Neon-Bard's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Ira de Deus Mechanicus]

KatMaestro + Jrob

This is an NGADM Round 1 Review:

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Wow, now this is what I called an action-packed track! Well done incorporating the intensity of the electronic sounds into the structure of the orchestral setting. Really catchy, with a raw sense of action. I must have listened to the part at 0:25 – 0:55 a hundred times; so good! Nice touch with the choir by the way, it really adds a ton of suspense. Actually, now that I think about it, I can really see this being in a Deus Ex game. Your drums are very well implemented, which of course provides all of the other sounds with a fantastic foundation.

I think that the production of this song could use some work. Sometimes it seems that there is a little too much going on, the result is that the track becomes muddy at times due to overcrowded instruments. A prime example of this can be heard at 1:03 up until 1:37. The drums are at war with the synth, especially with the lower frequencies. Some volume adjustment in this area might help. The strings from the very beginning until 0:25 and then again at 0:55 and 1:48 sound like they are stretched thin, excellent composition at these parts though. Forgive me if I am wrong, though I think at 3:32 there is some slight clipping (thought it could just be the glitch effect).

Solid track, and very impressive blending of those two styles! I'd love to hear more! :D

Score: 7.5/10

[I Killed God]

This is an NGADM Round 1 Review:

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Story time! Through this song, you have weaved a quick tale that leaves me wanting to hear more. The introduction is simply wonderful, the choir which sits faintly in the background and the piano really blend well. Oddly enough, I like how you transition from a contemplative beginning to an explosive motif. This is a risky transition, but I think it helps accentuate chaos, which you mentioned in your description. As the song progresses, we hear more of the story that you tell, and the emotions that accompany said story. I found myself revisiting certain portions of the song to reflect on what I had just listened to (1:21 – 2:30, for example) so I could process the story of this clash with more depth. Speaking of 1:21 and beyond, I really like those light woodwinds you've added.

The production could be better. The brass sections, while intense and evocative are almost too loud, muddying things up. The woodwinds and choir, as mentioned above could definitely be brought out of the background and equalized. The conclusion of the track is a little bit bland in some ways as I feel it trails off. That being said, I understand that there's a reason behind this based on your description of the song.

Essentially, it all comes down to this fact: you create and mix complex moods throughout this song, and you do a great job at stringing everything together. Well done Veneox! :)

Score: 7.75/10

[Revelation]

This is an NGADM Round 1 Review:

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Well, to start off...you've done it again Peter. Let this set the mood for the rest of my review. You've really shown what you're capable of here, and I'm not surprised in the slightest at how top-notch this track is; you know how to make good music! Everything just adds up in your entry: the overall production quality, the composition, the emotion, etc. Let's start with the mixing, for which I only have one word: amazing. In terms of composition, this track is full of rich layers. The heavy percussion and staccatos lay the groundwork for the piano and the near-haunting vocals later in the song – just great! The atmosphere of the pad sits nicely in the background, but evokes intrigue and wonder (especially at 4:10 and to the end). I can see myself getting really sucked into whatever film this song would be in, which is definitely what a cinematic composer is aiming for. ;)

As much as I enjoyed the entire song, my biggest gripe would have to be that it sounds fairly generic. The buildup with the staccatos is just a bit typical, although it does help build suspense and supports the other instruments splendidly. The same can be said for the heavy percussion. That being said, these are now staples of the cinematic genre. Other than that, I think that this piece could really use a strong(er) melody. I can almost hear the notes now, and where you could have implemented them (after 3:00 or so, during the climax for instance).

Either way you look at it, this is just one heck of a song. I'll say it once more: you've done it again! :)

Score: 8.75/10

EvilRaccoon responds:

Thanks so much Neon-Bard. It's always great to get feedback and I completely agree with the crits you have given me. It is a very generic piece and runs with a lot of the standards you hear today, which is something I do and don't want to do. For learning reasons, I do. For originality not so much.

Thankyou once again for your comments. I think there's a lot of reverb on this piece, something Im starting to look into. :)

[The Void]

I love how everything sounds slightly stretched...really gives off a relaxing vibe. The piano enters at just the right parts, and its minimalist nature throughout really shines along with the synths. I can easily see this playing in a game, definitely in the RPG genre due to the story-like qualities that float about in my head while listening.

The percussion is a tad sharp, try adjusting the velocity and higher frequencies on some of those notes so you don't lose that 'ambient' quality. The choir is a nice touch, though it could be turned down just a bit.

Keep it up Chemiqals! :)

Chemiqals responds:

Thank you for the helpful feedback! =)

I made a few changes. I agreed with your observations!

[Dance of the Groovy Dragon]

Definitely groovy, and most certainly catchy. I love the bassline and the main synth, they sound great together! The pad is a nice touch, though overwhelms the other instruments slightly.

For some reason, this track reminds me of the 'Dire, Dire Docks' track from Super Mario 64. Probably because it's upbeat yet relaxing at the same time. Really well done VGM. Looking forward to your next track! :)

VideoGameManiac responds:

Thanks!
Now that you say it, it really has a similar harmony like Dire, Dire Docks :D

[The dying Ozone]

This track is incredibly captivating. The introduction comes in with those awesome percussion hits and the bass synth, and I was hooked. I thought the portion from 0:25 - 0:42 was well placed, but I would have liked to hear that pattern again with more variety (perhaps later in the track before the conclusion). The use of the guitar was great, too. Really added a sense of urgency.

Great work my friend, keep it up! :)

Emid responds:

Thank you so very much for your great insight. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Forest Of Desolation]

Amazing! This piece is so dynamic...I can't get over it. Everything from the guitar, woodwinds, vocals towards the end, man...I'm really blown away Mattashi. I am looking forward to hearing more like this! :D

Mattashi responds:

Thanks Neon-Bard! :)

[Peaceful Village]

This is excellent! This title to this track is most certainly appropriate Mattashi; I must have listened to it loop 20 times over. :)

[Star Hunters]

This track definitely has that 'VideoGameManiac' sound to it. I like the chill atmosphere, it definitely makes for a relaxing listen. Gotta love it! The pad could be a tad warmer, though I think in the end the pad choice for this song is spot-on for that space theme! Keep it up! :)

VideoGameManiac responds:

Thank you :D

[Ghost Party]

What a fantastic blend of melodies and sounds that you have gathered in this track! I must say that I really like the variety that this track offers, also, the premise of this song is pretty awesome. You know, you really have a knack for creating catchy and interesting melodies!

I wholeheartedly agree with Deshiel, you stuff definitely deserves more attention! :3

VideoGameManiac responds:

Thank you, I really appreciate your review. :D
I know its hard to be recognized but its not something that bothers me.
I just make music for fun and I enjoy it and if others like it too I see it like a little extra :D