FionaTheDream's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Dinosaur]

I like how the intro gets right into the action, and it sets up the atmosphere for the track. The lower kicks starting at 0:12 seem to be ever so slightly deafening the bass to where it's just noticeable. The build up at 0:37 is well executed, and the drop is satisfying. Although keeping the growls that long chips away a bit at the satisfaction of the drop. The transition at 1:39 isn't the worst, but the way the growls are cut so suddenly is not the best. The 2nd drop at 2:28 is very similar to the first, which is alright I guess, but some variation would give the track more of a direction. Again the growls last just a bit too long. The ending FX are pretty cool and the finale itself is alright. Overall, the track has a good atmosphere, but the repetition of the same sounds and melodies makes it so the track doesn't really go anywhere.

ChristianPlays responds:

Thanks!

I agree that the transition at 1:39 is weird. I didn't know how to make a smooth transition into the break.

I also only changed the starting hit in the second drop. I probably should have made the main bass unique.

[Vortonox - Equilibrium [Dubstep]]

The intro is nice, but the big drum at 0:13 lacks lower frequencies that give it a lot more "mmmph". The same problem persists at the 0:25 drop, lacking the lower frequencies and bass that gives it a much fuller sound. The lack of bass continues until 1:04. The timings around 0:57 get a bit confusing because of the drum playing on the off-beat, I'd recommend just putting it on beat. The drop at 1:04 introduces the bass but it sounds like the bass has higher frequency overtones so it's still missing that "mmmph". This can be solved by equalizing the bass to emphasize lower frequencies and maybe cutting some of the high overtones out. The transition at 1:28 is a bit too abrupt without any build up. I suppose 1:28 is a build up to 1:30 but the loud and high freq synth kinda came out of nowhere and could be implemented a lot more smoothly. The synth from here to 2:20 is a bit "sharp" I would describe it. It's not too noticeable but it might be the result of slight distortion, overdrive, or clipping. The transition at 2:20 is again, abrupt and the off-beat drum appears again. Then there's a repeat of 1:04 - 2:20. The ending is alright, I don't have much to say there. Overall the melodies and motion of the track are great, just the mixing could be tweaked a bit to go a long way.

Vortonox responds:

Haha thx for feedback

[A.P.Earth | Legacy 2019 | Slideshow Presentation]

Really good job capturing the atmosphere! I wouldn't be surprised hearing this on some drug commercial. Perfect for its purpose.

AngelPandaEarth responds:

Nobody:
This song: *Perfect for some commercials*
Licensing Terms: Yeah, no

[Starstorm - Ataraxis (PREVIEW)]

It kind of sounds like the pad and the lead are fighting each other for attention. Maybe equalize them some more to separate the frequencies so this doesn't happen. The chords seem to wander without much direction, but this is an ambient track so that's not necessarily a bad thing. The transition at 0:37 is abrupt and a bit jarring. I'd suggest fading out the lead and pad before doing the "wind sweep", also I think cutting some of the super high frequency overtones on the "wind sweep" would make it easier on the ears. All that said the atmosphere is constructed well, I'm looking forward to the full track :D.

edit: The twinkling bells also have very high frequency overtones which sort of clash with with the lead and pad. Maybe cutting some of those overtones, at least the ones at the absolute highest frequencies, would negate this effect.

StarstormOfficial responds:

This entire thing wasn't mixed at any point whatsoever but I really do appreciate your advice so when I do start the full track, I'll have an idea of what to fix.

Also, I thought adding the sweep at the end was pointless anyway, let alone poorly integrated. That'll only remain in the preview. thankfully.

[Memory]

The intro and mini-drop at 0:21 are well mixed and intriguing. I like the FX in 0:21 - 0:43 and I think the transitions are done very well. The drop at 1:04 is a bit "over-hyped" in my opinion, the build up just seems to anticipate a bigger impact, or possibly just more bass after the drop. The transitions to different melodies and synths are once again pulled off extremely well. The track has motion to it. Again I think the drop at 2:40 was a bit unsatisfying for how it was built up to. Overall, the sound is very rich and full and the melodies are compelling. You definitely know what you're doing with a mixer. I can't say I enjoyed the ending though, I just feel like a lot more could've been done here, or at least there could've been some resolution rather than sounding like its intended purpose was to be looped.

[Painful Perplexity]

The intro has a nice atmosphere to it, although the clap starting at 0:25 sounds very boosted to the point of distortion. The drums also seem to overpower the synths, I'd suggest lowering their volume and equalizing the frequencies so it doesn't interfere too much with the synths. 0:59 - 1:13 is alright, although the shifts to and from this section are a bit abrupt and the sound is a bit empty. 1:14 has a nice rich sound although the bass growls are a bit too loud and overpowering and creates a contrast to the higher frequency instruments which either stop or get completely nullified by the growls. As far as the ending, well it's very sudden. I think it'd be good to have some sort of decline or resolution so it doesn't sound like the performance ends with the musician dropping their instrument. Overall, decent melodies, could use some work on equalizing and compression, the track does have lots of variation and direction to it, it just could be executed a lot better.

QwertyQwertz123 responds:

Thank you so much for the feedback, as I can see you spent a lot of time on it! I'll definitely use these tips for my future tracks 😁 Thanks again!

[MidLight]

The intro and drop at 0:22 are very satisfying and well mixed. I like the sidechaining on the kicks. Despite the basic chord progression, the melodic lines are interesting and the sound is very full and a good mix of frequencies without distortion. 1:41 - 2:04 could be cut or shorted just because it doesn't bring much to the track. The ending is the only part that's a bit disappointing since nothing is resolved. Overall amazing mixing, melodies, and motion.

FuzionTech responds:

the reason the ending was like that is because the speaker that I used died. so...

[stars involved]

The lead is very 'sparkly'. However there isn't really enough bass to compensate for the high frequencies of the lead, which makes the sound less rich and more 'empty'. The melodies are twinkly and the chords are interesting at certain points in the track. The piece is kind of stagnant throughout, starting strong and without much direction or variation in intensity throughout.

[Cool Carbonated Saxophone]

The phase effects seem to sort of muffle the sound in the beginning of the piece. Though they become less noticeable as the track progresses. The transition at 1:18 is very sudden, and once again the phaser seems to dominate a little too much from 1:21 - 1:46. That said, the melodies are fitting, and the chord progression is interesting. I like the drop at 2:17, it has a short but sweet build up and the extra measure between adds suspense and tension and it's overall very satisfying. The ending is decently resolved, although the drums and bass just seems to end very suddenly.

Epifon311 responds:

Thank you I really appreciate the feedback :D

[Cold Street]

I like the liquid lead at the beginning. The first section builds nice atmosphere. When the 'main' melody comes in, it's alright, if a bit basic and repetitive. The track seems to stagnate from here, not really building up to anything or transitioning itself into each next section. Overall, the track creates a nice atmosphere, but lacks anything that makes it 'pop'.