This is an official Semi-Final track review for NGADM.

The one thing I really like about the song is that there's this... I don't know how to say it other than "spirit", that really makes it shine. To the friend that said this had no redeeming qualities and that it was made by someone illiterate in making music, I'm happy to say they're wrong. This sounds like a really good piece, and it has so much spirit that accompanies it that it gives me a warm, natural image as I listen.

On the other hand, there's a couple of things I'd like to point out: first, I feel the sustain/reverb of the guitar at the beginning, especially in the higher chords, was a little too long. The reason why I think that is because I can hear it sustaining into the other higher chords, when in reality a guitarist would need time to change fingerings. I think cutting off those treble chords a beat before the next one would be better. Second, the electric guitar sounds a little muddy, especially as it enters at around 2:03. Try to bring the attack time down a bit, or look for a more articulate electric guitar.

Overall, this is a really good entry, and not too shabby at all! Don't let people who give you that "critique" bring you down. Good luck in the final round of NGADM!

I like the laid-back western vibe at the beginning and spaciousness of the texture. The melodies in the guitar at :20 or so are beautiful, and as usual your sound design as a whole is amazing. There isn’t as strong of a sense of development during the first couple of minutes as with most of your pieces, and I was a bit surprised when the already pretty thin texture took another step back at 1:34. The viola’s vibrato at 1:49 sounds a bit hyperbolic, although the texture comes together well by around 2:10. I might’ve liked to hear some more bass tones, especially in the percussion during the climax. The solo at 3:02 is probably the highlight of the piece for me. While the lead melody was a bit too loud imo, this section has a satisfying whimsical tone and tranquility that I find particularly refreshing following the busiest section of the piece. I think you could’ve fleshed the piece out a little more structurally, as there isn’t as much phrasing and variety here as I’m used to hearing from you. Still, the emotional quality of the climax is in the right places with this one, and I really like the character of the more mellow parts. Keep at it, Syamori! ^_^

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.75/2
Structure, transitions, phrasing, and variety
1.25/1.5
Melody, tonality, harmony, and texture
1.75/2
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
9/10

Everything about how the song keeps going feels like listening to the instruments telling me a story, it's amazing!
Also your friend is an arse

You build up a really nice atmosphere with this piece. I think it portrays the theme you described nicely. It gives me a bit of that western feel, but maybe with more of a video-game:y touch. Good luck!

amazing!