Reviews for ~SW and CS~ Cranial

[Neon-Bard]

SkyeWint + camoshark

This is an NGADM Round 1 Review:

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Well, this is quite an experience. I think that wraps up the track rather nicely, it is an experience for sure! I have to say that I was expecting something entirely different from you two. I am really impressed by the sound manipulation and the overall atmosphere that you guys have created here. First, we have that peaceful introduction that draws you in to a gentle, relaxed state. I think the humanized ‘breaths’ are the prime cause of this state of relaxation. The ‘space whistle’ synth (as I like to call it) is a fantastic addition, it blends really well with the other instruments; I love it! Speaking of which, it creates a remarkable contrast to the rough (yet somehow crystal clear) wubs that you bring in at 1:25. By the way, the overall mixing is just superb. Anyway, at around 1:55...this is where I opted to turn up the volume a tad to feel like I’m transitioning into another state of consciousness – trippy stuff! The rest of the song continues in a dream-like fashion that I really dig.

As others have stated, the melodic qualities of this track are a little lacking. I feel as if they are understated, and while I think this allows the atmosphere to shine, it leaves you with a sense of emptiness when the song is over. That’s not to say that the main melody was presented poorly, no way! It could just be enhanced and brought up to the surface of the track, so to speak. For instance, post-1:25 and onward would be a great spot to deal out more chords, and perhaps create a few openings for extra notes. Entirely a subjective thing though. Other than that, the only thing I could really nitpick over was the conclusion. On one hand, I absolutely loved the simplicity of the fadeout and the diminishing bell vibe. On the other hand, I feel that it could have been really interesting if you had sprinkled a few more tricks here and there to supplement the slow burn of the conclusion.

However you look at it, this is a great song. Solid production, interesting composition, and ultimately an almost magic-like experience! Well done you guys, I can’t wait to hear what you mix up next. :)

Score: 8.5/10

SkyeWint responds:

Hey there!

Glad to have provided such an experience to you. :)

Sound manipulation and sound design was the main thing that we did in this - partially because camo be busy, partially because we basically had to drum it up really really fast.

There actually were several other chords post-1:25, but I can certainly see why they're not that audible - much quieter than the section before and after.

Conclusion - definitely. Could have used a bit more pizzazz. Maybe if we had been able to work on it for another day... but oh well.

Thank you! See you in the next round. :)

[TaintedLogic]

Okay, guys, this is just such a freaking awesome track. I love the atmosphere and the beat and the synths. That melody instrument at :24 was awesome - soothing, yet also strangely sci-fi-esque. I love how you use that string of arpeggios at :54 as a transition. I love the structure as well, and the mood is at various times hypnotic, relaxing, apprehensive, and intense. You know I love that drop at 1:55 (how could one not?), and the panning at 2:13 was a nice touch. At times I think you could've done a little more with it, and the ending might've been a bit lazy, but all things considered I just adore the interesting combination of moods and all. Keep up the great work! I favorited you both; just forgot to leave a review. ;D

SkyeWint responds:

Good evening, sir!

The instrument at 0:24 is a theremin! It's a cool instrument which is arguably the first "synth" ever made. Kinda.

The arps are cool, camo really did a nice job coming up with them! :D

The drop was basically me trying to come up with a drop-like sound which isn't entirely cliched and overused. ...also, a generic drop just plain wouldn't fit the track.

Absolutely could have done a bit more with the dubby things and the ending. Couldn't come up with a better ending over the course of several days though, sadly. :<

Thanks for remembering the review! :D

[Trollking420]

Puts me in the mood for more :)

SkyeWint responds:

Well sweet, because I've got more stuff like this and I like making this style! :D

[8-bitheroes]

This sounds really well mixed. I'm actually quite surprised that you used 3xosc for some of those sounds, its all massive these days. I really enjoyed the ambiance in this track, and although i dont usually enjoy this kind of genre this track was an excepton to that :)

SkyeWint responds:

's all Massive these days, except when it's Harmor. Glad you found this was an exception to not liking the genre!

[Step]

This is an NGADM Round 1 Review.

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Well this is certainly something. Wow. Man, I expected this kind of genre from Skye especially, but not this kind of production value, I've got to admit! This is extremely impressive. It treads the fine line between trippy and ambient, offering silky soundscapes, whopping wobbles and everything in-between, and creating an unforgettable listening experience that sucks you in till the end. I absolutely love the sounds you've used and how you manipulated them. There is something magical about the sound design. It's just spectacular! I especially love 1:06's automation to open up the frequencies of that dreamy plucked synth, complemented beautifully by the breathy white noise sweep. It's also damn hard to believable that you created the section at 1:54 using perhaps the simplest synthesiser possible!

In terms of melodies, I can't say I wasn't left wanting more. While you have some lovely chords played by the pad that sounds like a rhodes organ (starts around 45 seconds in) and a really nifty (but decidedly short) little motif on the high synth lead to tie everything together, I feel like there was potential to include some more interesting melodic content to live up to your extremely interesting sound design. I won't deduct many points for that because, like InvisibleObserver, you've got the ability to make up for minimal melodic content with a memorable sound palette. In terms of production, I was very satisfied with what you've presented. You use every area of the mix well, without going overboard anywhere, and elements like the meaty bass or the crisp snare are just cherries on top. If I had to mention any quirks, it'd be that I think that the melodic synth that plays alongside snare hits (starts at 0:39) is a little loud, and the kick at the start sounds somewhat out of place and unprocessed on its own at the beginning (although sounds fine once the rest of the drums kick in).

I think you two have outdone yourselves and I hope that in the next round you find more ways to incorporate both of your sets of strengths into one track and make something magical.

SCORE: 9.2/10

SkyeWint responds:

"it's also damn hard to believable" 10/10

The white noise sweeps are actually breathing (except when they're reverbs from the click of the kick). They're from something called the Pain Pack. You know about me and quirky sound effects 'n shit. :P

I've talked to you enough on Skype that I don't think more response is needed, but. THE MAGIC WILL HAPPEN.