thatbennyguy's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Into The Eclipse]

Quite Excellent

hey FatKidWitAJetPak,

--Production--
Stellar. The voices fit well and the ambience of the airplane adds depth. You meld sounds together to form an atmosphere that is deep and meaningful. There is a good balance of frequencies here.

--Listenability--
Good ambient listening. This is nice and soothing music that just flows along without a sign of stopping. It's 8 minutes long, and only by 7 minutes does it seem to feel a drag. But that's a great achievement.

--Genius--
I'm not sure what you mean by "most complicated", because I'm not an expert in this genre, but this is quite unique. You were right in that it spaced me out, but sometimes I didn't like what I heard, and I came out of the daze. But then I went back again :)

--Flair--
There is a nice feel to this, but I would have liked to hear some recurring motif here to remember this song by. There needs to be that memorable quality that I so admire in a song. I'm not sure about ambient music having this traditionally, but it's something that I would like to see.

--Tilt--
This is good ambient music that spaces you out. I mean, I didn't feel out of this world, but I felt very peaceful inside. Sometimes it can get monotonous, but I guess that's just one of the cons of the genre. It's also due to the fact I have a low attention span. But I was patient. Thanks for letting me listen!

--Production-- = 17/20
--Listenability-- = 15/20
--Genius-- = 14/20
--Flair-- = 14/20
--Tilt-- = 15/20
OVERALL SCORE: 75/100
VERDICT: Quite Excellent! [A-]

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

FatKidWitAJetPak responds:

The one thing I really should work on is combining addicting tunes into the atmosphere that I have created. I need to add some sort of repeating beat / note structure. Thanks for the review :)

[Dat Beeshbawl (Dubstep)]

I wan dat beeshball (meatball?)

hey RetromanOMG,

--Production--
The sounds you use are pretty standard yet they release too quickly in my opinion. The vocal samples can get annoying after a while ("i want a beach ball!"). As an experiment in merging genres, however, it works surprisingly well, and starts to rock hard after the first minute.

--Listenability--
The beats are nice and refreshing, they change frequently. However, I feel like the vocal samples are thinly coating a same-ish beat. The problem with experiments is that they have the tendency to end up very unchanging, and lack vibrant newness. The listening experience starts off with our attention, but then loses it in a maze of confusion.

--Genius--
You use sounds to nice and interesting effect, esp. in the middle. But instead of drooping in the middle I felt this song drooped on either side, making for very uneven listening.

--Flair--
It's interesting and new, and I'll merit you for that. The vocal samples are quirky, and the track is banging. But I'm afraid it needs that 'wow' factor, that recurring motif for me to remember this song by. And it doesn't seem to make its mark unfortunately.

--Tilt--
Overall I found this song very technically correct, but I was unable to connect with the song or be entertained by it. That's why I found it difficult to write this review. The words didn't flow as nice as they usually do. But thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 16/20
--Listenability-- = 12/20
--Genius-- = 15/20
--Flair-- = 15/20
--Tilt-- = 12/20
OVERALL SCORE: 70/100
VERDICT:

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

RetromanOMG responds:

Same as with Jetpack's review, the main issue seems to be the vocals and their blending with the rest of the song. I could've done much more work with the percussion as well.

Ah well, I can always try again.

Oh, and the Beeshball thing. The speech is slurred in the source video, so "meatball" sounds like Beeshball. It's one of those forced meme things.

[.:Vesoul:.]

Grand

hey camoshark,

--Production--
It sounds like you've got an accordion and a unidentifiable brass instrument playing in the upper registers, and a repeated rhythmic guitar in the low registers. Sounds very nice and 'full'.

--Listenability--
The use of accordion brings a certain French feel about it, though it might not be. I'm not sure if you are French or not, I'll check. I'm not sure, but the guy's named Jacques, so he's probably French. Anyway, it's very nice to listen to, except that it may be a bit too busy. I'm not sure if that's choice of sound, but minor complaint.

--Genius--
The genius is very evident here, but probably because it's another person's composition. But still, you transcribed it all over again by yourself, so I guess it's yours now :P It's marvelous and has a wonderful jubilant and complex feel about it. It's very... risque? I'm not sure, but it brings feelings inside of me that are good to bear.

--Flair--
You know a lot of good music. I'm not sure whether this is because you study music, or because you love listening to it. Come to think of it, it's definitely both. You are a man who loves his music and I enjoy hearing your compositions because they test the ability of my understanding. And I've played the piano for 15+ years :3

--Tilt--
I enjoyed this, but because it was somebody else's composition, I can just say that you did a wonderful job of recreating. It was a pleasure to listen.0

--Production-- = 15/20
--Listenability-- = 17/20
--Genius-- = 20/20
--Flair-- = 19/20
--Tilt-- = 15/20
OVERALL SCORE: 86/100
VERDICT: NEAR PERFECT! [A]

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

camoshark responds:

Hey Benny, thanks for the awesome review!

My computer crashedwhile doing this review, and I don't want to do it again, so I'll do it abriged if you don't mind. ^^'

Yeah, the unidentifiable brass instrument is actually a trombon, thought it's meant to represent Jacques Brel's voice, so I guess the instrument isn't really THAT important...

The french origin you spotted is correct, since that's the theme of the song, but Jacques Brel's actually Belge. As for me, I'm from the french speaking region of Canada, so I guess you're partially right, thought my people don't like being labeled French...

As for the rest, well I'm flattered! :P

Again, thanks for the awesome review, glad yo enjoyed!

P.S. 15 years? Are you semi-professional, or are you just doing this in your free-time?

Cheers,
Samuel Hébert

[Cidade Sol]

City in the Sun never gets more fun

hey Naerbu,

--Production--
Very crisp and clear. The assembly of this beat is nice and refreshing, coupled with the tweaked vocal samples and soft synths to provide special relief. You bash on the hihat, and it works mostly, especially when it goes into a slow beat and the harmonics begin to get interesting.

--Listenability--
The glitched vocal quirks make things less boring and more interesting as you go on, which I think was a good choice. Sometimes when you bang on the hi-hats too much it hogs the hi-frequencies.

--Genius--
This is well-put together, with many good points of interest and a smooth and slick sound. The synths create an almost dream-like atmosphere which sounds space-ish. I would like to hear some of more of those slow, peaceful ethereal sections such as the first 20 seconds.

--Flair--
The glitched vocal samples are the centrepiece of this music, which is interesting in a way, because that makes it sound robot-like. It sounds great, because you also show how a robot can be human, with a voice and an opinion.

--Tilt--
It was nice and soulful, with plenty of futuristic flair. You've got most of the technical aspects down-pat, but I would suggest trying out more with the beauty of your music. Because DnB is generally ugly music (well, that's what people like about it), but I would like to hear more clean DnB as you have shown.

Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 18/20
--Listenability-- = 15/20
--Genius-- = 14/20
--Flair-- = 17/20
--Tilt-- = 13/20
OVERALL SCORE: 77/100
VERDICT: Getting Good! (B+)

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

[Fat Joker-Redux]

Funny, but why? (and don't tell me ForNoReason)

hey ForNoReason,

--Production--
I like the music in the background. "Lights Out" is a good choice. The crisp texture of your voice seems like there's good quality miccing going on. But when you say "Let me just put some cake in that face of yours" then the music goes loud. It would be nice to have it not just cut in so hard as it does. (Not sure what else to say here)

--Listenability--
You use your voice well, but sometimes you overact, like when you say "CRAZIER" it kind of makes me cringe. But overall your reenactment of the joker's voice was great.

--Genius--
Your idea to swap the theme of the Joker from killing people to baking cakes was a good one. Trading knives for rolling pins and seriousness for hunger, it works surprisingly well.

--Flair--
It's new and nice, a good parody of a good film. You sort of sound like Owen Wilson. It's good that you could have taken this further, but you didn't. Because it's fine at that length.

--Tilt--
It's funny for sure, but I'm not sure whether it's worth submitting to the Review Request Club. Because, well, I mean, I don't know if it's worth the criticism that you'll receive. So I'm going to go ahead and say that it was funny, and that it's short, and it's nice. And that's about it. Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 17/20
--Listenability-- = 15/20
--Genius-- = 15/20
--Flair-- = 16/20
--Tilt-- = 16/20
OVERALL SCORE: 79/100
VERDICT:Quite Excellent! (A-)

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

ForNoReason responds:

Really great review! This will help me out in future efforts! I appreciate your time as well.

[.:Dixieland Reborn:.]

Quite excellent

Hey camoshark

--Production--
The style is nice and quaint, if not full. It's very retro, back to the old days, like the 30's I think. And it has that nice charm to it, that endears you. The little trills of the piano to the brass instrumentals make it unique. So it's very beautiful and tiddly-winky, if you know what I mean.

--Listenability--
Some parts, especially the chorus, can be jolting, but the piano solos are nice and beautiful, like you said. The stabs sort of make my heart jump inside - not a good thing. I have a feeling your brass may be a bit loud, I'd love to hear louder piano... but hey. It's overall a nice jumpy beat.

--Genius--
Your musical genius is overwhelming. I don't know how you know what chords go well together when they aren't even in the same scale, but it works. I would like to study something about music theory, because my tunes don't even stand up musically.

--Flair--
You've got that special tune or motif that will stay with me after I've listened. Which is a good thing, something that most electronic music lacks. (If you call this electronic). For the most part, it's the chorus that'll be in the back of mind, plus the amazing piano riffs. I like the catchiness of it all, you get swept into the music. It's nice.

--Tilt--
You've got a nice touch to creating music. Your flair is evident, and your musical knowledge abounds. The piano solo, I must say again, is exquisite. A lot of your sounds may sound a bit dry, like mine often do, but that's hard to fix when you're using artificial instruments. Overall great composition and good theme. Thanks for letting me listen!

--Production-- = 15/20
--Listenability-- = 16/20
--Genius-- = 20/20
--Flair-- = 17/20
--Tilt-- = 15/20
OVERALL SCORE: 83/100
VERDICT: Quite Excellent! (A-)

Benjamin

camoshark responds:

Thanks for the overwhelmingly awesome review!

I know reviewing audio is your thing, I've checked your other reviews and it seems you've spotted the facets that need to be checked while reviewing an audio. I'll keep my eye on these points from now on, thanks to you!

I've had some difficulties at certain spots deciphering what you meant, but maybe that's because my english's getting a bit rusty... Places like "The little trills of the piano to the brass instrumentals make it unique" and "The stabs sort of make my heart jump inside" I still can't get the proper meaning! :)

As for the piece itself, where to begin with?

-You got it, it's from the 30's, thought Dixieland music can go back as far as 1890!

-As for the EQing, it's hard doing any with a notation software like I'm using, in wich I write sheet music that is then played by the computer. I've still managed to learn a thing or two into getting better sound quality since I recored this song, so I'll try to EQ it better if I ever record this again.

-As for the genius, well let's just say I've been studying theory since I was 7, so I've got quite a bit of experience to back me up when I compose. I also like to make my pieces as challenging as it's enjoyable, so I use every bit of knowledge I have.
Also, I'm a musician myself, playing trumpet, piano and latin percussions, so I'm capable of writing in knowledge of physical restraints and such.
And lastly, I'm studying composition at school, thought that doesn't say much on the song you've reviewed since it was made before that!

Thanks again for the massive review, hope to see more of your reviews, as they're always welcomed, even if they're negative!

Cheers,
Samuel Hébert

[Tagumpay! (Victory!)]

Victorious riffs, needs more stabs, rockin'!

Hey masheenH3ad

--Production-
Textured, rockin' stuff. The track starts off quietly and concisely, then wrenches out into all-out guns-blasting riff melodies. The texture of the song, as you suggested, is difficult and complex. However, it does not bring to mind action packed movies but rather emotional breakdowns.

--Listenability--
Nice riffs, good accompaniments, and clever switches in progression render this a mostly easy listen. It's just the drudgery of staying in the same position, that it grows old quick. For an action packed movie there needs to be slow orchestration to contrast with the high rocking parts.

--Genius--
Some nice progressions a minute in, riffs are perfect, drums need to be a bit louder. This lacks space somewhat, and it draws tired after 4 minutes. Some stabs would be much recommended, to vary the rhythm somewhat. But otherwise cleverly assembled.

--Flair--
Simple, different, unconventional. This difference may alienate viewers or listeners for the fact of its unrelenting pace never ceasing. The harmonising guitars about 2 minutes in sound amazing, needs some sort of refrain or quiet break half way through though.

--Tilt--
A very victorious-sounding track, jubilant and rockin' in the many ways possible. What it needs is poignancy, something that is difficult to generate. I think you did a good job. Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 17/20
--Listenability-- = 14/20
--Genius-- = 15/20
--Flair-- = 13/20
--Tilt-- = 14/20

Overall Score = 73/100 (B+)

VERDICT: Getting Great!

Benjamin

masheenH3ad responds:

Hey! Benjamin,

Thanks for giving some of you precious time to listen, and give my track an awesome and straight to the point review. All points are stated and It enabled me to see my work in a different angle. As an NG audio artist that wants to improve every single day, I must admit it is very essential and I want to let you know how grateful I am. Thank you very much!

[_A Walk In The Woods_]

Greasy basslines, riffs, and mindless drifting

Hey Birdinator99

--Production-
Decent for usual circumstances, but in view of your current requirements, breathtaking. I have heard a few of your tracks and they mostly focus on the composition side rather than mastering, am I correct? The assembly of the track is unique and special. You are a genius.

--Listenability-
In all truth, I find it hard to listen to your tracks because of their dryness. This track however is a delight in comparison. It feels like it just cruises along, probably because of the nice bassline. Cruising on the greasy track with some nice gat riffs and fried egg on the side. Blissful.

--Genius-
It's nice the vision you had in mind for this. I can taste it as I listen. Even as the guitar plays its haunting riff, can I hear the rain in the background? Or is it my imagination? Somehow I believe you put things in there for us not to notice, but to just wonder.

--Flair--
Your tune is different and nice, it uses special harmonies and unique enchanting solos to capture the heart of the listener. Ends abruptly, cruises gently, has a distinct voice. The only complaint I have in this department is that it does not remind me of a walk in the woods. It brings to mind sadness and disappointment at the end of the bed. If'n you know what I mean. Not that way. >:(

--Tilt-
This tilt makes me feel so relaxed while reviewing I just want to say whatever I like. Why am I even writing this review? You love making the music, I can tell. And I just drift along the tides of your melodic presence, or something. Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 9/10
--Listenability-- = 8/10
--Genius-- = 8/10
--Flair-- = 9/10
--Tilt-- = 7/10
Overall Score: 8.2/10
Rounded Score: 8/10

VERDICT: Excellent!

Benjamin

Birdinator99 responds:

Thanks for the big review!

Yes, I do focus on composition, but I am no genius haha. Sorry if it brings sadness to mind, but I'm glad it was relaxing.

I do love making music, but I'm also sorry that my other stuff is too dry :p

[eli's beard]

Dry basses, panning hi hats and greasy transitions

Hey horsebugger
--Production--
Almost top notch. The snare is the only thing that hurts the balance, tipping in at either too bassy or not trebly enough. Either eliminate very low freq's in this or treble it up. The snare is the soul of D'n'B believe it or not %uF04A Girth is your friend. Google 'snare eq'. Otherwise good.

--Listenability-
Very nice progressions, always keeping things fresh. I don't mind the dry bass, mostly because it's not over-reverbed. It just takes away from the professionality of it all. But I love the hi hats, zooming in and out of the central pan zone, if you will.

--Genius-
You've got a lot of potential. The chord progressions are smooth and nice, the ways you bring new sections of song in are smooth, and overall greasy. I enjoy this song very much, because you know how to assemble a song.

--Flair--
This is special and nice. The only reason I can think of why this song got low ratings is because of its apparent sameness, but this is only a first impression. If what you are looking for is high ratings, then I advise working on the whole 'first impression' thing. Because that's what people vote most songs on, in all honesty: the first 30 seconds. Make sure you hook the listener in with the beginning.

--Tilt-
I love this, in my opinion. It's nice, if not dry, but fantastic. I reckon this would be good if most people stuck in to actually listen to a song. Thanks for letting me listen!

--Production-- = 8/10
--Listenability-- = 10/10
--Genius-- = 8/10
--Flair-- = 9/10
--Tilt-- = 9/10

Overall score: 8.8/10
Rounded score: 9/10

VERDICT: Near Perfect!

Benjamin

-Review Request Club-

[Eternal Frost (instrumental)]

Distortion, orchestra, metal, and awesomeness

Hey Twone,

--Production--
Considering it's all recorded, I have nothing to say about this except that it is all well played up to 2:00. The drums from 2:00-2:10 go a bit too much on the snare in my opinion. I like when it cuts out from the noise and goes back in. It's all very tasteful, and especially since I don't usually like Heavy Metal I'ma give you special brownie points :)

--Listenability--
As I said, I really do not like listening to Heavy Metal music, but I like this. I think it's because it has an actual melody to it and it goes somewhere. The chord progressions are wonderful.

--Genius--
As SeeD has elaborated, you have put much effort into this to make it as awesome as possible. The instrumentation at the beginning was pretty stink, but it came right after the guitar and drums came in.

--Flair--
This is very unique and nice. It has a memorable motif and mood which I will remember. The epicness of your piece allows the 7 1/2 minutes to pass quickly, and you don't get bored.

--Tilt--
At first I was skeptical, but now I am won. For a heavy metal song, this is one of the best. The recording quality is not supreme, but it does the job. I give you full credit for awesomeness. Well done. Thanks for letting me listen

--Production-- = 9/10
--Listenability-- = 9/10
--Genius-- = 10/10
--Flair-- = 10/10
--Tilt-- = 8/10
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Rounded Score: 9/10

VERDICT: Near Perfect!

Benjamin

-Review Request Club-