Hello! This is a review for the NGUAC competition.
I've gone over one or two general categories of issues specific to your song, and one section of things I think also deserve complimenting. I prefer being very direct with my critique, none of it is meant to offend. Thank you for your understanding!
Constructive Criticism:
- I'm very puzzled as to why this piece is so quiet. It's perfectly fine to have calm ambient music, but most music tends to be mastered around -1dB, so that people don't have to change the volume of their device once it's set to something that works for them. I would highly recommend limiting the track to -1.1dB (so it doesn't exceed -1dB, limiters aren't perfect) as people can change their volume appropriately with the music.
- This track doesn't really develop. Now, ambient doesn't have to develop all that much, but it does tend to do some things. Even minimalist music evolves and changes over time with varying textures. Since you seem to be going with a more minimalist approach it might be worth checking those out. Here's an example to show you what I mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApnbymNz9dE It's a tad more intense than your track, but shows how sound washes in and out over time, making engaging textures that last over a full HOUR. Another example would be the music of Jani Rantanen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmhNgQoAHbU
Compliments to the Composer:
- This has some really really nice ambience, and I actually adore good atmosphere in music. The pad patch you're using is soft, gentle, and seems to almost 'caress' my ears with its sound. That's actually part of why I think having it limited up to standard volume would be wonderful - there seems like there's a lot of detail in the sound that's lost, and I want to hear MORE of it because it's lovely. I would love to see how this piece develops over time if you plan to continue it.
Final score: 5
d514 
