ADR3-N's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[AIM - Lair Witch]

This is a very interesting experiment, but that bass synth is so ungodly loud I can't get into the groove. I also am not really liking the sweeping pans on the drums. It doesn't really fit the artwork, or my ears. I can tell you've got talent, but there seems to be something missing in this mix -- something that would make all this gel together. I couldn't tell you what that would be, but it probably has to do with a concise, soaring melody above this otherworldly vibe you've crafted.

[AIM - A Dance on Infinity]

I very much enjoy the chord structures here. Reverb on the piano is a bit excessive and mixing could be a bit more precise, but the piece itself is lively. I can't tell if that's a conga, djembe, or bongo, but I would take that a few dB down. The accents are a bit loud relative to the very relaxed atmosphere, and they're standing outside what is an otherwise beautiful work of art!

[AIM - Reconciliation]

The storytelling here presented with the artwork makes for a satisfying tale emotionally and aurally. Some frequencies and volume leveling could be better, but taking the art and running with the idea -- I have respect for that!

CloakedSoup responds:

Thank you for the great feedback! I'll keep that in mind for my next piece.

[AIM - In That Moment]

An absolute masterpiece, perfectly suited to the art it represents. Thoroughly enjoyed the listen. No complaints. Tried and true chord progression though it may present, it doesn't present that progression in a way that comes across as cliche, trying too hard.

AceMantra responds:

Thanks for the review! I did worry about the chord progression being too repetitive or cliche. I wanted a little repetition though, like persistent negative thoughts during times of deep sadness.

[endK - Bouncing Squad]

http://www.newgrounds.com/art/view/butzboprud/butzboprud-s-flash-spaghetti

For the other judges stumbling here. If the creator of the art himself agrees that the music is fitting, I can offer no complaints. Personally, I found this wacky, bouncy piece an absolute joy to listen to, and considering this isn't my favored genre, props. Not the highest quality, radio friendly mix, but no complaints!

endKmusic responds:

Bah, I've written a bunch of stuff about the picture and forgot to add the link.
._.
Thanks a lot for the review, I'm glad you like it especially if you're not into this style.
...and thanks for pointing out the linky thing!
Really appreciate it.

[AIM - I'm Not Alone In My Space Suit]

Good sounding stuff, however complaints: synth snare and kick are flat. Drum track sounds relatively thin. Hat is a bit too loud. 1:53, there is a wrong note that really just lays it down and takes me out of the mood. I don't know whether this is intentional or not.

Instrumentation, guitar playing is good. Intonation, really quite good. Tone is a bit overbearingly tinny for the piece and would fit better with some delay and reverb to really soar over this instrumentation. As is, it seems quite flat. The background gated arp is really setting the most of the tone. Let your leads play on the mood your harmonies set. A spaced out tune needs spaced out grooves!

I get the sense of exploration from this piece. Points for matching the artwork well.

Coffee-Break responds:

I feel like I've always had a hard time making drums sound good. I've yet to unlock that secret.
The note at 1:53 was intentional - a nice flat fifth to create some tension - but I guess it didn't do the job it was supposed to.
Glad you liked the guitar playing. It was my first time using guitar on a track; I guess that's why the tone is kinda off.
Anyways thanks for taking the time to write a review, I appreciate it.

[AIM - Rothgar]

Highly impressed with your arrangement. Some places where intonation could be a bit better, but guitar by nature is not a perfect instrument, so a bit of flat and sharp here is expected. Extra points for using a single instrument. Mixing could use a bit of fine tuning on percussive bits, but again, arrangement makes up for it. Subtracting half a star for some small mistakes like near-missing harmonics, etc., which could have been cleaned up. A lot of people won't notice that.

I would say instrumentation doesn't really reflect the wintry vibe of the piece, but the arrangement reflects a rough and tumble, hard life. That very much fits the artwork. Fantastic piece, Ceevro!

Ceevro responds:

Thank you!

[AIM - Purple Heart]

I really can't add much that RealFaction hasn't already addressed. I feel the bass synth in the beginning is a little too loud. Overall the sound is a bit dry and generic. That could be the drums not doing much justice. They're very flat. Need a little more space -- reverb, eq, compression.

I really don't like the bass at all. The legato is no problem. The melodic content just doesn't make much sense to me and is quite repetitive. Sounds like a filter pattern and I just don't really enjoy it. Also is too loud at points relative to the rest of the track. Toward the end, as you introduce more elements, the bass fits in much better. It just simply doesn't do it for me as a stand alone melodic staple.

I can't judge whether it fits the art or not as I'm not familiar with this character. RealFaction thinks so, so I'll give a pass on that entirely.

I can't say it's bad, but I can't say it's great. It did get stuck in my head though, so there's that!

[The City At Night - AIM]

Initially the mixing grated on my ears, namely the dead sounding drums and peaking highs -- cymbals are a ridiculous offender. However, melodic progression and those spell-binding grooving solo sections won the day. I do get the feeling of mischievously sneaking around the city at night. Applause.

goodraccoon responds:

thank u EDM364. i sneaked in some updates to the song based on u r comments. all done before the dead line of course : )

[AIM - Moments]

Mix is cohesive with professional touches. Style fits the dreamy artwork, as do the lyrics. Detractor is a bit of repetition and strange phrasing with the vocal lines. They almost don't mesh at points. Gating was a nice touch. Enjoyed overall.

Mauxus responds:

I'm honoured :) thank you! If you have time to PM me the details I can try and fix the parts you mentioned. I am afraid I spent so much time on this track that I've become numb to it.