I like the retro vocal samples at the beginning, but the transition at :14 threw me off a bit. I guess I was expecting more of an extended intro. Some of the synths here are a bit cheesy and generic, but the beat is catchy, and the sound design certainly adds to the air of mystery in the piece. The piece is a bit slow to progress after a while, although I do like the added harmonies at 1:03. The mix could’ve been a tad sharper and louder, perhaps with some more compression on the drums and some stricter equalization/filtering of the low-register frequencies in the harmonic instruments. Otherwise, the piece sounds pretty repetitive and stale after a while. The energy level, instrumental hierarchy, and harmonic framework are nearly constant throughout the piece, and the vocal samples only do so much to add variety. I would’ve liked to see an extended atmospheric bridge or climactic solo at some point. That said, the texture is nice and full for most of the piece, and the rhythmic content and atmosphere are both enjoyable. Overall, it’s a solid piece that just needs some more polish on the mix and a stronger sense of ebb and flow in the composition. Keep at it, Ukatz! ^_^
Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.5/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.75/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.5/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.5/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.25/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.5/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
1/1
Composite score
7/10