God the synth in this is crazy awesome

This is an NGADM 2023 judge review.

What really strikes me at first is that hemiola you use in the main guitars, since it sets up a pretty unique intro in the way you execute that rhythm. I also like how you utilize instruments that are unconventional in the sense that you don't usually hear them together - for example, that saxophone in the beginning minute. I can also hear how some of the sound design choices you make plays into the idea you have with the story in the song. From what I also notice, I like how the kick is good and punchy and the mix is overall relatively balanced.
My main things about this song particularly involves the larger structure. While the melodies are very fluid overall, the larger structure of the accompaniment to those melodies feel a little too repetitive with the exception of 3:30, and I feel those could change themselves up a bit more. I especially think the changes you do in the accompaniment could help showcase your idea as well. There were also a few sections that I felt ended a little too abruptly when going into a new section, and I think some of those could use something to end off that portion and transition into the next portion, even if it's something small.
Overall, I really like this! It feels good and I think your choices reflect the idea you have, and you do take some interesting risks that I think work well enough.

I like the punchy guitar riff and drums at the beginning. The saxophone at :25 was a good idea, but I think it could’ve been a bit more prominent in the mix. The rich atmosphere and electronic/rock hybrid sound design are really good here, although at times the composition didn’t feel as dynamic as it could’ve been. The transition at 1:53 with the heavy panning is cool, and I really like the solos at 2:21. The last minute and a half or so of the piece seemed like a missed opportunity to shake up the harmonic framework and/or main riffs of the piece, but I enjoyed the echo-y, mellow outro nonetheless. Overall, this is strong work, BOE! Definitely has a distinct emotional appeal. Keep it up. ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.5/2
Instrumentation and sound design
1/1
Emotion, atmosphere, and catchiness
1.5/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
1/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
8.5/10

The high points for me -- great guitar tone and for the most part articulations, mix is approaching fantastic during most portions, phrasing and variety of phrases within same style.

I would like more bass volume, a bit less reverb in portions -- and compression to dial back on your big drop impacts. They actually swallow up the whole mix. Every point at which you have a big sub or WHAM/WOOMPH transition, the mix gets very cluttered and muddy, and it actually takes away from the gravity of the piece.

Also, I personally didn't like the sax. Would have loved anything else. The articulations are very synthy, and the volume level is not quite there for it to be a solo. Any other synth would do just about.

Beyond that, great work!

Dude, this is insane !
Very well composed and produced, but what makes it top notch for me is the vibe here. Such an amazing sound choice :D