Score: 9

"Great song"

submission: [KgZ] Blue Violet (Ep demo)

date: August 26, 2009

I am really not sure how to properly review this song, but I'm going to try merely due to the fact that I feel it has been overlooked.

This piece is one that I feel has a certain chilling feel to it, due to the chords - which seem to be maj7 and m7 chords or something similiar.
This all creates an atmosphere of a certain jazzy feel - and accompanied by the piano which was extremely well written, I'd say that this piece is one of the few on the newground audio-portal who has captured the essential feel of fusion jazz. It's highly usable in gamesituations, and I feel that it deserves more credit than it has recieved.
Make no mistake by the rating - I merely reserve 10's for the utter perfection of music. But this was by a mile one of the best songs I've heard here.

So a good 9/10 and a 5/5
-Chris.

Score: 8

"Interesting execution."

submission: Ancient Discoveries

date: August 16, 2009

I really like the pizzicato strings going throughout the whole song - as well as the whole rhyhtm.
I did feel that the percussion was too close to the listener when comparing to the strings, however - I didn't particulary enjoy listening to the string ensemble with only the one to two voices, I'd rather hear two solo strings, such as violin and viola splitting the voices.

As far as background music goes, this should do fine - but I'd like to see you write some marked melodies in the future whereas the chord progressions are sorta driven by the melody.
Though, as a first attempt - very impressive.

Score: 8

"Nice!"

submission: Rucklo - Deeper Again WIP

date: August 3, 2009

I really liked the gritty bass, along with the melodic synth.
I wasn't too much a fan of the plucked parts - but I'd say considering what level NG is on compositional-wise, this is probably one of the better, if not best beats I've heard in the audio-portal.

Out of curiousity, what software are you using when creating music?
Anyhow, an 8 and a 5 from me mate.

Score: 10

"Close to perfection"

submission: timid girl

date: August 2, 2009

At my time here at newgrounds, I have listened to oh so many musical splendors. But this short loop has gathered all the aspects I wish to hear in a song. It has high production value, with the instruments sounding very realistic to the degree where I no longer can tell the difference.
The dynamics between each instrument seems to be given a great deal of thought - as well as the versatility of the orchestra.

It fills the purpose of the song, being a cheery loop to work perfectly in the background of a setting.

So with this, I award this song one of, if not the only 10 I have heard on newgrounds.

Best of wishes, Christian Sandviknes

Score: 8

"Hades0013 - The Lament"

submission: =The Lament=

date: July 4, 2008

I personally like this sort of music, and compositionally speaking I find it quite good. If I'm not mistaken it's in Harmonic Minor?
The first thing I noticed about this song is the quality of the recording/composition. Is this a recording of the piano, or is it sequenced?
In either case I would try to either get a better mic, or I'd equalize it in another way. This is due to the fact that the low-end of the mix is completely lacking.
It sounds like you've completely removed some parts of the specter.
I'd really love to hear a violin/viola playing a melody over this though, creating a wonderous duo.
This aside, I do understand how you might want to make the melody simple, as I often have simple melodies myself.

Chris.

Score: 7

"Liau - AirStrike"

submission: AirStrike

date: July 3, 2008

Ok, I'm giving you points for the buildup and melodies, as well as your equalizing. These are all major points that help make the song you have here.
My first issue is the snare-drum, which seems to not be very suited for metal.
The second one is that you should probably have some mid-range pads, strings or something to cover, as it feels a bit hollow.

The guitar was beautifully played, recorded and composed.
I really like the bass riff, it was the thing that initially caught my interest.
I give you a 7/10 (I've grown meaner over the years)
You have my 5-vote though,

Chris.

Score: 9

"First review in a year, give or take."

submission: Castle Crashers The Crusade

date: August 8, 2007

It's not often I hear melodic video-game metal, but it's awesome when done right. Now, I love the melody you've got going after 00:12, reminds me of F-Zero in away. The rhythm guitar seems to be a bit off when it comes to equalizing.
It's not as clear as I would like it to be, but that's really no biggie.
Your quality has increased since I last checked out your stuff, and I wish you all luck in the contest.
9/10, 5/5.

-Chris

PS: I'd love a review on my newest piece ^^

Score: 7

"Darkside555 - Chaos"

submission: **_Chaos_**

date: October 2, 2006

First Impression; "This could be good."

I like some of your idea's, however I feel this tune is far too unstable and just kinda run me down with sound. I like metal alot, and your second part of this was really great, but I'm not the biggest fan of your "second" riff.
It's pretty much an ok tone, could need a bit mixing to make the guitar sound "closer" if you know what I mean.

Your percussionate works, well, works.
It's in all basic well set and everything, but there's just something about this song I can't put my finger on that I dislike about it.
You're still among the best submitters at NG when it comes to the metalsection, but this isn't your strongest piece.

-Chris

Score: 6

"Robox - Simplicity"

submission: Simplicity

date: August 19, 2006

First Impression; "I've heard this before"

First off, The score might seem low and all.
But I'll try to justify each and every score so you won't get offended, and if you want to go somewhere with your music, build on.

First off, The originality was a major bummer, as this is one of the FLStudio preset melodies, with some added things. Even though it's the first time I've heard it being used, it's not your melodic piece.

The clarity was pretty good, but even though it's ambience, you should equalize a bit more.
You can try a bit with either Parametric EQ or EQUO.

I think you caught the whole ambience feel pretty well, but there was little change, as with most ambience. Even though most people stick with the same style overall, there should be more than one pattern being played with some minor changes.

It's pretty well executed, but I see alot more potential in you than this.
And because you really didn't put too much effort into the chord-lines, it's a bit lowered.
I hope you can take constructive critiscm, and are willing to improve on these things.

For any questions regarding technical things at FL, or compositional theory, just PM me.

-Chris.

Wouldn't mind a review or two over at my page :)

Score: 7

"ShadowMan_Kage - Loz & MM Songs"

submission: LoZ & MM Songs

date: August 14, 2006

First Impression; "This has some promise."
Ok, I'm generally a harsh reviewer, but I wouldn't something I believed to be beyond redemption.
There's some points I'd like to point out, in your first song, there was this dark synth that really didn't fit with your mellow mood.

Your second song in there, had just the chords and never actually began with the melodic line.
I think you should work on your transtitons.
As it's overall not a "medley" but just alot of songs put together with some pauses.

I hope you make these from scratch, as that's what would give you the most experience from it.
You have alot of songs in this thing.
Also; You should obtain some better soundfonts/samples, and learn a bit more about sound-production.

I see some promise in you, but you should begin making more originals, and really just get the feel of composing.
Overall; A weak 7 because of the production level.
See some of my audio, and leave a review :)
Always apprieciate it.

For questions, PM me :)