skyood's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Bivouac]

Not bad at all. You definitely took some risks here and there, and largely pull it off well. Small input: there are portions, particularly at the beginning and around 1:15 - 1:20 or so where it sounds like the percussion beat and the instruments don't line up well ... to me it's jarring. The beginning especially, to my ears, the percussion doesn't fit. When I started the song, I literally checked what programs I had running thinking that I must have left a metronome going on something. There's a LOT going on ... personally, I feel that it could use some simplifying and tightening up.

But, I think it's a step in the right direction. I wouldn't put it in a big-budget movie or anything, but to me it demonstrates that you know what you're doing. Good job!

frootza responds:

Thanks skywood! I wouldn't put anything made with free sound fonts in a big-budget movie either!

In terms of the percussion, I was doing some funky stuff. While you can count the majority of the song in 3/4, I really wanted to evoke a staggered rhythm. The sound you hear in the beginning is a woodblock. Uncommon in a piece like this but it creates a vital pulsation for the overall mood.

frootza

[Tribal]

Very impressive. Sounds here like you're well on your way, but still have some room to grow. I didn't really like the little melody segment from around :58 to 1:30 the ? layered with the strings ... because whatever the ? is it cuts off notes pretty suddenly, which to me introduces choppiness that's completely absent in the whole rest of the song. It's a very flowy and yet march-y song, and to me that choppiness just sticks out, and not in a good way. What I'm maybe most impressed with is I think you really nailed the feel of the picture-- the desert feel, the "march-y"ness that all that percussion creates ... good good stuff.

BlazingDragon responds:

Ah, the '?' instrument is called a deduk. I believe it is an Arminian wind instrument made from apricot wood, and it was used extensively for the soundtrack of the movie Gladiator. It is one of my favorite instruments for its haunting tone. I'm surprised you say it doesn't fit the rest of the song, because along with percussion, it is the element I built the entire piece around! XD I do agree that it contrasts other sections of the piece though, and I appreciate your opinion.

Thank you for the thoughtful review Skywood! It is much appreciated. :)

[Heartbeat (WIP)]

Not really my genre, so I don't have much detailed feedback to share ... very well done. If I had to think of something specific to say I'd say that I'm not a fan of the snare sound/patch/sample that takes center stage for a big starting at :18 or so. I like the idea, just not the sound/patch/sample itself. Too "fake" sounding for me.

Great stuff though!

[Never Wake Me Up]

Vocally excellent. Nice voice, nicely used ... if that makes sense (as opposed to a well-trained but not great voice, or a great natural voice who doesn't know how to use it).

My little nit pick/constructive criticism with the music is that there's plenty of rhythm and bass (which is very well done), but almost no melody at all. I hear a little piano waaay in the back of the mix playing what could be a little piece of melody/hook, but it's pretty well buried.

Overall very well done, though. Keep doing what you're doing (and tell your sis the same :P).

[Alone]

Blew me away, as usual for your work. The stark simplicity and repetition paired with the emotion of your playing really brings to life the mood hinted at by the title.

You always have a way of inspiring me to want to write music. Thanks for sharing this with us!

broove responds:

You're welcome ;)
Thank you for leaving a comment.

[Lost But Not Forgotten]

Did you record the piano live, too? Because that would explain why it seems so far away and sparse. Also, don't know why there doesn't seem to be much use of the sustain pedal in that piano section (the bass notes are far too short). I guess I'm picking on the little piano section because it sticks out as being not on the quality level as the rest of the song, which is quite high. Good job!

MooseyMcSammich responds:

All the instruments beside the guitar are synthesized through Finale. I'm still trying to get a hang of making digital music. I'm sure there's a sustain pedal option...I'll check it out. Thanks for the constructive criticism!

[Transformation]

This is very good. The changes in mood, etc seem random-- like a movie score but with no visuals to match the changes in mood to, so the effect is a little confusing. It would work better as a stand-alone piece of music if the mood moved in a particular direction, instead of jumping around a bit like it does. I also agree that it needs more in the low end. Doesn't really need more notes than you're providing with the bass guitar (at least not very many more), but maybe something with more sustain, like a nice interesting synth. Imagine listening to this in a movie theatre ... you would want your seat to be almost shaking, to feel the intensity in your chest. In other words, needs more bass. :) And of course, it needs an ending.

Great piece though, you definitely know what you are doing.

EwigeDreamer responds:

thanks)))

[Blasted]

Old school hip hop, indeed. Fun vibe, and quality is at a level where it can be simply enjoyed. Would have liked a better ending, but who cares, it was fun stuff.

SJBarbarossa responds:

Thanks man.
I kinda dried up on the lyrical front at the end to be honest, so I was just like, "Fuck it".