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.

[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