once more, apologies for the super late "closing" of SWC055. Due to a myriad of reasons, things got delayed. However, i did invest some time and also wrote up some feedback. As usual, I've listened to your entries several times, on small speakers (2 inch drivers), very boomy headphones ("seasoned" Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro), with paying close attention, with working in the background, etc.
Overall - you all did great work, in some cases it was super close (I really had a hard time regarding the main "tie" that couldn't be broken up - in the end I went by the "generally more cohesive end-product"). Pity that @J.Ruegg didn't join in on the conversation again.
Anyway... final feedback, and my vote. The follow-up post will be the results.
Thank you for your patience.
In no particular order:
Olli H
Very interesting "Classic" Pop Rock feel, very interesting vocals. Although I might definitely change the balances between instruments ever so often (like put a bit more emphasis on the strings, raise the vocals just a tad). It feels well "rounded out" overall, and translates well to most listening environments (headphones feel a bit intensive on the bass).
mobiledrummer
Definitely feels like a 1980s production (if we go by the plain sound), but it is also super "bright" (too much high frequency content) and certain instruments feel like they just drift apart (volume and frequency balance wise - especially on small speakers - things could be more connected with the right global FX). This production is also among the busiest in terms of chord progressions - at least the original was. The "current" version is definitely more tame. I still kind of miss a certain cohesion, and the ending throws you a bit for a loop. Overall, it's great.
A Future In Noise
Every time I listen to your voice, I am confused if I am actually listening to Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) or not (which is a compliment). Overall, the mix feels 1970s (Creedence Clearwater Revival), is very ambitious with the chord progressions constantly modulating/changing. It is also very bright (small speakers) compared to headphones. In this case, the kick and bass vanishes a bit in the mix. I wish the lead/melody guitar would be real, like the acoustic guitar. Great attempt this month!
becsei gyorgy
Straight forward 4-chord production, with used vocals from a sample-set. Sadly with a too strong focus on the mid-range (vocals), and the percussion/kick) feel "thin" and not as balanced like you'd usually go for. I like the overall concept, but it feels a bit rushed. Which is apparent in the mix (especially on small speakers), and certain sung phrases towards the end of the song, which run "out of place" to the given beat. It is a different story on headphones (which feels a bit more cohesive, but still fairly mid-range heavy). Sure is "different" this month.
Esteve Corbera
Very modern "Retro" Pop that feels like "I've heard this in the 1980s", only that it has a more voluminous (sound) revival these days. I think this is one of your best SWC productions so far. I'd still go back and change the balance between the synths a bit and maybe pull down the hat and clap just a tad (this feels like a headphone mix, because on small speakers, things really "pop out".
But other than that, it's simple, it's catchy. Although a proper ending would have been nice. Please keep it up.
J Ruegg & Lila
Pity that we didn't hear back from you this month. A very interesting modern pop production. Although the "weak part" here is the vocal mix. The first section feels too dry and "flanging", the second part is too overpowering. In places, the timing is also a bit off (timing). However, I do understand the "last minute" recording situation, and this affected the mix. But the vocals really do add so much.
Else, it's a really interesting and catchy production, that just needs a bit more cleanup and mixing work. I'd love to hear a finished version, and I also hope we'll hear from you again in the coming months. Maybe even more collaborations like this.
Arelem
Something I did not expect: "Industrial Rock"... not quite "Contemporary Pop/Rock" if you ask me, but the main idea was to song-write in a certain key. While the chord progression works, the weakest part is the mix I'm afraid. I would have processed Shreddage 3 a bit different. And for your vocals (to go more towards Nine Inch Nails), maybe band-passed and then distorted them (like a telephone) to give a more distressed effect. But as usual, music is subjective. It just didn't speak to me as much this month.
I really like that you are one of the participants, that use the "feedback mechanic" the most. Please keep it up.
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The winners podium consists of:
