SolusLunes!
Hey, long time no review! Beautiful choice of instruments. I love the harp in the background throughout, it helps keep the piece together without large gaps. I really like the use of colorful chords- it creates a mystical, serene sound.
I'd try extending the final chord out a bit, and have it fade out more gradually. Other than that, all I can suggest is that you keep experimenting with new sounds because it's creating some beautiful music!
The harp is exactly what I needed during the endstages of production for this song- without it, I thought the song was going absolutely nowhere. It ties everything together so well.
The chords were truly fun, but I think the best part (and that which I'm most proud of), is the harmony between the flutes and piccolo.
In any case, I will have to review some of your musics nao :D
As far as continuing experimenting- I've never stopped. :D
Nice start-
This is a great start to a rock piece. The progression is simple, yet catchy. It feels a little barren, however. It sounds like it could use some vocals over the riffs, or even a rhythm guitar part. If you add that you'll have a dynamite piece!
Keep up the good work!
If you have the time, I'd love to hear your opinion on my latest piece, ST Suspense!
I ain't good on writing lyrics, or whatever, so I don't think I would be able to add vocals.
Thanks. And I'll check out your song now.
Nice Work!
Loved the soprano melody- at 0:08! One of the most lyrical chorales I've heard (you always have been great with voice leading work!) You should try turning your Chorale into a brass quartet- I've found that four part chorales sounds pretty nice in a standard brass quartet setting.
5/5!
My guilty confession: This uses 5 voices - a baritone and bass.
But that means I can use it in a Brass Quintet!
Thanks for the feedback. Woohoo!
Imaginative!
I figured I'd come by and check out your stuff since I haven't heard it in a while, and boy, have you improved! Your orchestration has gotten much more refined! Also, your woodwind samples are very enchanting! What are you using for them? I'd love to know!
Now, for two suggestions, both relating to the strings. First, I think they could be pulled back overall. It seems their primary purpose is to provide body, but they can achieve that goal. Furthermore, by bringing them back, you can bring one or two of the voices out, which will give them a bit more shape.
Second, I think it'd be really nice to have them playing harmony (or a counter melody) rather than doubling the melody. In this case, they'd be better served to have their own voice. Since the melody has little to compete with, doubling it feels a bit overkill to me!
Very nit picky things, all in all very well done!
Keep it up!
Woah, and I thought you didn't knew I existed. All these words coming you really means a lot.
Woodwinds sounds nice, don't they? It's Garritan's Personal Orchestra. Great library of instruments for slow paced songs.
I can see what you mean by pulling back the strings. I was thinking of something like that for a middle theme, something softer or just different, but I wasn't sure of it. The constant sounds of strings might get a bit annoying if they dont have a rest. It defenitely would have improved the piece, and I will take it in consideration for my next song. Thank you for that.
And by your second suggestion I know you're right. I doubled the melody in that part because I didn't thought of anything else at the moment, and I guess I rushed. Bad move.
But the counter melody idea is perfect. Right now I'm working on another song, with a more developed melody, and I'm sure It'll be easier to add a counter melody.
Thanks for such helpful review!
I'll take all these suggestions by heart, I swear.
Hey JAZZA!
This is definitely one of the better covers here on Newgrounds, no question about that! The piano part was played well and I think it had just the right presence in the mix; loud enough to be heard, but still in the background. The piano sounded very well recorded as well, props there!
Although there are a bunch of great things done here, I've got two suggestions for you. For one, I think your vocals would clean up pretty well if you run them through a pitch correcter. The recording quality is great, and most of the time your in the ballpark with the pitches, but there are a few notes sprinkled into the mix that are a bit off. Sonar has a built in pitch correcter that works quite well, and there are a few free VST plug-ins around the web that do their job. Aside from that, my only criticism is in the drum tracks, which sounded quite synthetic. I think bringing out the mids in the snare and the lows a bit in the kick will help give them a bit more life, but ultimately it may be a good idea to invest in some real quality drum samples.
In perspective, the pros far outweight the cons, and this is done very nicely. Keep up the great work!
thanx heaps bro, really appreciate it. the drums are actually my roland TD20 drum kit thtough my mixer. i did bring up the low, maybe i shouldnt have :P
and yeah, getting the right pites in singing with is is hard. MAINLY coz i recorded vocals WHILE i played the piano. i think it keeps things more synced and flowing.
love your music bro! your like, a prodigy :P
Well done!
I was a bit skeptical at the beginning, but I was pleasantly surprised with the piece. The arrangement is very well made, the piece is very easy to follow, and yet has enough complexity to make me want to listen to it several times.
My only real complaint is sound quality- everything sounds quite snythetic. What orchestral samples are you using? With a quality set of samples, your music could really shine.
Keep it up, I'll be watching you!
Hey thanks for this review. Actually, I use the synths of an old Roland keyboard and some synths of garage band. I don't have any great soundbank because when it comes to serious stuffs I usually prefer to record my tracks with real musicians.
I've listened to your stuffs too and I think it's really great. It sometimes reminds me some Hans Zimmer's themes. Are you one of his fans?
Wow!
Man, if there is ever a "most improved" award, you'd definately deserve to get it. You've improved leaps and bounds these past few months- everything is balanced better, clearer, and you seem to have a better overall understanding of how the orchestra fits together.
First off, a question. What drums are you using? I love the samples, they're extremely powerful and crisp. You use them really well!
Second, a suggestion. At 0:41 I believe you have parallel motion in a manner in that sounds awkward (Jumping from a B dim to E minor). It does fit the atmosphere set by the piece, but it may be something you want to take a look at. Other than that, I don't really have any suggestions.
Third, a congrats. You've got a really good shot at the competition! Even if you don't pull the winning prize, you've made more progress than any one else I've listened to on Newgrounds in a long while.
Keep up the astounding work!
Hey David!
It took a while to get used to using headphones over earphones, but with only roughly a week passed, i'm already able to do more with them then I was with the years of earphone use! I can't wait to get me some slick speakers someday!
The drums in use are as follows *All from East West Orchestra by the way!*
- Taiko Drums *that stick clicking sound*
- S Wagner Bass Drum
- Roto Toms
- Timpani Hits
- Head slamming against wall *not really in song, but dents were planted everywhere!*
I know exactly what you mean at 0:41. I personally liked it better like that, the jump in my opinion added just a little extra spice!
Thanks a lot David. Coming from you thats a real compliment! Like most contests I did it for the experience. Fighting against you, Winter, and Rocky, has really pushed me several nights! I am grateful to have had this oppurtunity! I'm glad you liked it!
Very creative!
I've gotta agree with Maestro on this one. I love the intertwining of the two pieces! Very creative, and well done. Some of the transitions between the two pieces could have been a bit tighter (sometimes it sounded like you didn't quite know what you wanted to do), but at any rate, this shows a lot of imagination.
Keep up the great work!
The samples are pretty decent as well, what are you using?
thanx for the review and nice marks
i usually use Reason and trumpet i record myself
one thing i hate about music programs is that i can not change tempo or measure in the same project...that's why also the transition betwen 3/4 and 4/4 is a little bit rough ...anyway there is supposed to be some "cadenzza" of piano or fluggelhorn.
but for that i need my midi keyboard(the song is not made on my computer)
i wrote everything with the mouse >:( grrrrrrr!!!!!
Nice work
You certainly keep the original feel of the Tetris theme, which can be difficult when remixing something. Kudos there!
The drums and cymbal seem a little over the top in places. I think that hi-hat hits are too rapid, and the drums are random. My main suggestion is to go and redo sections of the drums to make them solidify the foundation of the piece.
Have you considered lengthening it out a bit and introducing a new instrument? It's something to think about, as it would not only add a layer of complexity, but would let you add some more of your own ideas into the mix.
Keep up the good work!
Well, the hihats were hard at such a fast tempo seeing if they were in 8ths, it would seem too, but in 16ths that would seem too fast. I just went with what I thought was better. The drums overall were really hard to do at such a fast tempo. If I ever make a slower remix, I'll remember not to make them so sparatic.
I was thinking about lengthening it, but it would've been hard with the limitations I have. If I get the full version of Live, I'll make a longer version.
Thanks for the review. I'll remember these things for my next piece.
Audio for games, films, and television. Credits include Castle Crashers, Call of Duty: Heroes, Call of Duty: Siege, as well as many iconic flash series right here on Newgrounds!
Age 35, Male
Audio Designer
Seattle, WA
Joined on 10/22/05
Solus- Ninth Garden 
