thatbennyguy's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Ryu's Road]

Hadouken to the max!

Hi MixerProductions,

--Production--
Quite nicely produced. Guitars are nice and driving. Got lots of varied effects, which fill out the sound. However, still sounds very "mono" if you ask me? Maybe not enough high frequencies?

--Listenability--
The melody is amazing, which makes it feel like you wanna listen more. This is a very more-ish song, and you use the sound FX to great taste, such as orchestra hits and so on.

--Genius--
This is great remix of another song, but you put your own flair into it, which is nice. It's got lots of nice little melodies here and there, willy nilly, which adds to intrigue.

--Flair--
It's different and wacky, but still approachable. A lot of synths might be a bit loud, but overall the variety of sound that is picked up makes this unique

--Tilt--
Maybe it's too late, and maybe I'm tired, but I just don't seem in such a mood for energetic music right now. But perhaps I'll regret in the morn-ing, but tonight I don't give a, I don't give a, I don't give a. :P Thanks for letting me listen!

--Production-- = 8/10
--Listenability-- = 6/10
--Genius-- = 7/10
--Flair-- = 7/10
--Tilt-- = 7/10
Overall Score = 7/10
Vote: 3/5

Verdict: Getting Good!

Benjamin

[RebornX - Spirit Valley]

Spookay!

--Production--
It was nicely produced, a lot of reeverb and freeky FX to choose from... like a buffet of loveliness.

--Listenability--
Nice to listen to... very ambient music mostly :) I like the sirens in the background... makes me take the headphones off and wonder, "Where's the Ambulance?"

--Genius--
There's a certain amount of good melody in this, but sometimes it just feels jilted, as if tons of melodies were put on each other without thought. But that doesn't really matter anymore in techno so: =P.

--Flair--
This is interesting, new and vibrant, however it lacks some form of originality in the form of coherent chords rather than the repeating 4. The bass is also quite standard. I think I've even used that one once before (or maybe 10 times)

--Tilt--
I like this, but only because it's well produced. If it wasn't well produced it would be pretty darn crazy to listen to, simply because most of what techno is is good production. I'd like to hear some nice interesting chord progressions next time, maybe? Maybe I'm judging, but I like those! Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 8/10
--Listenability-- = 7/10
--Genius-- = 7/10
--Flair-- = 6/10
--Tilt-- = 7/10
Overall Score: 7/10
Vote: 3/5

Verdict: Getting Good!

Benjamin

RebornX responds:

thanx for ur constructive critism!

i will definately work on the points u mentioned :D

[[hydra] Untitled Demo 2]

Let's wait for those vocals

Hi MattReeves

--Production--
The beat is quite nicely assembled, except the sections as of yet seem to be disjointed and not really connected, so it seems there's not much suspense, except for when the vocals might be added. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

--Listenability--
In its present state, it is just listenable and that's it. Which isn't a bad thing, it's a thing which most songs lack even in their finished format. I would like to hear what it sounds like when the vocals are added, so I guess this teaser has done its job.

--Genius--
The chord progressions and riffs keep the listener interested, but maybe you could put some clever solos in there perhaps? I do not like the way it rocks at 3:17 though, because it seems to be devoid of tune, this might be the screaming part? You can tell I'm not a man for heavy metal, but I'm trying :P

--Flair--
This is unique, it's yours, you put some interesting touches in there, but overall it just sounds sort of same-ish to me. Not talking about the variation within the song, but it just sounds the same as what most heavy metal sounds like (at least to my un-friendly ears :))

--Tilt--
Maybe I need to be a heavy metal fan to enjoy this more, but I like the soft music. It''s something new, keeps me on my toes, and I thank you for letting me listen. Ciao!

--Production--: 6/10
--Listenability--: 6/10
--Genius--: 6/10
--Flair--: 8/10
--Tilt--: 6/10
Overall Score: 6.2/10
Rounded Score: 6/10
Vote 3/5

Verdict: Slightly better than average!

Benjamin

MattReeves responds:

Thanks man. I appreciate it. But yeah, if you don't like the part around 3:17, then that tells me you definitely aren't part of the crowd I'm trying to draw with this song. However, I try and make my songs appeal to more than just the metal crowd, and it seems parts of this song were successful as such. As for the "same-ish" part, any metalhead would probably be able to tell you that this isn't a typical metal song. I avoid typicality in any way possible. And this song is actually the odd-ball of the group. Nevertheless, thank you for taking time to type out your thoughts. Perhaps you would find some of my other songs more appropriate for your tastes.

[The Call of the Deep]

Experimental

Hi samulis,

--Production--
This doesn't really focus on assembly as a positive trait per se, simply because it's just pure trombones without much effects added. So 'nuff said.

--Listenability--
I mean, it's alright. It's always good to listen to a bunch of trombones playing random crap. But after a while it gets a little tiring. This is more experimental than anything, so why not just add a couple of little touches here and there? Won't hurt :)

--Genius--
It's interesting how you guys react to each other's melodies, but not entertaining enough to hold my interest for 2 minutes :P

--Flair--
This definitely an interesting experiment, and not much more.

--Tilt--
I like your ambition. Depends on what your goals are: to make money, to make pleasing music, or to make music that's fun to play :) Thanks for letting me listen

--Production--: x/10
--Listenability--: 4/10
--Genius--: 6/10
--Flair--: 7/10
--Tilt--: 0/10
Average score: 4.3/10
Rounded Score: 4/10
Vote 2/5

Verdict: Needs improvement!

Benjamin

samulis responds:

Thanks once again for the constructive review.

I agree almost 100% with what you said, the goal was merely a test of the ability to read the other's actions fast enough to make a song without premeditation to make a piece of perfect quality.

If I manage to find another time to get into the recording studio with my friend, I'll look into seeing about finding some other instrumentalists on different instruments and see if a something can be achieved that way. :)

By the by, you can skip over the recordings if they bore you. They are more of an expression of style and an explanation of my musical background than actual compositions, simply because I never wrote down the notes or the keys or the rhythms.

[Hiphop Lady]

Hip hop a licious! :)

Hi patrickliberty,

--Production--
At first listen, I was wowed. The production in this was amazing. It was breathtaking even. This was professional stuff. It definitely had that wow factor.

--Listenability--
This is nice to listen to. Top of the box in the funkaaay region of thought, but the constant scratching seemed to bring back the overabuse of the 90's, when scratching was the equivalent of auto-tune today: reviled and overused. So lay down on the scratch, dude.

--Genius--
What's your name baby? LOL I like it. This is one hip hop lady if you know what I mean :)

--Flair--
This had style written all over it. Very fluent, greased, battered, mashed and mixed until Kingdom may come. If you're looking for grease in a paper bag, look no further. :)

--Tilt--
I like this funkaaay thing :) Very scratchy, professional to the daaays and one of your best mixes, despite the score. People just don't appreciate hip hop like they used to :) Thanks for letting me listen

--Production-- = 10/10
--Listenability-- = 8/10
--Genius-- = 7/10
--Flair-- = 9/10
--Tilt-- = 9/10
Overall Score: 8.6/10
Rounded Score: 9/10
Vote 5/5

Verdict: Near Perfect!

Benjamin

patrickliberty responds:

listin any time, and hay if u want, review all my music, i think u should get an award for the excellent reviews that u do when u listin to people music, it's very rare that u ever get a full review, and thats what i need and like :-/

[Seekin' Da Truth]

Funkay, but mysterious??

Hi patrick liberty, This is the review for "Seekin' Da Truth".

--Production--
This song has been assembled and constructed to provide a mysterious feeling. As if there was something to be discovered and one must "seek da truth". In this vibe, it succeeds, but it slightly lacks anticipation or suspense in keeping up with a funky beat.

--Listenability--
Quite tolerable, except the repetition of a flanging beat may off-put some listeners. Overall, as shown by the score, the composition can be pleasing to some ears :)

--Genius--
The chord progression is simple 4-beat, but the extra little synths and so on are put to good effect. The layout of the song also varies, but not enough to satiate my taste.

--Flair--
This is quite a unique piece, with the use of toms/congas to nice effect. And then the organ comes in at :30 which is quite soothing, but a little off-beat. Maybe there is a slight delay at the beginning that needs to be sorted out.

--Tilt--
I was sort of O.K. with this piece, but not overwhelmed. It was funky, but it didn't really go anywhere. I'd put this in the box of "Good but has a lot more potential". If you continue to make songs along this vibe, adding more and more grease to that funk, who knows where you may go? Thanks for letting me listen.

--Production-- = 7/10
--Listenability-- = 7/10
--Genius-- = 6/10
--Flair-- = 8/10
--Tilt-- = 6/10
Overall score = 6.8/10
Rounded Score = 7/10

Verdict: Getting Good!

Benjamin

patrickliberty responds:

thanks benjamin, i also agree to what u are sayin' it was at one point where i was going to take this off the site, but i decided to just keep it up there...

[Ah?]

Quite Excellent!

--Production--
I like it. It's quite nice. It uses stock hi-hats and stuff though but it's still nice. It has a very good building up.

--Listenability--
Very nice sound, just the bass that comes in at 0:50 is quite overwhelming. I like the vocal samples you have in it, though! :3

--Genius--
It's not a very clever arrangement of chord progression, however, just the same chords over and over again. Sort of gets repetitive. Like electronic music should be :P

--Flair--
It's definitely got you written all over it with the "Infectious" at 1:45 :3

--Tilt--
I liked it, but it was a little too generic for my tastes. Maybe it was just the chord progression. 2:42 I like :3 3...2...1 :) Thanks for letting me listen

--Production-- = 10/10
--Listenability-- = 10/10
--Genius-- = 6/10
--Flair-- = 6/10
--Tilt-- = 6/10
Overall Score = 7.6/10
Rounded Score = 8/10

Verdict: Quite Excellent!

Benjamin

[Dwarves are a Minority - Final]

Very nice and refreshing change!

--Production--
Very nice production mostly, especially with the transitions. A little bit too much reverb on the kick maybe..? No hi-hats? It just feels a little bit empty.

--Listenability--
It's very listenable though. A lot of nice melodies in there. And cool bass effects like major sidechaining... and then some toms/congas! Nice :3

--Genius--
It's definitely well thought through and polished. I really like the siren near the end :3

--Flair--
You've definitely got your own style and this could make you very attractive :3 It's tantalising, a good taste test for things to come :3 Continue to try professionalising in different ways, and experimenting as I know you can

--Tilt--
It's very different and stylish :3 I know you put a lot of work into this, and this is very evident. Well done! Thanks for letting me listen! Though the title is a bit misleading :P

--Production-- = 8/10
--Listenability-- = 9/10
--Genius-- = 10/10
--Flair-- = 10/10
--Tilt-- = 7/10

Overall score: 8.8/10
Rounded Score: 9/10
Vote 5/5
Verdict: Near perfect!

Benjamin