Sorry, it took me a bit to get to the feedback - the BTS work and weather related health issues have been really taxing.
Anyway - my "balance vote" - although after listening to all entries, I am unsure if I'll even add a "random number modifier"
Octopus on Fire - Russian Robot
Very interesting production to totally comes out of left field. Heavily reminds me of the "Bemani" game series or even the "Touhou" Dojin Music scene. Vocaloid just gives that vibe. Sadly, Vocaloid also has one major problem - the understandably (which takes a lot of editing time). I really have to listen to that production on repeat again to fully understand the vocals - because as of this moment, I am not sure if this is a "spy theme" or a "hacker theme". Not your fault.
I definitely like the sound design of the production - although I can not confirm that it's strongly compressed (just... doesn't feel like that for this genre). I think the arpeggios are from Waves Codex (I should look into that synth, it seems to have Wavetable capability as well), while the main synths come from SynthMaster. A bit un-fitting IMO is the kick drum - but overall it works really well and i like the syncopated beats in the transitions (I assume it's an Addictive Drums electronic drum kit preset).
And I have to admit, I'm having this on repeat. Not only that - I'd love to hear you get back to that production, change the one or another thing, make the vocals more pronounced, then maybe get this into the "Mix Challenge" for the future.
TECHNICAL BONUS INFO:
- production was in 44kHz ???bit
- Loudness was -7,4LUFS ILk, -5,5LUFS SLk max
- track was +0,65dBTP max (clipping - no WAV provided so I can only go by MP3 limitations)
- mixdown had a DC Offset of about -80,05dB
Mister Natural - Whole of the Moon (Cover Version)
I had to get re-acquainted with the original version of this production. Not to make a comparison per se, but to understand your spin on it (it's been a while since I heard this song). The Waterboys original from 1985 was definitely classic rock, while your production went towards 80's minimalist synth pop (think "The Man who sold the world" cover by Midge Ure). Very interesting spin indeed - however, I do not consider this spy themed - unless you take the songwriters original idea of "there is so much more to understand" (see
Songfacts) into consideration - which you did in your submission post. So, point taken.
Production wise, it's definitely an interesting spin on the song - you cut half of the lyrics and left out parts intentionally as well. I definitely do like the 80s type rhythm, but it sounds a bit "dulled out" overall. It feels more lofi (Vaporwave-ish) than 80s "hifi". The vocals are a bit irritating however. I wouldn't say they're bad, but they sound like as if they're pitched ever so often. They're also very "VHS" sounding (or as if you'd sing through a TV - like an AI) - which is a pity, because I'd actually feature them more in the production. The random delay effects are also not always working - they're honestly distracting.
Else I'm liking the E-Piano and Synth work, I also like the vocoder additions. Build upon that! Overall - as I said, an interesting production, even if it's a cover version. But mix wise, there is definitely room for more.
TECHNICAL BONUS INFO:
- production was in 44kHz 24bit (WAV)
- Loudness was -21,9LUFS ILk, -18LUFS SLk max
- track was -5,86dBTP max
- mixdown had a DC Offset of about -inf dB
Beeble - The Great Escape
Right off the bat - I am happy that you started/finished this project after all. Because it is some really outstanding work in my opinion. The music might be simplistic, but sound FX and voice sample usage really shines in this production. "Computer Game Cutscene"?! Definitely... heavily reminds me of the old-school "Syndicate" (1993) blended with Point and Click adventures and some System Shock. I can only imagine how much work was put into it. You should post some screenshots for sure.
As mentioned, music wise it's simplistic - I wouldn't be surprised if this were really just loops from Uberschall Elastik - but the "whole picture" is important. And there was no rule on "create music only" this month around. So definitely great work. Would have loved to have a bit more "Background chatter" or "story", but this is hard to pull off with limited given samples.
I can't really add much more. Other than that the majority of this "radio play" fells like it's coming from center and isn't placed in the stereo field as much. Even with headphones it doesn't feel that spacious (only the music is). Maybe that is worth revisiting - even with modern day "headphone surround" techniques.
TECHNICAL BONUS INFO:
- production was in 44kHz ???bit
- Loudness was -18,3LUFS ILk, -10,4LUFS SLk max
- track was +0,01dBTP max (clipping - no WAV provided so I can only go by MP3 limitations)
- mixdown had a DC Offset of about -62,00dB
SUMMARY:
This month, albeit very low in participation again, was once more very interesting. To see an electronic production, an 80s synth pop production and a very cool radio play - that is definitely something different compared to what we usually hear on this game. Outstanding entries for sure. I have to admit, I initially had a clear winner, until I heard the radio play.
My votes (<4 participant rule applies)
10pts - Beeble
9pts - OctopusOnFire
8pts - Mister Natural
See you in Songwriting Competition 10