FightingSeraph's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Scotty [breakbeat psytrance]]

The definitive Psybreaks song.

Why is it that many of your songs end up getting such low scores upon submission? If anything, higher ratings would be more appropriate. Anyways, I thought I would review another one of your songs.

Sound design: Interesting combination of Breakbeat and Psytrance (Colloquially known as Psybreaks). However, this feels more ambient than psychedelic. The use of double breaks was pretty cool, along with the incredibly subtle hi-hats. In other words, you did something quite unique in terms of instrumentation.
Composition: This was quite enjoyable albeit drawn out. However, when it gets good; this becomes something that should be listened to. The arrangement is excellent save for the drawn out intro and end. That and you had a nice sense of rhythm going on that made use of the individual notes.
Other: I can hear this being used in a couple of games if the creator is really crafty.

The Good:
-Original
-Interesting mix of genres
-Nice composition that uses the rhythm
-Clever use of breaks
-Great sound design

The Bad:
-Feels more ambient than psychedelic
-Intro and end feel drawn out.

Overall: I'll give this a ten. (5/5)

hardcorescm responds:

hi

thanks for your indepth review, always like to hear what people think of my stuff, and the teaching me of the word psybreaks :)

[scarborough fair cover]

Underrated!

I usually don't review cover songs, but have thought about making a few. Just because it's a cover song doesn't mean it's bad. In fact, this deserves to a higher rating.

Vocals: I usually don't review songs with lyrics on here, but your singing is excellent. In addition, your voice would make Hania puke green with jealousy. It's on key and from what I can tell, accurate from the original song. (This is coming from someone who hasn't listened to the original song.) However, I did notice some static in the background and the microphone noises at the end should have been edited out.
Instrumentation: When it comes down to it, you sure know how to play the acoustic guitar. As much as I'm big on electronic music; it's nice to hear actual instruments being played.
Composition: As said previously, I haven't heard the original song so I can't comment on that.
Other: Many on here will give you shit for making this, but considering that you have your fair share of original material; I'll let you off the hook.

The Good:
-Nice vocals
-Adept guitar playing
-Reasonable file size

The Bad:
-Recording issues
-The fact that this is a cover.

Overall: Heather, how would you like a nine from me? (4.5/5)

hhoulding responds:

Thank you very much for your review. Thanks for your kind words also. I will get better equipment eventually when i get the money meaning better sound quality. The reason i do covers is to showcase really, so that people may ask me to sing in their songs and such. Im not very good at song writing haha.

[Biotech]

A very interesting song.

It isn't often that you hear a cross between Neurofunk/Darkstep DnB and the most profligate UK Garage offshoot, Dubstep. I have to say that you have made an excellent piece of music, and here's why...

Sound design: When it comes down to it, most of these songs have a LOT of emphasis on bass to the point of being "Yeah sure, whatever." However, you did put some thought into the lead, which makes this stand out more. Of course, I like your generous and judicious use of bass and drums in this. All in all, a winner in my book.
Composition: Speaking of the lead, you were also brilliant in its composition. It's a breath of fresh air in an ocean of bass-indulgence. On the other hand, you did a great job with your bass composition. What else can I say? This is a hopeful sign.
Other: It isn't easy mixing two different genres together; especially when the tempos are complete opposites.

What I did like:
-Original
-Finally a fresh take on Dubstep
-Great basslines
-Cool lead
-Nice balance between said lead and basslines

What I didn't like:
-The fact that this won't faze Dubstep haters.

Overall: Obelion, how would you like a ten from me? (5/5)

Obelion responds:

Thank you for this more detailed review. I enjoyed it.
You have a pretty good understanding of the song: Neuro/Dubstep was exactly the genre-mash I was going for. Nice ears!
Plus, the leads in there were also important to have a balance to the nasty-ness.
Also, having a balance between something on the one hand that sounds somewhat organic or in other cases (the leads) melodic, and something on the other hand that sounds gritty and unnatural is exactly the contrast between biology and technology I tried to compose. Hence the title of the song.

Cheers!

[Great Old One]

This seems like you mixed Techstep, Neurofunk, and Darkstep together.

As a fan of those three D&B styles, I have to say that you did an excellent job at this. I wonder why hasn't anyone else reviewed this? Anyways...

Sound design: As said before, this feels like a mix between those three styles rather than being one of them. However, there's nothing wrong with that since you did a great job. Interesting take on a breakbeat, which keeps things fresh. On the other hand, the snare could have been more powerful.
Composition: I think this has quite an evil feel to go with the name you chose. This was one of the more interesting songs in the genre composition-wise. The scores used were very fitting given the theme, and I wouldn't have it any other way unless it were catchy.
Other: I say that this is an experiment done right.

The Good:
-Original
-Nice sound
-Interesting mix of genres
-Clever composition
-Fresh take on a breakbeat

The Bad:
-Could have used a more powerful snare

Overall: Here's a ten from me. (5/5)

AliceMako responds:

It's way too novel for it's own good, stewie doesn't like change.

This being well over a year old i'd say the puny snare is due to my drumbus management at the time.

You leave the best reviews btw, it's like a rockjournalist writing me up in a magazine.

[SBP]

Very interesting.

For something that was inspired by synth jam videos, I have to say that this is pretty catchy. Seeing that this has no reviews, I'll have to write one...

When it comes to the sound, it has a FM-chip quality to the lead. Something akin to mid-to-late '80s arcade games or Sega's old consoles. Even though I'm not wearing any headphones, your bass was very well-designed. In addition, your plucks and drums were also excellent. As for composition, it was well-scored considering that it loops and how minimal it is. (Anyone who gives this a low score for the minimalist approach can take a hike to hell.) Finally, this is one of the more original video game songs that I have heard, so you get high marks for that.

The Good:
-Original
-Versatile
-Well composed
-Good sound design
-Clever use of minimalism
-Nice use of a slow breakbeat

The bad:
-Nothing at the moment

Overall: Romwell, here's a ten from me. (5/5)

Romwell responds:

Thank you for the review and rating! I wouldn't be able to come up with a better description myself.
Shameless plug: I have just posted another song - Analogies - that is in a somewhat similar style; maybe you will like it too!

[Tinketell & Windfrank]

Interesting take on a chiptune.

This sounds like something that Kirbopher would make if he hung out with Bunnymajs while taking mescaline and played Wizards and Warriors too many times. If anything, more people on NG ought to turn to you guys for their music needs.

Sound Design: The synths remind me of something that you would hear on the NES/Famicom or the TV show Captain N, but with a hint of psytrance mixed in. That and your drums weren't overpowering. Oh, and nice use of Industrial sounds.
Composition: For an experiment, the composition was very nice and I had to play it several times over. As I said before, this is definitely worthy of being used as BGM in a movie or a game. Truth is, I'm not much of a music critic, but I do know a good song when I hear it. As far as I'm concerned, this beats what gets put on TV and the radio.
Other: You sure took advantage of those new Audio Portal categories, didn't ya? Too bad they didn't include sections for Hardcore, Hardstyle, Breakbeat, Disco, and Jungle.

The Good:
-Original
-Great instrumentation
-Nice use of Techno drums and Industrial sounds
-Clever composition
-Versatile

The Bad:
-Nothing really

Overall: Here's a ten and you three ought to make some Schranz some time. (5/5)

DESHIEL responds:

One of the best reviews I've ever seen on this portal.

Sadly I don't know who Kirbopher is, but knowing that you've mentioned him must mean that he's some local badass huh.

I can only hope that the staff adds more and more distinctive subcategories, so that anybody has to fear the negativity of not fullfilling the category's standarts.

[Space Walker]

Interesting mix between Drumstep, Neurofunk, and Psychill.

Mod15/DJ Spire posted a link to this, and I have to say that this is very impressive! It isn't often that music teacher such as yourself would delve into the electronic scene, much less submit to Newgrounds. But lets not kid ourselves...

Sound Design: Interesting take on the Ambient Breaks/Illbient/Chillstep genre. You have a nice bass that didn't overpower the other instruments, along with the use of a Trance square lead. Oh, and your percussion was well-chosen with clever automation.
Composition: Unlike most people who make dubstep or other UK garage variants, you have shown a great deal of restraint regarding the aforementioned bassline. The melodies and harmonies are definitely dreamy even though you were working in a Percussion/Bassline/Effects driven category of music. A sign that you have genuine creativity in my book.
Other: There isn't much that I can say about this.

The Good:
-Original
-Interesting take on a genre
-Great composition
-Nice sound design

The Bad:
-Not much really

Overall: Here's a ten from me. (5/5)

GGould responds:

Thank you for your kind words.

[Hopeku- Phloritznterixter]

Crazy mix between Psy Dubstep and Darkstep/Neurofunk DnB.

How come no one has reviewed this yet? I think Joelasticot and Ultra Pitchfork chose wisely when they commissioned you to make music for their game projects.

Sound Design: You sure know how to make basslines like no one's business. Were you listening to Boy in a Band's Darkstep song while you were making this? It's like a runaway neurofunk train on peyote laced with PCP. That and your percussion was pretty badass!
Composition: It takes a lot of balls to create melodies in basslines since anyone else would have done so poorly. While it doesn't have a lead like Sunwave, it didn't particularly need one. The bass composition had a wild, anarchic feel to it without being in-cohesive.
Other: Aside from having a sense of uniqueness; there's nothing else to say.

The Good:
-Original
-Great composition
-Crazy sound!
-Nice mix of genres
-Versatile

The Bad:
-Nothing to say really

Overall: Here's a ten from me. (5/5)

hopeku responds:

''Crazy mix between Psy Dubstep and Darkstep/Neurofunk DnB.''

haha I didn't intend to make any of these genres, seriously, I just did some kind of weirdo videogame drum'n'bass song

But thanks ! :)