Official AIM Review!

Other judges have mentioned, so I won't make a huge deal out of it, but mix on this is hasty enough that it's clipping. Probably could have been avoided by just clipping a limiter on the master if you're really pressed for time -- although I try not to recommend this as it's like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound. Clipping is almost always a sign of huge underlying problems in your mixing process, not that one or two things is too loud. Before mastering, actually, you'll probably want between 3 and 6 dB of headroom.

Protip, if your mix sounds great with the volume turned down to say, 3-15%, it's gonna sound good as a rule. Try that little trick when you find yourself getting too ear strained.

Also, my sympathies with constant mood swings and RL getting in the way of your music. Wish you all the best, man.

Onto the composition.

Reverse intro is actually kind of interesting, as is the ducking bass. Piece is actually composed fairly well. Were it not clipping so badly, I'd have given an extra star. The section at 46 secs is probably the level where I would have my mix sit before mastering. Lately I mix all my pieces turned down to about this volume.

It's a shame time got in the way of mixing this properly. I'm actually really enjoying what you've done here. Wonderful chords and chord voicings. Thanks for turning out for this year's competition!