stoned, immaculate (stoned_immaculate.xm)

Overall Impression (9/10)

If you like linus' "Stoned Again", "Stoned Immaculate" is not going to disappoint. The removal of mod limitations does not stifle linus' ability to create a convincing world with just several notes and a chill breakbeat.

Technique, Arrangement, Composition (10/10)

16 channels used, mostly one shot samples. And lots of cowbell. No, literally! If you wanted cowbell, you won't be disappointed.

Expertly written bassline, which is the basis of the whole tune. It uses two separate samples which double the sequence in channels 5 and 12. Channels 4 and 6 are the delayed signal of channel 5.

If you solo those, you'll notice that starting pattern 11, channel 5 is cleared out. And leaving just the delayed sequences along with the bassline in channel 12 sounds very interesting. Unfortunately, you cannot really hear that in the overall arrangement, but this could have been used in a less busy place in the mix.

Development (10/10)

A very clear mix. Proficient use of panning to create a wide mix. He also uses vinyl crackle in channel 16 to give the mix that special flavor.

The levels are excellent. If you solo channels 1-3, you'll hear how wide and transparent the drums are. And it doesn't involve any dynamics, all the notes are largely at the same volume.

One nitpick - instrument 14 (sample 23) has a delay/loop effect that doesn't match the tempo. It sounds fine in the intro, but you can hear it not synced properly in the middle of the tune.

Creativity (7/10)

The strings that start in pattern 5 is an example of how linus is capable of taking a minimal setup and creating mood. This is a tune with attitude, with a very underground feel.

I am, unfortunately, not a fan of a pad that begins in pattern 11. Felt a bit formulaic to me and a little too imposing. One option is to maybe simply make it quieter. I tried reducing the volume by 50% and it was somewhat more interesting.

But I also think the sequence itself might have been less concrete. Instead, it sounds like an annoying loop. It's not horrible, but just took me out of the mood.

Enjoyment (9/10)

A nifty underground tune. I strove for music like this in the 90s/2000s. And even today, this definitely works for me. Very creative and special.