johnfn's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Pareidolic War]

Alright, the mixing is a little off. Alright, the VSTs are not so great. But I don't even care because the section starting around 3:00 may be the single best minute of music I've heard this NGADM, and it's not for lack of competition.

I do feel like the ending is a little off, like instead of building to this grand finale it kinda fizzles, but I do remember you saying you were rushed and out of time. I do hope you get to the next round though, because it sounds like the 2 week schedule is good for you :-)

Phonometrologist responds:

Well I never was big on endings (pun intended). You never know how much further the peak may be, and I'm not just talking about music here, and rarely does one get a climatic ending let alone even aware of when it will be the end. That being said, I did plan originally for at least 2 more minutes of music even with a different section. It also seems to fizzle at the end because I didn't really use a traditional way to end it as one would want to to get that feeling of completion. It ends with a diminished seven of five chord, and when I get to the fifth, I avoided emphasis on the third note and I didn't even add the seventh note to make it a dominant seventh chord. Maybe it wasn't the right choice, but my reason is stated. So the ending was a combination of time and the choice to make it that way because of a lack of time. See the symbolic nature in that, ha. The next two weeks should be better if given the opportunity as I won't have the excuse of going camping during one of those weekends. Also, PirateCrab is worthy to enter the next round so I wouldn't be surprised that this would be my last entry for this contest.
I appreciate the kind word in regards to minute 3:00--very encouraging.
I would be really interested to to read about which VSTs you have in mind. I think I might be a bit oblivious to which ones could be better. Initially, I thought about the synths that was used, but even the strings could be said for it too. So I would really be interested in knowing what I need to do as I'm not sure if it's more because of the libraries being used or rather my use of them. Send me a PM. Also, it takes me a long time to compose, so it's really hard to try and mix something in a relatively short time because my ears are so wet. This project was good for me obviously because of that purpose in meeting a deadline.

[~SW and CS~ Cranial]

I consider this to be one of the riskiest pieces submitted to a contest where people normally stay the course and do what's proven. The wubz could be a bit more interesting, and it could have... a melody ... but that one transition makes up for it.

That one.

YOU KNOW WHICH ONE I'M TALKING ABOUT.

SkyeWint responds:

But. But. It does have a melody. It has two melodies, even. ;_;

Also yes, that transition that people like for some reason I don't understand.

[Talos]

Gorgeous track! Lovely sense of restraint.

TheBenjerman responds:

Thanks a lot!

[Sjaan the Flying Doctor]

These melodies are really beautiful. You've gotten quite a bit better since last NGADM! That guitar that comes in around 1:25 sounds super fake and I think a different instrument would have suited the song a bit better. Still... I really like this piece. It's very somber and pretty, kind of reminds me of an overworld view in some game when you're flying around.

SourJovis responds:

Thank you. I too think I've gotten a bit better since last year, but I don't think this song is the best example. The guitar is fake indeed. The sample pack I used should be pretty good, but perhaps I'm not using it right. Or it's the amplifier. A real guitar would undoubtedly sound better if I could find someone willing to play this part. I like the idea of a guitar as lead instrument for the second part. What other instruments do you think work better?

[Moving plates]

Ah, I really like that main motif, it has a really brooding feel. Nice work.

PascalPalomino responds:

Thanks

[Okay]

You did real good. Vocal delivery reminds me just a smidge of Andrew Jackson Jihad. I like the message too. The only thing that didn't really gel with me are the backing vocals in the second half - I'm not even sure if they were necessary. I really liked the vocal melodies though. Good work all around.

SonicWombat responds:

Thanks a bunch, brohan!

[What it is to Imagine]

Dannng, I love this. SO GROOVY.

I hope YOU'RE satisfied with what you did, because this rocks dude!

InvisibleObserver responds:

Mostly satisfied! I plan on improving it some over the next few days where I can, maybe edit the upload once judging is done.

[Tree of Life]

Yup.

etherealwinds responds:

<333

[Cracked Pavement]

Really great composition but dang those samples sound fake D: Oh well, who cares. That final piano jam is pretty sweet :D

ChronoNomad responds:

Thanks, johnfn! ...I think. Fake? Whaaat!? Nah, that's cool. You're not wrong, after all. :P
Weirdly enough, that's kind of what I was going for. Mostly. Probably. Folks seem to like it, so that's super cool and groovy.

My time has been severely limited due largely to other priorities, so I kind of had to bust it out the quick and dirty way. But you know what? That actually seems to be part of the track's overall charm. I wanted it to have a decidedly retro flavor, and that seems to have worked out nicely somehow. As long as it's fun to listen to, that makes it a rousing success in my eyes! Huzzah!

Honestly, that's a right fantastic score you went and gave me. It means a lot to me, so seriously--thank you. I do love me a sweet piano jam! ^__^

[Rising to the Challenge]

Dang, this is awesome! Sounds like an 80's boss battle at points! :D The mix gets a little cluttered at points but it makes up for it in spades with awesomeness and sheer 80's power! I always thought the 80's was the worst decade but you may change my mind ;-)

Spadezer responds:

Heh, makes up for it in spades ;)

And the 80's had Journey (look up Separate Ways and you'll understand).

Thanks for the 4 and a half!