Reviews for -Voluble- [MAC 2008]

[xKore]

Very nice. hi five

I really like this song ^_______^. It my mind it does convey alot of sadness, but I think more there is more epicness in it.

The drums are very well done, I can't really say anything bad about them, they have a nice groove and rhythm to them, they are pretty creative and really do work with the song. The mixing of them is well done, very clear and have a nice presence in the mix. To me, they give the mix a more urbanic mix, if you know what I mean? slightly like percussion in modern hip hop.

The piano, rhythm and the melody is good, this is the main element of the song and is supposed to set the whole tone of the peice, and it certainly does do that. Although, I felt as if it could've have a much deeper sound to it, I think the only thing carrying the actualy sound of the piano to make it good was the melody and the reverb. If you got your hands on a better piano multisample/synth/soundfont I think it could contribute to the emotion that the piano gives to the listener. They playing of the piano is nice and doesn't sound too robotic or too humanised. Another thing I think you could improve on the piano is the over dynamics of it, the sound of the piano as I said before would contribute to this, but the piano doesn't sound sharp enough and doesn't have enough presence over the percussion in this piece. So overall, to improve this, I think you could try and find a better piano sound, there are plenty of piano soundfonts on the net I think, and to raise the level and the presence of the piano, could help to raise the 8khz and higher frequencies.

The bassy underlying sound goes along well with the other instruments, harmonizes well and doesn't take tooo much attention from the percussion and piano which are the main elements in this song. You also have some nice ambience/pads/fx in the background of this song, and they sound pretty freakin awesome. Again, they don't take too much attention away, almost subliminal infact, yet contribute quite alot to the mix.

Overall, I think you've done very well with this song as a whole, the instruments mix together and harmonize well and all have something to contribute to the song. Well done :D:DD:D:D:D:D:D

Gloudas responds:

Cool. thanks for a great review. You're right about the piano, there are definately some times it could be deeper, and thats something I need to work on in terms of composition, as I often find piano is hardest to master. Glad to hear you liked the song so much, thanks again for the review :D

[DzGuy]

very nice

I really like your instrument choices in here. There isn't much but it suits it well. The small synths and fx help move the lone piano melody along and gives it a sorta moody feeling. The melody itself is really nice and it transitions pretty good. Really does show a depressing scene though some people might not feel it as much to be honest. The beat and drums are awesome! Nice rhythm and doesn't get in the way too much with the rest of the instruments. Plus the EQ'ing and mastering pulls everything together so your effort really does show. Overall I like it! Keep it up man and good luck with the MAC. :D

Gloudas responds:

Glad to hear you liked it, thanks a bunch for the review :D

[Musical-Pants]

Nice, very nice indeed.

As one of the other reviews mentioned, I don't think this is trance. Perhaps classical rock would be a better fit.
And now for my scathing review:

Piano-
The song starts off with a nice piano melody, but nothing new or ground-breaking. Pretty standard "lonely hero" stuff. But the choice to use a minimal selection of instruments makes the piano work, It means that it HAS to be the one carrying the rythm.
For example, the song is often down to only drums and piano, a combination that usually brings about utter boredom with a less skilled artist. But it is never boring, on the contrary, I find these moments to be the most singularly sorrowful and moving of the song. The piano not only keeps the rythm, it BECOMES the rythm.
The lead and anchor all at once, a very tight rope to walk, but carried off here in style.

Bass/Synth-
Very solid.
It is more intricate than a lot of three-note basslines I often hear, but it really has to be more noticeable because of the lack of instruments.
It lends good support to the piano for most of the song, but I believe it it is most effective when it is NOT there, it makes you focus much more on the piano and the pure bliss that are the drums.
Nicely EQ-ed also, but I'll come to that later.
All-in-all, I think this is a worthy additon to the song, helping to further convey the proper mood.

Drums-
So how do you critique perfection again? I've just woken my brother with my enthusiastic finger-druming on the keyboard, and even his angry-bear-out-of-hibernation look can't wipe the silly grin off my face.
Again, because of the lack of instruments, the drums are allowed more freedom to become part of the FLOW of the song, instead of simply serving as the basic building blocks as is the norm.
Never too complicated, or too basic, they delightfully trip their way through a most wonderful piece.

FX-
They do their job, rising, falling, perhaps a wind echo sound here and there. Worked very tastefully, and once again in keeping with the mood of the song.

EQ-ing
Hopefully it shows?
It is the whole reason the whole song works!
While most apparent on the drums (echoing one moment, muted the next), it is the one factor that brings everything together.
The softening of the bass in particular was a key factor, always right with the piano, but complimenting, never competing.
Without it, the effect of the song would be lessened greatly. It gives out the song a sense of sorrow and desperation that just wouldn't be there with all the hard edges left intact.
A "masterful" job.
(sorry, I couldn't resist ;)

Summery-
All things considered, a very professional piece made unique by a sparse, but well mixed use of instruments, and some truely excellent drumming.
Should do well in the contest, I'll be rooting for it!

-Pants

Gloudas responds:

awesome to hear you liked it so much, especially that compliment about the EQ'ing. Thanks for the incredible review :D

also, nice pun

[F-777]

Wow.

Very professional. This really makes you think about things and puts you into a world of wondering. The beat is just so awesome.

10/10
5/5

Keep it up man!!!

Gloudas responds:

hehe glad to hear you liked it, thanks alot for the review!
and please hit me up anytime you release a new song, I'm always happy to review :D

[wyldfyre1]

9 worthy for sure.

what comes to mind when i think of this song.

I'm a warrior fallen in battle agenst a side that wanted to take my country.. I've fought a good fight finally an arrow peirced my heart.. As i lay here.. agenst this tree i think to myself about my family. My son, still a young lad. My wife, whom i've missed since my first day on the front lines. Finally i see the darkness approaching me. My life is starting to slip away.. Still, i remember those dear to me..

Hehe. just a thought that came to me as I listen to this. Great song here wonderful instrumentation. Keep it up!

Wyldfyre1

Gloudas responds:

cool, thanks a bunch for the review!