Alone in space (mpn-ais.xm)

Posted by christofori on Sun 3rd Mar 2002, rated 6 / 10.

Here's a good piano ballad sounding tune, which is tracked fairly well; though it also has some room for improvement. The artist has used some fairly nice piano samples; though the listener may notice that they are just a bit out of tune from the strings in places. The tune could benefit from more dynamic contrast, especially in the piano; the artist used some volume slides for certain instruments, but some are already so soft that you can't really discern the volume slide. As a whole, the song definately fits well together. Each section, when a new instrument is introduced, connects seamlesly with the next; which really causes the tune to grow and evolve. The modulation (at around 1:32) is fairly direct, but is handled quite well, and really fits a tune like this. On a technical standpoint, most of the samples have good loop points; but a few could have been better picked. The volume envelopes are done well, particularly with the square-sine "flute" sample, which provides a great counter-melody partway through the tune. It involves some nice, soft vibrato which really compliments the sound of the sample. While the counter-melody fits well, it might be improved by adding some slight pitch slides, or other sorts of ornamentation. The artist didn't really make use of panning, and some slight or moderate panning might improve the atmosphere of this tune. Also, the bass note in the piano cuts off a bit early in one spot; when examined, it appears to be due to a misplaced note cut.