The build-up at the beginning is cool, but I don’t think the very beginning of a track is the best place for a build-up. The piece might need more of a proper intro. The airy synths at :16 were really cool, though. I love the atmosphere of the piece and the smooth bass. Given the build-up at :41, I don’t even think you need the build-up at the very beginning at all because it doesn’t lead anywhere. That said, the drop after the build-up at :41 was also a bit underwhelming - minimalistic, but also not very hard-hitting. There’s a lot of reverb to fill in the texture here, even if it doesn’t affect the mix too much. I also think the drums could’ve louder during the refrain there. There’s also not much prominent melodic content in this piece, and you overuse generic build-up patterns. The breakdown at 2:38 was a welcome moment of tranquility, and I also really liked the atmospheric texture at 3:35. That said, the composition isn’t very dynamic after that point, and the piece seemed to drag a bit towards the end. You never really offered the listener a final climax that resolved all of the themes of the piece. The atmosphere, instrumentation, and production in this piece are really good. Loud though the mix is, I think cutting out some reverb would really help it out, though. My main concerns here include the highly transitory nature of the composition (a lot of build-ups, but not a lot of cathartic/climactic moments) and the lack of melodic content. Overall, you’re clearly a talented producer with a good sense of harmony. Now you just need to consolidate some of your ideas a bit more effectively (i.e., fewer build-ups, but more real directionality to your piece). Keep at it, Naval76!
7.5/10
Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
.75/1.5
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
.5/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.5/1
Composite score
7.5/10