Hey there, DigitalProdigy! I know it's been quite awhile since VGMC II started, but it's time for a proper review of your track! Since you picked a three-parter, I'm going to be thinking of each section individually as a loop (as if it were in a game) as well as how they work together thematically. Overall, I'll be giving you two points of constructive criticism and one section where I point out things I think you did especially well.
Points of critique:
- To put it bluntly, these sections are very repetitive and drag on. This is especially noticeable in the second section as it simply stacks layers on the same repeating patterns for about 100 full seconds. The third section has a couple piano flourishes but is mainly straight quarter note chords, even in the most dramatic final section. However, your first section feels much less repetitive despite using the same chord progression and emphasis. There are two reasons why - first, it has two subsections which change the intensity while keeping the overall character of the section present. This would be very important during your "sleep" section, perhaps by lowering the intensity instead. Having an A and B subsection for each would help with making them loopable while also giving some contrast to not fatigue a listener. However, the second reason your first section works so well is how it has a type of melody to it: Four descending notes followed by three descending notes. Having a melody or 'motif' that you can develop through different situations and musical atmospheres will help tie everything together thematically while also providing something that most people will really be able to identify and focus on. Melodies are 'hooks' that keep listeners engaged, like a singular voice they can hear talking to them. This will help the repetitiveness and overall development of each section as well as the piece as a whole.
- Second and much more minor, let's have a listen to the sound design. First section is fantastic, no complaints there. The second section has some more issues, especially as a "sleeping" section. The guitar sounds are very crisp and forward, while the choirs pause every 6th guitar note. This gives the section much more of a driving feeling, especially with the constantly building set of sounds. While it is calmer than the other sections, it doesn't quite sound very "sleepy". Your third section depicting the dark and ruined castle has wonderful atmosphere at 3:12, but you may want to reign in the percussion a bit as it cuts through the atmosphere VERY sharply. It would also be good to pan the centered percussion some more as well as it sounds mono during those bits, but this isn't quite as important as making it less sharp.
Your compliments, friend:
- Okay, all that said. This captures the atmospheres VERY well despite my nitpicking on the sound design and critique of its repetition. I absolutely love that first section and would honestly love to hear it developed into a full piece on its own as a type of faux-medieval dance. Your mixing and overall levelling is also very nice and has minimal mud even in the more densely layered sections. I might have thought the guitar was a bit too crisp, but I absolutely adore the tone of that acoustic guitar. Excellent work!