Cyberdevil's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Flicker Out]

This was a really nice track. I was expecting a longer build-up at the beginning when the beat starts, but the music just kicks in right away! After that point it doesn't progress quite as quickly, but the pace feels right. The twist to exotic and Asian around 0:30 is interesting, and when the voices combine with that it's an almost otherwordly experience. Coincidentally I also got the hypnotizing swirl transition to accompany the music for that phase... just perfect. :D

The shift from strings (wonder what instrument that is? balalaika? mandolin? sitar?) to overall ambiance around 2:30 is probably my favorite part. I like the shuffling beat that kicks in at this stage too. I'd like to provide more feedback but I just like listening to this, can't think of anything I'd want changed. Except for maybe the genre, I understand this could be used for hiphop, but without a verse for it it seems like an entirely different one, at least until the shuffling beat towards the end.

Wonder if the voices are all you? They fade in and out quite nicely. Nice work!

-cd-

joshlul responds:

Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
As for the shift from strings, that particular one is a mandolin, and the similar instrument throughout most of the track besides that is a baglamas.
I went with hip hop because I thought it resembled some trip hop artists I know, and because of the dependence on the sub bass to carry the track.
The voices are a mixture of samples of "Pilentze Pee" an often sampled bulgarian chant that can also be heard in songs such as VAST's Touched and Jason Derulo's Breathing, and a reversed and chopped sample of the studio acapella of Lisa Miskovsky's Still Alive.

[Pops Frenzy OST2]

This is definitely my favorite of the two Pops Frenzy tracks. It's got such a catchy happy laid back style somehow, I just like the melody, energetic yet not too exaggerated in any way. That baseline... I think it reminds me of Smells Like Teen Spirit a bit. Really nice work!

-cd-

GameBalance responds:

Hahaha! It also gives me some feelings that reminds of Smells Like Teen Spirit, but I had no any intention for that XD

[Rectangular Clouds (wip)]

The title fits the track perfectly, it's cloudy, dull, oppressing and monotone somehow. Like a day sitting indoors, you don't feel like going out, you don't feel like doing anything, the world's out of touch, clouds drift and yet like a drifter you pass them by. It's not an incredibly varied piece, but it portrays that theme perfectly. Great background music!

-cd-

Xenophaje responds:

That's not the vision it gave me but I can sort of see it as that. Actually that vision with this could go in a flash anime of some sort maybe. I don't know. I like variance when I make things. repetition only sounds good of its done right which I don't think I can do it right but I've never given in that much effort so who knows. Background music was all it felt like which is part of the reason I branded it as video game music. Thanks for the review.

[Rejoice!InTheResurrection]

Jesus and His resurrection might be an inspiring thought to some people, but as a purpose-searcher with somewhat different finds that note doesn't really hit. :) It does sound like a resurrection though, mysterious, melancholy, dark... and then with that sudden spark of magic and melody, a miracle, a vision, a meal of nutrition in a starving world.

I really like the atmosphere it brings, both uplifting and sad somehow. Sublime work!

-cd-

SoulSecure responds:

Well, I do cry during worship.

Thank you for your kind words!

[Keep Fighting]

I loved the beginning, but then... that dubstep kicks in! Feels like the atmosphere is lost in the savored sawing of the track. I think chillstep might fit better overall with the vocal sample, and it does move in that direction at times but never fully as chill as I'd like it to.

The voice is a bit low sometimes, some words are easy to miss, like towards the end of the intro, but it phases in and out nicely. I like the shaky sound of that sample, but I just can't dig the vocal/audial combination too well. The closest to my liking that it gets is right at the start and at around the 3:30 phase. Keep at it!

-cd-

DRadDaDanDawg responds:

Thanks for the review man! The reason the vox are low is because her lyrics suck and I decided to try to use her as more of an instrument.

I'm sorry this doesn't suit your tastes ;( this was the last song I made without monitors though so expect better sounding stuff in the future

Looks like my goal to make dubstep that anyone can enjoy is still out of my grasp, but I'll get your favor eventually ;)

[Free (prod. by Jack Hewitt)]

Well the NG AP started out as a resource for flash animations, but it's evolved a lot since then. Definitely appreciate some professional music streaming in for a change... though what's professional? It's all relative, mastered doesn't mean masterful. :) But anyway, onto the review:

I like the kick, slick tempo, and a pretty catchy beat in the background. The way that sample keeps echoing is surprisingly catchy. The break around 2:30 fits well, but apart from that one break it's very continuous, would be nice with some added ad-libs or effects, maybe some scratches? The rap is fluent for the most part, though at times you stall a bit on the words, like at 0:38 or around 1:50.

The hook isn't the most inspiring one, but it's one that stick in mind. I'd say overall it's a groovy track, party music, smooth and easy listening but nothing that has a really lasting impact. Maybe it's because the lyrical theme doesn't deliver a concrete message, that there's no red line through the whole track? But for what it is it is a good track, nice work!

-cd-

Kieran123 responds:

Thanks for the review. it's very helpful! Much appreciated.

[Hyrule Castle]

I like it! The metal influences really add to the musical experience, and I like how it starts off a bit choppy and really kicks in after a while. The guitar is awesome, beat is awesome, well actually everything is awesome. I have no critique to give, nice work!

-cd-

Twone responds:

Thanks buddy!

[The Girl that Makes me Smile]

It starts of rather basic, but that ending was really inspirational! I don't have much to comment on this since I can't see any flaws. I like how it starts out basic and soft and gets louder and faster with a broader array of notes towards the end. And it goes from high-pitch to low and warm, with added strings in the background that give it an almost orchestra-ish feeling. I think it would have been perfect if the song ended at 2:10, right when it's as best; the pinnacle passed. Overall though it's great music, smooth and beautiful; I think a favorite. Nice work!

-cd-

Jabicho responds:

Hi cyberdevil!
Thanks so much man, for listening and for your words, they mean a lot!
I'm happy you like it!

[|R|Shift Recoil]

There's something about this that sets it apart from what I typically define as 8-bit music. It might be the bass, but whatever it is it feels like there's a certain depth to this track that 8-bit doesn't traditionally have. Maybe it's a range of tones, I really have no idea. Apart from the not-fully-traditional-8-bit aspect it sounds great though, smooth and ambient, varied; continuous.

I'd like the alternate melody (the one that plays around 3:20... and probably at earlier instances) to be a little more in the foreground, and a bit more melodic somehow. It's nice though, keep it going!

-cd-

Radiationator responds:

Yeah, I'm no 8-bit expert. I didn't try to make it completely 8-bit, I just wanted a song with 8-bit in it...if you know what I'm saying lol. And that alternate melody also plays around 0:50. Thanks for the review, I really appreciate it!