Thanks for the critiques everyone, I'll take them to heart. Really impressed with how professionally done the tracks were. Really hope to learn from more than a few of you.
Jilliam - Heavy Exhale
Nice brutal sounds at beginning, the groove kind of misses an opportunity
to re-assert on the 1, but continues the momentum. I think the track
has a strong sense of identity, but doesn't really strike me as big beat track.
For production confidence I do like it.
Mark S. - 2nd Step
If I take a step back I hear 90s in this one in a good way, but more
so like a Madonna b-side after she starts going electronica than big beat.
The groove is very understated, but I like the interlude samples
that sort of paint the space between. I'm into the impressionistic aspect of it.
TrojakEW - Little Racer
First of all, cute premise. I like the racing samples used and you
used them well to drive the track. The beat itself doesn't quite
have that prodigy breakbeat vibe, but it almost doesn't matter. Nice job.
I like the bass that comes in towards the end - I wanted it deeper but it works.
Anthemic - Assemble
Heavy opening, but wanted it to get going sooner. Nice chorus sounds.
It has a very strong beat, but its typical four on the floor. Not breakbeatish.
Regardless good mix and production consistency.
Leonard Bowman - Weapon of Choice
Nice open production. Just a few more tweaks would've given you that
breakbeat aspect that I feel is important in the ratings of this.
It's a laid back track. Good usage of the samples, especially 'silence' variations.
-kx - Experience
Nailed the breakbeat and the synth delays. Sounds like classic 90s big beat to me. Perfect level of resonance on the synth. For the goals of the contest, I really hear the target genre. Great mixing as well.
I feel like I'm playing Wipeout in '97. Great drum programming. Just great.
Goes a little long is my minor critique.
toadhjo (Henry J. Olsen) - Sharper Knife
Very nice opening, dark and ominous. Vocals are perf. This is really cool.
I'm picturing Trent Reznor trying to do big beat. The industrial angle is cool.
Good job getting the breakbeat and nice work on the drum programming and
mix.
shiftdelete - The Virus
Wow sounds like you found or used the 90s sample discs? The production
is spot on perfect for the time period but with modern spatialization. I like.
Great job with the beat variations. Mix, production and composition sound
effortless. Love the synth growls around midway, so beautiful. The scratches
really do good with the rhythm. Sounds like something that should've been
on the Hackers soundtrack.
donkey tugger - I am donkey, you are not donkey
A little classic rock, why not. This is Kid Rock vs. Smashmouth vs. Moby to be
honest. I do like it, but not quite the target genre. Production of it is brilliant. It's very professionally done and somehow sounds very laid back
despite all the in your face elements. I feel like you if you made an album
of this it would soar to the top of some chart somewhere.
Marc Rapture - NXT Level
Sounds good but a little under developed in terms of composition.
Needed a little more umph in the synths or something midway.
Mellow Browne - Flint Eastwood
57 till we get goin. I'm going to pretend I'm the music industry asshole and
say we need to get to it sooner, especially if you lead with a high pitch squeal. The beat isn't bad, has some good feel to it.
► Show Spoiler
shiftdelete - The Virus - 11
donkey tugger - I am donkey, you are not donkey - 10
-kx - Experience - 9
toadhjo (Henry J. Olsen) - Sharper Knife - 8
Leonard Bowman - Weapon of Choice - 7
TrojakEW - Little Racer - 6
Jilliam - Heavy Exhale - 5
Marc Rapture - NXT Level - 4
Mellow Browne - Flint Eastwood - 3
Anthemic - Assemble - 2
Mark S. - 2nd Step - 1