Ok you had me at the drum beat. Just yes.
I can hear the difference between this and your work today production wise but the composition is really awesome and those drums... More please. ^^
Reviews for "-A New World-"
Step responds:
Thanks a million :3. I'm still pretty proud of this even though yeah the production isn't all that good. I love the melody I used here though, I have NO idea how I thought of it.
I'm glad you like it! I really want to review one of your songs back in return (like that Metroid-inspired one which I would actually very much enjoy reviewing considering I think Metroid is AWESOME and have remixed lots of the tracks in Metroid [Unwavering Assault is the only example that I have on Newgrounds right now])... but yeah, so much to do :(. If I find time this weekend I'll return the favour!
I appreciate the review!
A New World
This is quite a unique track I must say, which leaves me plenty of space to write on.
Pros:
+ Variety - Loads and loads of patterns, instruments and layers make this track really shine, and it's definitely one of the main strengths. From the horn-o-rama bravado around the main theme, to the ethnic build-up after the second minute, not to mention the retro-like pop-driven beat reminiscent of those old TV series from the 80's and early 90's.
+ Mastering - Another spot-on trait that formidably defines this track. The subtle reverb on almost every instrument delivers one of the most organic experiences I've ever witnessed, and the realism of the samples you used is indeed impressive. Every frequency is where it needs to be, just like a gear that contributes to the bigger whole. A symbiosis of sounds, functionally working together as one.
+ Style - Very neat and crisp, and a nice surprise for me, as I'm used to completely different atmospheres. Although the main theme or melody seems to repeat almost relentlessly, the intricate texture of solos and patterns compensate this minor flaw, as it's a 4-minute orchestra-fused-with-retro-pop attack that you'll hardly forget.
And now the cons:
- Volume - I can't say that most of your flute and brass attacks feel a bit unnecessary, because it's definitely not the case and these instrument helps to give an extra boost to the mix. However, I feel that some parts are a little too loud to allow anyone to truly enjoy this piece. It constantly changes pace, and the quieter parts feel incredibly "empty" after a very dynamic strings-driven bridge. Especially the guitar-bass only part at the beginning or the change after the climax during the middle. I'm not saying the overall volume is unevenly distributed nor some transition sound too abrupt, but I feel it still needs some polish and balance. The diminuendo around 2:43-2:44 feels a bit forced and unnatural, in terms of realism.
In conclusion, it's quite a refreshing experience and I really enjoyed listening to it all the way through, unconsciously looping it for over 25 minutes since I first started writing this. It's got stuck in my head now. XD
Well done my friend, hope you make more uplifting, rich tracks like this fine example of adventurous, cinematic music.
KKS
Step responds:
Wow, thanks a lot man. I haven't received any reviews in a while so it's nice to get one after so long.
"This is quite a unique track I must say, which leaves me plenty of space to write on."
Uniqueness was something that I tried to achieve, so that's good to hear!
"Pros:
+ Variety - Loads and loads of patterns, instruments and layers make this track really shine, and it's definitely one of the main strengths."
Yeah, this song does have a tonne of patterns. My newest has nearly 130 patterns and it's just 3 minutes long so far :P.
"From the horn-o-rama bravado around the main theme,"
Haha, those horns took me AGES to get right. FINALLY, someone acknowledged them!
"to the ethnic build-up after the second minute,"
That also took a while. You're mentioning a lot of details which I worked hard on. I appreciate it! :3
"not to mention the retro-like pop-driven beat reminiscent of those old TV series from the 80's and early 90's."
Ironically I never saw any of those so I can't really relate, even though everyone's saying this reminds them of anything from the 70's, 80's and 90's :P.
"+ Mastering - Another spot-on trait that formidably defines this track. The subtle reverb on almost every instrument delivers one of the most organic experiences I've ever witnessed, and the realism of the samples you used is indeed impressive."
Wow thanks! A lot of the samples here are free and most of the free ones are soundfonts, so I guess it just goes to show what you can achieve with free stuff!
"Every frequency is where it needs to be, just like a gear that contributes to the bigger whole. A symbiosis of sounds, functionally working together as one."
Heh, I'm glad I nailed it in that department!
"+ Style - Very neat and crisp, and a nice surprise for me, as I'm used to completely different atmospheres. Although the main theme or melody seems to repeat almost relentlessly, the intricate texture of solos and patterns compensate this minor flaw, as it's a 4-minute orchestra-fused-with-retro-pop attack that you'll hardly forget."
Orchestra fused with retro pop. I like the sound of that :3.
Glad you liked the style!
"And now the cons:
- Volume - I can't say that most of your flute and brass attacks feel a bit unnecessary, because it's definitely not the case and these instrument helps to give an extra boost to the mix."
Yeah I probably wouldn't want to be removing those, a lot of people seemed to like them :P.
"However, I feel that some parts are a little too loud to allow anyone to truly enjoy this piece. It constantly changes pace, and the quieter parts feel incredibly "empty" after a very dynamic strings-driven bridge. Especially the guitar-bass only part at the beginning or the change after the climax during the middle. I'm not saying the overall volume is unevenly distributed nor some transition sound too abrupt, but I feel it still needs some polish and balance."
Nobody ever mentioned that before, but damn, now that you mentioned it, I see exactly what you mean. It's true I didn't put in as much work in the less intense parts, especially the guitar part. I spent a lot of my time trying to get the louder parts like the climax at the end to sound right, so I understand why you say the other parts sound empty.
"The diminuendo around 2:43-2:44 feels a bit forced and unnatural, in terms of realism."
There's no diminuendo there. That's a ritenuto :P.
Although yeah if you're talking about the change in tempo, then I'm really surprised you noticed that since it's so subtle. To this day I still don't get why I added that there haha.
"In conclusion, it's quite a refreshing experience and I really enjoyed listening to it all the way through,"
Awesome!
"unconsciously looping it for over 25 minutes since I first started writing this. It's got stuck in my head now. XD"
Sorry :3.
"Well done my friend, hope you make more uplifting, rich tracks like this fine example of adventurous, cinematic music."
Thanks a lot for the great review! You pointed out details which most people didn't even notice. Much appreciated!
This song is boss
its wonderful yaa
Step responds:
Thank you!
Awesome!
It kinds of remind me of Halo and Final Fantasy, but it's cool.
Step responds:
Thanks! Glad you find it cool :3.
Awesome work
A fantastic effort! :)
Step responds:
Thank you! Glad you liked it.