MaartenC's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Let's Funk to 2022 (Radio Edit)]

You're still alive! Nice stuff mate, sounds groovy as hell

syphonmax responds:

Hell yeah! I only wish I had more time to make music than I currently do!

[A Girl With Glasses remake]

I've been listening to this song for 9 years now and noticed today that there's a suspicious lack of comments. You did well and this song stood the test of time

[Avizura - Legends]

Too short brah

AvizuraNG responds:

thanks brah!

[KrisKros - Recovery]

BLAAAMMMM THIS PIECE OF CRAP!!!

nah jk 's alright bro

KrisKrosNL responds:

giggity

[Enjoy The Sound]

I really like how you built up everything. It really adds something to the tune. I would have done a few things differently. At the first time a metaphoric gear is shifted (1:33), I would have 'shifted gears' at about 1:27 with a smack of a drum (or something) and then let the bass, drums and other instruments roll in.

I also found it a tad disappointing that the instrument in the second gear (it sounds awesome, do note that) had the exact same melody as the violin in the beginning. I would have appreciated some more diversity.

The main melody sounds a bit odd at first, but I got used to it after a minute or so, sounded great after that. Also kudos on the kick drums. They sound great together with the background and the rest of the drum kit.

I'm still doubting whether I'm gonna download this, but it sounds like you're improving yet again. The last minute sounds fucking great as well, so good job.

Keep it up!

ForeverBound responds:

Thanks man and download it, u won't reget it ;)

[Eternity]

It's pretty good.

120bpm isn't much picked these days, except by most ambient artists, which is actually the genre I'd put this in, to be honest.
Then, I like the synths and background here, especially the background. It reminds me of my favorite ambient artist, Solar Fields. They also use similar effects and instruments.

I would change the lengths and starts of a lot of tones though, since your synth and your background don't seem in sync, or at least out of rhythm.

I have nothing against the flow of the audio. On the contrary, I actually love it. You use the kind of builds and drops that I like to hear in ambient. Well done at that.

Overall, I'd say a 6/10 (due to the chaotic sound) for the first half and a 8/10 for the second half.

You don't want to change any of the instruments, but I want you to take a good look at the timing of everything. It's hard to place it right, but with a good sense of music (if you can call it that), you can make it happen.

AppleJack responds:

I was having trouble choosing the genre for this, but now looking at your review, i guess it is ambient.

I also felt the timing through out the piece was a bit off, and i really didnt know what to do. Electronic music really does demand that every single beat and sound HAS to be in place, or else the piece would be screwed over, even a little bit, like in this piece.

I really enjoyed the synths in this piece as well, and i am hoping for the usage of them in the (possible) future compositions.

I guess i have to work on positioning the synths and notes better. this review is REALLY appreciated. Thank you so much for your time!

[Advanced]

It's good, though you are falling into slight repetitiveness.

It's interesting, since I can immediately hear whether you made a song by the intro, namely the fx you use when you 'go a gear higher' with a song and by the drums you use. The latter one is what made me think your songs do get quite repetitive, since you mostly use the same drum lines.

The lines you use are for mostly progressive trance, which is indeed what you make, though I would like to see some more depth, as well as a little less emphasize on the claps in the lines. Otherwise, I am satisfied.

-Things I liked-

- I am impressed with the first two instrument used, which blend together flawlessly.
- The flow of the song is good
- The 1:16 part adds variation to the song.
- Rest of the instruments are good.

-Things I did not like-

- Repetitive drums
- Repeatedly 'shifting gears' by using the same effects, which can be solved by downloading new fx packs
- Song got slightly boring after 2:30 for me. Try thinking of a few new melodies/patterns in one song.

I like it though I think you should spend a bit more time on one song. Don't be satisfied with anything until it is absolutely perfect. You're doing great, keep it up!

ForeverBound responds:

Okay thanks for your critism. And I'm trying my best mate ;)

[Flow of Time]

Ohhh I like this.

Read your description, and I agree. It reminded me of the lyrics from a song I listen pretty often to: "The past is a method, the future an expectation. Neither past nor future actually exists... There is simply, the eternal now."
The sheer absoluteness of time is pretty incomprehensible for humans, but we both work to grasp the basics... You with music, me with a novel.

Now onward to the review:

I am pleased with the instruments used. Your songs sound -as you wanted- a lot more classical, while with avi's drumpack (hurr) you still keep the D&B in the song.

I am also pleased with the obvious progress you've been making. The intro was outright fantastic. It was quiet, yet intriguing. Then the bells started to come up, and everything exploded at once. The drums kicked in, and a few hits were tossed over the speakers.

This energetic part is something I like a lot. The drums actually do fit in perfectly this time, since you've found a good balance in volume.... well done.

A small negative point though; the hits are feeling kinda out of place, especially the one at 0:33. I like the hit5 you use more, but I understand if you don't want to KEEP using it. What I'm suggesting is that to find other hits.

I liked the bass too. It's a warm, buzzing one, which also blends perfectly. Well done.

Then, the quiet part at 1:00. Great stuff man. Seriously wondering what you used as main instrument there.
Anyway, it truly gives off a great feeling, as if you're walking through a gigantic hall, where all time stands still, where the great gods live... and you're allowed to venture through that place... great stuff, truly.

Then, a big 'fuck you' for your laptop. Tell it not to bitch about rendering another minute, since I am missing a good ending. It's truly a shame, since I removed .75 points from your score from it. I know it's something you can't do anything about, but I also can't be throwing '5's all over my reviews for songs I don't find perfect (or close to), with the concerning artist's standard. Speaking of which, yours has been raised again.

Great fucking job, I hope you'll be able to finish this (IMO -again- it's unfinished). This goes straight into my faves, and you'll get my precious download as soon as I find this song finished.

Keep it up!

KrisKrosNL responds:

Thanks for the review (and perhaps the longest you've ever written).

Ofc I'd use Avi's drum pack (other packs that I used weren't as good) and it had to stay more D&B than something else.

I would have replaced the strange hit at 0:33 if I could; lagging, you know.

Yeap, fuck my laptop. I'll remake this into 3~4 minutes once I manage to get my hands on a pro laptop or super PC.