EMBL3M's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Reef]

Really catchy.
The melody really reminds me of underwater, and I think that was the overall vibe you were trying to give with this. Good job.
Very well made, and the only advice I would give is to maybe make the lead in the middle of the song softer. It kind of creates a rigid edge that doesn't go with the rest of the sounds.
Otherwise, really well done!
4.5/5

BlockGhost responds:

Thanks for the feedback!

[Alacrit (Original Mix)]

I really like the overall vibe of this song, and the sounds are really good.
The buildup is really good, and the drop is phenomenal.
It could use more energy overall; it seems a little low-key for such an intense melody.
Other than that, it's really good, and I encourage you to keep going with this style. You've got a good sound worked out.
4.5/5

KaixoMusic responds:

Thanks! I was worried that it might sound messy... And I'm working on trying to put more energy in my tracks, still having trouble with that.

[Zyzyx - Be Yourself]

Very well done.
I really like the beginning, how it hits with the arp and then goes into the song.
The beat is so catchy, I love the synths you use.
The bass line is really well placed, and the piano after the first section is really good.

Speaking of the piano, where did you get that? If I remember correctly, you use Logic Pro, as do I, but the Steinway piano is too hard-hitting for my taste. Is there a specific plugin you use to make it sound more smooth and mellow? I was just wondering.

The tuning on the vocals is a little too prominent for me; I'd work on making it sound more natural, because the vocals sound very robotic.
The drums in the drop are crazy awesome; I love how fast they are, good job on that.

5/5

DJ-Zyzyx responds:

Thank you so much man :D I actually use the Yamaha piano in logic and I fiddle with the velocity a little bit to make it sound more human and I add a lot of reverb. Sometimes I'll actually play my keyboard.

As for the vocals, I know they sound robotic, I layered it with a vocoder and used a lot of autotune on purpose. I kinda liked the robotic sound. I thought it fit with the track, idk. Next time I'll try to be better at singing and use less vocoder/autotune!

Thanks again for the review mate :D
~Z

[Gravity]

This is a pretty good track!
The first thing I noticed was how well the pad in the background sets the mood.
The vocals, however, sound a little dry. I'd recommend some heavy reverb, or a modulated voice in the background, or both, or something to that end.
In the buildup, the vocals get a little off beat, so I'd watch out for that.
The drop is really good.
I like how it sounds overall; your music has gotten better recently.
4.5/5

TheMajician responds:

Thanks! Ill take the reverb thing to the next track for sure. Always workin on improvin

[Empress of The Gold Sun]

I love how metallic the beginning sounds, and then that guitar just totally draws me in to the song.
Maybe make that bass in the background a little softer, and it kinda overpowers the guitar.
The sections of this song flow well together, and I love how natural it all feels.
The drop is really good; I love how it centers mainly on bass, with the guitar and pluck in the background. The beat really brings it all together as well.
The mastering is excellent, well done on that.
This really is an enchanting track, and I'm actually listening on repeat at the moment because it's so good.
Beautiful sound, my friend. Beautiful sound.
5/5

TheMajician responds:

Thanks bro! Really appreciate all the kind words

[Improv 1/18/18 {WIP}]

beautiful, I love it.
I usually just listen to EDM and such, as that is what I create, but this is enough to draw me away for a while...
The way this piece "moves" in a sense makes me remember my happiest memories. I'm sure I speak for everyone, saying that.
I agree with LucidShadowDreamer in that you explored some uncommon harmonies, which I love because people seem to just reuse harmonies and melodies left and right nowadays. Good job on that.
Phenomenal job on this piece, and I can't wait to hear more of your songs!
5/5

Phonometrologist responds:

That's quite an encouragement to read. As far as uncommon harmonies go, one really just needs to listen to as much music as possible with many different styles. Eventually, one could get their ears tuned into whatever the underground river of music is playing. Otherwise we might not ever discover it, nor fully realize a piece of music's capabilities.
I'm not saying anyone has the ability to fully realize this flow. It just comes and as quickly it does, it goes. I'm merely at a brook at one end trying to catch a part of it.

[Pancake Pocket - The Way (DJRadiocutter Remix)]

you use GarageBand?
I suggest Logic Pro X if you use it, because Logic Pro, though pricey, is SO much better than GarageBand is.
Now then, on to the review...
I like the bass, though it could be a little stronger.
The drum line feels kinda incomplete; maybe put some quiet reverb on it or make the kick stronger, or both!
The buildup is pretty weak, and the drop is really really disappointing...
In the buildup, change the beat up. While that beat is simple and easy to use, it really creates this sense of no mood changes. The buildup needs to have higher energy than the rest of the track, to show that something epic is coming, and that brings me to my next point.
The drop is disappointing. Breaking it down was a nice idea, but I'd say that it doesn't give the impact I was hoping for.
Maybe, if you want to break it down (though this is personal taste), start with the breakdown, then make a drop impact and go on with the drop. Again, that's personal opinion, and a suggestion that you can completely disregard if you like.
Also, make the fade in from 2:33 to 2:50 shorter.
4/5

DJRadiocutter responds:

I'm only re-making what i heard in the original, and it only took about 45 minutes xD

Yeah, but i use FL mainly. sometimes i use some FX from garageband in my tracks, but that's about all i used Garageband for :P

[Still Waiting (ft. Dan Levine)]

pretty good!
I like the beginning, and Dan's voice really puts the song together.
The reverb that you put on most of the instruments is a nice touch; I like it.
If you had SKYE sing as well that would be awesome, but that's just personal opinion. Maybe like in the chorus or something. Try some Grouplove style stuff :D
The production on this is really clean, and the sound overall is really good.
It's also really really catchy, so I like it!
5/5

ThiefOfVoid responds:

Thanks :)

I've been working on this for a couple weeks now, and I have finally finished!

And maybe I'll make a version featuring Skye one day

[Drifting]

made me smile from the very beginning :)
Sounds pretty good, just say maybe add more layers than just what there is. You could use some more bass.
Otherwise, it's got a quirky, fun layout and melody, and it's fun to listen to!
4/5

Mytholigist responds:

Thanks!, I will take your feedback into consideration for my next song :)

[The Streets I've Been Before]

I really like the synth in the beginning; it really sets the mood well.
The drums are nice, but the kick could be a little deeper. Don't worry, I went through that phase (and still am xD) and it's nothing to worry about. Just a minor mastering issue.
What this track really needs is some cool vocals. That would make this nearly complete track complete.
Otherwise, it's really good!
My only complaint is that the melody that comes in at 1:31 doesn't fit with the original chord melody.
It gets a little repetitive after a while, but I be jammin' to those chords so whatever :)
4.5/5

INGR3SSO responds:

Thanks for your response. By the way, how about you help me to find some vocals and edit it? I will give you credit if you can help me with it. Message me if you can or not