Neon-Bard's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Frozen Island]

Definitely a relaxing piece. The song truly placed an image of a lone island sitting in a cold sea, with constant snowfall hovering its atmosphere. Really nice melodies you've used here. The pad you used was also a great touch, it gave the song a delicate dreamlike quality.

I can see this being used in a fantasy based game for sure. In fact, you might want to look for developers who need themes like this, because you clearly have a talent for designing game-based themes. Keep up the great work, I look forward to your next submission! :)

VideoGameManiac responds:

Ty, really glad to hear something like that from someone whos more experienced in creating music :D.
But searching for developers already? I mean, Im still a beginner and I dont consider myself to be that good yet, but oh well thanks xD

[Under the Bullet]

Fantastic introduction. Powerful use of percussion to accompany the strings (the slight rise with the strings at 0:11 was great by the way). At 0:25, the song takes on what seems to be a new theme, in fact it does this several times. The percussion in these portions are not aligned with the other instruments, make sure that you align these carefully and everything will be good to go.

As others have said, this song in its entirety is quite good, but would perhaps be best as two pieces. However, if you were to slowly cut out the instruments and blend them into the slower, and gentle song, then you would be able to make a nice transition from the first half of the piece.

Overall, I think you did a great job! Keep it up! :D

SirCumferens responds:

Woah, thanks! I don't produce music anymore, but to have someone say that about this song like almost a year in the future is just amazing!

[Future In Front Of You]

This is fantastic! Everything in this piece blends incredibly well, especially when you add that catchy lower beat that emphasizes all of the mellow notes throughout the song. I agree with Octo, there is a certain degree of 'snappiness' to the song that really makes things interesting. Great stuff! :)

ZipZipper responds:

Didn't think this would be well-received, but rather mediocre-received. Yay thanks love! <3

[Image to Words]

As always, a beautiful piece. I really enjoy listening to these piano improvs! It's always a good idea to experiment with new genres. Based on what you're capable of, I think you'll make something great in whatever genre you choose to write in next. :)

stunkel responds:

haha thanks dude :P Hopefully I do well! That would be very nice :)

[Battle of the Bits]

This is an awesome track! It has a very retro feel to it, so it automatically reminds me of some of the old RPGs I've played. I loved the bassline you used as well as the short chip bursts. You placed emphasis on both of these instruments with superb timing, which gave the song a great deal of fluidity.

Around 1:28 there is a very short, but rough transition that I think could be much smoother, but in some strange way it works to further the song. I think this is one of your older pieces, so I'm going to check out your newer stuff to see how you've progressed! Keep it up man! :)

SourJovis responds:

Thanks for the review. It's not one of the oldest songs, nor one of the newest. It's little over a year old. I've uploaded my songs quite out of sequence, so it will be difficult to see how I progressed. I don't really know how I progressed myself. I try to improve, but mainly I try to do new things every time.

[War Snails Menu]

Solid introduction! Loved the snares, though I felt the woodwind section was just a tad strange from 0:07 to 0:17, but then when you backed it with another flute it sounded just right. When the strings come in, everything really comes together! The looping is perfect. Great job man, I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for War Snails when it is released. :)

stunkel responds:

Thanks dude! Yeah it probably won't be released for some time, but it will be by the end of summer hopefully. Thanks for listening! :D

[Exodus]

It's amazing to listen to your pieces as you grow as an artist.

Everything about this piece is so highly imaginative and inspiring. I think you've managed to create a very well-balanced song that incorporates all of the 'Stunkel' trademarks (namely the beautiful woodwind arrangements along with strong string and percussive elements). I closed my eyes at one point during the song and could vividly imagine a vast story unfold. I love it when I'm able to do that with a song. Great stuff!

The only thing that I felt was just slightly lacking was the conclusion of the song, mostly just in the last few seconds. It would be nice to hear some light instruments such as a harp, gently end the song. It would have given the soft impression that the families have finally found a peaceful end to their journey. However, since you approached this song from a cinematic perspective, the conclusion makes complete sense.

As always, you did a great job man. I know you put your all into your music, and it certainly shows. :)

stunkel responds:

Some fine reviewing there Mr. Brandon :P

Thanks for the feedback man. Glad you could see the story i was portraying. And yeah I had some trouble writing an ending (It was actually MUCH worse than it is now, so what I have now is a big improvement) And I see what you mean by how ending the journey nice and safe with some calm harps. But I was going for big end of movie sort of feel with the ending. I feel like if I went a little softer it wouldn't have been as great. But I appreciate the thoughts, I will try to make it a little more fitting in the future.

Thanks for the review man!

[Buttery Epic Popcorn]

First off....you found a keyboard in a dumpster?! That's pretty cool, but also kind of gross haha! This song loops well and it has a really nice melody to it. Very game-like, it reminds me of Perfect Dark for some reason. One thing I would suggest is to modify the support synth a touch. It sounds incredibly familiar, which is not a bad thing, but it sounds too familiar (might just be me). The introductory speech along with the music is great!

Just out of curiosity, why did you name the song 'Buttery Epic Popcorn'?

mistarogerz responds:

Buttery Epic Popcorn came from the "popcorn" sound of the keyboard. I think... Wait, it might have been that Buttery popcorn I smelled when mixing this song.

[Tetris: A Sountrack]

Great use of instruments to compliment the 'chip' sound in the introduction! It would be more interesting to hear more variation with that synth though. My favorite instrument in this piece would have to be the flute. I like how you gently use it as both support and a melody throughout the song. Overall, this is a great piece and it has a very cinematic feel to it. Well done!

Koxyx responds:

Thank you kindly! Synths are far from my strong suit and I'm never quite sure how they ought fit into the orchestra to be honest. I compliment your keen ear with the upper woodwinds. :)

[Uncontrollable Power]

Definitely inspired by Naruto. Reminded me of the Akatsuki...but I'll shut up about that before I sound like a super nerd.

This is fantastic! Isn't EWQL just awesome? You really made use of everything it has to offer. I love how you pull the japanese intstruments, such as the shamisen, in and out of the song to create a sense of urgency almost. Very nice. Excellent use of strings and percussion. They compliment the electric guitar you've implemented into the song.

I do have one suggestion though. Since this is a loop, you might want to try and make the transition from conclusion to introduction more seamless. Other than that though, this is great. Keep it up Mattashi! :)

Mattashi responds:

Thanks man! Your right I should make it sound more like a loop, the final hit of the Taikos sound more like an ending.