Libre Music Challenge #17: Surge XT

[bsg75]

Code: Select all

+-------------+--------------------+--------------------+---------+
|Author       |Title               |Feedback            |Score    |
+-------------+--------------------+--------------------+---------+
| nyxeles     |Dancing In The Dark | Harmonies+++       | 3       |
+-------------+--------------------+--------------------+---------+
| MyLoFy      | Tubawub+Brolka     | New genre+++       | 4       |
+-------------+--------------------+--------------------+---------+
| a-lin       | Huscendance        | Hookiness++++      | 5       |
+-------------+--------------------+--------------------+---------+

Some more in depth feedback:
@nyxeles
Your harmonies are great and recognizable! They crystallize being one of your signature musical elements! I like the loudness and energy-wise dynamics between parts and that the melody keeps chaining. However, a break/pause with predominately atonal/percussive elements might help to bring the energy is bit down and built some tension for the next hook. I am not sure about the intro. I would start right away around 0:36.

@MyLoFy
Pioneering in establishing Brolka as the next big thing. Super cool When the Polka sections kicked in I was like and .
Production and sound design are - as always - top notch! You deserve a 5 for sure but sry, this time asublin caught me a bit more.
Extra kudos for developing every of your 37 SurgeXT instances from Init!!

@asublin
Dude, this is just super catchy with a great melody. Also the your SurgeXT patches are super sweet and support the catchiness a lot!
The nifty detail, that makes the difference to me is e.g. at 1:09 - 1:10 were a very short one is leading into the main melody note. I would have used a pitched bend. Your short note works far better

My only critique: The first third. The contrast to the hook is great, however some bass or some anticipation of the hook might help to catch your listeners even earlier!

[nyxeles]

Here are my votes.

• A-Lin - Huscendance: 5
  I think this is brilliant work! The atmosphere is gorgeous and the cute litte unexpected melody just makes me smile. The sounds are all so beautiful too. A very pleasant journey. No criticism really!

• MyLoFy - Tubawub Brolka: 4
  The intro is absolutely epic. Sound design overall is excellent. Drums feel particulary good!
  The polka bit kills me everytime. I know it's coming yet I still can't help laughing. But while it has great comedic effect, it does feel a bit out of place and forced.

• sg75 - Locrian Surgeon: 4
  I actually really like this! It's a banger all the way through. The rhythm is so engaging. The strings sound is impressive too. I thought the voice section was maybe a bit too drawn out and repetitive. The strings solo towards the end is pretty cool but the notes just felt a bit random.

[asublin]

@bsg75 said

were a very short one is leading into the main melody note. I would have used a pitched bend

Ahah, I actually tried the pitched bend as well but preferred the legato (or whatever it's called).

[asublin]

BTW, here's the source of my entry

https://github.com/asublin/asublin-comp ... uscendance

In the future, I'll systematically provide it.

[MyLoFy]

Hey friends,

here are my comments and votes:

@asublin
Considering you did this on your self-made tracker "extension" for ardour you'd deserve at least one extra point.

Composition:
Wonderful Bach like progressions, the main melody is so positive and confident, the brassy character of the lead fits nicely. Very well structured in general, the repeating parts have always something new to offer. The transitions are smooth.

Sound design:
I'd love to hear a more powerful kick, with a bit more substance. The finger snaps are awesome, as are all sounds really. The flute in the end is cool. At 2:00 the arpeggio is supported by a pad, which is just great.

Mix:
Drums are a bit too quiet for my taste, the reverby background is too resonant. How you automated the bass line fader is discreet, but effective.

Master:
Good frequency balance, optimal loudness

@bsg75
Composition:
Really only one theme really, but it's not boring at all, there is enough variety in there. The breakdown starts exactly at the right spot. Several tracks seems to be played by hand, which gives the timing and the whole track an organic feel, which is very nice.

Sound design:
The formant filters are a lot of fun, the percussion is great.

Mix:
Clean and transparent, the kick and sub bass are well separated. A nice little detail is the filter sweep during the breakdown.

Master:
Good loudness and balance

@nyxeles
Composition:
There's a clear concept. The drums could benefit from some variety, especially at 1:53 when the theme repeats for a second time. Imagine that with an open hihat or a ride. Breakdown is so cool and relieving. Ending: I love that you deny the listener the satisfaction of ending on the root note. leaving it all open. This track gets better with every listen.

Sound design:
The kick snappy, the bass has a great substance. The pad gets out of the way, but supports the lead.

Mix:
Clean, well done. Some decent, but effective fader automation. Great sound stage, feels like a consistent room.

Master:
Also, optimal loudness, no mud, I like the balance.

These are my votes, don't wanna go below 4, all great submissions:

Code: Select all

+-------------+---------------------+---------+
| Author      | Title               | Score   |
+-------------+---------------------+---------+
| nyxeles     | Dancing In The Dark | 4       |
+-------------+---------------------+---------+
| sg75        | Locrian Surgeon     | 4       |
+-------------+---------------------+---------+
| a-lin       | Huscendance         | 5       |
+-------------+---------------------+---------+

[nyxeles]

All the votes are in.

The winner is: A-Lin - Huscendance

1. A-Lin - Huscendance - 15
2. MyLoFy - Tubawub Brolka - 13
3. sg75 - Locrian Surgeon - 11
3. nyx eles - Dancing In The Dark - 11

All the data from the votes available in the attached spreadsheet.

lmc17.ods

scoresheet

(14.67 KiB) Downloaded 51 times

[bsg75]

Congrats @asublin Well deserved 1st place!
Thanks @nyxeles for organising LMC
Thanks @MyLoFy for your super elaborate feedback

Several tracks seems to be played by hand, which gives the timing and the whole track an organic feel, which is very nice.

True. Thumbs up for noticing!

[bsg75]

Here is also a trippy music video for my LMC#17 submission:
https://youtu.be/RMLticWsnoQ