X3LL3N's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[A Silent Mist]

I often find piano songs very hit or miss, as I'm usually left to want more in terms of instrumentation.

I think in your case, the limits actually contribute to the charm of the song as it lets the AMAZING composition work shine through, it really adds to the emotion.

I have one single issue with the track, and as you can probably guess, it's the vocals.

They sound truly beautiful (I'm vibing so much rn), but I feel like they are introduced too suddenly and loudly (which caught me offguard).

I believe adding a slight reverse reverb tail before introducing them would fix the issue for me.
I also think that the vocals peak a bit too high in volume in some places, and that a little delay here and there at the end of a section could make it even better (though this is personal taste).

Very happy with this !

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Thank you for reviewing!

I think all genres have the potential to be great, or to be boring. I've heard plenty of really exciting metal songs, but also my fair share of "this again" tracks. I think because the piano is such a common and easily approachable instrument, one hears a lot of these samey songs on YouTube, Spotify etc. which perhaps don't have so much thought or effort behind them. Perhaps that is why you often feel like you're left wanting more! I do believe that if one really utilises the range of the keys and knows how to keep a piece dynamic, solo piano stuff can truly shine ^____^
I know you know this, as you already said as much in your review, it's just something I've been thinking about recently :P

Yup, I think your advice is on point regarding the vocals. I basically never record any, so whilst I did take the time to do so properly, I think I am a little bit lacking in experience when it comes to avoiding the issues you mentioned. Because I don't record vocals often, I'm also less experienced in mixing them (yet). I'll bear your advice in mind for next time :O!

Thank you for all the kind words :D

[Starlight]

This is quite a fun and catchy song, very retro, I like it a lot ^^

ItsBurner responds:

Thanks a lot =]

[Constellation]

Such a fire song

PsiStarOfficial responds:

Thank you bro :)

[Chocnoon - Dance of the Sigmas (DXCVI)]

Omg, TMM43 is that you ?!!!
Wowzers

MWMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM responds:

yes infact im the tmm43 ripoff

[Relinquished Runaway]

I wasn't expecting anyone to submit a cyberpunk song for ADM, but I'm glad you did !

You nailed everything, from the sound design to the production to the composition (etc...)

The only thing better than cyberpunk representation is GOOD cyberpunk representation, and it really is ! Low-key wanna open FL Studio right now xD

SoTshu responds:

yooo thanks for the kind words, they mean a ton!
cheers!

[Frustration]

This is really cool !

I loved the intro very much, I wasn't really expecting that kind of drop but I got into it surprisingly fast :)

One of my good surprises so far, I wasn't expecting to like it nearly as much :D
You better upload it on Soundcloud so i can put it with one of Papkee's entries from last year haha

Arponax responds:

Im glad you liked it :D
Unfortunately i dont really upload on soundcloud anymore cause i simply dont have upload time and not really feeling like paying :D
Its on youtube tho if that helps XD

[N.L - Dreams VIP]

This is super unique, i'm surprisingly into it ^^

NightLover responds:

Thank you! ^^

[Waffles]

This reminds me of classic Roblox songs like "Cursed Abbey", I really like the vibe of the drop !
My only issue is the part between both drops, it's too different from the rest of the song, but not in a good way for me.
Except for that, this is likely one of my favourite songs from you ^^

MauveDash responds:

The part between both drops was 100% meant to be very different, and sound way calmer. But the execution I can see how it wasn't the greatest!

Personally for me I think this song has a few issues with the notes [I was doing a few things that I may be a little inexperienced in] but am very happy people are liking it

[Snikio - Sound of Death (AIM 2024)]

You really nailed the vibe, I love this :D

Snikio responds:

wow thank you so much!!!!!!