Neon-Bard's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Evolution]

NGADM Round 2 Review

---

I love the mellow vibes that this track gives off! The introduction is quite interesting and to be honest, there were times when I thought I was actually listening to an early rendition of a Metallica song. The 'mellow' levels go off the charts after 3:47 and the addition of the strings was a nice touch. Great job with the mixing by the way, everything is clean and clear and nothing sounds muddled.

The biggest flaw in this track was not about the mixing, progression, or anything of that nature but instead its generic sound. Don't get me wrong, the track was great and I did enjoy listening to the song, but it does have a generic sound; I feel like I have heard it before. There is some repetition due to the choice of similar chords, but nothing too drastic. The transitions, as others have mentioned, lack substance. It is during these transitions that you could have taken time to pull out some more fantastic harmonic work or even added additional strings.

Overall, I enjoyed listening to this track...but I think there is potential for more here, you certainly have the skill. Keep working at it man! :)

Score: 8/10

Metallica1136 responds:

Thanks! Yeah, for this song, I wanted to try something more mellow. Glad you noticed the strings in that one part. I'm really happy to hear from a judge that the mixing is perfect. :) This song probably does have some of my cleanest mixing ever. Yeah, I do agree though, this might not be the most original piece of music. I'm thinking about making another song with a similiar style, but with better transitions, more harmony, and more use of strings. But, I'm really really happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for your review man!

[Ling Kano's Fighting Show]

SourJovis:

NGADM Round 2 Review

---

I think you have perfectly captured the atmosphere of a fighting show/game, especially that of an older series. That 90's anime-esque feeling that this track gives off is superb. The introduction is solid and I love the subtle and light choir queues that just float about, they really add an additional layer to the track as a whole. I loved that transition around 1:20, this portion of the track has such a mysterious air about it; I love it! The mixing for this track is well done for the most part.

I will reiterate several things that Skye and Step have mentioned. The bass: while the bass-line itself is impressive, the bass practically sits in the background of the song and so the listener cannot clearly make out the notes due to the volume and overall mixing of the instrument. The guitar: the lead guitar riff is catchy but repetitive, by adding some extra notes here and there or altering the note progression, the riff would become far less cumbersome. The general sound quality of the instruments does not really bother me because I believe that you were aiming for that more 'retro' sound, yes?

I have one lingering question though...what was that distorted sound that can be heard at the last few seconds of the song? It almost sounds like a voice in my left ear...is this an effect or an attribute to the show? I am just curious.

Great track and an interesting concept for a song. I'll have to check out “Ling Kano's Fighting Show”. :)

Score: 8/10

SourJovis responds:

Didn't expect to get another review from the judges. Thanks. I've already uploaded a newer version of this song where I made some adaptations of things people commented on. Mainly the things Step and Skye mentioned. It's called L Kano's Fighting Show S2. I will change some of the guitar notes there to make it more varied. Good idea. The part at the ending is a voice singing. It's a hidden message.

[Journey to the Edge]

NGADM Round 1 review.

---

Marvelous track! Each section has its own feel to it, and each is represented by a unique atmosphere that tells a tale of adventure. The first section of the song builds wonderfully, and the choirs add that nice touch of heroism and magnificence. The second section is graceful and charming and sounds like something out of a Final Fantasy game (awesome). The third and final section is daunting and makes the listener wonder what lies beyond the more distressing sound of this particular movement. I must say that I honestly can't get over the fact that you arranged and mixed this piece with laptop speakers. Laptop speakers. You definitely were able to make the best out of a bad situation, and I really respect that!

The sound quality and 'dryness' of the instruments is one of the things that holds this piece back. However, I understand that you were in a bind and had to work with what you could conjure up! I think we all have been there, am I right? While the sound quality and mixing could have been better, the biggest issue with this piece is that there are three different sections. I did enjoy each section separately, but when they are all combined together into one song it makes for a slightly confusing listening experience (at least in some ways). I can see what you were aiming for, but the short break between the first and second section creates a disconnection concerning the movement of the piece. I started to get into the heroic section/theme only to be transported into a world of mystery and intrigue, without any real transition, you know? Regardless, the sections all match - both thematically and musically (especially when you consider the title).

The composition as a whole is worth listening to, and with a few adjustments here and there, I'm sure this piece could be something extraordinary! Perhaps when EWQL starts behaving, you could do a quick rendition of this piece? I would love to hear it! :)

Score: 8/10

WingoWinston responds:

Thanks! Listening to the piece a few times I do here the dryness, and I definitely heard it when I submitted the piece too. With some extraneous work I probably could have made the Garritan VST sound a little more full but with EWQL it would have been much easier. The Laptop Speakers... they are at least stereo now compared to my last one which had a mono speaker (a 2011 laptop with a damned mono speaker!).

I think my next step will be to buy a really nice pair of headphones and get my EWQL back. Then I'll consider making this song with possibly better transitions along with better sounds. Also a new roommate has moved in with a 1000W surround sound. That will also some in handy.

Cheers,

Winston

[Follow that car!]

NGADM Round 1 review.

---

Catchy, catchy, catchy. I was tapping my foot throughout the entire song. It was incredibly easy to visualize something along with this piece. Personally, I had an old-fashioned black and white cops n' robbers scene running in my head: a hard-headed detective chasing after a diamond robber, or something crazy like that! I love the stylish, jazzy qualities this song has, most of which are brought out by that smooth saxophone and those perfectly balanced drums (which were mixed excellently by the way). These particular instruments bring out such great suspense and action, especially when accompanied with those mysterious string periods (1:19 – 1:40).

I was not overly fond of the guitar...It just didn't sit well with me. Not the actual guitar notes, mind you, but just in the sound quality. It really broke the immersion of this 'high-speed chase' scene that I had running through my head while listening to this track. All in all though, the guitar was still a great addition to the song due to its edginess. The conclusion was solid, and I loved how you carefully wrapped everything up with those strings... However, it felt like something was lacking. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I do think that a quick piano or sax melody would have worked perfectly.

This was so much fun to listen to! It was one of the few songs that happened to capture my imagination. Keep it up! :)

Score: 8.25/10

acmeDyne responds:

I used almost all my mixing time on the drums (my submission last year had crappy drums on it and I was determined to do better this time). The distorted guitar track was really meant to be just a placeholder until I did the horns. My plan was to redo it with more of a "James Bond/ surf" style sound, but with the deadline looming (after a shameful amount of procrastination) I had to leave it.
Thank you very much for the nice review!

[[NGADM]Variable]

NGADM Round 1 review.

---

Whoa! Now this is an interesting piece, let me tell you. Everything sounds so whimsically delightful and free-spirited, I love it! This song makes me happy and it really reminds me of an old, classic RPG credits track (that's awesome)! The way you introduce the song with the soft strings and classy bass is charming. Then when you bring in that flute, the charming feeling becomes enchanting. When you come in with the brass and keep building everything up, it really makes listening to this track an enjoyable experience. The saxophone solos are tight and they fit incredibly well with the backing instruments and rhythm. My absolute favourite part of the song is at 1:34. Man, everything just works so well here! The lighthearted and uplifting portion at 1:49 is outstanding. I would have loved to hear more of this in the track!

The amount of detail in this track is impressive, though if there is one thing that I think needs some work, it would have to be the mixing. There are certain instruments, such as the drum kit and saxophone, which can sound rather drab at times. With a touch of reverb, these instruments would develop more realistically as the song goes on. As others have mentioned, the instruments could be of a better quality. Ultimately though, you can only work with what you have. Last but not least, while you had a plethora of variety, I think there was too much of an emphasis on brass in this piece.

It is evident that you put a lot of work into this piece, and for that I really respect both you and this piece. Well done! :)

Score: 8/10

Nimble responds:

In the composition part of this piece, i did try to give each section their own time to shine. maybe it's because i'm a brass player though :P

The mixing i completely understand, as i'm still learning how to mix, I don't always end up with what sounds good across many set-ups, mostly only my own. I need to obtain a better set-up(I have the monitors for it, just need the cables) and start putting more time into the mixing part of every track. Thanks for reviewing, I like the fact that you liked the variety :)

[Blind Maiden]

NGADM Round 1 review.

---

Wow, what an amazing track. Loved the story, loved the vocals, loved the instruments. The quality is brilliant. As others have said, your voice is soft, yet compelling. Such a combination really creates an ethereal listening experience. Ho ho ho ho (...yeah that was terrible...)! The vocals were certainly the highlight of the track, and I really enjoyed the fact that you used various singing techniques to showcase your incredible talent. The story and lyrics are so captivating, and I could really picture this 'Blind Maiden' you sing of. The oriental instruments are integrated in such a wonderful way, they add remarkable depth to this track. The woodwinds in particular (Shakuhachi, Dizi, Bansuri?) are amazing; the trills of these instruments are abundant and perfectly incorporated!

As much as I enjoyed listening to the vocals, they overpowered the instrumental side of the song. The quality of the instruments and their use is great, but they are hard to hear through your voice! By turning down the vocals a notch, this song would truly shine! Also, there seems to be too much reverb associated with certain instruments, namely the piano and the percussion. Finally, the cymbal at the end of the track sounded a little out of place. Nudging it to sound a second later might do the trick! Of course, it might just be me who thinks this!

This song is beautiful! I hope you realize that you have made something quite special. :)

Score: 8.75/10

etherealwinds responds:

I almost forgot that I'd be getting a second review! Those are some very kind words so thank you a lot, I really appreciate it. Primarily I've always been a vocalist, singing on YouTube since I was 13, so I guess rather than creating instrumentals to surround my voice, I've gotten into a habit of creating instrumentals to support or accompany my voice! Actually, upon receiving Step's review about how he'd like to have heard more of the instruments, I focused more on the instrumental on Round 2.

You are so kind, all the very best :)

[-La Pura Vida-Salsa NGADM]

NGADM Round 1 review.

---

Very impressive track, my friend. This is so different from everything else, so it was quite refreshing to listen to! The mixing, choice and quality of the instruments, and the energy this song gives off is just fantastic. I love the smooth, rhythmic piano lines and the clean, cutting edge of those guitar notes that you have sprinkled throughout the track, they truly add vibrancy and cheer to the song. The brass (trumpets in particular) simply furthers the tremendous energy that this track gives off. Outstanding!Speaking of energy and vibrancy (...to beat a dead horse), I really like how you have added that effect from the crowd to the background. You were definitely right in saying that it adds realism to this track because I can easily picture the atmosphere you're going for. On top of all that, everything seems to blend seamlessly which makes the song...well...fun!

I would suggest lowering the cymbal levels between tempo transitions. They are well-placed and trail perfectly, but they are loud. The brass could come down quite a bit as well, so that it allows the other instruments to stand out in certain parts of the track (1:20 – 1:32 for instance). I would have liked to hear a little more substance in the conclusion, perhaps by drawing it out just a little longer with more percussion. Other than those nuances, you had a very strong conclusion which was really the icing on the cake.

This was such a fun track to listen to, and I was really impressed with the level of detail. Great job!

Score: 9/10

SoundChris responds:

Thanks a lot Neon-Bard for your kind review!

I am really glad you liked it - i wasnt sure if i would be able to write a latin piece but decided to give it a try and omg this has been much fun. But it took me quite a long time to get the track into the actual form. One of the most important things for me was to bring in lots of changes (because i couldnt find any real singer out there ;D) to prevent anyone gets bored. The other focus for me was to create a little live-feeling. I thought the track would fit really good to the summer-season right now.

I am not sure if the brass is so well written - after having listened to the track again 2 weeks after the judgement and with a little bit distance and more objectivity now i think i have overdone it a little bit with all those falls :D

So thanks a lot for your review and judging and all the best for you!

Chris

[Slow Motion Lightning]

Wow, what an introduction. This is an incredibly calm, reflective piece for sure. I love how you build the song from the introduction gradually up until 1:32 where the percussion changes the atmosphere aptly. Again, I have to reiterate that I think that this song is quite reflective and methodical in its structure.

Genres need not matter when the song is fun to listen to, which this certainly is. However, I wonder how it would sound as a 'World' piece? It would be interesting to hear the instruments in a more 'oriental' style...Forgive me, I ramble! In any case, I think that there could have been more variation, just to spice things up a little. Perhaps another change or shift in percussion, or even an added pad or synth that cuts higher than the rest! All the same, this is a great song that was structured fantastically. Well done! :D

VideoGameManiac responds:

thank you, I feel like a lot more experienced everytime I read one of your reviews xd
You might be right with more variation in terms of pads and different percussion. Just need to work a little on this one, just sometimes its hard to tell when a song is finished or not cause in this case I.... you could say ran out of variation which makes me think the song is finished xd

[Calm Map]

Well done! I like the soft and joyful nature of the song, it's really uplifting. I like those brighter synths that you've used, though at times they are just a tad sharp. The percussion seems well-balanced in terms of volume and I like how it has that break-beat nature to it. The little portions of those higher piano notes that you have sprinkled throughout the song are quite refreshing! I would love to hear this song in its fully developed state, though I understand that the file is no longer accessible. Such a shame! :(

This is a nice little loop that you've done up here DMO. Excellent job! :)

Deemo-R responds:

It's always a shame to lose the little things, but I'm fine with it since these were never bound to be used for something anyhow. I'm glad you liked it! Thanks so much for the review! :D

[Monochromatic As I'll Be]

After listening to this piece again after a number of days, I still think that it has an incredible way of portraying a vintage, yet unique sound. It's quite the catchy song too!

Those lyrics are quite something btw, well thought-out for sure! :)

SourJovis responds:

Thank you. Took me forever to write the lyrics. It's a difficult rhythm to spread the vowels over. Recording them wasn't easy either. I just took the best takes out of an hour of recording. And still I wouldn't let anyone hear them without the vocoder.