I like the cool fade-in at the beginning and the echo-y synths toward the beginning. The chord progression is a bit cliche, and the drum patterns and samples could’ve been more creative. The build-up into 1:02 is also a bit generic. That said, I enjoyed the energy at 1:02 and the element of structural contrast during the comparatively mellow breakdown. The second climactic section at 2:41 could’ve used some more variation compared with the first melody. The sound design is befitting of the piece, but still pretty generic. The production quality, by contrast, is quite exceptionally good, with a loud mix, well-balanced frequencies, and clear and distinct instruments throughout. The composition is effective - you channel the energy well with the build-ups and sweeps, but it’s also lacking in originality. In fact, that’s probably my main complaint with this piece: everything from the arrangement to the sound design to the transitions to the harmonic structure is super cliche here. Some bolder instrumentation choices and quirkier elements of the structuring, build-ups, or melodies would go a long way towards improving this piece IMO. Until then, you’ve got some strong production skills and a good sense of harmony to build off of. Keep at it, Farmobus! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.75/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.5/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
0/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7/10

there's a really great sense of dynamics in this, really dig how controlled and understated the intro and buildup sections are. sounds like you've left a lot of space for a vocal or some other kind of lead melody that isn't there, and the track feels kind of empty without it. there's also not much in the way of percussion and everything is very centered, would be cool to have a shaker or some other kind of stereo top loop to drive the energy forward - the main chord stack doesn't fill out that top end space on it's own so you have lots of room to work with cool transitions! try panning each tom drum differently to get a bit more movement in the stereo image. very solid foundation so far!

important notes on my NGUAC review process: https://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1476427/18#bbspost26965604_post_text

Near to flawless I find! I’m sure this will score well in NGUAC 2021 TRYOUTS! Great work!

Awesome!!