The Mod Archive v4.0b - A distinctive collection of modules

Download: Title: Foggy morning in forest Filename: foggy.it	Posted Fri 10th May 2002 Rated 5 / 10
The beginning is very nice, it creates a great atmosphere and works on imagination - and it just fits the title perfectly. Actually, I didn't expect the song to be dance having heared the intro, but it works good and I think the idea is felicitious. The drumbeat and bass are very quiet comparing to the rest, especially the high-pitched sounds, which makes it unbearable for ears after some time. That's a pity, because they are really nicely made and could create a smashing song. Although most of the patterns are different, the song is repetitive. Definitely, there could be used more samples! The piano is quite nice, but if it was complemented by some other instruments, the tune would be much more interesting. And one thing that isn't a good idea, from my point of view, is the lack of an ending. It sounds good when looped, but if you want to hear it only once, it ends abruptly and unnaturally... Generally, I've heard lots of worse pieces, but this one still could be much better if more thoroughly elaborated. I had to lower the technical rating because of some flaws. As I wrote above, the bass sounds are too silent, whereas the high ones tire ears after some minutes of listening. And one thing I don't understand is why the 'clap' sound is looped - it makes a 'trrr' sound and creates nothing but background noise.

Download: Title: Follow your heart Filename: follow.mod	Posted Fri 10th May 2002 Rated 5 / 10
A happy rock song. It is very short (1:31) and simple. The melody is pleasant and I really liked it, but it is just played by the guitar twice and each time, every pattern is repeated (at the end - four times!). If the song had been developed further, enriched by some variety (a solo maybe) and mastered technically, it could be really worth recognition. The song is veeery very small. It is pretty old ('96), so the samples are all 8-bit, but why are there so few of them? I especially miss a solo guitar... There are no effects, the samples are played just the way they are. Another thing is the balance of volumes - it isn't very good here. The bassline is barely audible; the snare drum and (especially) kick should also be louder.

Download: Title: Far from home Filename: ffhome.xm	Posted Thu 2nd May 2002 Rated 9 / 10
The song is a lively synth pop, with a distinct and quite loud rhythm. At the same time the quality of the music is so good that I found myself stamping to the rhythm almost unconsciously. The main melody is really excellent, but it is short and it just comes back several times. The song is therefore somewhat repetitive; however, what is important, it is not boring. I think I would make some variations or one more motif to enrich the tune, nevertheless. The accompaniment is a professional work, indeed! It is rich, interesting and exceptionally pleasant to listen to. The drumbeat is simple, but it works fine, and the fills are pretty cool. Another thing I really liked is the part that begins at about 3:00 - it also doesn't change much, but it is just brilliant! I wasn't really keen on synth pop before, but "Far From Home" is the kind of a song that can alter one's point of view. I was thinking about giving the song 8.5, but the general impression it made on me convinces me it deserves 9. Myvoice is a very skillful musician and this track is a fine work of his. It creates a very positive and nice atmosphere. Really, really kewl! This song is surely worth downloading!! Just click and do it! =) The artist uses 8-bit samples, but they sound very good and it was only when I checked for the song details when I got to know that. They are chosen perfectly, but the most important thing is to put them together to 'squeeze' the best out of them - and Myvoice managed to do it here. What's more, he uses effects thoroughly and with skill. Just the vocal samples are not that good, but it does not disturb much while listening. I also noticed that one of them is played at a lower pitch than originally recorded - it makes it sound rather unnatural. I guess it would be better if it was played a couple of halftones higher. But it's just a detail that doesn't spoil the general impression. Good job!

Cooth's Comments