AlenK's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Haunted House Exploration]

I really liked it, I could totally see this in a horror game! The disconsonance in some of the chords just adds to the eerie feeling. The white noise/wind in the background is perfect too. I would change much else about this. Perhaps just a personal preference, but I love when you have the effect of cut audio. glitching in sections of the track. It makes me feel like there is actually something wrong.

Side note: Is this actually going to be in a game?

gruber99 responds:

Hey thanks!

Yes! I was thinking about glitching the piano. I love that effect too. I may go back now and add a few subtle ones.

I wrote it for a game that's being developed in a game club I'm in. Not sure what's going to happen with the game when it's done, if anything. It was fun writing something for it nonetheless.

[Chill Out Bro]

This is some experimental stuff, that being said I really frickin' like it. It's almost eerie in the way it moves from the highs then the PHATTEST bass-line known to man hits you. Its a pleasant surprise.

The only problem I have with this is the arp that comes in at 1:30. I feel like it throws off the whole vibe of the song. I understand that you were trying to keep up variation and make it interesting, but perhaps something else (haunting chords) would better fit in that position.
Good work though, keep it up.

Dylpex responds:

Thank you very much for your response! I'll be sure to work on the arp line. This was my first attempt at something like this. I had a lot of fun doing it.

[So it is]

I'm loving all of this, when i was listening to it, i literally spaced out and was only focusing on the music. Definitely a relaxing/chill piece. I could see vocals working with that too. It would be awesome to hear a finished version with vocals.

The only things that caught my attention was that cymbal sweep kinda thing that I heard every now and then. I think that could be a little less in your face. Maybe lower the volume a bit so it doesn't take away from the music as much.

If you could check out my song it would help a lot :)
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/627640

IndustryStandard responds:

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! Yeah I'm working on it a little right now, trying out a few different snares and high hats and such, and one of the things i did was bring down the cymbal sweep. It was actually starting to make things clip a little haha.

I'll check out your track, but if you're looking for reviews, you should post your track here: http://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1342843
(be sure to read the forum rules first)

[The Grave]

I enjoyed the emotions this gives you. I was a bit confused at the beginning because there was quite a bit of movement all at once, but when it slowed down at the end, it definitely hits you in the heart. I agree with the others being that I could see this in the ending of a game. Good stuff!

If you could help me out and review my song it would help a lot :)
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/627640

Azhthar responds:

I understand what you mean with the sudden start here. The problem is I composed it for NIM in the bad ending category which was supposed to be less than a minute long, so there wasn´t much time for an entry. But glad to hear that you like it.

[Concentration]

It definitely has potential, but i feel like all the instruments are fighting to be heard and not blending as well. Choose one or two instruments to be the main focus and put everything else in the background or have come in at only certain sections. The drums could be beefed up a bit too so it gives it that jumpy feel. Just a couple things to work on to make some progress :)
If you could review my song that would help out a lot :D
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/623311

Epitaph64 responds:

Thanks for the critique, I will investigate the leveling of the different instruments further :D

[Electrical Assassin]

I like this. I really like the synth you used for the melody i noticed that it slides from time to time and that variation make the song a lot more interesting. I agree with the previous review that the percussion and drums could use a little boost and that would make things pop. Are you using any mastering vst's? That would help with the mix. Other than that, solid production i could definitely get down to this. If you could review my track and help me out a bit, I'd really appreciate it :)
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/623311
Thanks

ADR3-N responds:

Yeah, I set the portamento on it to slide a little bit as the track went on. Thanks for the critique. I'm glad you liked!

[My facsinationss]

Definitely a really nice chill out piece. I think at a couple points in the song the bell went off key and it was noticieable, so try to make sure you stay on key. The crashes/downsweeps were a bit much at a couple points too. So only try to use them every 8 bars or so. Othere than that, good melody and chord progression. I love the vibe.
If you could check out my piece and review it, I'd love the help.
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/623311
Thanks man!

JMSy responds:

thanks well its all in key pretty much note wise...I didnt go out of key in scales when making melodies..but maybe u just mean the timing or notes at some point didnt sound great or in harmony? Defo in key though. Yeh mayeb I go OTT with fx etc haha...ill check urs later

[The Castle In The Sky]

Well, I will agree with the first review. It does need some EQing. and the vocals need a little work. They are really overpowering during the drop and i think it would sound better if they were toned down a bit. Its a good track. It just needs some eqing love lol. I love the melody and piano though! good work :D
-Alenk

ChromaShift responds:

Yeah I know, I'll fix the eq when I have time for it, just have a lot stuff to do for school :D But I think this weekend I am going to finish the better version of this track and update this track here ^^

-Shift