NGADM Round 3 Review

The intro effectively sets a dreamlike scene. It sounds like there’s a cluster of adjacent notes on the strings, but, perhaps due to the high register, it doesn’t feel dissonant. It’s suspenseful yet calming. The piano phrases convey a mix of emotions, which reflects the idea of a hazy memory. When the piano’s lower register enters at :49, it feels very satisfying. I like how the next section transitions the composition into a more melodic and harmonic state. The buildup into the climax is remarkably well done. I’m impressed by the composition’s storytelling and accurate reflection of the description.

The mix is outstanding. It feels warm and rich but not too muddy. I love the reverb on the strings. I just have three minor points of feedback. I think the piano could benefit from automation on the mic positions and/or EQ so it doesn’t feel so close after the intro. I like the intimate sound in the beginning, but during the climax, it feels a little disconnected from the room the other instruments are sitting in. Second, I think the climax could use a little more bass presence, or perhaps a more consistent bass presence. I recall you mentioning this, so I think you’re clear on what to do. Finally, I think the bass drum in the intro could benefit from more release/reverb to better fit the dreamlike atmosphere.

I think the dynamic automation of the violins in the 2:48 section could use some work to better follow the expression and direction of the melodic line. It feels too static to me.

This is an overall excellent submission that again showcases your ability to follow through on a rich story. I can imagine this working quite well in a short film or cutscene. Keep up the amazing work!

Beautiful intro. I really like the quality of the piano since I can hear the piano strikes. It does a really good job of handling the delicate feel of the higher notes. Nice choice of chord progression. They have a good emotional pull. I really like the use of volume dynamics in the strings at the 1:54. I don't know if I see that often used quite as foreground and noticeable element especially for ADM. The 2:35 transition is also something I'm not used to seeing in ADM either. Usually transitions try to be smooth and introductory, but while it's somewhat common outside of NG, I don't really see many people use abrupt stops as key transitions. Very emotional chord structure at 2:50

Very happy with the writing in this piece. Definitely no complaints there, and I'm honestly not sure if I have anything I can nitpick either. For production quality I don't really have any issues either. If anything, I could have an issue with the 2:43 section in that the piano maybe doesn't carry its weight in the foreground. It almost feels buried in the mix. Pulling up a reference song like HTDYD by John Powell, it feels like his recordings have a little more fullness in the bass end, which could simply be a mastering difference. Other than that, I really enjoyed this.

Well done... I really like the first part of the song; it's really soft and climatic and these untypical chord progressions add even more flavor. The second part though gets more dynamic, which makes some nice contrast between those parts. All that harmonic stuff makes so much sense, that even I wish I could make it this well... And the most important thing: "real" instruments are greatly mixed unlike mine ;v;
This track is definitely going to be a hard opponent to me.
Once again, great job and good luck!