This is an NGADM 2015 review.

So, I have to give you props for having this song almost entirely recorded. I think there were only one or two people that did this in all entries for round 1, so nice stuff! This song is pretty enjoyable for its psychedelic nature and it's a pretty interesting piece. Most of what let you down was related to structure and production.

Most of the issue with the structure can be written off as stylistic decision, so I won't drone on too much about that. It's more that some parts catch me off guard a little, like that bass guitar at 1:50. I find it a little chaotic, especially with the crashes in the background being quite constant. Anyway, other than that and probably a few other small moments, it was generally quite sound.

When it comes to production, you've got one major issue - your song is really quiet. I can't download it and put it in my spectrum analyzer so I don't know exactly *how* quiet it is, but it sounds like it's about -18RMS to -22RMS. I suppose this isn't a massive issue, and it does mean you have a lot of dynamic range to work with resulting in a nice spacious mix, but you really could bring it up a lot with literally no detriment to the sound. Anyway, the other problem is that your balance is pretty off - the percussion is extremely quiet at points, especially compared to the bongos, which are inexplicably much louder than the actual drums most of the time. I'd suggest comparing your pre-mix to a reference track that sounds like the mix you eventually want to end up with, so you can use it to help you find what levels are appropriate for each instrument. Again, a possibly unorthodox intentional decision, but I need to be fairly objective to write a helpful response :P

Anyway, apart from some production issues this song was generally enjoyable and a pretty nice listen!

No one else submitted from your group – so sad. :’( I love the mood here, man. The FX at the beginning sets the atmosphere nicely, and I love the soundscape you put together. I will say that I think you could work on the balance a bit. The flute is really quiet relative to the pads, bass, and drums. The jazzy vibe you went for here is really cool, though. With the FX at the beginning, it sounds like I was outside on a hot summer night and walked into a bar out of my parents’ generation. ;) I thought that the texture of the piece started to feel a little too busy at around the 2-minute mark. There were just a few many isolated and rather engaging riffs to latch onto there that it sort of sounded…confusing, in a way. The ending was cool – kind of mysterious and chill, yet the recording also seems to cut off suddenly at 2:50, which bothers me. Overall, though, solid work! Hopefully, you’ll have a competitor next round. ^^

8/10

This review was written for the Newgrounds Audio Death Match 2015.

Very dreamy and psychadelic. i like that!
Love the mixing also! Some parts kind of confuse my ears thought and sound a bit atonic, might be my ears not being used to hearing less convencional song.
Good job Frootza

This sounds pretty interesting!
You had me at 0:11.

It's cool to hear something played by a group of people here for once. It sounds very much like something I'd expect to hear in a bar setting.

Great job, and good luck ;)