[Roundhouse_Kick]

Hey guys I finished the rough mix for this last night, it is my submission for my composition module in my music technology degree. I made basically a 10 minute metal epic! I'd say I was influenced pretty heavily by the blotted science album which I have been listening to NON STOP for a couple of months, and there are also some dream theater / frederick thornendal moments.

If you have 10 minutes to spare I'd really appreciate you having a listen and telling me what you think. Production wise, playing wise, arrangement - anything!! I'd also like to know if you can follow what the woman is saying, and if the 'plot' is apparent.

If you do start listening id urge you to carry on through the whole thing, it changes quite drastically a couple of times, and if you quit early you might miss out on the hammond solo!


I'm really happy with how this turned out I just hope my lecturers see it this way!

thanks, here is link SoundClick artist: David Leech - page with MP3 music downloads

[7 Dying Trees]

A bit too proggy for me, but some cool stuff in it though

One thing, near the beginning, lose the random piano plonks as they are horrible. or put some reverb on it so it doesn't sound so random, as it really just adds nothing to it at all.

Guitars (rythm) I'd say need to be a bit more prominent in the mix.

I'd also place some effects on the voice over and give it a more distant feel, and some stereo spread as it sounds very dry and through the centre. Maybe have some ambient noise/synthy stuff going on in the background over the spoken parts where nothing else is going on? Also I'd definately try placing some form of light distortion or effects that make it sound like your "system" is struggling. Reverb on the voice would definately stop it sounding as alien as it does in comparison to the rest.

I'd also leave the last part out. Slightly joke like. THings about songs is that people often remember the beginnings, and the ends. If the end is horrible, or a joke, then it's the last thing someone will hear, and thus leaves the last impression. Always best to end on something strong and final.

Otherwise, well, as I said, in parts it is a bit too out there for me personally (too much jazz)

However, the playing is really really good, can't fault that at all!

[klutvott]

I think this was very good. reminds me of spiral architect, LTE and cynic. Love your playing. The solos were awesome. Good job!

[Concerto412]

im getting an error page, the link seems to be broken

[Roundhouse_Kick]

Originally Posted by 7 Dying Trees

A bit too proggy for me, but some cool stuff in it though

One thing, near the beginning, lose the random piano plonks as they are horrible. or put some reverb on it so it doesn't sound so random, as it really just adds nothing to it at all.

Guitars (rythm) I'd say need to be a bit more prominent in the mix.

I'd also place some effects on the voice over and give it a more distant feel, and some stereo spread as it sounds very dry and through the centre. Maybe have some ambient noise/synthy stuff going on in the background over the spoken parts where nothing else is going on? Also I'd definately try placing some form of light distortion or effects that make it sound like your "system" is struggling. Reverb on the voice would definately stop it sounding as alien as it does in comparison to the rest.

I'd also leave the last part out. Slightly joke like. THings about songs is that people often remember the beginnings, and the ends. If the end is horrible, or a joke, then it's the last thing someone will hear, and thus leaves the last impression. Always best to end on something strong and final.

Otherwise, well, as I said, in parts it is a bit too out there for me personally (too much jazz)

However, the playing is really really good, can't fault that at all!

Thanks for the feedback 7dt!

The piano 'plonks' (I prefer the term 'finely crafted chordal stabs' ).....well, in my defense I had been listening to a lot of planet X when I wrote that section. I quite like them I agree do need a better piano sound though.

I agree totally on the voice comments, my lecturer had talked to me about doing some clever stuff with it to make it sound like the virus was infecting it, but as I only put the voice stuff in at 4am the night before the deadline I completely forgot! I think I was mainly concerned with being able to hear it clearly in the heavy parts. I'll spread it out in the mix(atm its just two doubled tracks dead centre) and add some effects for a revised version.

The end.....I can see where your coming from. But I think it adds a tongue in cheek twist to the whole thing. If this was a song for my band, yeah, I'd take it out, but with the writing aspect of this piece I really wanted to just let my imagination run wild, so I guess some bits will rub people the wrong way.. And it fits my personality, having something stupid at the end

As for the mix, I think as a result of me mixing it on my stereo speakers, it has consequently sounded different on every system its been played on! On the stereo downstairs the drums are too prominent, on the surround system the drums are too quiet, on my dads pc speakers you can barely hear the bass! I think its time to invest in a pair of proper monitors

Thanks for the comments, all good food for thought, much appreciated



klutvott - Thanks alot man they are all bands that I love!


Not sure about the error page, the link is working for me?

[amonb]

Rocked!

I could actually imagine a story along with the music.... not a lot of tunes can do that to me.

[Apophis]

very nice

[ZeroSignal]

Ok here's what I think. (only my opinion depending on my tastes)

1. Your guitar tone is a bit spongy or loose for the leady bits. However it sounds amazing during the "infection" heavy and prog riffs. Tighten up your lead sound if at all possible. All rhythm sound are perfect. Except for the riff at 5:55 which are really loose and blend in together a bit too much. Lead tone at 8:00 is good though. Perhaps a bit more gain is in order?

2. Piano chordal stabs are great. Leave them in.

3. I'd take out the long "Virus" repeats by the vocals. I'd put in one loud "Virus" with reverb, chorus or 8ve down harmony or something to make it evil and slightly melodramatic. Even a much shorter delay would work well.

4. Ending is silly. But in a good way. Funny silly. Not sure if you should leave it in or not. I like it but if your lecturers have no sense of humour and demand constant professional attitude then it'll just be shooting yourself in the foot.

5. Possibly increase the level of the kick bass drums in the mix. They seem a bit too "clicky" in the background.

6. I found the synth "whoops" at 2:45 very distracting and slightly irritating. I would reconsider them.

All in all I actually really like this as a song. I love your use of tension. It's very powerful.

Keep up the great work.

-Ruarc

[Diggers]

Everyone's gonna have differing opinions on the mix. I thought the snare was a little harsh in the beggining - around 1.30 i think. Though, i quite liked the kick.

The chordal stabs could work well, it's just not a great sound, and they do need some reverb, or delay.

And i liked the ending, the guitar/hammond trade off was awesome

Incidentally, i'm doing the same degree as you, in my final year too. What uni are you at?

[smueske]

I think this is amazing. Very nice work. If I had one complaint, it's that there seems to be a slight timing problem at times between the drums and guitar. I'm guessing that's due to latency. Overall, I was very impressed. A great variety of inspiration, composition and execution.