thatbennyguy's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

["Baby" (lo-fi)]

Really cool.

Hey ryanson,

--Production--
Very crisp guitar, and lovely accompaniment. The air noise is sort of a problem, as you suggested, and so is the timing, but it doesn't take away from the overall feel-good vibe of the song.

--Experience--
I am so very annoyed at all the haters of this little boy Justin Bieber that is fueled by pure jealousy. Because he makes pretty good songs, well they're cheesy, but they're still good tunes. This song is no exception, and the only reason you've got such low ratings is because of the effing haters. Golly gosh! :3

--Innovativity--
Well, it's a cover of an existing song, but it's a new take on it. I realise that your riff is replacing Justin Bieber's voice, which is nice, because it takes away from the harshness of his high pitch. It's a good cover, if a bit shambly.

--Wow! Factor--
I was interested at this, because it was nice and different. It had that exciting factor of your skill in playing the guitar, and layering the different parts. I would like to hear more such as this, but probably don't use songs from that artist, otherwise the Wow! factor unnecessarily can turn into the kaPow! factor ;)

--Personal Tilt--
Unlike EpicFail, I haven't heard any of your songs before and this was a good taste of what is probably good things to come. Keep requesting songs from the RRC so that I can keep hearing how you're doing :)

--Production-- = 16/20
--Experience-- = 17/20
--Innovativity-- = 19/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 17/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 17/20

OVERALL SCORE: 86/100

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

Ryanson responds:

Hey thanks man.

I don't know if I'll do any other covers like this -- as in, all instrumental. I've played with the idea, but only for myself. If you listen in to me in the future, don't expect anything like this haha.

Reason why is mimicking vocal lines on the guitar is quite a nice, simple way for beginners to learn guitar, in my opinion. But it only takes you so far.

I do appreciate your kind words. I do hope you take an interest in my future -- I'm starting to actually write and record my own songs. :)

[[D-H]BrainWashing]

All guns blazing, yo!

Hey Devilz-Halcyon,

--Production--
The drums are very nice, the synths crisp and clear. They move about each other with little care, and sometimes this creates conflicts which are not nice to hear. Most sounds are very nicely put together to make a good sound, but there needs to be a fuller sound in some parts.

--Experience--
It felt like a brainwash, and this wasn't necessarily a good thing. Not every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to be ravaged in the ears. But it was a very pleasant ravagin of the ears to be honest. It produces mixed feelings.

--Innovativity--
The effort to get as much into a loop as possible is a good one, especially in a good videogame. This could be seen with a shooter as one gets excited about shooting lots of monsters, or in a very fast racing game.

--Wow! Factor--
The sounds were all very nice, and they hit you in the face. Sometimes you need that good winding punch to the stomach, if you know what I mean. This gets the adrenaline pumping, and moves you to react quickly. Very nice.

--Personal Tilt--
You might have noticed that my opinion changed throughout the piece. It was due to an error on my part. I was listening to the song objectively, but hadn't noticed that it wasn't just a Miscellaneous song, it was a Video Game Loop. And then I realised that I was listening to the song with the wrong ears and changed my mind. It's actually a very high-voltage adrenalin-pumping song that wakes you up, but you wouldn't necessarily want to listen for 20 minutes on end.

Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 18/20
--Experience-- = 17/20
--Innovativity-- = 16/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 16/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 16/20

OVERALL SCORE: 83/100

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

[XxX-Taranchula-XxX]

Erratic.

Hey dlxrevolution,

--Production--
The beat seemed very nicely put together assembly-wise. As for production, most parts, especially when the synth came in about the :30 part, sounded out of balance. The drums coming in at 0:50 were good, but not loud enough, really.

--Experience--
This is a glitchy paradise, sort of like dancehall but without the vocal samples. The beat was nice and refreshing, but it didn't really take me anywhere special. Mostly because places like 1:30 were out of sync and hard to listen to.

--Innovativity--
This is a nice genre to explore, because it lets you do whatever you want with whatever you want to do it with. It's good to reach out like this, but remember to keep the rest of the song as full as you do in other parts. This is most evident in the transition leading into 3:20

--Wow! Factor--
I didn't get really super-wowed, mostly because when I did start to get that sense of euphoria, I was interrupted by an out-of-groove sample or beat that ruined the whole experience. So I was kind of underwhelmed as I progressed.

--Personal Tilt--
I'm a little bit hesitant about this, because it's so similar to my own song "hey there innit" and I wondered why so many people gave me bad reviews. I think it's because when a song straddles the line between genres and don't sound super-professional, it just sounds like ambling thoughts taking the producer anywhere he pleases. Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 16/20
--Experience-- = 14/20
--Innovativity-- = 16/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 13/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 13/20

OVERALL SCORE: 72/100

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

DiroNomer responds:

Thank you so much for this review. I enjoyed reading this as I see you put a lot of thought and effort into writing this.

I tried to focus more on the beat and how it progresses rather than the melody which explains why the whole entire song is not as busy as from 3:20 on. This song hasn't been getting a very good look and I could never come to understand why. This review has really helped me to get different ideas on song progression. Thanks

DLX

[Fucking with Hardstyle | SN]

Hard as hard.

Hey SessileNomad,

--Production--
I'd have to say, even though you say you haven't all done with the assembly of this song, it's still... rockin! :3 I like all the sounds you've used and you've done them to great effect. I really brings out a full sound. The fact that you made the hard noise in 3xosc is hard to believe but yet I have to. Don't tease me with that kind of stuff, OK? :P

--Experience--
This had several modes in it that keep your interest. The melody keeps changing, and the mood transforms as fast as you can think it would in a song like this. Most transitions are well done, and there's a huge 'bang' moment at 1:45-ish that surprised me.

--Innovativity--
This is new and different flavour that excites me. Your kick really has that edge that draws listeners to like your music. I would like to learn how to produce like this, but my own kicks tend to have no - well, kick. But yours do, and that makes this track bangin'! :3

--Wow! Factor--
What can I say? Many of the transitions are well placed, and many of them are just, "OK, let's take it slow now. Paaaads, yep. Let's go higher. OK, eff it, let's just go all out." I like your sense of knowing where to take the song.

--Personal Tilt--
I liked this, even if it wasn't polished how you would have wanted it to be. I see you've now abandoned it, which isn't really a shame because every track you produce is of this quality. Well done and thanks.

--Production-- = 19/20
--Experience-- = 16/20
--Innovativity-- = 18/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 18/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 17/20

OVERALL SCORE: 88/100

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

SessileNomad responds:

it seems supersteph has a new competitor in the rrc

yeah that hard noise is 3xosc, honest to god

glad you like this track, pretty rare i make something like this

[Spectral Sojourner]

Flippin good.

Hey Birdinator99,

--Production--
Pretty fantastic synth you got going on there. I like the wobbles that occur in the main synth, and the wonderful pads that generate the emotion. The story goes along perfectly with it, but the main synth makes it sound like a cheesy 80's movie soundtrack, to be honest. (Which i LOVVVVE :3)

--Experience--
You are led thru the track with the feeling you are taking a journey of the meanest kind. I didn't see a ghost, but more of a futuristic scene with a rogue renegade walking down an empty street. The wind in his hear, he cocks his pistol and braces for anyone to come out to fight him. Epic.

--Innovativity--
You're one with a knack for very nice chord structures and riffs, and know how to lead someone on a unique journey through music. I like the way things seem to fit within the genre of whatever you are composing.

--Wow! Factor--
I was amazed by the style of music that came my way when I heard this. Because most NGers want to be modern and hip-ish, there's not often you hear the makes of a good 80's classic. That's where everyone's going right now, isn't it? Retro?

--Personal Tilt--
I loved most of it, because it was creepy and epic, raising up emotion in you. Some chords felt out of place though, only because all the others seemed to fit perfectly. You are a man of great musical talent and I love you :3 Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 16/20
--Experience-- = 19/20
--Innovativity-- = 18/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 16/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 17/20

OVERALL SCORE: 86/100

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

Birdinator99 responds:

I like to think that the story behind the music is just as if not more important than the music itself, so I thank you for noticing that.

I love the 80s as well :3

Glad to see I'm still pulling off good scores here -- thanks very much!

[{EpP} Name Me]

The pads, dude.

Hey dj-Jo,

--Production--
The production was kinda aiight, but there were phasing problems especially with the pads, which seemed to override the entire mix. The pads are too loud and rotating irregularly, which sort of overdid everything. So a few improvements here.

--Experience--
It had a nice vibe about it, and I thought it was about to go somewhere. It seemed like this was the journey from one place to the next. But we never got there! A song's gotta have its ups and downs, and then arrive at a new level.

--Innovativity--
This sounded pretty standard most of the time, except for some interesting and nice progressions. I've never listened to Deadmau5, but I will now. Because if this is anything like how he is like, he sounds like a cool character. Most of your synths need to step outside of the box a little, get some fresh air.

--Wow! Factor--
The pads did get me started, and your irregular start with only 3 bars made me excited, but after that it didn't go anywhere. Remember you can grab a person's attention from the start, but can you drag it to the finish?

--Personal Tilt--
I thought this was an alright song dragged down by poor mixing. The pads did it for you mate, I'm sorry. But try to re-Eq the pads and this might be a lot better. Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 12/20
--Experience-- = 12/20
--Innovativity-- = 12/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 12/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 12/20 (lol)

OVERALL SCORE: 72/100

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

[~Dragonfly Clouds!~]

Really good!

Hey EmceeWhatE,

--Production--
Wow the production is pretty amazing, if not sounding a bit tinny. The hi hat may need a bit of tuning down - no wait, it's pretty good how it is. But the pads are EQ'd amazingly and the whole thing sounds freakin cool.

--Experience--
It feels, as RampantMusik said, like Wii Party, but on drugs. I found that especially with the original orchestratic part, it sounded a bit like the Wii Music theme song. But all of it was very well thought out, and nicely assembled.

--Innovativity--
This is like a new kind of house, I guess. But it's more hardcore with the harmonics, I reckon. One thing I disliked was the loud synth melody about the 2nd minute. It kind of overpowered everything else. Sometimes it's good to have the melody a bit subtler.

--Wow! Factor--
I was certainly surprised and happy that this was how it is. I liked the fullness of it just hitting you from the very start to the end, but only about the 2 1/2th minute did we start to lose a bit of interest. Then there's like the 30 secs of silence at the end but I bet you knew that. Just lettin ya know :3

--Personal Tilt--
I really liked it. At times the pace can be overwhelming, but for the most part this is professional stuff. I really liked it, and it really is symbolised by the all-out title "Dragonfly Clouds!" I would actually call it "Double Rainbow" because this would be the perfect theme music to that guy's life (LOL) :) Thx for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 19/20
--Experience-- = 16/20
--Innovativity-- = 14/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 17/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 16/20

OVERALL SCORE: 82/100

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

[Grandiose Manipulation]

Really good!

Hey callitsleep89,

--Production--
Pretty excellent, with a good mixture of highs and lows. The eq'ing is fantastic, with the lovely chimes coming in at high points and the strings making a lovely backbone. I love the balance in this quaint little piece. Well done.

--Experience--
Very epic and yet quaint at the same time. A wonderful use of tubas or low brass in the background, the motif comes back again and again and it's quite blissful, really. Makes a sense of peace and calm inside.

--Innovativity--
Very nice and well orchestrated with nice snare rolls and the like. The feel is very professional-sounding and unique. It has that special factor that sounds like it wasn't put together in a hurry, but lovingly crafted.

--Wow! Factor--
It hit me after a while that this was actually a very nice and well made piece. Looking at the current score of 3.57, I thought it might be an average piece, but this deserves at least a 4.20. People here just don't appreciate good peaceful music.

--Personal Tilt--
Eff what they say, I LOVE you. I love this kind of peaceful serene music a la Tim Burton, and I guess you've hit a soft spot in my reviewing palette. Well done and thank you for letting me listen to your track "Grandiose Manipulation".

--Production-- = 16/20
--Experience-- = 16/20
--Innovativity-- = 15/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 19/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 20/20

OVERALL SCORE: 86/100
GRADE: [A-]

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

[An Indivisible Schism]

Loud and proud

Hey Kirbyfemur,

--Production--
I know from the past you are a man who is the master of mixing and mastering, so no need to point out your finesse in this area. The only thing I would want to point out is that this song has an unrelenting 'distorted' feel about it that can be irritating to the ears. The whole thing might warrant the softening of some slow pads, for a fuller and more beautiful sound.

--Experience--
It's definitely an unconventional beat for the most part, simply because chord progressions seem to meld into each other, for the middle of the song. Maybe things will become clearer with the addition of the finished percussion, but for the most part, for example the 2nd minute, I was hearing unordered cacophony and this may need to be fixed for less musically able listeners.

--Innovativity--
You like pushing the limit of how things are done, and trying new and unexpected things, but remember part of the genius of the composition process is not just making music that's fun to make, but also fun to hear.

--Wow! Factor--
Things are loud and distorted, but it doesn't have a sticking quality in the mind. A recurring motif or a catchy hook may be able to make this song more than forgettable, something to remember it by, instead of: "loud song".

--Personal Tilt--
I wasn't too impressed with this, but I realise that it's a WIP and most of the composition is pretty epic. The production needs a little tweaking and maybe fill it up a bit, but for the most part this is one step in the evolution of one of NG's most prolific artists that maybe went the wrong way. Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 13/20
--Experience-- = 11/20
--Innovativity-- = 11/20
--Wow! Factor-- = 10/20
--Personal Tilt-- = 9/20

OVERALL SCORE: 54/100
GRADE: [D+]

Benjamin

--REVIEW REQUEST CLUB--

Kirbyfemur responds:

I know i need more dynamics, but there wasn't anything out of order, there where just some beats that where in there for variation purposes, so that the beat wasn't to repetitive, but still consistent. As far as making music that's fun to both make and hear, the issue is i had fun making it and listening to it. I Can't just make songs merely the pleasure of others, that would make me a whore and just like everyone else who sticks to the overly simplistic beats/sounds/rhythms of most songs here on NG's and i don't want that. So i'm sorry that i can't please everyone, but i know along the way i'll find some people who do like my stuff. Thanks for your review :3