Setu-Firestorm's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Why Emo Sucks -in just 4 hours]

Not bad, but not great

I know your thoughts on it (judging from the description), so I probably won't say anything that hasn't already occured to you.

I do, however, have to commend you for your vocal recording skills. I still haven't gotten that perfected yet. The problem in this song doesn't lie in the vocals, but in the music.

The composition's not thorough, and the guitars are nowhere near as loud and forefront as they should be. Furthermore, FL Slayer is the worst fucking VSTi ever for guitars (although I'm sure other people know worse ones).

So, twas a noble effort, but at least you recognized that it's not exactly the best work you've done.

jrayteam6 responds:

Your certainly right, and like I said, we wrote this crap in four hours, and I wrote the music in about 1, so I didnt bother trying to make the guitars sound good. I do have to disagree with you though, you can make Slayer sound good if you put some effort into it, listen to some of my other stuff - thats all slayer - but yeah, thanks for checking it out dude, I appreciate it.

[Double Elf Homicide]

Haha!

This is most definitely an interesting track. It has a flow that you can actually follow (which seems to be where many techno artists in NG fall short). The lyrics are fun and the recording quality is seriously professional.

This is not a piece to be ashamed of; actually it's one that you could use to make an image.

Good work!

[Fun in the Sun after Dark]

...Interesting

This is definitely a unique piece, although there's not really anything about that really stands out to me. I'm not saying it's bad, but it hits me as a sort of cliche. Then again, that's probably just me.

This would be best suited in a Silent Hill spinoff deal, though, seeing as how it has its abstract vibe about it.

[TAA--The Final Battle!]

Great Piece

I can tell the booms were peaking before they were clipped; that's not good in the realm of mixing. There are ways to EQ and compress these sounds to give them the forefront punch without compromising their sound.

Altogether, though, the composition was genius and worthy of the title "Final Battle". It really drives with a sort of battle-like madness.

Keep it up!

TheAmateurAnimator responds:

Yes, I noticed that the booms sounded a little bad--but by the time I did notice, I had already closed down my FL Studio demo >:( I've got to get some cash.

Thanks for the high score and review, though--I really appreciate it.

[My Harmonica]

Not bad

First of all, everyone's going to expect a harmonica with that title, but that's beside the point.

Anywho, the way your mixing is set up makes it feel like the synths and drums are two ballparks playing in the same song; that's not necissarily bad, it's just something that stands out. The drums have great compression applied to them, but either they should come down a bit in volume or the synths should be brought up. Not to mention a melodic synth wouldn't hurt. This piece sounds like a good body without a head.

Altogether though, you have something to work with, so I'd say keep it up!

VegetarianMeat responds:

Hah, ya, I just choose the title cause it sounded neat, and it was the first thing that came to my head when I was thinking of a name. Thanks for the review, and I agree, I really should of turned up the volume on the synth.

[Something To Remember (Stigz)]

Well composed, but vocal mixing needs work

The composition of the song is good. It's not mundane like most rap songs these days where I know I can recreate the songs and make them better in less than an hour. This actually has some creative application to it that makes me want to hear more (note that this is coming from someone who's not necissarily fond of hip hop).

The vocals are good. You have well plotted lyrics as well as rhythm, but the mixing of those vocals need work. Firstly, there's a way to rig up a fake pop filter (used to absorb the vocal punches from annunciating p's, b's and t's. Use panty hose or a sock around your microphone. Also, always double up each vocal track for volume integrity and apply some vocal compression to bring out the richness of them.

Otherwise, you have some good stuff coming through here. It's definitely got potential to be famous.

StigzMusic responds:

I really appreciate the critique. I will definately use those tips next time, or maybe go back and fix the vocals on my songs with them..

Thankyou very much.

[Ironman Rap Beat]

Highly underdeveloped

I think that's the fifth time today I've used that term "underdeveloped". Anyhow, I'll get to the reviewing.

You have a good beat going for the song, although I'm trying to understand what you're trying to do with this; are you trying to establish a custom beat to the song or are you trying to do a complete rendition of the song itself?

So, getting into the grit, I'm not sure what program you're using for this, but if it is at all possible (unless you only have that option) I would get each drum seperated into its own audio track and EQ them to the right sound. You can do a lot to bring out the richness of a drum set by applying the right EQing. There are many sites online where you can research such things. Also, learn about compression -- it will greatly enhance the performance of the punchy kick and snare drum.

Aside adding a bassline and bringing up the volume on these instruments, I would advise learning mixing and EQing and go from there. Otherwise, you're not off to a bad start.

T-Dugg responds:

thanks I use FL so that is an option to me. Thanks alot for the feedback.

[[GF]AliVe[GF]]

Great techno piece

I wondered at first why your melody in the opening sounded familiar, but I guess it's just me.

You did an awesome job. Everything is just perfectly mixed and compressed. I have to say that for your first "serious" work, I'm greatly impressed.

Keep up the good work!

GroundForce responds:

thank you very much for your review!

[GF]

[*Street Mix*]

Not too bad but needs help

First of all, exercise some organization. This piece feels like it packs good punch, but then goes out into the street and gets lost wandering aimlessly. Form a structure to the piece and follow. Your beat is awesome and catchy, and arpeggiated synth is good in moderation as well as your scratches.

Secondly, I would recommend adding a bass part. Hip hop is more than just the drums; it's the bass and additional instruments that make it happen.

You're on the right track; just develop your work more.

eyechieftrees responds:

There was bass, you idiot. Turn up your fucking speakers, or buy some new ones.

Thanks for the awesome review! =]

[Atheist Fatwa]

This is okay.

Personally, I would've brought your synth string up in volume and upped it an octave. It sounds like the lead melodic instrument sitting back in the mix where it doesn't belong. Bring it in the forefront. Also, you had a drum part come in that was louder than the previous. I would fix those levels to where they balance at the same volume.

Also, add a little more filler. This can be just a simple chord pad or even a distort guitar rhythm to keep it supported.

However, these are just my opinions. The piece itself is decently done. It's well composed; I just feel it could use some more work.

Kasualty responds:

Yeah, I only spent a couple hours on it. The next song of mine will be better.

TY 4 the review.