alternativesolution's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Sustain This Night]

- NGADM Round 1 Review -

Your production quality is not bad, and your instrument choice is a nice one. The overall mood of the song is well-defined, for the most part, and your instrumentation is done nicely. The major aspect of the song that detracts from the mood, however, is its dragging out of the melody. There are some really strong parts, for example at 2:53, 3:05, and at 3:15, made so by the dynamic change and very solid melody you introduce. However, most of the song is not as coherent with its melodies and is rather weak, while your instruments and rhythm suggest otherwise. Sometime after 3:20 the song begins to drag again in its repetitiveness. If the pacing were not so weak, this track could be much more solid.

Score: 7

[LO - So Good (NGADM'13)]

- NGADM Round 1 Review -

The general melody you've got going on is a fine one; however, it basically rules the song. The entirety of this track uses the same melody over and over, and quite frankly the repetition is terrible. At 0:52 when the drums come in I expected a change, but...nothing; it was somewhat fuller, but just as flat. The song is unfortunately very weak because of this. The beat does not help the generic feel of the song, and keeps it on the same level for nearly all four minutes. While you lost major points here for that, your production was not bad, although your drums did sound a bit choked. I think with even some simple variation in melody, this track could be significantly improved.

Score: 5

[Dreamyard]

- NGADM Round 1 Review -

Where to start? Production quality is very nice for something on shitty $30 computer speakers, so no worries there. And hm....This entire piece is a jumbo mix of emotions and directions, some coherent, and some not so. There are some good parts that are put together *very* nicely, but then it changes direction all over again.

I suppose this is also one of those pieces that fit well with its name – Dreamyard. I'm imagining sifting through an attic full of unwanted memories mixed with some strange ones, and there are the nostalgic ones; but instead of in my attic, I'm walking through my backyard, which is filled with overgrown grass and foggy air. There are numerous distractions hanging about in front of my eyes, and then something else catches my eye – and then the song changes.

It's the transitions. Some are done well and smoothly, but at several places it feels like a hand jerking you around, forcing you to look the other way, and at something else entirely. This works at times, but more often than not the sudden changes in direction make this song less and less put-together.

Overall, you've got a solid piece. I've not heard a song quite like this, so props to the original nature of your song. Very dream-like, for sure.

Score: 8.5

[Supercollide]

- NGADM Round 1 Review -

Okay, so I've spent some time listening to each individual instrument for a while now. When I heard it for the first time, it sounded like quite the mess, with some hardly coherent parts. However, as I continued to listen, and then listened again, and then again, I know I at least won't tire of this song, not for a long while. It's got a great amount of variety, and several parts that sound very experimental, but most of them end up working very well. The recording is excellent, and instrument choice even more so. The style of your composition is very unique; there is so much I like.

There are many cool parts to this song, as well as some very solid parts to counteract the not-so-solid, such as a few rhythm issues. One not very impressive thing about your song, however, is it's ending. After hearing over eight minutess of coolness, it sounded rather...lame, yes. Your title is probably the most accurate title ever - Supercollide, indeed.

Score: 8.7

[Superhighway]

- NGADM Round 1 Review -

Definitely a chill track, and very good production, especially for your first attempt using a new DAW.

The calmness make for a good atmosphere; the relative emptiness in the first half helps to establish this. Your bass begins to get very repetitive after a while, however, and the entire song lacks substantial melodic content. You've got some cool parts here and there, especially at 1:45. That was really good, and sounded like it was going to change direction — but then it was gone! That sounded like a good place to pick up, after such a dragged-out intro, but it ended up not going anywhere, and just...ending.

This piece sounds like it's supposed to be much longer than it ended up being, and holds much more potential than what's currently displayed here. Otherwise, this sounds like a very good foundation that could be so much more.

Score: 7.5

Xyresic responds:

I agree entirely. Time limits combined with procrastination make for a sucky time for all involved.

[substructure]

- NGADM Round 1 Review -

I can hear how developed this track is. The whispering vocals were a nice touch for sure. The best part about this track is how clean it sounds – your sounds for the most part are crisp and clear, which works well for the atmosphere you develop. However, the atmosphere begins to become dull after the dragged-out intro. This immediately changes when you bring in your bass, which is introduced nicely.
The whole feel of your song is really funky and I like it a lot; my only problem is that it lacks any kind of real climax. The level of the track seems to feel flat, especially with the atmosphere. What counters this best are your crazy synth solos, which are definitely very fun to listen to.

Score: 9

johnfn responds:

Thanks for the review! The climax was intended to be the section at 2:22, but I'm realizing from yours and Steps' review that I mishandled the dynamics there. Plus, it doesn't make a lot of sense to put the climax in the middle of the song, heh. I realize also that the intro was a bit too long! Hopefully I fixed all that stuff in my next song.

Again, thanks a lot for all the hard work you guys do! :-)

[Windows Generations]

Very catchy, and dancey, although it gets repetitive after a while. This is definitely one of the better remixes I've heard! The way you have used the Windows sounds is extremely impressive. Your effects and mixing is great. No more words.
Wait. it just looped. Awesome looping, because I don't even think I noticed it start over until the third time. Yeah, the startup sound isn't necessary - I think this sounds just fine without it! Love your bass by the way.
Awesome job! I feel like I'm a ride through a furistic, electronic-theme city. Very colorful sounding. This music should definitely be used in a video. A cool Windows flash or something. :)

K-Pone responds:

Yes, I agree with you. The old Windows 98 sounds are a quite good contrast to the Windows XP and Windows 7 sounds. They allow to create some beautiful effects such as the Robotz Exit Windows I used for the floating type ambient background effect. The Plus! sounds also give you a huge variety of cool sounds. Also, older WIndows' sounds are kinda like a secret weapon since most Windows remixes use only Windows XP and/or Windows 7 sounds.

[Lost Magic]

You've got some great instruments at play, and your harmonies are beautiful. Actually, I find your main theme extremely reminiscent of "Colors of the Wind", in Pocahontas.
The second segment of your song is perhaps the most creative, and the composition is very nice, and definitely fun-sounding. Upbeat for sure! In fact, if I was in the setting of that movie, I could definitely imagine a festival going on.

So, I like that you've divided up your track! Strays away from the conventional "song"-type ideal. However, this sectioning of your song left your transitioning at an awkward state. The transition to your second section was sudden, but fit better than the one to your third. A little more work on your transitions could help the slight disjointedness of the song.

I hear a couple key errors, one at 1:10 and with the strings at 3:15. I hear one at 1:45 with the bells, but that is very minor.
As for your ending, the strings cut off rather numbly, which is like a door shutting in your face compared to the beauty and grace earlier in the song! Perhaps add a bit of decay at the end, or aim for a stronger ending? It just didn't sit right.

Your volume is also very low, so when you make your newer version, you may want to considering increasing it! Although they sound alright, I find that your DSK instruments are not able to breathe properly as they are now.

Overall, this is a very nice cinematic-type piece that could use some work. I look forward to hearing your extended version!

retrobox2 responds:

Thanks I love this type of constructive review.
I appreciate it.

[Free Floating]

Very cool song! :D

I don't even know what to say. Your mixing is cool, your transitions are cool, your instruments are cool, your rhythm is cool, your melodies...well...they may just be ultra cool ^__^

And at 2:04... love!

I enjoyed the story text, and took a look at the picture, too, while listening. I think your music and the art go very well together, in a very unique way. Definitely deserves a spot on the album! 5/5

Warhector responds:

Thanks you very much for those kind words :D I thought so too; that it would variate the entries a little. I got the Inspiration from the art and would make this song nonetheless. Good luck in the competition :D

[So Much Work]

0:49 genius ^___^

Agreed with Cabbster on that point. Good song! Intro sounded a little messy. And cool concept, can totally relate.