All of that kind of overpowers the melody though…a little bit more volume from that would have been good.
0:36-0:47: Ha, so I love the computer sounds. And guess what? I totally stole that idea for my Scrap Metal track! That’s a compliment I hope. Anyway, the bass suddenly doing some crazy stuff way off the beat was totally unexpected and really awesome. Right about now though I noticed something…this track is way quieter compared to the other tracks. Not sure if you missed normalizing it or what, but there probably could have been a lot more gain on this whole track.
0:48-1:10: Huzzah! has become the battle cry of music listeners everywhere! I can kinda understand if some people didn’t like the vocal here, but frankly I think it gives this track a lot more depth in terms of characterizing Balrog. Or something like that (btw is that you? I was just wondering). The second half of this part has some great bass and drum parts. Jamming is the word for almost all of your tracks, really.
1:11-1:21: A very interesting mini-solo. Some of the sounds are almost NES-ish. I’m digging it. However I am still a little dismayed at the overall leveling of the treble instruments. They really aren’t coming out over that bombastic bass. I like how present it is, but not at the expensive of your other parts.
1:22-1:45: Wow this is nice and calming and really cool, making the re-entrance at 1:34 pretty startling (in a good way). Another Huzzah! rounds out the section. I’m also glad you didn’t overuse that vocal. My only addition here would be a little more build coming in with the drums (reverse cymbal??).
1:46-End: Sweet leads here. Drums mix it up nicely too. I hear the final note on that lead when the huzzah sample plays, but I also could have used a little more lead in too it (more notes going down to it that is). The ending is a little sudden for my taste, but not bad. I’m not sure if I like the crowd laughing sample or not. It was unexpected (I didn’t notice it in the WIP) but made for an interesting addition. I guess it is what it is.
Overall:
I could practically repeat what I said for Taking Advantage. Great piece that has a few mastering issues. I guess the leveling issue is worse than slight distortion/clipping. However, it still is a great arrangement.
Track 8 – Island of Eden – Kris Davis
Initial Impressions:
Didn’t know what to expect, but for the most part this is some solid guitar work! Excellent transitions between different songs too.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:51: This intro is pretty sweet. It’s really foreboding and evil-sounding, in a very good way. There’s a bit of background hiss in there that annoys the recording perfectionist in me, but it’s not too bad. Drums are fantastic and well done. What sample set and/or program are you doing those with? The high-pitched synth might be a little annoying to some, but it’s alright (a little less high-end would fix that probably). Distorted guitar sounds really nice and “crispy,” your playing is good. Nice lead in to the next section.
0:52-1:19: Lead guitar tone is great here. The next drum part is perfect, especially the tom fills. Very well mixed.
1:20-2:16: Nice rhythm guitar track! Love the 16th note chord stabs. Drums continue to be just excellent, I really have to compliment your rock drum programming. Finally we have some melody that I recognize; again the lead guitar is very nicely played.
2:17-3:07: I was almost going to say that the beginning of this is too soft (the melody that is) but I think it works as a slightly subdued section. Really this track is flowing well and is doing great; nothing I really have to say against it.
3:08-3:36: Hey switch songs. I hardly noticed. As I said, the transitions in here are almost flawless. I noticed you incorporated this tune with the one before near the end, really bridging the gap well. So we are halfway in, but I’m noticing a slight lack of real dynamic contrast. The music is good but it doesn’t have high and low points so far…let’s see what changes.
3:37-4:34: This is definitely changing things up in a good way. And then, guitar solo! Nicely played. This is practically the climax of the song, I really wanted some harder-hitting background tracks. For example, maybe throwing in the toms here rather than at almost the very start would have made this a bit more in-your-face, volume-wise anyway. Or maybe not. Anyway, I really like the solo, and the length of it is just right, but I wish it was more of a focus point.
4:35-5:26: This is my favorite part of the song. The drum track is freakin’ awesome and almost makes me perk up. Offsetting every other one by an 8th note was a great idea and just sounds awesome. Makes the drums a little more varied too. Oh and the space between loops is killer! Yeah so I like the drums. Later on, the high guitar is pretty amazing too. It fits really well. Just…all of this section is great. Actually then I guess this is the climax, and in that capacity it works very well.
5:27-5:38: Well I like the organ synth here, but I would have loved a B3. Actually, even if it is cliché as hell, a big B3 solo here would have been possibly the coolest thing on the album. But that’s all just speculation so…yeah.
5:39-6:49: Another transition to another song, still good, but then suddenly 5:58, whoa whoa whoa there! This sudden switch to the major key really threw me off. In the end, after all that dark stuff up to this point, I really don’t like the switch. The major section sounds good overall though, it’s just so contrasting.
6:50-End: Love the chord progression at the beginning of this section. Rhythmic drive around 7:00 is perfect for the ending push. We build-up a little and hit a nice final note. Great ending. My only problem here is the pretty sudden fade-out. I have a feeling either you didn’t want to leave that guitar note hanging for very long. That’s good, but it feels pretty unnatural. Perhaps it was that background hiss? It is pretty noticeable when things are soft.
Overall:
So first I had this mixed up with Shoddy Loch. I really like the guitar work in here, great job. Honestly not too many complaints overall! A thoroughly enjoyable track with some very strong arrangement.
_________________
My arrangements, original compositions, and recital recordings:
http://iplayflute1985.googlepages.com/ |
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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:46 am Post subject: |
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More reviews, three this time. Sorry for no update yesterday, as I had some stuff going on. And I am working/driving a total of 12+ hours a day  which takes a lot out of me...
Anyway, here you are-and expect more soon. BTW, you guys do read these, right? I just was wondering...
Track 9 – Welcome Home – Facelessman
Initial Impressions:
Let me get this over with first: while the arrangement is good here, I unfortunately really get annoyed by the samples. Orchestral instruments are so hard to synthesize, and I understand that, but even the best arrangement still annoys my band nerd ears because of the samples. Don’t take that the wrong way, though. And seriously, unless you have serious money or a job requiring them, hardly anyone can afford the real high-end samples unfortunately. So I’ll try not to criticize the samples here after now.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:25: Nice intro. The woodwind run in the beginning is cliché but it works well. I love the french horn dissonance at 0:22. I think the percussion is a little too up-front. They don’t sound like they are in the back of the concert hall.
0:26-1:07: Er, those flutes…yeah. Nice flowing lines, but that snare is really loud and in the front of the mix. Turn it down add some more hall verb to make it farther back. The strings to me stick out of the mix, because you have mostly band instruments playing. But that’s not really that much of an issue.
1:08-1:33: But if the strings stick out, the harp sure does. A little more melody in the strings would give more balance to the parts. At least in my orchestra experience, the band instruments are relegated to support parts. I like the clarinet solo here.
1:34-1:56: The timpani part here is very well written. However the snare still sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyway, I like this part, it is a nice climax.
1:57-2:20: I really like this part, with the strings on melody. Sounds like some Nobuo stuff. Trumpet solo is good, but it would be so much louder in real life, with the whole projection thing. Chords and tension at 2:15 is great.
2:21-End: Very nice ending here. The gradual tension and release is just what we needed. The percussion parts are good, especially the fading roll.
Overall:
Well it sure was over quickly…that would be one of my biggest complaints. I think you could have fleshed it out a lot. As it stands, it is a fairly well composed piece that’s biggest flaw is samples and slightly unrealistic sound placement and part writing. Also, I’m hearing just a little bit of clipping in some of the bass instrument heavy sections (such as the bass drum roll near the beginning). Other than that, this is a nice break from the other tracks in terms of style.
Track 10 – Doukutsu Dance – Vaughn
Initial Impressions:
This piece really is an adventure. The first time I listened to the finished product I actually had forgotten about your WIPs, so it was a much more interesting adventure (as I’m sure it was for everyone else!).
Breakdown:
0:00-0:54: This is a beautiful piano part; I almost wish it was a full piano/string piece or something. The piano though sounds a little too dry, compared to the strings. I would have liked a tad more reverb. And speaking of the strings that come in, the subtle dissonances are just beautiful. Fantastic work there. One thing I am noticing though right now is the volume here; it seems a bit low compared to the other tracks, unfortunately.
0:55-1:28: Nice transition here. Great low-end in your bass. The drums here are a bit on the simple side. The synth at 1:10 gets on my nerves occasionally.
1:29-1:55: I like the melody instrument, but it’s really crowded in the midrange right now. At least it’s not clipping. But I can hardly here the separate instruments. The additions to the drumbeat sound good and make it a little more interesting. The build-up to the next section is good, even if it’s even more crowded.
1:56-2:21: Well I think it’s only us audio nerds, but this section is awesome for obvious reasons. I have never had a viable use for the Delay Llama VSTi, but I applaud you for not only finding a use but making it sound really cool and different. But I can’t blame people if they don’t like it…it is pretty odd sounding if you don’t know what it is. But anyway, it’s got a very interesting tonal quality and I like it here.
2:22-3:01: Llama solos! I like your panning of the different instances of the VSTi, but I couldn’t help but want the first solo to move around in the stereo field. One thing I’m noticing especially here is the drums…or rather not noticing. They are really in the background; I would have liked to here them a little more prominent. But regardless, when the two or three Llamas start doubling the melody, it’s awesome. I really like the sound they have in harmonies like that.
3:02-3:27: Nice addition of the snappy snare and organish synth. This part REALLY reminds me of the final stages in Megaman X5. I wish the organ didn’t disappear so fast. Or at least still playing those chord stabs. Now the Llamas come back…but only for a couple of seconds! I was really digging that part; I wish you hadn’t cut it off.
3:28-End: The piano/strings come back. Now I can here the Llamas singing the melody and how it related…that’s really cool. I do like this section a lot, but it’s also a little on the short side. I feel as if these last two sections could have been extended a bit, and it would have been a lot more fleshed out of a track. I also just put my finger on that piano and what was bothering me…it almost sounds like you were playing and recording it live through a sub-par microphone. It’s got a lo-fi feel to it that kinda bugs me, especially when placed with the other instruments. Also it sounds really different in the end section, which is odd. Listening to it loop I can hear a huge difference in tonal quality (or recording quality??). Yeah it actually sounds like you put a radio effect on the piano and strings at the end, which is a little odd. There is no bass. Was that intentional?
Overall:
Well this is probably the most creative song on the project, at least in terms of samples used. I really like the piano/string parts, but they almost just feel like bookends to the rest of the track with no real relation. I think this could have been fixed if it just would have been added to a little bit. And that sudden cut at the end is just too sudden for my taste. Regardless, a very interesting piece with a few flaws. Quite an inspired piece I’d say!
Track 11 – Tetrahedron – Quinn Fox
Initial Impressions:
We have Quinn’s third track for this project, and it is a lot more chill and laid-back than the others. Some great slow-tempo work here.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:19: I really like the soft bouncing synths in the background. They make an interesting “bed” for the other instruments. The e. piano sounds great on top, as well as the bass. Nice lead in with the snare.
0:20-0:49: Excellent flute melody line. Also a good sample, comparatively. Drums are low-key but give a nice rhythmic motion to the track. The bouncy backing part is still there and really adds a nice dimension.
0:50-1:08: The organ here is fantastic! Perfect amount of delay and reverb. Reminds me of the last dungeon in Earthbound…anyway it sounds great. I love this part just for that.
1:09-1:29: A new synth playing the melody. It works well, but the second phrase sounds a lot more clear, when it is up an octave.
1:30-1:49: Another good EP playing chords. A short transitional part, I kind of wished it was longer. Did you find a DX7 sample pack or something? Half these keyboard parts sound like vintage FM synthesis patches. Cool stuff.
1:50-2:09: Flute returns with a very low organ in the background. That organ could have been a little louder.
2:10-2:29: Drumbeat suddenly changes. Nice way to keep interest. Bass sounds great in my sub. Short solo on a saw synth, sounds good. Again though this section is a little short.
2:30-2:59: Old drumbeat comes back, with a repeat of one of the older sections. It is effective even if we’ve heard it before.
3:00-3:39: Similar ideas to a previous section, but different. Cool solo synth on a strange instrument. I like the unreal sound of this part. That awesome organ comes back, and I still think it rocks.
3:40-End: Flute plays to the end the melody. Nice ending that has a good finality to it.
Overall:
This track is interesting because it really changes a lot in each section, keeping things fresh even when it’s almost the same, chord-wise anyway. It definitely has some “atmosphere” to the track with the effects on it perfectly. Samples are chosen very well, with a variety of interesting EPs all over the place. You really switched stuff up on a constant basis that made this tune a lot of fun to listen to. A great laid-back chillout piece that really fits well in the album (especially with the piece coming up).
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My arrangements, original compositions, and recital recordings:
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QF
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 23
Location: Indianapolis
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| Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:08 am Post subject: |
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Corran, I gotta tell you.... I thought that 'Escape Route' was the best song on the album, and I intend to review it specifically and add it to this post.
You've been a great bloodstream for this project, and your reviews have been thorough and immense fun to read and repeat. Excellent work!
Can't wait to read more,
~Quinn |
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RushJet1
Joined: 31 Mar 2006
Posts: 25
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| Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:59 pm Post subject: |
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| yeah, i'm going to totally have a huge post with reviews of most of the other tracks (including my thoughts already) but not too soon as it's taking awhile. |
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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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| Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 3:37 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Quinn! I really have appreciated everyone's support and praise for Escape Route, and I can't thank everyone enough.
And yeah, that's why I did this topic, I was hoping others would do some reviews. So great, I look forward to it!
I've been super-busy so I haven't added to these in a while...I need to get back to it, probably tonight or tomorrow.
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Facelessman
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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Hey, thanks for doing this, corran! I really appreciate you taking the time to write the reviews for our songs. 
And you got me to switch to different woodwind samples.  |
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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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| Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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Heh, no problem. I hope I didn't dog the samples too much. What were you using, and what are you using now?
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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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| Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:14 am Post subject: |
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I'm back with 2 more reviews! Been a little busy. Only 8 more tracks left out of 20.
Track 12 – Shoddy Loch – Prophecy
Initial Impressions:
I knew I had seen the name Prophecy somewhere. As it turns out, I heard the DKC Project and “Chekan Winter” which I thought was pretty awesome. Let’s see your new material.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:47: Very cool intro with some great string bass work. Light ethnic percussion is perfect for the mood. Great soundscape here; I really like the overall dark vibe.
0:47-1:11: Drumbeat comes in, and it’s nice and crunchy. Fantastic. Really adds to the background stuff already going on. Mastering on this is great. The choir that floats out of the background every once and a while is really cool sounding.
1:12-1:35: The melody is here. Still has a really dark vibe even with the major chords. It sounds pretty trippy. The wave pad in the background phasing up is perfect. This track is really shaping up nicely here.
1:36-1:53: Bass is pretty noticeable here; it’s a good volume though. Drums change a little, keeping things interesting. Melody is hard to hear but I like how you’ve changed a lot.
1:54-1:59: Really cool drum break. I wish it was a little longer, a percussion feature, because this song definitely has some killer percussion. I want to hear more!
2:00-2:23: Melody in full force. Interesting how it blends with the background. Moving from the beginning to here you can really hear a huge difference in overall mood. Can be a good thing or a bad one…
2:24-2:47: And suddenly we go all happy carnival time, with bouncy dominant-tonic bass and everything. I honestly don’t know how we got here; it’s way to happy all of a sudden compared to the beginning. I know it’s the melody and all, but I still think this section could have been a little less happy-happy joy-joy or whatever…
2:48-End: More or less a repeat of the section at 2:00 with a gradual dropout of instruments and a low crash at the end. I’m not a big fan of the sudden ending, even though I am completely guilty of the same thing on one of my tracks. It works though I suppose.
Overall:
First off, this track is mastered fabulously, so you know. It also some really cool percussion. But this is the fastest rollercoaster of a track on the albums. We go from probably the darkest synth work in the project to super-happy fun time and back…I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a little odd. Basically, I think this song could have been really cool if fleshed out several minutes. The really happy section would have fit as part of a larger whole, because it would have been interesting seeing how we got there. Since this piece is pretty short as it is, I don’t think it develops enough to have such a drastic mood change. At least, that’s how I see it (skewed as it is from listening critically to classical music that take ages to get to where it’s going). I know you were working on this literally till the last second; maybe if we do end up doing that 3rd CD this would be a cool piece to “arrange” and really extend it to be a true epic…I’d be very interested to hear it, that’s for sure.
Track 13 – Decision – sinowBeat
Initial Impressions:
sinowBeat gives us his first track of the album. Let’s see what he came up with after a short disappearance and other interesting escapades…
Breakdown:
0:00-0:20: Haha, I like this flute part, just on principal. But yeah, the sample is terrible. The timpani parts that come in are simply awesome. You have a real flair for timpani parts, you know? I wonder why. Overall this is a really cute section. I especially like the low tremolo strings.
0:21-0:44: Nice buildup in your orchestra, playing the same melody. But suddenly they disappear and flute returns. A transition would be nice, maybe a cymbal roll. Or, definitely a cymbal roll. Flute disappears…
0:45-1:08: Some interesting pads here, I really like the soundscape. But I can hardly hear it. Seriously, did you even normalize the track? This is so soft overall. Cool stuff here though
1:09-1:36: Plunky synth that I remember…interesting effected drumloop and all kinds of effects. Really nice. However it’s a little static. I think you could really be working your bass range here, as there really isn’t any bass. This section doesn’t really build past about halfway though. Oh and I heard a little clipping from all that high-range stuff.
1:37-End: Awesome. I love this little orchestral riff here, as I told you on the WIP board. Melody shows itself. There is entirely too much stuff going on in the upper register. And just a lone off-beat bass. This part needs a lot more mid and low range stuff, basically. Other than the bass…yeah that’s it. More midrange and bass! Melody continues to play to the end and a cymbal roll closes out the piece. The ending works but continues this albums tendency towards rather sudden endings (my second piece included…).
Overall:
Well sinowBeat…I know you had several issues during the project but this piece was really lacking. The second half is verbatim from your very early WIP that I hoped you would expand. The beginning is new but sounds a little like it was a last-minute addition. But really now, this track’s mastering is really terrible. I guess it might have been normalized technically (since it clipped once or twice) but overall it’s at least 20dB lower than most of the other tracks. There’s no excuse bud. I hope to hear some more stuff from you when you have time. Good luck with all that producer stuff that you had going on! Keep us posted.
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My arrangements, original compositions, and recital recordings:
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Facelessman
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 7:47 pm Post subject: |
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| corran wrote: | | Heh, no problem. I hope I didn't dog the samples too much. What were you using, and what are you using now? |
I was using EWQLSO Silver, but now I'm using GPO (a lite version, actually) for the woodwinds and EWQL for everything else. |
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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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| Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, that was EWQLSO? I didn't recognize it. I also have that library. I haven't had any personal experience with GPO but I've not heard many good things, unfortunately...seems a little overpriced considering the reviews and age of it.
However it all depends on how you use them.
Personally, only the full Platinum edition of EWQLSO has really impressed me, though that was probably due a lot to the person knowing how to use it.
I still prefer physical hardware synths for my samples rather than huge libraries. I really like most of the orchestral sounds in my Yamaha Motif ES, and I've also used a Roland Fantom and it sounds fantastic in that department as well.
It's all personal preference I suppose...
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QF
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 23
Location: Indianapolis
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| Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:34 am Post subject: |
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Corran - Escape Route
Initial Reaction
Trailblazing and wonderful.
0:00 - 1:08 The intro is very nice.... it has a certain phaser-esque panning effect going on, and the guitar sounds good (I'm assuming it's a sample). The panning is a little more prevalent on the headphone end, but doesn't bother me too much. The opening arpeggio is well done, just the right tempo, sound, and effect.
1:08 - 1:28 Here we go. The first arpeggio is complimented by a second, twice as fast version which crawls and scurries around the fret-less bass and humanized drumwork. The flute which leads it is absolutely the perfect touch, and the result is a feeling of being deep underground with dark ceilings and invisible passages.... in other words, the atmosphere works perfectly here, and when hearing it, all I can think about is Cave Story. This means Corran is on the right track, and he doesn't stop there...
(BTW, the bass/cymbal crashes at 1:17 to 1:19 are brilliantly prog-rockish and appropriate. From someone who appreciates and concentrates on drum work, this is VERY well timed)
1:28 - 2:39 We continue along this passageway, and then at 1:49 we're treated to a fantastic removal of percussion, allowing the arpeggios and flute to design the next section, accompanied by a reverse cymbal which leads us into a striking piano section with VERY subtle, reverberated percussion. SO well done.
2:39 - 3:05 This section introduces a new drum kit/track which is masterfully done. A creative change....
3:05 - 3:46 This is my only problem with the track. The drum solo, to me, would have been initially better supported by the synth/guitar sample that shows up at 3:26... in other words, a good eight measures of drum solo were wated, only in that the drum solo wasn't really a SOLO, it was more of a case of muting the rest of the work; there was no fantastic, leadership-type drum work on the solo... I really felt this section could have been much better, even though it stands upright confidently on it's own with arpeggios splashing around.
3:46 - 4:05 Ah, here are the synths and skyline flute I love to hear... this fleshes out nicely without a bass line, which is hard to do. Well done.
4:06 - 4:29 I would have liked a more frantic or active hi-hat section here....
4:30 - 5:30 Wow, here we go again. GREAT guitar samples if they're just that, and if they're manually played (like the flute) it's solid. Your flute solo work is inspired and natural. I'm impressed.
5:31 - end The return of the bass, and you could not have made it more simplistically brilliant, really. It's tempo, the velocity, the drive... it is PERFECT, and does exactly what it should do; remind you that more action awaits.... The drums also take a more excited approach....I can't say enough about the entrance of this section. You even add and fade out with a fabulous flute solo, your best in the track, stuff that would be nearly impossible to accomplish on the synth with pitch bend, modulation, etc....
Dude, Corran....
Really excellent work. You accomplished the visuals and atmosphere that related to Cave Story, included talent, skill, and passion with it, and produced my favorite song on the project.... especially the synth work. Makes me wonder how cool a Quinn-Corran collab could sound....
Anyway, thanks, Corran. Your work is, again, my highlight of the project.
~Quinn |
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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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| Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:44 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Quinn!! I'm very grateful to get specific feedback like that.
| QF wrote: | | Quinn-Corran collab |
Best idea I've heard all day. We definitely need to do this someday.
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http://iplayflute1985.googlepages.com/ |
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corran
Joined: 03 Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Location: GA
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| Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:09 am Post subject: |
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Okay just one review today...but I'm getting there. Blame traffic (I was on the road at least 3 hours today...).
Track 14 – Almost There – RushJet1
Initial Impressions:
The first of our two chiptunes. I’m no where near an expert on the subject but I think they are pretty cool things so…let’s see.
Breakdown:
0:00-0:25: Nice intro with some great sounding 8-bit drums. First thing, this is obviously 100% authentic sounding, which not many can claim to be able to do. I’ve always thought that was what really made chiptunes cool. Anyways, bass sounds great in the background. It’s not overpowering though and really sounds like what would come out of a NES. The drumbeat is also nice and laid-back.
0:26-0:51: Nice riff into the melody. Fast-paced, sounds great here. The arpeggios in at 0:38 are perfect and sound great. A good start to the main part of the track. This definitely sounds like classic Megaman stage or boss music. I love that aspect of it!
0:52-0:59: Great bridge here. The drum fills work really well.
1:00-1:24: Drums drop out. The echoing snare hits or whatever on the noise channel are great. Even better are the background semi-arps doing all kinds of stuff in like one octave. Nice way to build up.
1:25-1:50: Now this reminds me of Castlevania. A chill melody with another great laid-back drumbeat. The counter-melody in the background is fantastic.
1:51-2:15: Suddenly we are back to the fast-paced melody. I think the transition to this section could have been a little better, but I know there isn’t that much to work with. A little is added here and there I believe. As a climax here I think it could have more punch…but again, only 4 channels, etcetera.
2:16-End: Kind of like the very beginning but different A good way to wind down the track. The only thing I don’t like is that the track doesn’t loop, which more or less would be essential on a real NES tune, right? But that’s really, really minor. More of an observation. Anyway, we finally hit a nice and final unison note. I really have to applaud the different cut offs on this note; that is just so classic! Probably the most authentic thing in the whole track. Nice.
Overall:
Looking for a very well done chiptune? Well here it is. However Rushjet1 does these, they are beyond authentic and are really perfect replications of the hardware of old (in my limited opinion on the subject, that is). It’s also a great piece of music that has some great compositional aspects to it. Overall, this track is very well done and a great addition to the album, especially as an homage to the very hardware Pixel was trying to emulate (I assume!).
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World of Ruin
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 7
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| Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:57 am Post subject: |
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"1:51-2:15: Suddenly we are back to the fast-paced melody. I think the transition to this section could have been a little better, [...]."
I actually really like that transition. It's sudden, but the single note right before the fast-paced bit again sounds really good, along with that contrast of walking-to-running just-mentioned sudden-ness actually having no need to be criticized; that's not something that should be looked down upon in a song. Dunno what better transition you would have had in mind, though.
Not meaning to sound too critical (why would I when you're doing all this hard work), but this is the way I want to say it. It was one of my favorite moments in the song. The whole middle section is really well fleshed out anyway. About time to move back to the fast action! Strange how one lead-in note can make it a really nice transition.
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