Running Wild

[Basslint]

I think I've heard part of that song at one time. Not very good, quite blatantly ordinary.

I stopped listening to Black Sabbath after "Vol.4" came out. "Vol.4" was OK though.

Certainly wasn't ordinary in 1980, when it came out

Anyway @reteo, I found the mix very good. Nevermind the similarity to Crazy Train, that happens

[spamatica]

Yep, I agree, this is much better, the song was more interesting from beginning to end.

You took the stops to heart, which I think works pretty good, maybe the stopping chord could ring a bit longer, it got a bit empty... but there are always always details that can be changed one way or the other... effects, instruments, mixing, what not...

I would suggest calling it a day for this and make a few more instead.

I find I improve a lot when I keep the tempo up and do many songs. Talking mostly about mixing part of the process now, reflecting on the songs I put out over the last several years. Some songs I posted only two years ago I would never leave in that state now.

[Loki Harfagr]

Yep, I agree, this is much better, the song was more interesting from beginning to end.
...
I would suggest calling it a day for this and make a few more instead.
...
I find I improve a lot when I keep the tempo up and do many songs. Talking mostly about mixing part of the process now, reflecting on the songs I put out over the last several years. Some songs I posted only two years ago I would never leave in that state now.

I second these three remarks!

(especially #2, I'd guess now is a good time to have a go at "Diary of A Madman" )

[lykwydchykyn]

This is a great little tune. I listened to the original and the updated version, I think the updated is a lot better.

Since you asked for feedback, I'll just share what I might do differently if it was my track (doesn't mean it's right, just what I'd do):

- The EP patch doesn't sit well with me. I think it's because I'm a piano player and in my head, EP is a comping instrument. To hear it play a sequenced melody feels wrong to me. It also feels kind of dry. I'd probably add a dose of reverb to it and maybe layer it with something else to make it more synthy. Obviously its timbre still needs to contrast the synth lead.

- I'd want to hear some variation towards the end. Maybe bring in a second synth track to harmonize the original, or just loose on the synth with some improv.

- I'd probably add some subtle elements here and there to add depth to the mix. Extra percussion parts, arpeggios, layers of string sounds, etc. The kind of stuff you don't notice on the first listen, but just tickles the ears and provides for some repeated listening.

Again, though, that's just me and my biases. Nothing wrong with this track as-is.

[folderol]

Works for me. You've got some nice sound sin there, and nothing gets in the way of anything else

[jeanette_c]

Hi @reteo , I'm not making a deliberate pun, but this song has its feet firmly on the ground, in a good way.
I do agree with @spamatica about the break sections and the drums running on. It does not necessarily sound odd to keep the drums going and remove the bass, it depends on the kit, I feel.
Further alternatives for "enhancing" the breaks could be adding percussion elements or lend more wait to the drums, by changing the kick or layering it with something. Perhaps also change or layer the snare. The first thing that comes to my mind would be a 909ish sound, but the possibilities are endless.
This one point of criticism does not invalidate my opinion of the song. It's good, honest synthpop.
Best wishes, jeanette

[reteo]

Thanks for the review. If it helps, I did make some changes, and posted the results several posts later. Why don't you give it a listen and see what you think? I did take the advice from @spamatica, and did away with the continued pattern, replacing it with more a lot more emphasis using the bass and both drums (kick+snare) as a hit (sting? I'm not sure of the term).

[jeanette_c]

Hey @reteo , sorry I didn't see the updated version. This is great! Short and to the point those breaks. I like it.