kintobor's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Mio/Homura]

I think judging this vis-a-vis an electronic musician is highly problematic. This piece (seems like it )is written in the capacity of a composer/arranger, not a full "producer," that is, composer/arranger/engineer. I don't understand why this piece would be criticized in terms of its mix or master. I think judging a track based on the amount of money someone has at their disposal is extremely unfair too. I think, when judging, people need to step back from their own ears and "unhear" for a few minutes any conception of what makes a song or composition "good." It's easy to judge a mix or master as "good" because it doesn't any critical listening to skills to literally feel that a subbass punches through a mix. But to judge a composition that has a really bad mix (sorry) means you have to hear through the production value and listen to the elements of the composition, I think that task is more cerebral, anyway. Not to say electronic music can't be "cerebral," not at all.

I don't have a problem with made up languages. Kajiura and Kanno do that quite often with great results. As soon as the song started I was getting Kalafina vibes too.

Anyway, I think the composition and arrangement are great, although the mix prevents me from experiencing the song to its fullest.

Troisnyx responds:

I understand, and I thank you.
On that note, if you do check the Google doc I linked in the description (which points to the lyrics), you will discover that the lyrics are not in conlangs, but actual language (Japanese and French). I am fluent in French and understand smatterings of Japanese, and it was from those two that the words of Mio/Homura came about.

My mixing is terrible, and I acknowledge it. I will not hesitate, for one moment, to emphasise the fact that this piece has weaknesses. In fact, I prefer Homura to Mio precisely for that reason. But I have been severely battered, and I will be severely battered once more when the reviews come my way.

Still, that you are able to hear the song past the production flaws..... I am thankful.

[A Grand Adventure]

I thought the orchestra sounded pretty realistic (as far as fake orchestras go). Good, intimate strings VST are really expensive anyway. I thought the bongos/congas were too dry, I would raise the highs on the wet, to make it sound like they're in the back (in the percussion section, which is where they are anyway). Nice countermelodies, melodies and arrangement. Overall I think the eq'ing on the reverb is what needs the most work, but I think the composition is great.

Neon-Bard responds:

Thanks for the advice Kintobor! I'll try to make sure that the percussion is wet, because it definitely sounds rather dry. I'm glad you liked the melodies that I arranged. In fact, I was a little afraid that they were overkill. As I said though, I'll go back and look at the percussion and hopefully I can make it better! Thanks again! :D

[Pitfall - Schizo Shunt]

Nice mix, especially for chiptune. Modulated kick was really cool, and interesting chord progressions used tastefully. I'm generally not a fan of straight up arpeggios to imply a chord, however - I think there are more interesting and lyrical ways to spell out a harmony.

Pitfall responds:

Yeah, I understand what you mean with the harmony biz. Maybe I'll try something with really cool harmonies! Thanks! :D

Maybe you should check out snowfall! ;)