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christofori's Comments |
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Title: Chased Filename: chased.it |
Posted Sat 14th Jun 2003
Rated 3 / 10 |
| This one is a good enough tune, but it really suffers from some lo-fi samples and a fairly weak structure. The main ideas of the tune are clear enough, but the sections transition into each other somewhat sloppily. There are also some almost painful moments in the tune, and the whole thing is really quite static; the samples could be more clear, and the entire tune could really benefit from some stereo use. On the other hand, I like some of the material, it sounds like it could really be a great song, if more work were put into it. I also like the glass breaking at the end, it is well placed. Okay.. technically, the piece really doesn't seem like anything special. There are only minimal effects used, and some make absolutely no sense (check out pattern 17 in channels 2 and 3 -- that's one of the painful moments I mentioned a moment ago). The samples mostly sound almost muffled; they could really help the song more if they were more clear. Also, the loop points all could use some attention; some are decent enough to get by, though. Overall, this tune has a few good moments, but lacks a real strong structure, and it could use more work. | |
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Title: Taste Filename: sts-tas2.it |
Posted Sat 14th Jun 2003
Rated 4 / 10 |
| This is a tune which has a few interesting spots, but there are also some very strange voicings and chord choices. Most of the way through, there's one really major theme, which makes use of some interesting chords; but it doesn't seem like all of the instruments observe the chord changes; at times, the brass hang on to non-chord tones and really seem to clash with the overall sense of the song. I can kind of get a feel for what the artist is trying to do through most of the song, but the clashing notes just plain sound like mistakes. On the flip side, there is some fairly nice drum work, and and at times there are really some interesting ideas coming through. Technically, this piece is pretty basic. There are some basic effects used throughout, and the piece seems pretty static; it would be much better with some good stereo work, and perhaps even a few sound effects here and there. Most of the samples sound like they're either GM samples or were sampled from a keyboard; it doesn't really detract from this kind of tune, but doesn't really "sell it" either. Overall, this tune seems interesting at points, but seems to suffer from some (un)intentional mistakes in the chord voicings. | |
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Title: Smile Filename: sl_smile.xm |
Posted Sat 14th Jun 2003
Rated 5 / 10 |
| This is a tune which sounds great, but also suffers from too much repetition. The song starts out with a kind of dreamy, almost trance-like progression, and soon moves into more of a driving section. Everything really seems to fit together well for this one, and the samples seem to work well for the piece. There's some pretty good stereo work in sections, but I could use more of it, more of the time; I think it would help the balance, which isn't really bad off. The song could really use a bridge, though; the same chord progression is used most of the way through the tune, with only the occasional variation. Technically, this tune seems pretty basic. There are standard effects used, though they are used well. The samples all seem to be okay, but there are several which could use better loop points. The envelopes used aren't as effective as they could be; some should be sustained, and others would require a looping sample to make the best use of them. Overall, it's a pretty general tune; it has a catchy melody, but it also seems to get old fairly quickly. | |
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Title: Fluid Combustion Filename: stq-fluid_combustion.xm |
Posted Fri 13th Jun 2003
Rated 7 / 10 |
| This is a happy dance tune which is built on a good, strong chord progression. The sections seem to flow nicely, and the ideas sound great. I'm also hearing some decent stereo work. Musically, the only thing I could possibly gripe about would be that the song seems to stretch on and on.. yet, the artist does a good enough job varying it enough to make you forget about it being too repeaditive. Also, there are some great echos on the leads in sections, and the main flute lead really helps the "fluid" imagery in my mind. :) The music seems to flow and melt as it takes shape; good choice of a title. Technically, there's average work on the tracking side. The effects used, while somewhat minimalistic at times, are also effective. The samples all seem to be chosen well enough, and the 8-bit ones don't detract from the overall quality. However, some loop points could use more attention, and many of the envelopes aren't completely effective, though some do add some great effects. Towards the end of the track, there seems to be much more attention to detail in the way things are layed out in the tracks. Overall, this is a good tune, if you like dance-type music, and it'd probably go over well in a dance club :) | |
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Title: The laments of a pigeon Filename: jollypgn.it |
Posted Mon 9th Jun 2003
Rated 4 / 10 |
| This is a tune which has some interesting points and thoughtful drum work, but also has a lot of room to improve. The classification might make you wonder.. but the song's heavy drums and happy chord progressions and melody leave me with not much else choice as to how to classify the tune. The tune's title doesn't seem to fit the tune, really. It's got some nice sections, and the drums have been handled nicely overall, though I feel they could be better overall. The samples used all sound like GM samples, which is okay, but also might not fit this kind of tune as well as others. The sections of the tune fit together well enough, but in the sections where everything drops out and we have only drums and bass, it really shows how thin the bass is; it could use some help. Also the guitar samples partway through don't fit the overall characteristic of this tune; it almost needs something more gritty there, for added contrast. Musically, there's not really too much of interest, although there are some interesting moments throughout the tune. Technically, the track is done well enough. There are basic effects used, and it could really benefit from more panning, instead of the occasional use it has as it is. The samples are all pretty lo-fi, which isn't bad for this kind of tune; however, they could use better loop points. Also, one or two of them are out of tune when compared to the rest. There are very basic envelopes used, some of which don't work to their full potential since loop points aren't always present in the samples. Overall, this is a tune with some interesting drum work, but it does seem to be a fairly early attempt. | |
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Title: Kajahtaa sLo-miX -- T-Dj Filename: kajahtaa_slowmix.it |
Posted Sun 20th Apr 2003
Rated 7 / 10 |
| This is a good tune - it's not quite a true trance tune; but there are some elements of trance present. The tune starts off with a really interesting and perplexing introduction which progresses nicely into the continuing sections of the track. The effects all sound quite good, and really add to the overall effect of the tune. Before long, the pace of the tune picks up and we hear some good progressions coming through. There's some great stereo work present; it helps provide a wonderful character in the tune. The various ideas of the tune all work really well; there's a great atmosphere in the tune! I've not heard the original (this is apparently a remix) but this version sounds great - very nice work. On the technical side of things, there seems to be some pretty good work. The samples all sound pretty good; if not a little retro (probably intended to be this way). The tracking work seems pretty solid, and the artist makes good use of effects. After pattern 27, the artist did leave some samples hanging over from the previous section without cutting them off or muting them; it's more of a technical problem than a musical one, though, as you can't hear the sounds without muting the other channels (the channels in question are 26-28). The samples all sound pretty good as they're used, but several loop points could have been chosen better. The volume envelopes used are pretty effective. All in all, it's a tune with slightly above-average technical work that has a great sound and atmosphere. | |
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Title: Chaos [Xaimus Darkmix] Filename: traxorxl-xaimus-chaosdarkmix.it |
Posted Tue 15th Apr 2003
Rated 7 / 10 |
| Okay.. I must be honest. I am NOT a trance fan! However, this tune caught me off guard. Quite off guard really. The tune has your typical trance elements in it, but it also manages to morph into several different representations of itself. It's based on two-pattern segments; every two patterns you get a new idea of some sort. There are several breakaway sections where some really cool things start to happen. Now, as the artist himself mentions, the tune repeats quite a bit (it is 10 someodd minutes long) but still there are only a few points where I get the feeling that I've heard the idea before. The artist does a pretty good job keeping the level of interest going, though there are those times when the ideas are the same that do start to get a little old. Technically there's some good things going on in several places. VST effects have been used. Some mid-level effects as well in several places (mid-level meaning effects that are used well and not everyone uses them all the time). The samples used sound great in the song, but you can really start to hear some of the loop points (they could be better). Also, there are some great choices for volume and panning envelopes, and a really cool/effective filter envelope (on instrument number 30). Overall, it's a trance tune with a good amount of material which can keep the listener interested throughout most of the song; but it has a few moments where some slight improvement would make the whole tune sound even better. | |
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Title: Ultrasyd-Ahzahgail Filename: ultrasyd-ahzahg.xm |
Posted Mon 14th Apr 2003
Rated 7 / 10 |
| This one's got some good moments, while other times it seems a bit repeatitive. The basic theme is set over two chords, though some of the time there's a great melody going on overhead. Sometimes, though, the guitars are panned over to just one side; the balance would be better, in those cases, to leave them cenetered somewhat. There are some orchestral elements layered into the main heavy metal body of the song, which add somewhat to the style. There's also some spanish-sounding influence in the guitar solo, which I like. The tune is pretty good overall, with some good melodies that spruce up the otherwise simple two chord progression. Technically the tune is more bland than if you just listened to it without looking to see how it was made. The artist uses hard pannings and doubles instruments to achieve the full stereo effect. The guitars were played and recorded in (understandable since you can't really get good guitar samples and track with them). The samples are all pretty good, though some could use better loop points. There are also a few good volume envelopes used. Overall, it's a good song if you like to hear lots of heavy guitar distortion :) | |
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Title: Persistent Pageantry Filename: persist.xm |
Posted Mon 14th Apr 2003
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This is a pretty interesting tune! It's got some great things going for it. Some of the samples seem to sound a little subdued; but the artist uses some interesting synths in combination with other samples to get a great variety of sounds for the tune. There are several sections of the piece, which all really work together to form a great atmosphere for the tune. The melody jumps out at you in several places, and yet in others it lazilly roams about; a great contrast. This tune has several great things going for it. Partway through, the piano comes in with rolling chords; another interesting contrast. There are several interesting choices of chords used as well, some jazz voicings. On the whole, I'd say everything fits well for this kind of song. The technical side of this tune shows that the artist has a pretty good grasp on tracking. The effects are well placed, if slightly basic. The opening section uses some string/synth pads to set things up; the second set of which slide up in pitch to trade off back to the first set (which could use a similar effect to help improve things somewhat). The panning seperation seems to be effectively used. There are several complex sounding rhythms used which compliment the tune. The volume and panning envelopes are all well used. Many of the loop points for the samples were excellent, and some could have been chosen better. Overall, this is a great tune! | |
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Title: Graveyard Dwarfgoat Filename: vaso-gdg.xm |
Posted Mon 14th Apr 2003
Rated 4 / 10 |
| This tune revolves around the same two basic chords throughout most of the tune. It doesn't have a strong melody, but occasionally it changes gears to maintain interest. It's got some well voiced and heavy chords in sections. There are some vocal samples which are hard to hear/understand with the other stuff that's going on. Some of the samples don't seem to fit very well, but do give an interesting effect at times. There are few effects used, though the arpeggios used at the end are interesting. The samples are your basic run-of-the-mill synths; some using loop points which are decently chosen, and others using basic volume envelopes (the string/pad sample employs a well chosen envelope). Overall, it's an interesting experiment of a tune, but nothing really spectacular. | |
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Title: feeling better Filename: fbetter.xm |
Posted Mon 14th Apr 2003
Rated 5 / 10 |
| This tune is a pretty catchy yet somewhat short one. It's got a few great themes, and some interesting ideas. There's not a strong main melody in it, but it does have it's moments. It can fit a wide variety of "classifications" but it seems like it would fit a game menu or something. It's short; just as soon as it really gets going, it's over; but it does/can loop. The samples and overall lack of a definate melody nonwithstanding, the bass sample does lay down a nice little groove. Technically, there's nothing really impressive in this tune. The effects used are all very basic, and the samples are stock samples or are right out of a synth. There are some basic volume envelopes used. It was made back in 1998, so it fits with what several artists were doing back then. Overall it's pretty ho-hum sounding; it's got a lot of room for improvement; but it is still kind of catchy. | |
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Title: Arctic Bay Filename: xg_arcticbay.it |
Posted Thu 16th Jan 2003
Rated 6 / 10 |
| This is a nice tune that could have been better with more attention to panning and effects. As it stands, it's well made, musically. It flows from one section to the next pretty well, though at the more transitional times the drums could use more variance in volume. Everything just seems pretty static with this tune, though; it doesn't sound like the artist used any stereo seperation at all. The balance of the tune is pretty good, though it could use a stronger bass voicing. There are other times when the instruments (not just the drums) could make use of some creative differences in volume, especially at the transitional places of the tune. The tune does have a catchy beat and feel to it, though it does tend to be kind of flat. However, there are some really unique sounding samples used at times, which is really cool. The technical side of this track seems pretty basic. The tracking could use more effects, especially (as mentioned above) good use of panning (stereo seperation). The artist uses some volume effects well, but the tune could really be better with more extensive tracking effects. There are some great samples (with pretty good loop points, too!) used in this tune, and some really effective volume and panning envelopes... but still, the artist could capitalize a lot more by using stereo seperation in this tune. Overall, it is a good tune with room for improvement in the effects and tracking. | |
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Title: C. D. F. Filename: z-cdf.xm |
Posted Thu 16th Jan 2003
Rated 7 / 10 |
| This is some cool music that seems to be carried by the variation added by the effects. It is a great mix with some industrial sounds blending in. It's got a great balance, though it could use more thematic variation from time to time to keep the listener interested. The effects sound great, and are well used. Sometimes I think the bass might do well if it were a bit stronger (in parts); but the overall balance of the tune is still good. The samples all sound clear, and seem to be used well. The vocal samples are somewhat distant sounding; you have to turn up a bit to understand them (that might be the intent; not sure). Overall, it's a good (but slightly repeatitive) tune. Technically, this track shows strong tracking skills. The effects are specific, well placed, and you can tell the artist knows what he wants, and puts it there. The samples are all good, even in this 'raped' version (to use the artist's own terminology). Some instruments use fairly basic volume envelopes with sustain, but they fit with the song; I don't believe that more detail here would have helped much. As for ideas to help improve the song slightly, while there is good stereo seperation, perhaps more variance in the 'area' that an effect is played in would help. IE, instead of a metal effect playing on the left side each time, vary it slightly. This would help add atmosphere to the tune. Overall, it's a good tune with some great effects, though it can grow to be a bit stale-sounding. | |
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Title: Morning after Filename: y0da_ma.xm |
Posted Tue 14th Jan 2003
Rated 7 / 10 |
| This is a great track which could be better with more variation. The effects are all done very well, and seem to be the best part of the track. The drums are nice, too. I like the use of stereo and panning effects; except for the bongo (it's either left or right; there's no middle ground). For that much stereo seperation, it would probably sound better if the instrument weren't as loud; or maybe even had some reverb, or a panbrello for a more smooth transition back and forth. Musically, the melody picks up best near the end, which is done fairly well for this kind of tune (although it almost seems a bit sudden). Overall, the music done fairly well. Technically, this track is done well, but there is some room for improvement. The samples are all chosen fairly well, though some could have been better. Some loop points aren't well chosen, though you don't really notice them in the tune itself. There are some good volume and panning envelopes used, though some of them could be timed a bit better. However, there are some great effects used throughout this tune, which help to add the variety and mood that really make this tune rock. Overall, a good tune with a bit of room to improve. | |
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Title: Spectral Analysis Filename: ybgc03.it |
Posted Sun 12th Jan 2003
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This is quite a good tune, though it gets a bit repeatitive at times. There are several great sections, and my favorite starts in pattern 28. There are also some funk/groove elements after that point, which really adds some color to the tune. I would have liked a better developed ending, though, instead of the fadeout that the artist decided to use. However, the tune does stand strong on it's own, and makes good use of a variety of sounds to create it's mood. Really nice sounding tune here! I'm seeing a good understanding of tracking skill here. The artist makes excellent use of effects, and the tracking has been done well; there are some really great sections in this tune. Throughout most of the tune, there isn't a lot of stereo seperation; though late in the tune the funkier melody does make good use of stereo effects and panning. There are basic but effective volume and panning envelopes on some of the instruments, and the samples are all nicely compact and well used. Overall, this is a good tune with great tracking, though the ending could be improved upon. | |
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Title: Frosty! Filename: frosty.it |
Posted Sun 12th Jan 2003
Rated 6 / 10 |
| This tune is, for the most part, done really well. There are a few times when the chords don't line up really well with what you'd expect to hear (not sure if it is the artist's choice, or a mistake). However, the tune does present a somewhat new take on this popular holiday song. There's not much of an intro, it just picks right up with the tune. The ending, however, is a simple fadeout; while it can be effective, I would have preferred to hear it end somewhat differently. Overall, the tune is an effective combination of a slightly techno style and some good chip. Technically, the tune is decent. The artist makes use of three channels for the bass drum (tripling it to increase the volume) - the rest of the samples or channels could have been decreased in volume if the bass drum wasn't loud enough. The samples are about what you'd expect for a chiptune; and the artist made some use of a panning envelope for one instrument. I'd say the 'minimalistic' aspect of the above mentioned details fit the song, though. The effetcs and actual tracking were done pretty well, too. There is just the issue of (perhaps) too many channels, and the duplicate ones mentioned above. Overall, it's a well made tune, with perhaps some room for creative and technical improvement. | |
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Title: "A Bit Of Eternity"v.1.01a Filename: a-abit.it |
Posted Thu 1st Aug 2002
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This is a good tune which finds strength in good sounding samples and a good sense of musicality. The sections of the piece flow together quite well and each section compliments the song as a whole. The effects are sometimes a bit too pronounced for my taste; yet the artist more than makes up for this with the variety of composition. There are several very interesting sections; the artist has done a very good job at blending everything together. Musically there is really not anything bad happening - the panning is even used quite effectively. This makes for a very good mix of atmosphere and dance genres. Technically, the tune is done quite well. Many of the samples (especially many of the effects) are 8-bit; but most people probably could not tell simply from listening to the song. Some of the loop points (very few) have a slight bobble in them, but overall they are well chosen. Volume and panning envelopes (where used) are interestingly applied. As far as the tracking goes, there is an excellent blend of standard tracking and advanced techniques. The artist really seems to have balanced everything quite nicely in this song. Overall, this song is quite good, providing an interesting blend of atmosphere to produce a unique sounding tune. | |
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Title: `Morbid dreamS ' Filename: djisox-b.xm |
Posted Mon 17th Jun 2002
Rated 7 / 10 |
| The music here has been done pretty well, it seems that the song holds it's own pretty well. There are several differing sections which bring some variety into this piece, which is a good thing -- as it fits well. The samples used all have a retro (almost synth/demo) sound to them, and it's kind of interesting to hear them used in this style of tune (not all that uncommon; just interestind :). The music contains some good energy and the artist plays around briefly with a modulation which fits, but does prompt the listener to realize that the samples are being stretched to fit a wide variety of frequencies (ie they go pretty low for their sample rate). Overall, the music is good, and it shows a lot of energy and drive which is good for this type of song. Technically I'm seeing some pretty decent work. The samples used are all pretty good quality; the weakest I see are most of the drum samples (although the reverse cymbal is great). Also, whenever volume envelopes are used they are effective; panning envelopes (where present) could use more variance in the panning (not extreme, but more than is there -- there is only slight panning which isn't always discernable to the listener). Maybe it's a good thing that the artist doesn't pan everything, but I'd still like to hear some bigger pans than are present in the envelopes. The tracking is good, more than basic but not quite advanced. The effects are also pretty basic but are well placed and well executed. There seems to be the case of too many channels (ie some are not used often) and the artist does make use of them, but I feel that overall he could have gotten away with using fewer channels (however this is not a big gripe). Overall I'd say this is a well done piece of work which stands out musically as a good original tune. Good job :) | |
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Title: The Light Filename: 1_djb_tlg.xm |
Posted Mon 17th Jun 2002
Rated 7 / 10 |
| OK kids - the music has been made well, and everything in the song fits in very well. I understand that this is a remix of another song by DJ Azur, so I might have done well to download and listen to it first; but... Anyway, there is nothing that sticks out musically or seems out of place, everything seems to work very well for this mix. The samples all sound pretty good, though I would like to hear a better piano sample. The effects used in the piece have been done well, and it seems like there's enough panning to make me happy. As I've not heard the original, I can't make any claims to what the artist here has changed or improved upon; but I can say that it is a very good club tune with enough variation to not bore the listeners. Good work here! The samples used are all very fitting to this style of music, and upon examination, I see that the loop points used have all been placed well, with few exceptions. Also, the artist has made fairly good use of volume envelopes. Structurally, the song is done pretty well, but I would like to see the artist use less channels to accomplish what he's doing (it is possible). Each channel is dedicated (and named) for a specific part, whether it be the strings and piano for most of the song, or the seldom used effects: each gets their own channel. This isn't really a bad thing, but the artist could have easilly cut the number of channels used down by 4 or 6 by using some channels for more than one sample/instrument. Also, some patterns are either identical or very similar to some which have already played; it would be cool to see some of them reused in the pattern order instead of copied into a new pattern. The biggest gripe I have stylisticaly comes between patterns 26 and 27 -- the strings in 26 are nice and flowing, but when the next pattern arrives they lose their mysticism and instead just play some static chords. It may have been a conscious decision on the part of the artist or an honest mistake; and if it were a decision, I find myself wishing they were more identical (ie both using the midi macro effect). The panning used is fairly static and never really changes; some channels/samples tend to be panned slightly left while the next is panned slightly right. This helps balance the song well enough for a good stereo effect, but now after looking at the song itself I find myself wishing for a bit more from the panning and effects standpoints. However, I would tend to say that this is a decently put together song, and musically it stands on its own quite well. Good work! | |
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Title: put the wrongthings right Filename: right.it |
Posted Tue 2nd Apr 2002
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This is a pretty cool song that seems to keep building and building until the very end. It's pretty upbeat, once it gets going; but at the beginning there's a really nice ambient/atmospheric section. There are one or two small voice samples from The Matrix in this one, but as short as they are and that they are not instrumental (and the song isn't based on or around them at all, really) I cannot say that it is a bad thing. Really, though, the sections of this song really fit together well, all of the transitions are handled nicely. The samples also sound really good. Technically, there are a lot of really good things happening in this track.. The tracking was all done quite well, and the effects the artist used have been done very well. At the beginning of the track, the artist uses a very slow tempo/speed for the pattern, which I have not often seen. It is effective in saving space in the track's patterns. The samples used sound good, though some of them have loop points which are barely audible (at the end of a decay, for example) and aren't really needed. A few of the samples use volume envelopes, and they are well made. The panning in this track, when present, is both done well and effective. Overall, this is a well made track! (note: I am not sure if this is the same artist that has an artist page here, but I included it as well just in case.) | |
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Title: Homeless Dog Filename: homeless_dog.xm |
Posted Tue 2nd Apr 2002
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This is a really great and enthralling tune which has just the right balance of just about everything! It's a slow and groovy mix with a great and addictively catchy melody, accompanied by some very good chord progressions. It certainly sounds as though the samples used are of top quality. Technically, this track starts off very basic, but the artist then adds a lot and uses the effects in the track quite nicely. The loop points of some of the samples aren't perfect, but you can't hear this in the track itself, only when reviewing the individual samples. The instruments also have some good volume envelopes on them. Overall, this is a great track that sounds quite professional. | |
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Title: The Fields of Rohan Filename: c-rohan.xm |
Posted Mon 1st Apr 2002
Rated 5 / 10 |
| This is a pretty decent song which almost sounds experimental because of some of the things the artist is doing. It's got a pretty standard beat and a good trance feel, mixed in with a Europop/dance feeling as well. The thing that really bugs me about this piece is just about halfway through the song, when a soft synth voice comes in; the artist is sliding the pitch all over the place; often producing some quarter tones in the process. In a way, it adds a strange ambeince to this track. Other than that, the music is pretty straightforward; the sections do fit together, but some of the drum samples seem to be hindering the track from really taking off. Technically, the tracking is basic. The artist uses minimal effects (mainly volume to create the pulsing synths) and the portas to slide the pitch of the synth voice around. Upon examining this section, there are no "porta-to" notes at all; the artist has manipulated the pitch by using only up and down portas. While this is somewhat interesting to see, it creates some minor tuning issues within the track which distract the listener. The samples are all pretty decent, but loop points need some work. The instruments, however, contain some good volume envelopes. Overall, a pretty decent track that, with some work, would be really good. | |
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Title: Beast Wars Megamix Filename: bwmix.mod |
Posted Mon 1st Apr 2002
Rated 1 / 10 |
| Hmmm.. This is an interesting track... It is mainly made up of samples taken from Beast Wars, and mixed together in a pseudo techno-rave style. As far as mixes go, this one's not too bad. There are times, though, when the music splits from center panning to left and right echo; which kind of confuses your ears a bit. Also, at the end of the track, the drums that come in are at first way too loud; but then they quiet off back to a reasonable level. I would suggest that if you like Beast Wars to get this track, because of some of the humerous samples in it. Musically (if the piece were to stand alone without the mix samples) there's not much holding this one together. OK.. In looking at the samples, I found all of.. one.. that does not come from Beast Wars. Could a cartoon be considered a commercial source of samples?? Well.. anyway, there is actually one sample which uses a loop point; and it has been picked without flaw. Aside from that, most.. well, of the tracking is extremely simplistic; there are no volume commands, no effects (save the propriatery panning) and... not much to this track folks. I'd only recommend it if you really like Beast Wars! Some ways to possibly improve this track might include more music (tracked music, not sampled from BW) to give it an interesting twist, more (and varried) percussion, and effects. Overall, this is just a sample of Beast Wars cartoons mixed into a file; while somewhat cool to cartoon buffs, not really interesting to the musicians. | |
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Title: * The Stars Above * Filename: st3_sta.it |
Posted Sat 30th Mar 2002
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This is a great overall tune that really is very beautiful, as St3vor claims in the song comments! From beginning to end, this luscious tune really hits home. The samples all sound good; though the piano sounds just a TAD bit out of tune with some of the strings used. The sections of the piece all really flow together; the artist has done a good job with the sound and atmosphere in this piece. The melodies are also really great; they really draw the listener in -- this is a really beautiful piece! Everything that the artist has used in this track really helps to compliment the overall sound. Another great track from a great artist! Way to go St3vor! Technically, I'm seeing a great understanding of the tracking technique. All of the effects that the artist has used are all done well. The volume envelopes for the instruments that have them are all done quite well. Many loop points are chosen excellently; though a few could be just a bit better. As commented in some of St3vor's other reviews, he has a somewhat simplistic style of tracking; this is evident in this tune, he doesn't do anything flashy or otherwise unnecesarry. Everything seems to really fit the tune quite well. Very nicely done! | |
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Title: UNLIMIT - The rain Filename: unm_rain.it |
Posted Thu 28th Mar 2002
Rated 5 / 10 |
| This is a pretty good piece which seems to have been put together pretty well. There are some good effects samples used, though the rain sample could be better. The guitar pretty much plays the same thing throughout the piece, adding a somewhat dreary tone to the piece (very fitting to rain IMO). At times, there's some drums going along in the background; they actually sound like they're going twice as fast as they need to be. Also, there doesn't really seem to be a lead. The tracking here is really pretty basic. Very few effects are used (mainly just volume stuff). Some panning would really help this piece out. There are some basic volume envelopes here, one or two of them might have been done a bit better though. The rain sample would have sounded better if it had been 16-bit; however, the other effect samples are awesome! Also, upon examining the samples, I found the drums were actually a drumloop; I still feel as though the harmonic progression of the guitar lends itself to a drum loop which would be half the tempo of what has been used. Overall, a nice tune which has a few flaws, but some really nice effects. | |
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Title: PRIMIREA / Dj Vais Filename: primirea.xm |
Posted Thu 28th Mar 2002
Rated 4 / 10 |
| This is an interesting and peppy piece that would really have been a lot better with some variation. From start to finish, you hear each of the expository sections several times. While the themes sound really cool and are done very well, it frankly just gets boring by the end (actually, there is no "real" end because the song is designed to loop!) Anyway, the sections all fit together well, and the samples used sound good. It was really fun and somewhat unexpected to happen across this song, because it's so vastly different from most of the tracks out there; but it really suffers from lack of variation (repetition ad nauseum). The tracking in this piece is done pretty well; though there really aren't any effects used. Of course, with a piece like this, one doesn't really need to use effects. The samples are all decent, some of them sound rather strange... Many of the loop points were chosen quite well, but some could be better. There are some great volume envelopes used in this as well. Overall, this is a pretty basic track, with great themes that are just repeated way too much without any variation. | |
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Title: MedRom-Celtic Filename: medrom-celtic.xm |
Posted Thu 28th Mar 2002
Rated 6 / 10 |
| Subtitled "A Tale of Hope and Dispair," this song really has some good moments. Part of the reason I say it is "Experimental" though is because it has some atonal moments, and doesn't exactly fit the Celtic music I'm used to. However, the sections of the piece fit together well; they are well connected. The samples used sound pretty good, though maybe the drums could be a bit better. There are some really nice moments in this song, but the atonal sections are just funky. It's hard to tell if the artist intended them to sound like this or not. Now, celtic music doesn't normally fit into a key, but more into a mode; but this one doesn't stay in one mode when I feel it should. It's not a bad song, though. The tracking in this piece looks to be pretty good. The artist uses effects well. There are some decent volume and panning envelopes present, which is good. The samples are pretty good, but some loop points could have been chosen better. Also, some of the samples sound really muffled; but most of them sound good and are used well. Overall, this is a decent piece that has been tracked pretty well. | |
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Title: Crystal's Cry Filename: crystal1.mod |
Posted Wed 27th Mar 2002
Rated 4 / 10 |
| This is an interesting piece, which sounds as though it was made a long time ago (hence the "Retro" in the classification)! I picked this tune to review for this artist because of his suggestion on his artist page, that it was the best of his works so far. The samples used are undoubtedly the cause of the retro sound; they all sound 8-bit (which isn't bad). Anyway, parts of this song remind me of the old Popcorn song which came out a long time ago. The atmosphere the artist creates is cool, very "crystal" sounding. The sections of the piece fit together well, and everything seems to work pretty good for the track. Some of the samples, though, are a bit too loud in comparison with everything else that is going on; but, otherwise, this is a decent piece. Technically, the tracking is pretty bland. Not a single effect or volume setting was used throughout the entire piece. The one sample with a loop point has been picked pretty good, but might use a little more work, as there is still a small "bump" in the sound. The artist could really have balanced the piece with attention to volume, and some panning would really have created a cool atmosphere. Overall, this is a fairly straightforward track which sounds pretty good, but could have really used some more sophisticated tracking. | |
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Title: kay Filename: kay.it |
Posted Wed 27th Mar 2002
Rated 4 / 10 |
| This is an... interesting tune, that could use more attention to tracking, and also some kind of lead. There are elements of the song that work well, but it seems as though it is more of a "first draft" which could have used more work. For example, parts of the square "lead" are out of tune, and don't blend well with the rest of the track. There is a sorta nice water effect that the artist uses in places, but it steps up and down in volume instead of fading, so it's almost a distraction. Also, most of the "leads" in the song sound more like a background or counter melody than actual leads. Some more attention to the drum samples would have been good, too, as in one point the toms sustain quite noticably instead of fading out like they should. It really just sounds like the samples used were some generic ones, too; perhaps some better ones (or some tweaking on what is already there) would help. The sections of the song, however, seem to fit pretty well together, and the soft bongos really help to augment what the artist is doing. Its just that the square voice mentioned above has a few points where it slides around to pitches which are out of tune; this gets to be a little weird after a few listens. Technically, there's nothing really special which has been done in this track. The tracking is all very basic, and the artist doesn't really use any effects save for some volume sets and the occasional slide (which would have been great if also applied to the water effect). The artist uses drum loops, as well as some extra drum samples for fills and/or add ins at times. On a good note, the samples which have loop points use them well; but, as this is an IT, the artist could have used some instruments to create volume and panning envelopes, as well as sustain points and to create note decays (like for the toms which sustain too long in pattern 18 and into the next). Many of the samples, by themselves, sound pretty good; but some more work in actually blending them all together to make the song would have made this a better track. | |
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Title: Kundalini Dreams Filename: sw-kund.xm |
Posted Wed 27th Mar 2002
Rated 7 / 10 |
| This is a great twist on the traditional DnB style which makes good use of samples! I started digging this track from the first time I listened to it. It's got some really great sections, which all fit together nicely to form a good track. The samples, though most are from another DnB tune, all really sound pretty good. There seems to be just enough variation and use of effects to really make this track come alive to the listener. Technically, I'm seeing some pretty decent tracking used in this one. While many of the things the artist is doing are pretty basic, the effects he uses are done quite well. Also, I saw some good use of the volume and panning envelopes on some of the instruments. The samples used are all of a good quality. Most of the samples which used loop points were done well, though they still had some little bumps in the sound. Occasionally, I also noticed that a few of the samples didn't have a good decay on them; as if the decay had been cut short to save space in the song. Overall, though, this is a pretty good tune! | |
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Title: Trauma by XtremeFX 1295 Filename: d_trauma.it |
Posted Wed 27th Mar 2002
Rated 5 / 10 |
| This is a pretty good track, but it sounds like it's missing a few things. The music consists mainly of drum breakbeats and a few vocal samples. The different sections of the song all come together nicely, and the transitions are pretty good. While the piece isn't really all that long, I do tend to think that it starts to sound a bit repeditive; perhaps some variation could have been provided with a bass line. The samples also sound pretty good; though I feel like this would have been a great DnB if, again, a bass were present. As it is, it stands alone as a piece pretty well, though. On a technical standpoint, very basic tracking was used to create this song. There were no real effects used in the patterns, only some use of set volume commands. I feel like the song would have been better with some effects samples and panning, to really make the song more immersive. The samples, as mentioned earlier, were all pretty good, and there were even some good bass and effects samples which don't appear to have been used in the patterns. The volume envelopes and sustain points used were all fairly standard. I almost got the feeling, after seeing some empty channels in the patterns, that the artist had had some bass and effects in the tracking, but later took them out. I find myself wishing that I could hear what they sounded like now! Overall, this was a decent track which could have been better as a Drum 'n Bass track. | |
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Title: Dawn on Mars Filename: mars.xm |
Posted Wed 13th Mar 2002
Rated 5 / 10 |
| This is a neat sounding tune, which could have made much better use of effects and some more advanced tracking. It does get you thinking of waking up one morning on Mars though! :) The sounds that the artist uses are pretty good, though it tends to be a bit repetitive. It has really good "Twentieth Century" sounding progressions with "tall/thick chords" and all. The samples seem to blend together well, and the tune moves from one section to the next without losing it's character. The only thing I really thought was strange is that the tune seemed to be quite a bit softer (volume wise) than most other tracks; I had to crank the volume up a bit to really listen to it. Overall, the music is interesting, but it would really have been much more enjoyable had the artist used some more effects. On the technical side, I quickly found that the artist intended this tune to repeat :) It already flows along nicely, so this wasn't much of a surprise. However, the artist doesn't really use any effects to produce this mellow track. He's used the set volume command exclusively, and I really think a track like this would definately benefit from some neat pannings. Also, maybe some of the effects could have used some glissandos or tone portamentos. For a lot of the song, some volume slides would have also added to the atmosphere. The samples were really nice, though one or two could have had some better loop points. Also, the artist has varied the lengths of the patterns to really make it more odd sounding; which is good, for this style. :) | |
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Title: Deep In My Soul Filename: j-dims.it |
Posted Wed 13th Mar 2002
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This one's a really great tune that could be even better if higher quality samples were used. Don't get me wrong, the ones used very much fit the song, but some of them are a bit tinny; the whole experience would be great if the texture was a bit more rich, and some higher quality samples could help provide that thickness. As a whole, the song works wonderfully as it is; each section moves right into the next, with a great flowing melody and a kind-of driving beat pushing it all along. Overall, this is a really good tune, but would be better with more attention to the samples. From a technical standpoint, I'm seeing a pretty good understanding of the effects, and the artist really uses them nicely. The only think I might ask for in this track is some panning; it doesn't need anything grand, just a bit of a pan in some sections; maybe that would draw the listener in even more. The artist has used some portas, and mainly uses volume changes and note cuts to get the sounds he wants. I must say that the drum samples used are really quite good. Most of the loop points in the samples are picked well, though one or two have a few little "bumps" in them that could be worked out a bit better. | |
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Title: RAINS Filename: rains.xm |
Posted Wed 13th Mar 2002
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This is a good sounding piece which seems to have been tracked very well! The music really has a good groove, and everything fits the tune quite nicely. The sections all move together very well. The samples used sound good, though some might be a bit basic (which is not a bad thing). The artist has also made use of some nice effects samples which augment and support what he's doing in the tune. Overall, this is a very nicely done track. In the tracker, I noticed that the artist really seems to have a grasp on what he's doing. He's used several effects, and has done well using delayed samples to get the funky swing feel that's going on, instead of setting different tempos every other line like many other trackers do. Some good panning is used, though it's pretty basic. The samples are all really pretty good, though some loop points used could have been picked better. The artist really uses some great volume envelopes and sustain points for a really good effect. | |
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Title: <Experience Of Life> Filename: di_elife.xm |
Posted Wed 13th Mar 2002
Rated 6 / 10 |
| This is a pretty good song that could have been improved with some more attention to some samples and a bit of better tracking. The music and sections all fit well together, and each section moves into the next pretty well. Some of the samples used could have been better, but overall they are all right. One of them is out of tune a bit, though, which detracts from the experience. Also, the crash cymbal sample really sounds odd. Throughout most of the song, it seems to be a bit repeditive; which is why I'm thinking of it as a trance-like tune; although, still, I feel that the artist could have developed some sections a bit more. Overall, the song is somewhat static, but easy to listen to and fairly decent. Tracking wise, this is a pretty basic piece of work. The artist has used the set volume command exclusively, though he's done it fairly well. Some additional effects could have improved this track a bit. As mentioned the samples are OK but could have been better; and while most don't use loop points, a few that do could have also been picked a bit better. Most of the instruments have some basic volume and/or panning envelopes that have been disabled; some of the ones with sustain points don't make use of samples which are sustained, so some of the effort is misplaced a bit. | |
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Title: sneaky little elves Filename: elves.it |
Posted Wed 13th Mar 2002
Rated 9 / 10 |
| This is a very interesting piece which fits the mischevious title that the artist has given it. Everything really sounds good, and the samples and instruments fit quite well with the song. Musically, the piece moves from section to section quite well, and the music really works well. The artist has made some great use of suspensions, and he works them into the music at just the right points. The drum samples all sound really good for this kind of tune, though the timpany "rolls" don't sound as up to par as the rest. Overall, a really cool tune that has been tracked pretty well. Technically, the tracking is all pretty good. The artist uses a lot of portas with the melody, and also vibrato and volume slides, creating a very effective mood. He's even using some panbrellos at times, which help add to the atmosphere. I would like to see a bit more panning in places, but at least some has been used. The samples all sound really good, and it seems that the artist has chosen some more orchestral sounding ones with real note decay as opposed to using a tracked decay. The only gripe I might have here is that some of the loop points aren't picked that well. With the instruments, very few use volume envelopes; but the ones that do use them well. | |
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Title: Farewell, My Friend Filename: hyo-fmf.it |
Posted Mon 11th Mar 2002
Rated 7 / 10 |
| This is a peppy, upbeat tune that has a lot of energy, but could have used a bit more on the technical side of things. The progressions and development are pretty basic, and some of the samples could be a bit better, but overall the tune has some really good moments. As a whole, the piece is designed well, and the sections move along quite nicely. Overall, this is a good tune that lacks a tad in the tracking department, but is still a nice one to listen to. The tracking in this tune is pretty basic, but is also effective. The artist doesn't make use of many effects, save for the basic volume sets and some basic panning; but where used, these are done well. The samples are pretty good, but the piano doesn't sound tuned to the rest (though it is close), and most of the loop points aren't honed as well as they could be. There are also two identical synth string samples which have been used with slightly different settings, and the volume envelopes (in the two instruments) for those two samples are both a bit different. Perhaps the artist could have used the same sample with two different instruments for the same effect. While the sample in question is small and doesn't cause a big increase in file size, it being used twice is worth noting. Otherwise, everything seems to be in order. | |
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Title: Mira Filename: mira.it |
Posted Mon 11th Mar 2002
Rated 8 / 10 |
| This is a pretty cool song inspired by an interesting star :) (check out the info). The song begins with some cool spacey windchimes and moves along with a nice melody. It's not very complicated, but sometimes the best music never is! Anyway, the samples used all sound pretty good, and the musical sections fit well together. Kruser is even fitting a bit of a light swing into the mix, which goes really well. At times, the bass notes don't fit with everything else that is going on, but this is usually resolved well. Also, the variance of pitch in the cymbals seems (at times) to be out of place, and some crashes seem a bit louder than they need to be, but otherwise the tune is fairly solid. Overall, it's a good tune with some interesting twists that fit well together. Technically, we can see a pretty straight-forward piece of work. Not a lot of effects used, and some panning would have helped the "spacey" atmosphere a bit. Of particular note are the instruments, as they use some good panning and volume envelopes. The only weak point here is that one of the viberaphone samples is softer than the others used to make the instrument; though listening to the track doesn't seem to reveal that on it's own. | |
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Title: mickus.s3m Filename: mickus.s3m |
Posted Mon 11th Mar 2002
Rated 9 / 10 |
| Now this is a great tune! Upon listening to it a few times, I really started to dig it. It's too bad the artist hasn't left us with any information about him/herself, as this is a great piece of work. Musically, the piece just rocks. It fits together very well, and each section of it transitions into the next very well. The artist uses some good samples and tempo changes, and even fades some Jungle beat in nicely! From the slow and majestic ending to the upbeat finish, this song is very energetic and keeps you tappin' your foot. This is one that will soon be in my "best songs" list! Technically, this tune's looking quite well. The artist has made use of several great samples, though at first one of his leads seemed a bit too "bright" or loud to me; but after listening a few times, it really doesn't stick out as much as I had originally thought. The artist used some great drum loops, and has got some really funky sounds going on. The tracking looks pretty good, as the artist has made good use of effects throughout the song. The panning is wonderful, and really compliments this tune. There's really not much more to say; this is just a good piece from beginning to end, and there's some creative tracking going on here. | |
Title: demo 02
Filename: demo_02.it
Rated 2 / 10