dirtofgrandeur's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[wastelandnf]

It would seem this is just a work in progress so far. It definitely needs to be louder when you're done with it.
That said, I like the juxtaposition of the distorted synth with the piano melody near the end.
There's also a lead line that comes in at about 1:15, and I think if you simplified it (each note once instead of some twice, I think as sustained 8th notes instead 16th notes), you'd get more punch from a pace change/slight dynamic shift. That hook may also sound better on a piano voice.

These are all suggestions though, save for the comment about the volume. Definitely make it louder.

[godiva]

There needs to be another element panned on the right if you're going to have your lead synth panned so far on the left.

PHIctitious5 responds:

indeed.

sample issues, somewhat likened to the beautiful mistake

5

[da na na]

Very sparse and minimal, but I like the grimy, lo-fi feel. It would definitely make good bgm for an arcade game; I'd say it would fit better in other applications if the backing drums appeared more than they do. That's my primary critique: more DRUMS! Overall, though, this is solid.

PHIctitious5 responds:

i agree, the scarcity of drums throughout lends to a pensive, more cinematic feel.

++ cheers!

5

[At The Beach v1(Chillout)]

Another very good one! I hope you come back to this!
All of the voices here mesh really well and that piano motif/hook is very compelling. If you change anything if/when you come back, I'd say that it might need to be the wood-block-esque percussive bit in the background. A good high hat might fulfill the same role, but a shaker could potentially be even better; the latter might fit well with the "beachy" feel.
Keep at it, keep at it! I dig this one!

8BitPICE responds:

Thank you very much, i get what you are saying and if i still had the project file i would change it right away, but i don't :(. When i make another track like this i will listen to your advice though!

[Space Deep (Chillout)]

Very pleasant and very clean! I like the simplicity of it, coupled with the smart composition and production on the drums and percussion. This is a good song for a relaxing walk or drive :)
As far as constructive criticism, my input is pretty minimal. There are a few weird string sounds between about 0:12 and 0:24 that happen throughout; a different voice would help those a lot, perhaps a pad sound. I also second one of the previous commenters; a little EQ on the brass synth would help a lot. It's just a little too sharp, so smoothing it out would be awesome.
Overall though, I like the minimalism and the brevity; it's not overdone, nor bombastic. There's a quiet confidence and contentment to it, and I really enjoyed it!

8BitPICE responds:

Thank you :) and thanks for taking your time to write a proper review! Not many these days who actually give some criticism about other peoples songs/tracks.

[Smack My Gangnam Style]

Lots of promise here; I would have liked to have heard bits of "Gangnam Style" incorporated a little more. For example, my gut tells me that you could have put certain parts into the break of "Smack My Bitch Up." Either way, this was unexpected and fun :)

[Talking to Myself]

The vocals REALLY don't mesh at all, there are moments where the tempo is way off, but the solo was intriguing. The writing here would probably be improved with more practice, more time, and better equipment.

Mau3000 responds:

Hmm
Tempo is off? Didn't notify that.

The first part of the solo was improvised, we had a short time to record, really needs to get better!
Pratice will come, equipment... well... money is also short, hehe.
Thanks for reviewning!

[Mega Man 8 - Bass' Revenge]

Did you copy and paste or overdub near the end? Around about 1:23, the guitar is off tempo BAD, by at least one whole beat. You correct it in the very end, but that little 15 second snip really threw me and it's a shame.
The whole of the song is a vast improvement on the original track from the game, for sure. I love the guitar tone and the attack of the snare drum. This feels much more fitting of a character like Bass and an intense boss battle.

[BeautifulSound(DaisyChain)]

And Again...

I must repeat that I would rock out with you any day. You have serious chops on the guitars. I imagine several of your influencers would feel put to shame if they were to hear this. Great work :D

Cornilious responds:

Haha on the chops. I was trying to take it easy for the lead/melody thing. It's really melodic because of my classical background. Maybe I'll upload something crazy. Odds are I won't but maybe. Anyway, hopefully some acoustic stuff in open D tuning (DADGAD) will be up soon.
Thanks!

[Coming Home (Daisy Chain)]

I'd rock out with you

It's a little messy, but you said you didn't want it as ambient, so you did very well making a fuzzy, fun little thing. I really, really like it. Again, like most people, I have complaints about the drums. They're very well in the pocket, but the cymbals and high hats are a tad distracting. Still, this is so gosh damn happy! I do hope you keep it up!

Oh, and those strings at the end: phenomenal.

Cornilious responds:

One day....
I will re-record this properly. haha