rluebbert's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Space Dumka [8bit]]

This is a very good start. While the basic outline you have created can act as a backdrop for these scenes, if you would like to truly portray the story in your music, I would recommend adding to your composition. For example, a battle is supposed to be taking place, yet I did not hear a single gunshot in your music; there is supposed to be shouting and chaos at points, however the music remained soft in dynamic and relatively smooth in character; also, I could not hear a difference between the various environments that the crew was supposed to be placed in. Essentially, while you captured the moods quite well overall, I do not think that you painted a clear picture with your music. This would be like looking through wax paper at a landscape and having to require someone to tell you that there is a tree five feet in front of you: you may know you are in a relaxing, beautiful environment, but you know nothing about it.

Cadrean responds:

Hey man first off I want to say thanks for the actual review, it's nice to see a different opinion than previous.

I agree with you completely, if I truly wanted to make an audio representation of what was happening, I'd definitely add many of the things you stated there, such as sound effects and all but unfortunately most of the songs I make are made in a day or two, in my spare time (not that that's an excuse for quality).

You are right however, there's no way of knowing the story whatsoever without my explanation below. Thanks again for your input

[Souls of Moons]

This piece is very well composed. I love the calming instruments and folk-like melodies. The reason I took half a star away is because this piece could be better categorized. You could argue that this piece is minimalistic, programatic, or a chaccone and thus falls within the classical category: however, I find that this work fits better into the form of a modern song. While I have heard similar tracks from bands like Nightwish and Within Temptation, this piece seems to stand out in its relaxing, soft undertones. Well done.

DanJohansen responds:

Thanks for the in depth review man, and you're right, I was hesitant on putting it under classical myself, I almost put it into videogame because videogames can have just about any genre, anyways, thanks for the kind words!

[Subst(an)ce]

This piece seems almost as though you had two clear, distinct styles that you tried to interject together. I heard elements of electronic atonality similar to what you might find in a piece by Stockhausen and sharply contrasting, almost "pop" sounding melodic sections. Unfortunately, while these two things may work on their own, I do not think that this piece managed to convince me that they work well together. I really liked the dark, atonal sections, but when the strong rhythmic pulse came in at about 1:05 and later when you introduced melodies, I felt that the piece slightly lost its impact. I would suggest rewriting this work into two separate pieces as both of those moods work well on their own but act give harshly contrasting connotations when put together in such a way as this piece presents.

insanedevi responds:

hey rluebbert, thanks for the feedback, really appreciate it. Maybe I could make two complete songs out of this one, will give it a try! also, I need to check out stockhausen.

[Full Throttle]

There is a lot that this piece has going for it: the colors are very interesting, the blend is nice, and the variety in the different sections is highly appreciated. That being said, my primary criticism of this work is that nothing really stood out to me as a melody or focal point. There was a lot going on, and I could actually see you using this track in its exact form as the background to a main melody (vocals, strings, or something that has a smooth, solid tone color to differentiate itself from the highly colorful background would be preferred)

Smitsy responds:

I was thinking of adding vocals actually! I just dont really know where to start because I can't sing. Ill hold onto it for now but if an opportunity ever comes up I'll try to get some vocals on this. Thanks for the review!