As with SWC03, I also added some technical details at the end of each report, after analyzing the WAV files (in fact, I only listened to the WAVs). You don't need to do that. I just want to give you a small overview of where to look out for in the future maybe.
To not run into the controversy as with SWC03, I tried to respond sooner. In fact, I could have done this shortly after the link collection already, but I was super tired.
Fix in the Mix - Noise Break
From all three productions of this month's game, this is the most aggressive one. You have modulating noises (which I'd love to know how you created those), you feature aggressive drums, you introduce distorted instruments, a pumping e-bass. The production in itself does fit the theme of the month (in fact, this is the best fit), we even hear some stuttering effects/recuts of the main drum loop and bass as transition effect. Plus, there is a completely unexpected acoustic guitar thrown in as well.
However, and this is where I have a small issue with: as hinted at by you (songwriter) with the fact that this is another last-minute-entry, the production feels a bit unfinished, even cuts off abruptly. This is a real shame IMO. The guitar squeals for example (if they're guitars) feel a bit out of place, there could be way more lowend (with synthetic drums or a sine bass), the distorted synth on top off he bass line could see even "more" distortion, maybe a completely different chorus effect. But it's a great start so far - so please do expand upon it, maybe resubmit it to this thread at a later state.
TECHNICAL BONUS INFO:
- production was in 48kHz 24bit
- Loudness was -13,7LUFS ILk, -11,7LUFS SLk max
- track was -0,27dBTP max
- mixdown had a DC Offset of about -51,9dB (I assume this is because of the saturation effects, maybe an error with the "guitars")
kc23 - Gibberish
This production is the most laid-back from all entries. I'd actually fit it more into the "alternative rock/electronica" section. I do like the instrumentation - driven bass, crunchy guitars, synth pads/effects, the occasional voice sample, a rolling beat. But during the first two minutes, I was always like "so when does this production kick into overdrive?!". The middle section felt more like "progressive rock" (which sounds good on it's own, but doesn't necessarily fit), which then ultimately transitions into what one could call "alternative" (with a 4-to-the-floor kick and syncopated drum rolls). But it's still so washed out and mellow, that it never really "jumps out", which is sadly only emphasized with the last 2 minutes of the production (which push you into some sort of trance).
I kind of expected a different kind of aggressiveness I think. Production wise, there could be more separation between the drums, synths and guitars (stuff does drown out a bit). But other than that, I don't know what to give you as hint to fit this production more into "Big Beat" - maybe less reverb on the drums, while pushing them more upfront might be a good start.
Interesting production however, definitely worth a listen - it's just not fitting for this month's theme.
TECHNICAL BONUS INFO:
- production was in 44kHz 24bit
- Loudness was -16,9LUFS ILk, -14,9LUFS SLk max
- track was -4,20dBTP max
- mixdown had a DC Offset of about -80,5dB
OctopusOnFire - Dreams in Spanish
I really did not expect to download 123MB - with 7:28min, this is the longest production this month (and to me, also the most finished one!). Maybe even a bit too long.
This track offers an interesting blend of various musical styles, trying to flow into each other. I did like the oldschool drumloops (if that is really Addictive Drums with Sampled loops, great work!) which are backed by the bass, the thrown in vocal stabs, the synths. This works really well in the overall production, and is a nice blend from Chillout into Trip Hop/Big Beat, back to Chillout (breakdown with the Spanish guitars). Only to sadly fall a bit out of place (due to different sounding drums) at the 7:10min mark. Which brings me to my comment, that this track might maybe be a tad too long maybe and the ending feels a bit out of place as well (though I like the glitched time-stop effect)
While I did like the creative sample usage, I did miss some aggressiveness in the bass range. Like a sub-bass kick/drop ever so often that supports the bass (which could also run a second bass line with the same bass on top). Maybe some noises flying by your ears. Overall, it would fit perfect into the 90ies (more chilled) Big Beat genre. Something I'd definitely enjoy on a long train ride while watching the sun rise/go down. So it's still within the "theme" of this month, just not as aggressive as I expected.
What you could try to look out for however, is a better blend between jumping of the drum sets. Maybe let the synths cut through just a tad more (different EQ). Sound effects could also be a bit more subtle (risers) - but that's just a personal thing.
TECHNICAL BONUS INFO:
- production was in 44kHz 24bit
- Loudness was -14,7LUFS ILk, -12,3LUFS SLk max
- track was -0,34dBTP max
- mixdown had a DC Offset of about -124,0dB
SUMMARY:
All productions this months are interesting in their own right. I did kind of expect more rolling/aggressive beats and less mellow sounding productions that might have fallen off because "too slow for Jungle/Drum and Bass". But it was a great start. You stepped out of your comfort zones, which is an interesting task in itself. And you made it really, really hard in terms of voting for me as one production fit the genre so well, but wasn't finished (which to me, ultimately looses points). The other was more laid-back, but could have seen a tad aggressiveness. And the last one was an interesting production overall, but sadly fell out of this month's theme/genre.
I'm also a bit dishearten, that we only saw three entries this month.
My votes (<4 participant rule applies)
10pts - OctopusOnFire
9pts - FixInTheMix
8pts - kc23
See you in Songwriting Competition 05
