johnfn's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Industria - 1]

Hahahaha.. Awesome.

I was loving this from the beginning. Some of the backing base was a little too fuzzy for me I think (I would have prefered something more clean), and the last lead instrument that comes in before you shift the whole thing to the Laboratory was really strange and contrasted kinda bad with everything else. Also, the synth thing that hits a note, then 1 octave up, then back down to the same note is way too loud in contrast with the rest of the song. That's probably the biggest problem here.

On the other hand, this is freaking awesome!!!! I absolutely love it, especially the jazzy section at the beginning. Great melodies in there, although you may have done a few of them a little too fast. I also loved how you made a beat out of the weirdest sounds, it reminds me of Time by Pink Floyd.

On to the next one!

PS. Wanna check out some of my stuff? ;)

AlexanderZero responds:

Yeah the jazz lead could have been longer I suppose, I didn't want it to die out though. And you also have to consider the song is pretty long already :P

The idea in the first part was get a song that sounded like it was coming from machinery and robots. The octave jumper in laboratory is a little loud I agree.

-I'd be glad to check out some of your stuff ^_^

[Checkerboard Dalmation]

Coolness.

I haven't dropped by to say Hi in a while...

I'm liking this. I think my favorite part is the drums, because they're so unique. Especially that WOP thing... They definitely bring up the song. I really like the arpeggiating synth that sort of changes too. That's a cool trick cause then you can repeat the chord progression for a while and the listener wont even notice cause they're too busy following the synth.

A really cool song, it reminds me of staring at stars.

Later on in the song you bring in some really muted bells/piano/some other thing. Near the end. I'm not sure if you need to use them that much because the notes end up muddling together and I can't hear a lot of any of them... except like the 3 near the end of the melody line (which are the most important anyways) It might have been better with more accent on the notes most important to the melody, but I dunno. Either way, critiques aside, this was a cool song in all respects. Voted 5! :D

.

PS. Check out some of my new stuff? ;)

crud responds:

i never realized how much the simple sounds can really throw people off and what ears perk up to.
i like the synth alot, which is why it's hard for me to not include it, but i wanted the dissonance to build in the end, and sound creepy, though muddy. i shall try harder next time.

[Infinnion - UpTown]

I like it.

Simple trance you have here, but good. I like how the melodies and changes are understated. I like the chord progression a lot. This is a lot better then most of those overblown songs on the first page of the list... Keep writing, and tell me if you ever put something new out. I'll there to listen :D

Infinnion responds:

thanx for reviewing^^

[[Crystal Cavern g-R]]

Sweet.

The beginning of the song shows absolutely nothing to how cool its going to be. It sounds just like generic techno, which is bad, since its not, and it's really repetitive, which bothers me. I don't really like the big thumping beat you've got going at the beginning either, but thats just me.

But enough of the criticism, I really love some of the melodies you pull from who knows where towards the end. They go everywhere I wouldn't expect, they're really awesome. I had no idea what you meant by "crystal caverns" at first, but now I do and I love it, excellent job with the bells, they rule. A lot of excellent touches in this song, and the quality of sound is awesomely good.

PS. Now I'm listening to it on headphones. The very beginning where the sound pans from one side to another is extremely annoying, and some instruments sound a little more fuzzy, synthy I guess, then I thought they should, I would prefer some of the sounds to be more smooth I suppose.

PPS. Don't mind me being overly negative, I really enjoyed the song. :D

g-r4ve responds:

its too bad ive lost my touch... id love to make a second attempt at this song

[FF8 - 1 - 03 - Blue Fields]

Cool!

Dang, I wish we all had musical skill like Nobuo Uematsu (yea, I looked up the full name :P). This piece is really starting to grow on me. The mystery and all which is created with the bells, the awesome string part, and the backing instrumentation which swells, and then drops, is just great, and the more I listen the more I like, and pieces fall into place. Like the part that sounded a little off now sounds perfect. It sounds to me exactly like a mysterious beginning to a story - and you don't really know what's going to happen.

I've never heard the original, but this is a dang good song nonetheless. Nice recreation you have here. 5/5

PS. Uematsu did Chrono Trigger too??? He might be my new favorite composer. XD

[SR - Softened Gaze -Full-]

It's alright.

For me, it doesn't seem to do anything, except for a short part where you bring in the chilly sounding synth. On the other hand, this is pretty good ambient music, and you set the atmosphere very well. I especially like the drum samples that you used - the ones with an echo - because they work well with the rest of the music. I honestly can't think of anything to add without ruining the atmosphere you've created. Maybe some distant samples of seagulls or children or something? They might help add to the lonely feel of the music.

It sounds a little atonal to me, which is different, but surprisingly the notes don't ever seem too abrasive.

Keep writing music!

4/5

PS! Would you mind dropping me a review or vote, or something like that? ^_^

SineRider responds:

I don't usally like to add noise samples in my songs, I think that takes away alot of from the music. I mean some samples can be good, but I hate it when the song has a sample playing throughout the entire peice.

I agree with some of your points and disagree with others but all and all it was a very geneous review.

Sure I'll drop a review or 2 on you in the comnig days, or possible right now ;D

[_-=[Dancing with Darkness]=-_]

Not my taste but still appreciated

I think that I just don't appreciate classical music, but this is a pretty good piece anyways. I'd have to agree with the guy who said it sounds like death. I'd prefer more oomph in the song, but thats just personal opinion. 5/5 here because a 4 would bring the score down! :P

MaestroSorrow responds:

heh, thanks John, but don't be afraid to give what you really think it deserves.

I was considering putting an electric guitar to this piece... might be interesting, no?

Many thanks for the review.

[-> VG: Ending Storm [1.0] <-]

Cool, but sounds off tune

You open it up with that one melody, but then bring in a higher one, I suggest watching every other note (starting with the second) that the higher one hits because it just sounds wrong to my ears.

But if you iron that little problem out, I think you could have a nice sad sounding song here! Keep working :D

Distortzion responds:

Off tune?
*listens*

Yes indeed, there are here and there some notes that aren't fully correct :\...

[-> Err0r [0.9] <-]

Inneresting.

It wasn't bad, but it could do with a few things. First, make sure to EQ your drums to make them more powerful. They sort of lacked the punch needed for a good DnB song.

Second, when the buzzy thingy comes back, its kinda soft and hard to make out.

Third, it would be cool if you could have the two melodies going at the same time at the end (with pwnage drums going along too of course)

Anyways, this sounds pretty awesome. Just make the drums more powerful and you could have something great.

Distortzion responds:

Okidokie, the drum-power up is in!

Thnx for the rev! ;D

[With Each Passing Breath...]

I like!

Yeah, that was pretty good! You definitely got the creepy atmostphere down, you gotta teach me how to do that, all I can manage is sad :P

I totally agree with the first guy who said upgrade your drum samples. The kick for example didn't seem to go well at all, and the rest of it was only okay. Still, it didn't detract that much from the whole song. I really liked the creepiness. ^^

One thing that bothered me is that at times the piano got too loud and got a little distored. Maybe down the volume a little bit. Technically I'm being hipocritical since I do the exact same thing. But you could still benefit from it :D

Anyways good job here, it reminded me of some of my older stuff for some reason, although I'm not quite sure why. 9/10 and 5/5 ^^

DarkOtaku responds:

I didn't notice the piano distorting. Could it be your speakers? I'll turn it down anyway, if I ever update this song.

Thanks for the review...

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---QUOTE---
"you gotta teach me how to do that"
-END-QUOTE-

5 TIPS FROM DARK OTAKU:

1. Lots of strings. Doing different things at the same time. Make most of them low, and quick-sounding. Then make one or two have a more simple pattern much higher.

2. Try writing music at different times of the day. My music sound most dramatic when I stay up after twelve'o'clock.

3. Try writing music in different rooms and places. Every room and place you go to, has a unique effect on your mood and personality. Experiment with different places, even if it's uncomfortable ~_^ , and find one that works best for you.

4. Write music when you're in different moods. My music turns out darker when I'm upset or angry.

5. This sounds weird, but try different lighting. Buy some colored lightbulbs, and experiment with what effects they have on your mood, and music overall.

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