I like the frantic beats and distorted vocal samples at the beginning. I’m not sure they quite blend in well with the bouncy VGM synths at :12, though, especially with the way the piece is mastered to really highlight the vocals and beats over the synths. Otherwise, the piece is pretty repetitive, and also doesn’t have much in the way of dynamic melodies for the first couple of minutes. I do like the dreamy breakdown at 1:30, although once the beat comes back in at 1:53 the vocals get a bit lost in the mix. The gritty, rhythmic bridge at 2:16 was also a good idea, as was the organ solo at 3:30. I still think the mix is a bit too dominated by the beats and vocals from the intro, but you hit the piece home nicely with the tonic landing at 3:46. The fade-out at the very end could’ve been a bit more creative, though.
In general, my favorite aspect of the piece is probably the sound design. The mix needed a bit more blending and balance, but was pretty clean overall. Still, you nailed the upbeat mood, energy, and rhythmic content. Keep at it, Eptheus! ^_^
Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.25/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.5/2
Instrumentation and sound design
.75/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.75/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
1/1
Composite score
7.25/10