Random-storykeeper's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[The 100 Layers of the Underground]

Ah you used only default PxTone sounds for this? It sounds way better than what I could have done with the default sounds alone. :P

Generally, I like the music; it's simple, but there's some nice ideas going around here. The continuum is very pleasant, and I like the power from those toms. There seems to be a strange sounding note before the continuum repeats at 0:29; the note feels as though it should be moved up to the leading tone, fluctuating between a minor second rather than a major second. It seems as though that note is clashing with the chords as well.

That being said, I really like the minor shift that happens around 0:45. It really grabs my attention in a good way.

TangoStar responds:

Thanks! This song was really my first one in PxTone. I didn't knew this one would have a positive rate, mainly from you (I really appreciate your songs!).

From the time I made this until now I improved a lot in PxTone. Most of my pxtone songs are uploaded in my Soundcloud, if you wanna check it out.

Thank you again for the review!

[Our Square Hero™ - Main Theme]

I love the intro; really driving bass works for the game it's used in. The development of the theme as well, although short, is also good. I kind of wish some of the voices were a little more balanced out; particularly towards the end of the loop, it starts to feel like some of the voices might clash a little in volume. Not a huge gripe, just something I sort of notice upon a few more listens. Very catchy overall.

ElectricEyeland responds:

Yeah, this is an older song of mine. It was actually one of the earliest songs I made using PXTone. I wasn't quite as good at mixing back then. Glad you enjoyed it, though! :)

[February Rain]

I'm a fan of the percussion, and the piano carries a very thoughtful tune. I love that "quiet" moment around 2:12; it makes the piano part very evocative. It varied just enough to keep me from thinking the music was too repetitive. Overall, it was a fine listen.

5TanLey responds:

thx for listening :)

[Shimmer (WIP)]

There's some nice choice of instruments here. Everything blends quite well, yet still manages to be distinct from each other. The beat is good, though the kicks could be heavier in my opinion.

I think you're on the right track; the buildup is too gradual and too similar to the introduction such that it doesn't feel like a contrast, and causes it to lack the progression it needs to be more engaging. It also feels like some layers are missing that could be added with each repetition, like lighter, higher, faster moving parts maybe. The part around 1:08 onwards was quite good though; I like the bass here and those repeated notes really shine.

Hallow responds:

I'm making sure that everything is in a different frequency range. :P
I'll see what I can do about making the kicks heavier. I was thinking the same thing.

I don't really feel like the buildup is too gradual (it's only 8 measures, though it isn't very distinct yet) - more just nonexistent. I just need to add a bunch more stuff to the second half of this, build and climax alike.
Glad you like the bass and repeated notes. I was really happy with both of them myself. :P

[Into The Rhythm]

Those are some interesting sounds. This really only started getting more musical around the 2:05 mark. I love the way it builds up from thereon. The first bit felt more like a noise experimental or something (after the first 10 seconds). The other thing I quite enjoy are the kicks, because they're not particularly aggressive so they don't wear out on me when they constantly pound each beat.

I'll be honest - this is the type of music that doesn't particularly appeal to me, but I still think there are good parts to this - the buildup which I mentioned earlier. I guess, I feel like it needed to be more focused musically and less dependent on sound effects, which are cool, but felt like they weren't varied enough to be interesting.

MegaSphere responds:

I feel you really need to listen to more Hard Dance music before you can really get an idea of it.

[Blight World]

I can definitely hear the RPG in this - sounds more like a battle theme than anything else. I love that hammering bass and the delicateness of the instrument doing those arps. It seems to be mixed quite well - though it would be nicer to hear that melody brought out a little more. I also would have liked to hear a bit more variation when the theme basically reiterates itself for a second time.

BlueDragonMusic responds:

Thank you very much for the comment, as this is exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for. I'm thinking of making more of these (in the same "gamey" style) so these details are important if I want to improve as I progress.

My goal is to go for a "simplicity in its complexity" kind of thing, so that it's not too annoying if used for a background music (a too noisy lead can totally kill the experience in a game) hence the attempt at a subtle melody and stronger bass.

I still have to work on mixing (I suck at it) and as you mentioned, more variations in my melodies. Hopefully I'll get the hang of it eventually. Thanks again for the feedback, I reaaaally appreciate it.

[Gigan Castletown]

This has a medieval feel to it, but I feel like sometimes the drums are too inconsistent. Would have liked to hear a little more of that kick in the drum patterns. I think the instrument at around the 0:28 mark makes a great lead though.

KaiserBeats responds:

Thanks, Ill remember next time

[Time to Smash (Vocal Mix) (Super Smash Bros. Hip Hop)]

That was neat. I love the rap, and the instrumental is nice, particularly the introduction. If there's anything that could use some more work, it's the vocal work done in the chorus. The "victory is all I see" line sounds a bit out of tune. I do enjoy the harmonies in the chorus overall, though.

smooth4lyfe responds:

I appreciate the feedback!

[Lake (Pandabae Slow Remix)]

I'm not too familiar with the source material being remixed, so I had a listen to the first result that came up after searching for "Pokemon Lake theme" on YouTube. In terms of the remix, I think it's pretty straightforward to the original version I heard, which I like. I love the slow tempo, which really allows that bass to have more power - and more power to that bass!

The only quips I had were the random laugh effect near the beginning and end - it just seems out of place. Another was that around the 1:10 mark, where more tracks get added, the bass feels a little too overpowering here. Those aside, it was a nice remix.

Pandasticality responds:

thank you for the review! yeah the amount of bass here isnt for everyone :D i love heavy bass so i added my own kicks and snares in here cuz i didnt like the original kick, felt too weak, but anyways, thank you again!

- Pandasticality

[Conscript and the King]

I gotta admit, I'm not a huge fan of the melody, but the buildup with volume on the overlaying notes is neat and makes the piece more interesting. Has a nice beat too.

I don't know if I can offer any pointers; this might have been the sound you were going for, but it didn't suit my tastes personally. Given the title, I could imagine this was meant to reflect four different identities, even though it had the same gist throughout. It's still a very unique, almost dissonant sound.

Manx1 responds:

Thanks. I will say that the song actually does represent the four nouns it's titled after in different, personal ways. But I understand how it wouldn't seem like that to the random listener. Anyway, thanks for the review.