Neon-Bard's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Illusion Of Another World]

Wonderful! This track is slightly different than your usual work, in a good way of course. I have never played Illusion of Gaia (strange considering I love JRPGs) but I now have a very good idea of what the soundtrack sounds like just from your rendition.

I was immediately intrigued by the use of your retro chip sounds in the introduction. The melody has a very whimsical aspect about it due to your instrument choice; it is very relaxing. I love the transition at 2:07...so atmospheric and full of depth with that magical pad. I feel as if I am in a dream.

The main melody does get a little repetitive, but you fluctuate between different rhythms and you change things up frequently so there is variety! Other than that, the mixing is well done and everything seems clear.

Great job VGM! Keep up the great work. :)

VideoGameManiac responds:

Thank you Neon! :D
The original music itself already sounds like the style I usually use, so I had to make things a little more different here which was actually pretty fun to do and I decided to make it a bit simple and retroish xd. And yea with short soundstracks like these its more challenging to create variations infact that part at 2:07 was made up by me and isnt even included on the original one xd but its things like these that make creating music fun :D Ty again for your awesome review!

[Asylum]

This track was already fantastic, and with the new additions that you have implemented, the entire song has just become that much more impressive. Everything from the strings to the intricate yet subtle electronic sounds in the background really emphasize the fact that this is a memorable track. The 'lower' end of the track has really been brought out, which of course adds a great deal of depth.

You are certainly right in saying that the build is far bigger this time 'round; it is chalked full of suspense. In all honesty though, my favorite part of this piece lies beyond the build-up and into the conclusion. There's just something so delicate and peaceful about the latter half of the song...it has such a rich atmosphere due to the wonderful dynamics.

I would love to hear more like this BFJ! Keep it up, my friend! :D

bassfiddlejones responds:

Thank you for taking time to check this out! I'm really glad you liked it. I put a lot of emotion into the ending of this piece, so I'm glad it carried through. Thanks again man.

[Terrible Teeth A Terrible Fate]

This track is awesome, it just fits so well with the theme of the game! It loops so well, too! I was off looking at pictures of the game (the game looks great) and didn't even realize that the song had looped. I would have liked to hear a little more variation with the lower stringed instruments, but that's just a very minor detail. As always, the overall production quality is fantastic. I hear no issues with the mixing either.

I should mention that after listening through the track a few times, I can't help but think of Grant Kirkhope's work. Awesome! :D

stunkel responds:

This is first long review I have gotten in a long time. And I'm glad that you thought it looped nicely :3 I agree with you on the variation with the lower instruments, I guess I got caught up in trying to give off that feeling of despair and didn't think to try any other sort of emotion or melodies throughout it! Good call though :p And that Grant Kirkhope comment just made my day :p I'm not sure if I hear it too much, but the thought of that is just awesome :3

Thanks for reviewing man :D

[Forgotten]

NGADM Round 2 Review

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Oooh! What a remarkable introduction! The piano and strings work so well together, it's as if they are dancing alongside one another with splendid grace. This piece bears a strong emotional side to it that makes listening a real treat. 4:54 seemed to drift by extremely quickly while listening to this track...I was dumbfounded that I had been listening for almost 5 minutes without being aware of it at all. That's successful immersion for you. Well done!

As much as I love how this track has the ability to capture the listener's immediate interest and emotions, there are some aspects of the song that are notably understated. The melody and progression become quite repetitive over time. The celesta (or what I think sounds like one...?) is far too loud, try turning it down a little. On top of that, there seems to be a lack of those deeper bass notes and tones throughout the majority of the song. Utilizing both the range of the high and low ends in unison would further the emotional development of the song.

What a fantastic track. Loved listening to it, great work! :)

Score: 7.75/10

[Hacked]

NGADM Round 2 Review

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Let it not be said that this track isn't creative. Definitely one of the more intriguing tracks I have ever listened to. I had no idea what 'Hatsune Miku' was until I heard this song, and I think based on the theme of this track, it was a solid fit and a wise choice to use it (her?.... :S ). I absolutely love the melodic portions of the song (0:52-1:23, 2:08-3:06) as they really grip the attention of the listener and don't let go! I mean, they were ridiculously catchy to the point where I found myself humming these sections long after I had finished listening to the song.

The whole idea of using Hatsune Miku is both compelling and frustrating. While I appreciate the notion of uniqueness that this vocaloid represents, it became tiring to hear randomized numbers after a while. I love the creativity that this brings to the song, but it gets...well...really stale. The spoken words were pretty cute but I can't say that I enjoyed listening to those random numbers over and over again. The mix of the track's instruments is superb, but overall the track is quite loud.

To reiterate (and add), this is one of the more creative pieces so far in the NGADM. That in itself is a huge accomplishment. To top it off, you have made a great production here, keep it up! :)

Score: 7/10

[Denouement]

NGADM Round 2 Review

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I do not like starting off reviews with the 'bad' aspects, but I have to get this one particular aspect out of the way immediately. Initially, I was not a fan of the introduction (~1:03). The sound quality is a little off par with the remainder of the song (mostly the brass), however, I can see how you were influenced by the Terminator soundtrack for this portion of the song and when I consider that, it feels like you were tipping your hat to the franchise. Now that the issue of the introduction is out of the way, let's get to the good stuff, shall we?

When 1:03 hit, I was very impressed. I could immediately hear the Mass-Effect influence, while traces of the Terminator still whispered in the background. The mixing of the instruments was mostly carried out well, though there were some areas where the song seemed exceedingly unclear (1:30 -1:48 for instance). The pacing and structure of this track is fantastic, and I think it makes this piece shine.

Alright, besides what has been previously mentioned, the conclusion is the last thing that could use some general improvements. The conclusion just seems to cut off, and as a result, it is very anticlimactic. There should have been a large buildup for a track of this nature. Utilizing the brass and string section to compliment the electronic instruments would have made for an awesome climax! Remember, there's never any harm in experimenting with your instruments! :)

I am really surprised that you didn't utilize your voice in this piece. No matter, I enjoyed listening to this piece all the same. Keep up the great work Wolftacular! :)

Score: 7.25/10

[I Feel]

NGADM Round 2 Review

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This track is chalked full of atmosphere and in an odd way, it is very comforting to listen to. It would work perfectly in a game or film with touches of mystery or a complex and riddled story due to its absorbing and dynamic nature. This track really draws the listener in and compels them to experience a relaxed state of mind, which I really dig. Nicely done with the mixing, couldn't hear much wrong with that at all!

I understand that this song is directly influenced (stylistically) by the downtempo and chill genres, however, there still could be much more variation within this piece. 1:12 to 2:05 is quite 'catchy' at first, but hearing it again at 3:20 to 4:46 with minimal alterations can become quite cumbersome on the ears. The conclusion is fairly underwhelming, and could have used some sort of trailing effect or pad to gradually bring the song to a close...though the piano and strings were a nice touch.

This is a compelling track, and despite being repetitive it is worth listening to. I would recommend this to someone who is enjoying their first foray into the IDM genre. Well done! :)

Score: 8/10

InvisibleObserver responds:

Thanks for comments. Brutishly honest answer is I just copy pasted the main chunk and fiddled with it some and layered in some new sound design stuff. People noticed. :P

[Can't Express Myself]

NGADM Round 2 Review

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This is definitely different than your usual compositions Sequenced! The mixing is simply great! As Step has already stated, this piece is full of dynamics. This piece is quite unique because at times, I feel quite downtrodden and sad while during other portions of the song, I feel full of hope due to the variety of the notes that you've used which portray hope and compassion. Such is the way of being unable to express oneself. You have more than captured the essence of the title.

While portions of this piece are evidently beautiful, there is a lot of emptiness that fills this track. Emptiness in a track can work wonders if the instrument can give off the proper tone and expression. Unfortunately the piano sample you have used doesn't quite give off the appropriate tone or expression. It really pains me to say it, but it just doesn't sound all that pleasant. That being said, your experience with the piano more than makes up for this!

I would have loved to hear this as a live piece because I can tell that with the right atmosphere, this would be fantastic. Keep it up! :)

Score: 7/10

[Ablixa]

NGADM Round 2 Review

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Now this is what I call an intriguing track! I cannot get over the amount of detail and the overall production value, simply awesome. You change things up often, so I often surprised! A prime example of this element of surprise takes place at 1:04 and then shortly after 1:33 when that soft, bubbly synth breaks through the background of the track...and then again at 1:59 (I adored this portion of the song by the way)! The outro was pretty simple, but at the same time it was really something, too. I like how things start to stall and glitch out slightly near the end of the track, it really speaks to the theme of the song.

The introduction lacks real substance, and it is fairly generic and predictable. However, after you break out of the intro, things quickly got very interesting! As for repetition...the main melody and latter part of the song are just full of it. A little more variation would work nice in many parts of the song, mainly with the main melody, but overall repetition is not a huge issue.

Fantastic effects, crazy progression, and excellent mixing. Well done garlagan, this is something to be proud of! :D

Score: 8/10

[Worth Your Time]

NGADM Round 2 Review

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I really don't like to pick favourites midimachine, I honestly do not... but this is definitely one of my favourites from round two. The quiet and melodic introduction grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go and when the singing starts up I was really impressed. The lyrics are quite thoughtful and speak of an interesting story, if you listen carefully. In your description, you stated that there was some ear candy scattered throughout the song, and you were certainly right! The softness of the analog sounds paired with the other synth work and then with the voice is just wonderful. 2:13 to 2:46 was most definitely the highlight of the song.

I can honestly say that it was hard for me to pick through this piece to find something to critique. However, I did find something! The mix from the 2:46 to 3:20 section sounded awfully muddled and it really took away from the intricate qualities of the track. The vocal work along with the synth and guitar portions were too much for this part of the track it seems. However, it only lasted a short while and then the conclusion swept it away. Speaking of the conclusion, it seems that there could have been more to it than just a simple fade-out.

All in all, this is a splendid track. Medals and ribbons and cake all around! Awesome stuff! :)

Score: 9.25/10