Reviews for Mystic's Shore

[Step]

This is an NGADM Round 4 review.

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Whether you've achieved an authentic Chinese atmosphere or not in this track is something I wouldn't be able to say myself. I don't listen to Chinese music (not because I don't like it - I've just never had the opportunity to listen to actual Chinese music). Whatever the case, what I can say is that the atmosphere in this blew my face off. Wonderful work with the soundscape-building, and the melodies are just touching and beautiful (with cadences that are pretty characteristic to your style haha).

The way the instruments worked together at the beginning and how they started picking up at 1:10 is just masterful. And let me get this straight - you've been composing with a DAW for a few months? I don't know where I read that or if it's even true, but if it is, you're probably god. Oh and amazing singing, voice made of the finest honey, blahblahblah.

The most apparent issue is that unfortunately your voice is too upfront once again! You give a lot of attention to your instruments, ambience and all that, and the vocal layers that differ both harmonically and rhythmically drive the song forward perfectly, but the balance is a little wack, making this not as enveloping as it should have been, and occasionally a bit empty. The electronic ambience at the beginning is a bit loud, just like the vocals.

Also, the drums feel unfortunately a bit underpowered. For a song like this, a more definable beat during the busier sections (something like ProudAardvark's excellent percussive work in this track - http://goo.gl/GgjQlq) would have been more impressive. As long as you don't milk it and end up messing up the subtle atmosphere, drums like those would have been such a great addition (although maybe not fitting well with the "authentic Chinese music" premise).

This is incredibly well-made. By far my favourite of yours, despite the levelling issues and the underpowered percussion. Truly brilliant work.

Score: 9.6/10

etherealwinds responds:

Thank you for the review! Yeah it took a few listens for me to realise that I'd probably mixed my vocals in a little loudly. My ears go strange after I've heard a song and my voice so many times over and over again haha! I got FL Studio 9 as my first DAW a little earlier this year and it took some getting used to. In fact, I'm not even sure how to create drum loops such as the ones you've linked. I still have so much to learn, although I remember years and years ago I had an FL Studio trial my dad used to mess around on and making drum loops was the only thing I did on it. That was back when it was called Fruity Loops though haha! Long time ago.

So glad you liked it and really, thank you! :)

[Jakey-San]

you already know my opinion on this song, but I figured I'd review anyway. I'm in absolute awe of the sheer magic you've conjured up here. it's one thing to have a canvas full of interesting colors, harmonies, melodies, etc. but the way these elements speak to each other evokes such a blissful mood beyond rationale. your lyrics are pure poetry (+100 points for incorporating Mandarin), and your singing isn't half bad either. =P

what I'm impressed with the most is that your blending of styles is conveyed with honesty, rather than just mixing it up for the sake of mixing it up. the Asian/zen-like elements are present, but in context with your signature "etherealwinds" sound.

keep it up, good sir! I'm confident that your next piece will be even better than this one! ;-)

etherealwinds responds:

Thank you Jacob and once again, thank you for pointing me in the direction of some amazing VSTs for my piece after this. Really appreciate it! <3

[ChronoNomad]

This has such a soothing vibe all throughout; ancient, mysterious, and otherworldly like the mystical lands of Shambala or Tír na nÓg. An excellent portrayal of that ultimate state of being and oneness, Nirvana. I suppose such levels of enlightenment can be like going to another location, a plane of existence both higher and further away, yet still tethered to the earthly domain if only for a little while. Some chills were definitely had, and I always love when that happens. And here you're singing beautifully in Mandarin, as well. Of course, because that's just how you roll. You ridiculously talented bugger, you. ;)

I would personally prefer a little less volume on that ethereal pad at the beginning of the song, but that's a purely personal preference. Possibly. Probably. Whoops, I got kind of carried away with words starting with the letter P. Pardon.

I apologize for the lateness of this review, and I won't toss some silly "I've been too busy" excuse out because those are always bullshit anyway. I suppose, in all honesty, I have felt more strongly about losing than I really thought I would. I have no regrets or anything like that, but you know...melancholy and whatnot. It's a thing. I still love you and your work just as much as ever, and I just want you to know that.

You have managed to create yet another thoroughly haunting song, and I congratulate you on such an incredible feat. You're like a runaway freight train of musical goodness, Jordi. Best of luck to you as this crazy contest continues! ^__^

etherealwinds responds:

Haha my instinct when it comes to leveling truly sucks. No level-ups for me anytime soon! ^_~ thank you for once again a lovely review. I do truly appreciate your words and I'm glad you liked it!

[alternativesolution]

- NGADM Round 4 Review -

Oh, this might just be my favorite track from you. I couldn't help but sing along and hum some harmonies! Very pretty. Your intro is wonderful, and 0:53 and 1:13 is just yes. You have a good sense of rhythm in your singing. Ah, the composition in this one is great. Outtro is done with no less skill. It's very lovely to listen to.

The only thing I feel I should point out is the vocal recording, itself – it is very clear, and clean; however, your voice doesn't mix with the rest of the track as well as your background vocals do, for example at 1:28 - they seem to hang above the rest of the instruments in an unnatural way. Still, this is an improvement over your previous tracks in regards to that. Overall, this a great song that I won't be likely to forget.

Score: 9.6

etherealwinds responds:

I uploaded a new version with the main vocals a bit quieter. Thank you so much for your review ^ ^

[nomosubu]

Wow.....you can really sing even in Mandarin....well, only one suggestion/complaint..... when you switch from english to mandarin for the first time, the mandarin voice mix is a little low... :) peace and keep making music my friend...

etherealwinds responds:

That's intentional! ^_^ The Mandarin is supposed to be more of a backing feature to accompany the English parts. I originally intended to have a choir of people singing the Chinese parts, but time constraints didn't allow that to happen! Thank you :)