I've been doing quite a lot of acoustic stuff recently (having a couple of new guitars helps..) and can see what you mean about the 'American' sound (got that on another few tracks too, including one which is verging on the edge of being full on country..Mister Fox wrote: ↑Sun Apr 29, 2018 02:39 CEST
This one is unexpected for me, as DT usually goes with a lot of modulation effects and synthetic additions to his guitar work. This time around, it's mostly driven by acoustic guitars and sparse synthetic instruments. Definitely refreshing. The production itself sounds very... very American (instrumentation and chord progression wise), but I just can't put my finger on it what this reminds me off. Maybe some U2 influences?
Technically, a lot can still be done. My main criticism is still the "honky" midrange filtered vocals (I know, you're still working on that) - although I like the switch between ambience-intended vocals and in-your face distortion. The overall mix could see a bit more cleanup as well (audio engineer speaking now). You used an interesting mix of deep frame drums (or toms) and some acoustic drums - but they sadly don't cut through the mix. The 12 string also sounds a bit too far in the back - as if you recorded in a not-ideal room. Pity - but the overall production counts (and it sure does).
I couldn't resist however to add some "broad mastering FX treatment" while listening to your track. I could make your track so much cleaner and more impactful this way. Want to check it out (zip file)
) On this I think it's got a bit of 60s folk influence, perhaps a bit of U2 as you say, and I was thinking a bit of Blur too - the key changes and distorted bits mainly.On the other stuff- do take the point on the vocal. It's not a million miles away but still not the sound I want. Have therefore bought (yet another) new mic which I do like actually for once (some cheapo condenser which already sounds miles better than either the AKG, Samson, or Shure ones I've go. I shall experiment further.)
On the 'drums' (it's a kick drum from a kontakt library and the 'snare' is a sample of the guitar being slapped) I really didn't want to over egg them. Sometimes it's about just having more than anything a 'feel' of something in a track rather than having them full on in yer face with bombast (especially in something like this) and cutting through. I've always done a lot of that - putting in stuff which is a bit more subliminal in nature (too much My Bloody Valentine etc at a formative age..) The 12 string I recorded with both DI and mic (seem to remember) and it's a blend of the two. At some point I'll probably have a think about the relative balance of the three sets of acoustics, and may also re-record the Variax '12 string' electric parts with the new Electric 12 'Shitenbacker' (it's actually not bad...) I've just bought. Anyway..not bad for a quick job..
I had a listen to your master effects. Can see what you were getting at as a type of more 'radio' sound., and of course it's always less than ideal working on a full mix, but the treble really does come across as quite harsh in places, where I think the song needs to be quite 'warm' and more muted, closer to the folkie roots of it. Cheers anyhow.
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