I like the smooth ‘80s-sounding pads at the beginning and the synth with the stereo clicks at :11. The chord progression is a tad generic, but there’s a good sense of build into :42. The melodies at 1:02 are cool, but the transition at 1:33 is a tad sudden and the drums could’ve been more creative throughout. It seems like the main method of creating variety that you use in this piece is by adding and subtracting instruments, which is not very advanced. I’d suggest experimenting more with phrasing, dynamic contrast, automation, etc. The breakdown melody at 2:05 was nice, although it could’ve used some more reverb to add to the atmosphere. I also would’ve liked to see you do more with the final chorus - melodic development and variety are key in a piece that has a cliche arrangement like this. A proper outro would’ve been nice too. Overall, highlights for me are the sound design, melodies, and mixing. The biggest problem with it in my mind is that it’s super generic, from the arrangement to the chord progression to the drum beat. Still, you’ve shown off a lot of strong composition skills here, including a good sense of harmony and atmosphere. Keep at it, Arkinefed! :)

Mixing, mastering, and balance
1.5/2
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
1/1.5
Originality and uniqueness
.25/1
Overall (how do the elements above interact?)
.75/1
Composite score
7.5/10

Wicked tremelo effect. Writing wise, this isn't bad.

I'd like that gated chord synth down about 3 dB, your lead down 2 dB. I can barely hear the percussion over it.

The solo repeating at 2:30 isn't really my cup of tea. I might actually rewrite it so that it doesn't resolve downward but up. Maybe study some leadwriting by ear. It sounds like that is how you write.

Not a whole lot of critique other than that. You might study some producers from the genre you want to emulate and see how they construct their melodies, harmonies, and sound. Always have a reference track with levels close to the ones you want. Solo that track every so often as your mixing and compare the volume levels of all the different instruments to what you hear in your mix. It really helps get the kind of sound you want to achieve.

Anyway, nice work. Hope to see more from you soon! Thanks for coming out to NGUAC!

Cool EDM with breathtaking leads! That is so great!