Mix Challenge

@APi_ZZ - Scaffold
I think the drums and percussion are the stronger elements of the track here; they actually remind me a bit of the OST to film The Fifth Element, which I like. Overall the track is pleasing to listen to, but I feel like it doesn't really go anywhere aside from the changes of section. I can see how you've used the two chord structures to provide the "scaffold" for the track, but it's crying out for some more movement to create interest. The production is very good on the whole though, good mix, nice and balanced with nothing sticking out.

@bpackard - Framework
Initially the intro feels quite abruptly cut-off at 0:31, but I guess in the context of a film trailer or such it would work. I think you could cut this first section altogether though as it's not really needed. You've created brilliant tension and atmosphere from then on with the strings and orchestral percussion, but more bass is required! I want to feel those impactful hits coming out of the subwoofer, but it's barely moving! A very good emotional change of pace follows for the centre section before it falls back into the dark tension as the workers return and doom awaits them. The voice and choir towards the end are fab, really ending it on a high there. I think your work is definitely ready to submit to publishers, go for it!

@Arelem - Torn Down
A very good production from you as usual, it's definitely got your signature sound - but reign in that loudness a bit, you're losing good points there! The lead bell sound carries some melody but it's quite repetitive - more variation would make it more enjoyable. I appreciate though that the melodic themes were probably originally planned to be carried by the vocals that got scrapped. I like the break around 1:18, it gives a nice breather to the centre of the song. I really like the drum groove from 2:15 to the end, it adds much more movement to the track - I think it would have been good to have more of this.

@Crosshatched - Frame for Nothing
This track would be right at home as incidental music for a film or TV show and certainly has emotional intensity driven by the solemn piano chords and swirling low synths. I can picture it played over a scene in an abandoned warehouse surrounded by scaffolding so I actually think it works really well with this month's theme in that respect. I do think the lead synth is a bit loud and piercing in places, eg: around 1:05, I can feel my ears really tighten on those high notes.

@Rafitown - Scaffold Theme
Welcome to the community, Rafitown! Wow this track has got some deep bass frequencies to it, those low 808-style kicks are very powerful - maybe a little too overpowering?! You have chosen some nice timbres and tones with the instruments on the whole though, the strings sounds very ethereal. There are elements of a common melodic motif from the piano but it's quite short and I struggle to recall it when the track finishes. It could be the change of pace of the 'B' at 1:10 - this a big change and almost feels like a different track altogether has started until the 'A' section returns at 1:56.

Production-wise, kick drum aside you've done a very commendable job. My only suggestion would be a little more high-end on the drums and percussion to make them sparkle.

@KukoBass - Scaffold Ska
This is a great Ska track with a really authentic rhythm! Very soon after pressing play I found myself moving my shoulders and bobbing my head while listening. The drums sound right in the pocket, not only the rhythm but the tone and timbre too is exactly as I would expect from the genre, you have researched this well. You've written some great brass lines too with very good reinforcement of the "ska-ffold" vocal calls and I love the interplay of trombone and trumpets that starts around 1:30.

It does feel like it needs to be a little bit longer, maybe extending for one more pass through the main theme with a little brass or guitar solo over the top. The main calls of "Scaffold!" also come in slightly behind the beat, they just need a little nudge in the DAW editor window and it would instantly sound that little bit more professional. But regardless, I love what you've produced here.

@EsteveCorbera - La Bombeta al Sostre del Garatge
I really like the intro here, it sounds very industrial/technical and your track has good build ups and changes of emotional intensity and energy. I think the guitar sound that comes in at 0:54 is a bit too dominant in the mix here and harmonically things in this section are very complex with some clashing. But one of the things I do love about your compositions, Esteve, is they are never boring! You always try new things and I admire this greatly about your work. Perhaps for the next challenge, try and thin things out a bit with the focus more on a select few instruments or synths; aim for some simple, memorable melodies.

@becsei_gyorgy - Architects of Life
A cool track and quite an exotic feel with the use of the Phrygian mode; if I close my eyes I imagine an outdoor night-time rave in the Egyptian desert so in this respect it's very evocative. It does feel a little "unfinished" like it needs some polish, but it's still very pleasing to listening to and I particularly enjoyed the interplay of the lead male vocals and female backing. In my experience though, Kevin isn't a great SynthV voice to use for leads as he's a bit too robotic and inhuman; I would instead try Saros or Oscar (although he's marketed as a Chinese voice Oscar's cross-lingual English singing is great).

@Doc Jon - Crane Town Man
This is a fab track with a real Dire Straits vibe like you say. Structure, instrumentation, lyrics, melody, vocals, relevance to this month's theme - I think it's a bullseye in all respects, well done, Jon! I particularly love the Knopfler-style guitar tone and the little extra touches like the bell tree, Hammond organ and tambourine. Your vocals too, they're honestly great and very pleasing to listen to; this track is so likeable and an instant earworm, I have no doubt I'm going to be humming this to myself all day! I also like the choice you made to fade out at the end with the backing vocals carrying the tune, I find it leaves me wanting more and pressing play to listen through again.

The only possible improvement I think you could make is on the production side, where the vocals and maybe the mix in general are lacking some lower frequencies making them sound a little thin; but on the whole just a wonderful track, I love it!

@Cdbaksu - Molly
Well now, you are clearly an accomplished musician with very strong musicianship and it sounds like you have put a good degree of thought into the construction of your instrumental base to mimic this month's theme. I really enjoyed the polyrhythms of the combined L-C-R drum sets, this was definitely the strongest and most enjoyable element for me. I do think that the lead melodies jump around too much though to be very emotionally engaging, they feel like solos extended throughout the entire composition and I wasn't able to hook into anything particularly memorable; I really do admire your talent though, perhaps it's just a difference of musical tastes.

Production wise, your mix is very solid. All elements are thoughtfully positioned in the stereo field and the frequency spectrum is smooth and nicely balanced. Where I would definitely say an improvement can be made is in the apparent "realness" of some of the instruments and the drums in particular - they sound very "MIDI" for much of the track and quite stale/lifeless. I would suggest applying some extra modulation and varying your reverbs to create more realistic environments that will add subtle, human-like variations to each hit/note.

Also, as others here have pointed out, please try and be more constructive with your feedback. Reading what you wrote about many of the submissions this month, I found it very disheartening and it came across as really quite rude. Yes, you have a great deal of musical talent but there's no need to be so elitist about it; instead why not share this with the community to help us improve? I do hope you participate again and I look forward to hearing more of your compositions.

1. Doc Jon
2. bpackard
3. KukoBass
4. Cdbaksu
5. becsei_gyorgy