DarqueHand's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[+*. Past In-Tense .*+]

Opinion here

First off, search forums to find the decent VST's. I know prices are the big problem but take into consideration that downloading free samples will never come close to buying something like EWQL, LASS or SYMPHOBIA. These are big brand names by the way, if you're looking for quality look no further than these.
This piece isn't bad, I'd like to stress that. It's very good in terms of originality but you're not doing it any favours using low quality sounds.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK THOUGH!

Special-Ed responds:

Nah,
I'm a 3D modeler, I got more important (and more expensive) things on my "to buy" list. Plus, the expensive/'professional' VSTs would be wasted on me, as I'm not serious about making music. (and there's the added fact that I can't afford next month's rent)

Thanks for the serious response though.

(PS, I trust the low score is based on more than the quality of the software I have)

[here with you {DU}]

Repetitive chords and basic structure.

I would accept, to an extent, having a single chord progression throughout the tune. I would even accept these chords if they were played in variations. But the chord progression you've used for the entire song has been done to death!
I wouldn't expect you to take much offence to this but please bear it in mind; this is the INFAMOUS chord progression that's been used in numerous songs. Do something new.

decoyultimatum responds:

this came to me while playing the piano last night

i was never taught how to play the piano i just play it

i wanted to show what i did with my hands not with a mouse
im going to return to this in a few days and i will change a lot of it

also not trying to be rude but sir constricting the creativity behind a song is a horrible idea if you think that the key is used everywhere then you are wildly mistaken half the music you hear these days doesnt even have a key signature

what you are experiencing is a phenomenon where you hear one thing and because you heard it or noticed something in common between two things you now are subconsiously looking for it in everything

to try to get rid of this you should try meditation or hypnosis it is a serious problem and it can destroy your life if you dont know how to control it

once you have rid yourself of the problem try looking at everything with an open mind from then on to keep it from happening

there are way more songs that are not in this key then those that are mainly because there are at least 30 simple key signatures and loads of complicated key signatures

im sure there are many common key signatures especially among beginners but there is no way in hell im gona change the signature that my piece is in because its more popular

yes it is repetitive and yes it is basic but once again understand i was never taught piano this is a recreation of what i played with my hands

also once again not trying to be rude but seriously look into it your having mental issues or you are trolling either way get some help

[Flying Low]

Some people are over critical.

This ain't a bad track but some people *stares at guy below* are just dicks.

Keep going with this it's good.

DahDoctow responds:

thanks man

im still getting used to music programs, so ive been practicing alot lol

[Rucklo - Mooching Dinner]

Soso arrangement, use mastering

REVERB. A very nice thing to use and will up the quality of your work 100%. Also if you're using Vienna try using the keyswitch patches to add some realism.

Other than that It's a reasonable piece.

Rucklo responds:

If you're used to Vienna you should be able to tell that there IS reverb slapped on every instrument.
Not sure what you mean by "use mastering". There's a multi-band compressor and a limiter on the masterbus (well, the file was exported then the VST's were slapped on afterwards in a separate file). I'm always trying to be as subtle as possible with the compression, as it'll fuck up the dynamics othervice. This tune isn't a good example of awesome dynamics, but I didn't spend all that much time on it either (just trying to get the hang of Vienna).

I haven't gotten around to try all features in the sample-player yet, but I'll definitley keep using the keyswitch-patches in mind. I'll probably be better of with another MIDI-keyboard if I wanna use that though, as I've only 25 keys on my oxygen 8.

Thanks for the review!

[Forever Yours]

Nice piece.

Piano sounds improvised, if it is good job. There's a softness to it that makes it sound almost soothing at parts.

MarkySpark responds:

Yes, most of my songs are improv.

[<MWA> Tomorrow is Another Day]

Nice, melodic piece

No harm in not having a main melody to follow, especially when you're improvising. I like the piano, what is the make?

mjattie responds:

it's a digital piano, but it's sampled from a steinway. I played on a roland FP-7. The piano patch is from reason piano's.

thanks for the review :)

[-+[Finn]+-]

Nice!

Very well done. The instruments come together nicely and the vocals also.

LadyArsenic responds:

Why thank you! I'm glad you like it!

[Piano 29 - The Lost]

Nice tune.

You've got to much sustain during chord switches which can make it sound bad at parts and the first few chords are reminiscent of Unforgotten from the Halo series, but other than that it's pretty good.

I would say this should go into the classical area since it is just piano. Nothing really special about it to put it here.

NegativeNine responds:

They are extremely common chords my friend. Mathematically harmonious and the stuff of any composers basic arsenal. I wouldn't use the similarity as a detriment.

Classical area don't like solo piano pieces.

[Orchestral Theme 2]

Nicely Done!

I want you to take these 50+ reviews from people who really don't know what the hell they're talking about, and throw them in the trash.

Seriously don't listen to these people, cause this is what people want in their movies and games. I mean sure you get your experimentalists who want to use their abstract creativity to make something that people will either love or hate, but in terms of realistic orchestrations this kicks ass.

Unlike 90% of the people here, I read your comments and understand that this isn't supposed to be a main theme or melody relating to a more important thing. Plain and simple, this is a hectic sequence which would be used in a chase or battle.

Keep up the good work!

Gravey responds:

Thank you. It's good to see that someone can actually understand the purpose behind this.

-Gravey-

[Not a Care in the World (]

Ugh Soundfonts lol

Here's a good example of beginner's lack of knowledge in the art of proper mastering. You can hear this when the bass drum hit's and momentarily drowns out the rest of the music. I was like this once... and unfortunately still am... :)

Soundfonts are ok for mock ups but you should really go for proper sound libraries even free one's (Namely EWQL, Vienna, Native Instruments etc)
If you msg me I'll send you a link of the ones I use (some of which are free)

Also you should be looking to add MANY more instruments, in fact what would be a good basic addition to this one would be lead and bass guitar (a little bass goes a long way).

Don't worry tho, everyone's been here before many of which also can't compose to save themselves. You have talent all you need is sounds that can keep up with that creativity.

Peace Out!

Step responds:

You're completely right. I limit myself to soundfonts since I can't afford any VST's. I may be lucky enough to get East/West Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra Silver version for Xmas, but that's only if I'm lucky. I definitely need more instruments as well, I was only training my piano harmonizing skills, which by the way, are horrible. Wish I knew how to master, then maybe I can fix that awful kick. Anyway, I'd really appreciate it if you send me some links to free sound libraries; thanks for the offer. Anyway, thanks for the helpful review!