LaymanLove's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Kirizzle - Fluid Epics]

I think...

that you have great composition skills. Your ability to use layers shows that you are a natural musician with an ear for what is right. All the different parts and pieces in this song fit well together...you know how to express a feeling with chord progression and then arrange it into a song.

With time, your skills with engineering a song (picking samples or sounds, using effects efficiently, and building an effective percussion track) will develop.

I suggest reading as much material as you can find on the internet about production techniques. Listen to music that you like and pick it apart in your mind. I'll definitely keep my eyes on your page.

LL

Kirizzle responds:

Wow, I didn't even ask you to check my stuff out, that was nice of you. That was one hell of a good review also; your review gets a 5 out of 5!

I think composition-wise... I got lucky with this song, I forgot how I pulled off the interchangeable melodies, harmonies and crap though. But as I recall the little bell and piano melody are pretty much the same, just syncopated differently so that when I played them together it didn't sound like they were exactly layered but instead gave it a counterpointe kinda feel.

Sure hope my skills will develop over time <_< I've been dry lately... haven't been able to come up with any good melodies or harmonies so I haven't had much practice making music which kinda pisses me off since I've had an urge compose something and further practice/develop my skills. Hmmm, maybe I'll remix or do a cover of something... I dunno, I just know I'm note-less and have been for a while now.

And to comment on the "I'll definitely keep my eyes on your page" statement, I'm thinking of getting another account and uploading music there, because I honestly think a lot of this stuff is crap, it's probably just because I'm the one who made it and all artists hate their work right? O.o Well if I do end up doing that I'll notify you.

Thank for the review man. It was appreciated.

[-WV- Nightlife]

I smell rave baby!

This has dance party written all over it. I just spent a month in Brazil, checking out what their dj's have to offer (I missed DJ Tiesto by two days!!!), and this sounds like something that would cause a loss of control. If I heard this in the club, I'd definitely be bouncing.

Again, your mixing and mastering is very crafty...good builds with good synths. Keep it up and you'll be made.

MattBlair responds:

Thanks for the review! AIM me at : Wilhemvance or MSN me at : [e-mail]. For the full version<--- truly amazing.

-WV-

[-WV- Beau Gémissent(NG Mix)]

aight

I've seen a bunch of your stuff popping up in the trance section lately, so I decided to see what you're all about.

I like your ability to mix the layers effectively. I agree with the other reviews in that the the break down is the shit, and so is the trance that soon follows. Good build to the end.

Here's some comments if you want them:

The kick needs to be EQ'd. I can't tell right now because I don't have my monitors, but it seems like there is a high frequency reverb that is bleeding...I hear it especially at the beginning. Also, at the beginning, I would put more power in the bass...maybe overlay a low, dirty synth over it to make it more powerful.

I just realized that this sounds a lot like the theme from The Day After Tomorrow....interesting. Good work anyway.

MattBlair responds:

The Day After Tommorow eh? I'll have to dl that and listen to it. Thanks for the review!

-WV-

[Destructed Chimes]

I hear a fight scene!

I love the originality of this track. You have made some great rhythms to work with. However, I think you should diversify and thicken up the drum track. Maybe add more loops or sounds for certain parts of the song that you want to be strong. Also, that synth track is very cool- It pumps and flows almost like some kind of messed up heartbeat. You should introduce it and then really get it pumping by doubling it up (add it to a separate track and pan them opposite). Also, I really like the theme that the bells play, but I'm not sure I like the bell sounds themselves. Maybe they just need another complementing layer. Just a thought. Keep doing what you do!

[Spirit In The Sky]

i'm high

This piece definitely lifts me out of my chair. Wait, I'm floating. It would be a great ambience for a movie (which could explain the abrupt change- character is walking through scary butcher house, only to find a candy store with leather recliners on the other side). The beginning really freaks me out. Good thing I'm not afraid of the dark. Thanks for reminding me! haha. See ya round. Good work.

P.S. This reminds me of an ambience I did for a student film last year at FSU. I think i'll submit it!

[Zelda OOT Theme - Orch. Loop]

Oh no you didn't!

HOLY CRAP!! That's so funny, I totally forgot all about this song! I used to love playing this song over and over in piano class back when the game just came out! Those jazz chords are like butter on toasted pecans! Thanks for bringing me back.

Good arrangement...sounds better than the original!

Khuskan responds:

I've never had butter on toasted pecans.. must be an american thing.

[Khuskan: Outside (Absolut Fin)]

Mmmmm piano...

I love it when pianists turn into techno/trance producers. It makes for such a great combination. You definitely know how to write and arrange a damn good song. The only thing missing here are a few technical and EQ issues, which usually work themselves out in time.

An easy way to fix the snare thing Rucklo was talking about is simply to lower (and vary) the velocity on all snare hits that arent on 2 and 4.

I'm adding this to my "On the road" playlist in iTunes for a long drive. It's one of those "songs that sets you in the groove Thanks for such a cool song!

Khuskan responds:

Sounds like a good idea, I never thought of editing velocity instead of just the EQ. Thanks for that ;-)

[TM©÷ - ¢ÀEntropycal¢À]

Who needs clarity anyway?

I only gave you a 7 on clarity because I wasnt sure where you were going with this, but that could be my fault. I agree with ljcoffee that the intro was really going places. There were some good progression to the intro. Anyway, I like the sound of your "new era." The future is bright.

[DJ Enthalpy- Thermal Decision]

Chunky or Smooth??? Ahhhhh!!!!!!

Man, this sound so professional, I think the mix was perfect. You picked sounds that worked well together and then mixed them well together. You arrange great builds, bringing the drums and other pieces in and out flawlessly. Good use of cutoff and resonance too.

My only thing is that it's missing the dissonance to make the decision really feel thermal, do you know what I mean? Haha, does that make any sense? Oh, and I kept waiting for the bassline to switch notes at the end but it never did! oh well.

Keep it up. I'll definitely be checking back for new stuff!