Frictional's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Super Metroid - Brinstar Overgrowth (SEGA Genesis Remix)]

Not bad, but you definitely lacked on mixing. For example, the cords are too loud all the time and the bass can't be heard very well, but this is a subjective thing, I guess. Also the kick is almost useless, considering that its volume is WAY TOO LOW. I could barely hear it; and last but not least, the drum pattern should have included more particulars, give to the track a faster and more (I know you'll hate me for what I'm going to say) modern; we're not in the SEGA times anymore, we should look forward and, why not, we should try to mix retro electronic music with more modern elctronic music. Hope you'll like my review and don't hate me too much.

.:FRICTIONAL:.

Kherr responds:

Your response isn't straight up just saying it sucked without offering why, so I don't hate what you had to say. I'm not like some people, I can handle constructive criticism and I actually like it because it shows me where to improve. Yea, I made the mistake of mixing it on an external 150w PC soundsystem setup instead of my headset, so that's why levels are a tad messed up. I just listened to it on my headset and yea, I see what you're talking about, so thanks! Now I know not to mix down using my external audio lol

[Kirby's Amazing Boss Fight]

The drum doesn't match the melody AT ALL, and having a piano as lead instrument and other synths in the backgrounds makes the track very awful. Also I think that this kind of MIDIs are not premitted on Newgrounds, I'll ask about it.

Aisnon-A responds:

I appreciate your feedback. Though, there are some things about it that must be pointed out:

"The drum doesn't match the melody AT ALL"

Since you were providing constructive criticism, it should be stated that such statements indicate nothing about quality unless one explains or implies how. In Oni Niiro's Gourmet Race, a near identical drum rhythm is used when the lead is played. The same rhythm can be found in SSBB's remix of Gourmet Race as well. Also, before Gourmet Race kicks in my piece, the drums do match the melody, so the emphasis on "AT ALL" is excessive. Nevertheless, I will take your statement into consideration for future projects.

"Having a piano as lead instrument and other synths in the backgrounds makes the track very awful"

I don't want to assume what was meant by this, but for the sake of discussion, I'll assume , " [...] makes the track [sound] very awful." In this case, I would not know how to make use from this possible interpretation because appealing to one's tastes does not mean anything to another. To me, the piano and the synths sound well together, making the interpretation personally absurd. Similarly, if one considers a literal interpretation, then the claim is not useful to me because the lack of explanation, especially since music is equally defined by structure and sound, while the statement refers to only sound.

"Also I think that this kind of MIDIs are not premitted on Newgrounds"

I, too, was a bit concerned regarding the use of MIDIs, but then I read the policy regarding them. If I understood correctly, so long as the musician does not replace the MIDI's individual tracks with another instrument and modifies the structure/notes/etc, it is permissible. Kirby's Amazing Boss Fight's composition differs from the original mix's composition, but that's only being said within my best judgement. I do not want to misinform you on this matter. Proceed with whatever investigation you have done.

Wooo. That was a mouthful. I want this response to be consider as a helpful suggestion, or possible reminder of the basics of providing constructive criticism. When I read this, I was admittedly grateful for the low-score review since that means opportunity for improvement, but the provided feedback lacks useful constructiveness. That being said, I do appreciate your time spent on writing it (and reading this response).

Thanks.

[Bradley Spectrum - Dawn [Original Mix]]

Meh...I checked out some of your other tracks, and, I'm really sorry for what I'm going to say, but this is probably one of your worst one, if not THE worst.

1 - Some parts in the melody from 0:00 to 1:03 are compeltely wrong, because the melody that you composed with one doesn't match the one in the other synth; to be more precised, at 0:13 and at 0:28, you can CLEARLY hear that one of the melodies, possibly the background one, ruins COMPLETELY the lead one;

2 - This is probably something that you chose to do, but some synths don't match the lead melody they sound WAY to much RANDOM, if I'm explaining myself well.

As final vote I give 2 stars, because I like your other works, like your remake of "Sky" by Steerner & Martell; If it wasn't for your other works, which proove that you have really good potencial, this track wouldn't worth even not an half a star.

.:FRICTIONAL:.

Falsesouth responds:

Thanks for the review. This track was so hard to work with to be honest. At least you are explaining your rating.

[Calming wind]

Not that great work, you should have been spending way more than 4 hours of work, the piano doesn't fit the rest of the song at all.

CrisTheGamer responds:

Yes, I´m going to work harder for my next track, I also thought I had not invested enough in the project

(Sorry for bad english)