AetherX's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Mio/Homura]

This song is utterly spectacular. And the fact that you made it in only two (rather stressful) weeks? A miracle! I once spent six months (on and off) working on a track that holds no light to this.

Making a song like this is truly ambitious, and I think it's fabulous that you just leaped forward and did it anyway. The vocals were hauntingly beautiful and the instrumental was spine-tingling on its own. I can't imagine how awesome this would have turned out had you been able to spend more time on it.

The only problem I can see isn't in your mixing per se, but your vocal processing. The instruments were produced very well, but the vocals didn't seem to fit quite right in the mix. I'm sure you could have made this better if you weren't literally working on borrowed time. It's easy to look past this small flaw, however.

I adore non-English vocals, so I was instantly emotionally enamored, and when I read the English translation I nearly cried. Beautifully done! One question, though: are you planning on tweaking this some more now that you don't have to worry about a deadline?

Downloaded for sure, I can tell that you poured your heart and soul into this.

Troisnyx responds:

T_T I'm just honoured that it touched you so.
When I tweak it, I don't know. I don't even know how to tweak it. I am still reeling from the embitterment, it's not even funny. But I do want to make this better.

[Raining Dreams *JJM121*]

Good, for only a single instrument...

...but simplicity can only take you so far, in my opinion.

The mixing was decent: It sounded clear enough for the most part, but I noticed some clipping from the left side.

There was a surprising amount of variation for only using bass guitars, but I think that the song would benefit from a wider range of instruments: that's your decision, though. The melodies and harmonies were well done, catchy and interesting. The end, however, seemed sudden and incomplete.

Very good for a one instrument song!

JJM121 responds:

Yeah, it probably would've sounded better with a few more instruments but I wanted to try something different. And I'm still surprised I could make a complete song with just one instrument. ^^

Thanks!

[Winter II]

Good melody, but the mixing needs work

I really like the tune here, very catchy. The bass guitar fits surprisingly well with the piano and strings.

When the piano came in at the beginning, it really threw me off. I guess I was expecting something a little quieter and more subdued. Try having it fade in a little bit, and maybe put a low pass filter on it. It also feels like the bass and piano are both trying to be the lead instrument. I would suggest picking one to take the lead, and reducing the volume of the other. You can even have them switch positions here and there. Also, add some reverb, especially on the piano, to widen it a little bit.

Hopefully this doesn't come across as too much criticism. You obviously know what you're doing with the actual writing and instrumentation, you just need to work on the mixing.

Keep up the good work!

7/10
4/5

[Don't Stop! - Adam Doan]

Cool

The first thing I noticed was that is was a little slow for a dance song, but who cares? No one says that all songs of any genre have to have a certain tempo. The drums are great, very powerful. In fact ,the overall mastering is very well done, each instrument is clear in the mix.

I liked the use of vocal samples, it adds another element to the track.

As far as criticism, I think your instrumentation could be a little more varied. Like you could throw in a part in the middle with a synth that isn't used anywhere else in the song. Just a suggestion. Also, I'm a big melody guy, and although this is catchy, the melody gets a little repetitive.

Overall, I like it. A very unique track.

8/10
4/5

Herdunculus responds:

Hmm ok I can see what you're saying. It sounds like really good advice, i think i might revamp this song! thanks!

[Satellite (FlashChaz Remix)]

Nice, pure trance

Very well done overall. The instrumentation matched the vocals perfectly. I like that gated supersaw. This is definitely something I could just chill out to.

Not much to say criticism-wise. I tend to like stuff with more of a melody, but this is fine, as it fits the genre very well. It's not perfect, but I have no idea what to do to make it better. Downloaded!

9/10
5/5

Chaz responds:

Thanks Aether!

[Would You Wake Up?]

Quality

Very well done, almost professional. The vocals aren't that out of place, I find that they really add to the song.

It does sound inspired by "Odysee"... The vocals at least.

It's almost perfect. Not quite, but almost. It's at the point where its hard to say what you could do better, but it still needs that "feel". Maybe I'm just being anal about it...

9/10
5/5

[Glancing Back - F-777]

Powerful

Very well put together. I love how it goes back and forth between pizzicati strings and the piano after about 1:30. The beginning reminds me of Chariots of Fire.

[Mosquitoes - Owl City Parody]

Amusing

Well put together, and pretty funny. I couldn't make out what the vocals were saying for quite a bit of the time though, which was a shame because I laughed at what I did hear. So I agree with the guy below about boosting the vocals.

Favorited!

RLFHOG3 responds:

I boosted them, just in case you wanted to hear. the vocals are much clearer now.

[{dj-N} The End of Time]

Brilliant

You are so amazing, its annoying. This song is beautiful. I'm with Xenor25 though, it doesn't quite have that "feel" that makes it perfect. I have a feeling it will stand the test of time though, no pun intended. Downloaded :D

5/5
9/10
-Æ

[Paparazzi - Dirty Mix]

cooool

Dunno what Helth is talking about. I love the beat. I liked the song before but this is definitely as good if not better. Plus if you're buds with LK412 then you must be cool.

5/5
9/10
-Æ

b0b3rt responds:

Thanks ;D