Neon-Bard's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Airport of Zealing]

Great intro! The synth blends well with the percussion which creates a notion of suspense that quickly builds throughout the song. I absolutely love the mixing of the strings along with the electronic elements, it is nothing short of fantastic. Also, when you combine the smooth pad with this effect and start layering everything it sounds excellent. The odd droning pad/synth that you added a little later in the song was a little bit off of the mark in my opinion, but that's just my taste so don't pay too much attention to that remark. The voices you used at the end of the song were placed well and it adds a calming effect after all of that suspense the music amps up. I think this is very well done, I can definitely see it in a game! Keep it up! :D

Draewa responds:

Thanks a lot for the review :3
Good to hear that the track actually invokes some suspense, I was aiming for that in the arrangement. The drone/ambient pad was my attempt to bring a little bit oddishness (is that even a word?) into the mix, and to make the whole soundscape somewhat outlandish and maybe a little more interesting. After listening to it about 300x in a row I came to the conclusion that I've overdone that, I'm currently remastering the track and the pad will be a lot less intrusive.

[City in the Sky]

Adventurous, catchy, happy, and inspirational! Those are the first things that flew into my mind the first few moments into the song. This is an awesome piece! All of the instruments compliment each other in a way that made me shake my head from side to side. I think my favorite part starts at (around) 0:40 with the building of the flutes, it was executed really nicely! Though I also really liked that little part at 1:28! Overall, this is a great song and as always I think you have completed exactly what you set out to do.

This song gets double 5's from me! :D

stunkel responds:

Perfect! :D I am so glad those are the things that came into your mind! That makes me feel more like the song was a success! I just wish that I had better sounding instruments DX And I was unsure about the part at 1:28, I liked the melody, but I just wasn't sure if it fit in this song. But I think it worked out for the most part :P

And DOUBLE FIVES!??! I think that might be a bit too much DXXX

But seriously dude, thanks for all of the reviews, support and everything. Really appreciate it all.

[Core Collapse]

This is certainly a unique song. I can honestly say that I have never heard anything like this before. That's a really good thing so don't worry! :)

The introduction is very melodious and relaxing in a sense. I'm really digging that space-like vibe that the synth gives off. When that heavy percussion kicks in though...let me tell you it was like a kick in the face. I wasn't expecting it at all. The element of surprise works well in this song and there are number of times that you catch me off guard. For example, around 1:22 there is a synth that surprised me. I have to mention though that you should try turning that particular instrument down a little and maybe add a bit of reverb to it so that it takes away some of the grungy edginess (unless that's what you were going for...in which case it works really well).

The 'screams' that slowly make their way into the song are a little unsettling for me, but considering the theme you were going for of power and struggle through battle, it is extraordinarily effective because it gives me a sense of primal fear.

I really like it how you break up the percussion throughout the body of the song. It emulates the tide of battle and destruction which in turn pumps up your musical adrenaline!

Overall I think this is an interesting piece that certainly boasts your unique compositional style. It has an edgy yet catchy feel to it that is hard to shake off after listening! Keep up the great work! I'll be looking for your next piece! :)

Neon-Bard

H2opoloseal responds:

My friend, this review is astoundingly rewarding to read!

I'm glad I was able to keep catching you off-guard... mission accomplished!!! Much like the unpredicatability of battle :)

As for that 1:22 synth, it has gotten a lot of negative reaction, however, I did indeed spcifically overdrive and distort it to peaking levels because it made the introduction of the ensuing melody much more enjoyeable... going from a harsh distorted synth to a smooth, singing saw was a very pleasurable and euplifiting experience that I felt added to the track at that moment in particular. That being said, I'm sure I could have made it less offensive and mastered it better. I will rework it with your advice in mind!

The screams and yells are meant to be very unsettling. Perfect! Nothing about my music is intended to just be flowers and daisies... it should be a mix of feelings, culminating in something similar to satisfaction.

I'm so stoked that you found it so unique and - hopefully - enjoyable! I'm ver ymuch looking forward to sharing my next piece with you, it will be up soon :) Thank you for the kind and thoughtful review!

[Morning Sky (Kaze no Ne)]

Hey Ellebirdy!

This is fantastic! This was my favorite piece from Crystal Chronicles and you did an excellent job covering it. Your version certainly has a more upbeat quality to it, and as of right now I'm not sure if I dig it completely (thought that's not to say it isn't awesome). The vocal work was great, it was very clear and I must say you have quite the voice on you! I will say though that it would have been excellent if you had layered another flute sound around 2:17 and onwards. Again, I must say that this is just fantastic. Keep making music! :)

Neon-Bard

VGSongbird responds:

God I wish I could've used a Bagpipe at 2:17, but I didn't have a good synth and I wouldn't betray the sound :(
But I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Sail Away]

First thing that popped into my head when I heard the song (coupled with the title): Wind Waker. This song is arranged really well, and it kept with a very happy and uplifting theme throughout the whole song which I thought was great. The song loops flawlessly too! Keep it up man! :)

stunkel responds:

Thanks man! And yeah Zelda was a huge inspiration XDD But I'll take it sounding like wind waker as a compliment, I have only heard great things about that game. And I'm glad it was so uplifting for you :) Thanks for the review friend!

[Caskets and Cobwebs]

I really like this piece Stunkel! :D The strings, percussion and the guitar and bass all blend together really nicely. When the organ (or otherwise) comes in around 1:30 it was a little loud but it held together with the other instruments. I'm just wondering...have you ever played 'The Binding of Isaac'? There are some moments in this song that remind me of pieces from that game. Anyhow, this is a great themed song for Halloween! :)

stunkel responds:

Thanks man! Means alot to me! And yeah I think the loudness was a combination of more than just the organ. And I just looked up "The Binding of Isaac, and I can see this in some parts of the game! But thanks for the review man! Glad that the halloween emotion got to you :P

[Piece of Mind]

This is very soothing. At times it is quite sad and it puts a lump in my throat to hear the strings ebbing and flowing throughout the song. The uplifting portion starting at 0:44 was masterfully executed, I thought it was a perfect addition to the song overall. There are times when an instrument suddenly cuts out and it just briefly messes with the mood of the song, but that would be an easy fix. I think this is a great piece! Well done! :)

Koxyx responds:

Thank you, the uplifting portion you referred to at :44 was probably one of the best musical moments I've done in a song, and I appreciate your input. :)

[Majora's Mask Swamp Theme]

This is absolutely fantastic. The original swamp theme had a very eerie, dreary, and hopeless tone to it that gave you the feeling of impending doom (especially when you would look up at Mr. Moon and saw that giant grin). Your rendition of the song has a more mystical approach to the seemingly hopeless feeling you would get when wandering around the swamp. I think this mystical vibe that the song gives off just adds to the many layers of Majora's Mask and its mysteries. Though I have one complaint...it's not long enough! :D Anyway, great job! I would love to hear more stuff like this. :)

headphoamz responds:

Thank you so much! ^__^ That's what I was going for. Everything in that game makes you feel so dreary, but this swamp theme especially makes me feel stuck in the mud when I hear it, every time. ;___;

[Fairy Tale -With Vocals-]

The introduction was fantastic! The melding of the guitar and the bass was very effective, and the vocals reminded me of Alice in Chains (especially around 0:40). When it starts to pick up the vocals get to be a little too much for me (screaming for example)...though that's just for me I would imagine. Overall though, the vocals are great (the laughing at the end was a cool touch!) and the lyrics are quite creative. Getting back to the guitar, very nice riffs and the presentation is nice and clear. Like you have mentioned, the drums are a little bit shaky but it's not a big deal. I think this is a solid song, great work! :)

[The Castle At Night]

This is a very atmospheric Halloween song! I like it! Very nice use of the voices to amplify the mood. The glock is a little sharp at times but that's generally the nature of it. The ending seems a little too simple...though that also works in favor of the song. Overall it's a job well done and I'm interested in hearing your other stuff! :)

WingoWinston responds:

Thanks man! Yeah Glocks can shoot you in the shin at times. I felt the ending was simple too but like you said it does work with the song. I wanted a nice piano ending and it's what I did :P