Abstrack's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[MΞGΛ]

The drum is well designed in general. For instance, the different percussions at around 1:20 and the small 3/8 pause before the 7 beats really prepares you to what comes next.

The progressive crescendo that starts at around 1:16.5 becomes to high-pitched at 1:20. I was expecting it to either 1) restart low-pitched and loop twice or 2) come with a modifier that somehow hides a bit the saw shape of the sound (i.e. be it distortion or literally a change of shape (not sure what to use here, but I see the raw saw shape of this instrument as a problem)).

This "raw instrument" problem affects in fact the "main" instrument of the first "drop" at 1:22. It gives me the impression that you worked less on this part of the song and gives it a less meaningful/authentic taste.

However, everywhere where there is bass, I hear this problem less.

If I'm not wrong, you used a low-pass filter at the beginning on the piano-like instrument. That was a good idea, and indeed makes a contrast with the introduction that comes next.

I don't hear those fast "integral" crescendo (with the piano) a lot. I think this alone makes your song quite unique and adds some depth to it.

To be honest, I feel inspired.

Hippokopter responds:

Thanks man. I'm not the best at buildups, haha. I think I understand what you mean with the whole buildup saw issue. Had I recognized the issue before publishing, I probably would have automated the spread (difference in pitches between unison voices, to be clear) to be wider and wider, to give it a bit more of a restless feeling, I guess. Something to remember for the future, right?

I'll be reviewing some of your songs shortly. :P

[All I Wanted]

Perfect for programming, in my case. It was beautiful.

Also, thank you very much for the space trip! :D

larrynachos responds:

Anytime ;) Thanks for the review Abstrack!

[F-777 - A New Energy (Xtrullor Remix)]

There are some mixing issues, i.e. 2:48. Maybe is it distortion?
I really like melodic-dubstep music over dubstep. But that's what I like, so maybe my preferences interfere with the quality of your song. Perhaps, it really lacks a melodic aspect? I don't know.

Otherwise, sincerely, that could have been worst.
fun to listen.

[ALESDA! - Wake Up]

I got an eargasm. Really.
That was good.

[Arachnid - Battle of Old and New]

You lack some side chain and the volume of the drum is too low at some places. Too, sometimes (i.e. at 1:22), the melody has dissonant chords that make it look less good to me (that might be only my personal opinion, though). At the end of the song, the main melody gets a bit too much (too fast?) high-passed.

Else, I think this goes in the right direction. It began well, getting my attention. I like the effects used, too. The end made me think of a stub that is removed.
I think your style is good. On my opinion, putting instruments together, equalising, adjusting effects volume - in other words, lower-level stuff, might be what you want to work on.

Keep it up!

[AIM - out of order]

This is a huge creative work!
From the beginning through 3:48, I got nothing to say. Really, that was amazing.

I am not sure what exactly happens at 3:48 until the end. It looks like a complete other world to me. Sure, the melody and ambience and all is really thrilling and looks professional, but I am not sure to understand how that part is related to what comes before it.

Except this, I think that everything, from instrumentation to effects through structure - really everything is perfection.
I am truly impressed. This should get like 10 times more views x)

Miyolophone responds:

Thank you so much for the kind words, Abstrack! The part that you describe is meant to be the "escape" that the description mentions, hence the very different atmosphere and mood. I'm glad everything else worked for you though!

[iliryanili23 - Sugar land]

Wow! There are good ideas in this one!

Here's what I think:
At 1:29, the base is a little messy. At 1:48, I think the new instrument was a good idea, it gives a new turn to the drop. At 2:02, the oscillating white-noice fits well. It makes me think about water waves. At 2:46, I don't really hear what the vocal says x). Same thing for what I said about the drop base at 3:02. I think the new low-volume-vocals fit well close to 3:41. Maybe the song ends a little bit fast. Overall, I really like the effects and the hypes, before the drops.

I think you should keep it more simple and stupid sometimes.

Keep it higher!

[Execute Protocol: Riddim]

Really cool glitchy noices! Is it distortion? x)

The drops main instrument's volume might be too heavy: I had to lower my headphoes...

Else, this is intense.
I like the fact that everything literally breaks right after "the computer technology". It made me laugh.
Keep it up.

Hippokopter responds:

Not distortion, surprisingly. I'm glad I made you laugh!
Thank you so much for the feedback!

[Xtrullor - Samsara]

This was good. But I think it could be even better...
I would change the beginning melody if I was you. It could be better done (e.g. there could be more notes between the drum, it could vary a little more), more raffined.

In any case, you have already achieved great songs, and that your true level is way above this. Did you ever hear something like ‘‘the more you know, the more you don’t’’? I think you should be able to never stop trying new things according to that principle. For sure, anybody may need a break sometimes, and if you really need one, you should definitely take it.

So that’s what I think.