megakill's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[[dB] Sleepwalker]

This is a difficult one...

Well, I'm really torn about this. I've given you a seven, but I could have easily brought it down to a six for various reasons. Allow me to explain:

The song starts great; interesting choice of instrument, great sound quality, and a solid mix. The drums are crisp and clear, nothing distorts. I was sat thinking "Okay, I'm looking forward to this one, I can get into this."
Then nothing. You automate a nice breakbeat, which doesn't kick in quite how I would have expected, or liked, but it gets there eventually, which is what counts.
But it only lasts very briefly. I was expecting a fast paced tune with good progression, nice variation in the drums, and great sound, but I was only presented with that once, for a very brief instance.

I say brief, because once the song drops, it's only a few bars until you introduce another synth. Adding more layers and synths isn't a problem, but they smother the whole track for the short section they play. Their levels needed to be brought down to fit the mix better. It was like stubbing my toe because it was so quick and sudden.

The track then gradually reduces, and for the remainder of the song, I felt like I was just waiting for the next drop, or for something to happen, or some kind of climax. When it doesn't come, I just feel sort of disappointed.

The mix itself isn't too bad. There's a few spikes in the levels when certain sounds are introduced as I just mentioned, but overall, everything has it's own space, is audible, and sounds very crisp.

Like I said, this is a tricky one. There's instances of brilliance, and great potential, but then I just feel like it never really picks up. It doesn't hit full speed, and for the brief instance where it's on the verge of being brilliant, it's ruined by an overbearing synth and bass-line.

Good job, but maybe it just wasn't for me.

Also, nineteen seconds of space at the end of the track. What's up with that?

Decibel responds:

I expected the reviews to be more harsh when I saw a 7. But that was extremely helpful :) Thanks for the in-depth observations and tips mate.

I don't have access to a computer at the moment - but I'll be sure to check those insights out when I do.

Thanks for the review again ;)

[Foggy Future Schools]

Very mellow and ambient

This song really does have a very ambient feel to it, but it still fits the trance genre due to the drums and hooks, so good job on pulling it back into the genre you intended. I've seen lots of trance songs stray way too far into the ambient genre to be classed as trance any more.

The sound quality of the song itself is of a high standard. I cant hear any clipping, and nothing distorts throughout. That being said, I feel like the mix itself maybe isn't as good as it could be. As each new sound is introduced, they cut through the mix and make themselves heard. This is as it should be, however, I found that at some points the bass becomes slightly too far back, and one or two of the synths are overpowered. Despite this, there are no major spikes in the levels, and so although some things may be lost at points, no one sound ever jumps out and dominates the whole track.

The melodies are all catchy and memorable. I can already see this being used in some kind of game, and could happily listen to it on a nice day, when I'm just trying to relax.

All in all, you've earned a download from me, and all I can ask that you improve upon is some minor issues with the mix itself. Other than that, you've done a great job!

Sawdust responds:

Thanks a lot, man. I actually have no idea what genre this is, though, lol. I guess I'll just reset it to Video Game or something.

I'm glad you liked it!

[Game Boy Space Waltz]

Great stuff

This sounds very authentic; like its been taken straight out of an old game.
I like how you've used 3/4 timing and made it a nice waltz instead of sticking to 4/4

My only problem is that to me, it doesnt sound like a spacey theme, i'm thinking more underwater or something, but that could just be me.

Either way, it's really good, and it loops extemely well!

Good luck in the contest!

WerewNC responds:

I'll I was sorta operating on the principles that 1.) waltzes have long been associated with space (in particular the Blue Danube) and 2.) old space game music rarely sounded spacey to start with. So, I'll admit it doesn't sound spacey. I see what you mean with the underwater feel though! It sorta has a bubbly sound to it, doesn't it? Would've never thought of that on my own.

It still loops horribly on my computer, so I'll just take everyone else's word that it loops right. Thanks for the review!

[L-E-Vater]

A winnar is you!

I think it's clear you put in more effort.

I officially crown you king of the NG elevators and award you ten internets!

Rampant responds:

:P I think it's clear I put in *too much* effort for a joke XD

Thank you. I'll put those 10 internets in the bank, and see how much interest I earn :D

[[Majesty]]

Strangely Satisfying.

At the start of the song I really didnt know what to expect.
The way it slowly rolls in and the brass section is introduced with a little addition of the timpani led me to believe that it would become an epic fanfare, with lots of bold melodies, almost like the introduction to something.

Instead, what I found was that it actually gives more of a conclusive feeling. A feeling of triumph. It has a certain way of making the audience feel at peace. In my mind it makes me picture the end of a film, where the camera pans across a vast landscape as the screen slowly fades to black.

Whatever your intention, I'd say you've done a great job, and I wish you the best of luck in the contest!

Xyresic responds:

I guess I didn't really have anything in particular in mind when I made this... I just kind od thought "Yep, that sounds good" and built on it. Listener interpretation is always the best way to do things, I think. Thanks for reviewing!

[NAC: Rage of the Giants]

Outstanding.

I've got to say, I think you stand a really good chance in the contest with this piece.

It's always changing and shaping into something new, but flows beautifully.
All the automation you've used really helps to give it sudden surges towards new sections in the arrangement.

You've used a great range of instuments, and further yet, you've shown you know how to apply them in a very skillfull manner.

All in all, I have to say this is probably one of my favorite submissions for the contest so far.

Keep it up, and good luck!

blackattackbitch responds:

Thanks, tbh though, I think I'd be lucky to snatch 8th, which I'd be completely fine with.

I'm glad you liked this song, I put a lot of work into it, roughly 30 hours spread over the course of a week, in between work and school.

And I'm proud to say I was able to check out your submission to the contest too!

[Muirin's Dream]

Very Ambient

Theres definitely something mystic about this.
I can imagine it being used in a video game, when you come to a certain town or structure or something. If you know what I mean?

I read the review below, and I agree that theres still some work to be done around the climax.
Personally I'd suggest giving it something to make it slightly more distinctive, so it really pops out at the audience. I know it's quite a subtle and ambient piece, but I just feel as if it needs a little more kick in the climax to really bring everything together.

On the whole though, it's really good!

Good luck in the contest!

Jessismith responds:

Hey, you responded just as I was updating. :) Thanks a lot for the wonderful advice. I'll try to find some subtle ways to spice it all up before the contest deadline. Maybe even adding vocal and such. Thanks so much! :)

[-Legend-]

Well Damn!

I'm blown away!
I love your use of percussion, and it creates a very strong desert image in my mind.
This could easily be used in a variety of ways, and the mix is just superb. Everythings clear and has its own space, and each intrument sounds very realistic.
The whole thing flows very smoothly. I could listen to this over and over.

Great job, and good luck in the contest!

Step responds:

Hey, thanks for reviewing!

"I'm blown away!"

Cool :D.

"I love your use of percussion, and it creates a very strong desert image in my mind."

To be honest, a desert was the main atmosphere I thought of doing when making this song, hence the addition of a sitar later on in the song. I thought of calling this song 'Desert Warfare' but I thought it wasn't 'epic' enough to be associated with a war, so I settled with Legend.

"This could easily be used in a variety of ways, and the mix is just superb. Everythings clear and has its own space, and each intrument sounds very realistic."

I'm surprised people are liking the mix. I can't mix even if my life depended on it :P. Although I did EQ a little to give some instruments a bit of space.

The real instruments are East/West Symphonic Orchestra Silver. By far the best VST I've ever worked with in my opinion.

"The whole thing flows very smoothly. I could listen to this over and over."

Lol thank you :D.

"Great job, and good luck in the contest!"

Thanks, I appreciate the review!

[Psychadelic Dream]

Love it

Definitely make it longer, make it a little more progressive and varied, and I'd say you've got an amazing tune there!

TheShoq responds:

Megakill thanks again for taking the time to listen! It really does mean a lot! :)

Hmm..interesting input indeed, adding more progressive elements would definitely take it in a new direction. The reason I restrained originally was because I wanted it to be progressive, while simultaneously organic, if that makes any sense ;)

Thanks again! Stay tuned for the longer version :)

[Grid of Life]

Very soothing and relaxing.

It's also sound in terms of production value. I think its been very well produced, sets a tranquil mood, and really ignites the imagination.

Great job!

TheShoq responds:

Hey megakill! I cant thank you enough for your input, thanks for taking the time to listen!

I did spend a lot of time trying to mix/master it to the best of my ability, so everything works together without taking away from anything else. Balance is a beautiful thing.

You made my day by letting me know it ignites your imagination bro! That was my goal :)

Happy New Years! Best wishes