ADR3-N's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Vaeltaja]

I was almost thrown off by the extremely audible attacks in the right ear, but once things get going, this is a very emotional, evocative atmosphere. Especially enjoying the suspended strings and gong, and then you've got your driving rhythm. Key change caught me off guard. The audible attacks in the right ear continue to confound me for the lengthy of the track, although I'm appreciating the horn rips traveling from left to right, as if given actual sonic space.

This is a very pensive piece which almost lacks direction, but it keeps the same theme throughout, so I can't really discount that. Using your competitors vocals? I'm not even sure if that should count as a disqualification or not! Lol. Although, that is quite kind of him.

Good piece.

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Hey, thanks for leaving a review! It's a shame that most judges this year lacked the time to do it, since it's one of the main points and benefits of the competition. With attacks in the right ear, I assume you're referring to the piano. The mix might be a bit odd, I suppose! We kinda liked it that way :)

As for horn rips, there is no brass in the piece.

Well, the piece may lack a conventional structure. The title means "wanderer", so it's supposed to feel more as an adventurous journey! The thematic elements indeed are the ones that are intended to keep the balance in the piece.

As for using our competitor's vocals, we also provided elements to his track. Outside performances are allowed in the rules . And we ended up losing anyway, so no harm done! Naturally, we're back in because of the high score and some dropouts though.

Once again, thanks for reviewing!

[Willow Wasteland: Fantasia]

A very thoughtful, inspired piece. You're quite talented at portraying emotions and textures. This is coming very near the ten mark for me, and I really have no useful critique to offer.

Phonometrologist responds:

Oh, it took me a while to figure out who you were due to the name change. I'm just glad people enjoy it, and thank you for letting me know.

[After the Rain]

Just doesn't get old. Although those vocal samples are so strange to me, really. As usual, solo sections are satisfying. Strange bits are the key changes, as they come when I'm never actually expecting them. This keeps me on my toes, and the scat singing is interesting, but quite hard to get into. This is an interesting style piece, but I think it speaks more to you and ethansight than it does me. Still a good listen.

johnfn responds:

A LIL LATE EDM lol jk yea tbh this is like my favorite track i've done =D

[Xtrullor - Catharsis]

NGADM judging review. Better late than never!

Okay, foley sounds, street, rain, footsteps, what appears to be some sort of lounge, breathing, then some nice wubbys and glitches. The triangle sound made me almost giggle, and the piano reminds me of “What Does The Fox Say?!”, y'know, the horse speaking morse. Now, introducing guitar into your cinematic style drop was fun. I would have appreciated more high end on that guitar, choir about 1 Db down, etc. Great writing and brainstorming on your ideas, guys, even if the structure is just a little off and some of the stops and starts are underwhelming in places. Would have loved to hear these ideas expanded. Fun listen.

[F-777 - Super Duper]

Right off the bat, sounds super happy. Interesting. That lead sounds very muted until it comes in, which I understand must be a stylistic choice. I'm just left wondering where is your low end on this track? That lead is so ding dang darn loud, I don't know where your bass is at! Sounds like the track could also be compressed to death.

That said, drop is interesting. I probably would not notice any of this were I listening on a phone speaker, but on headphones, the highs are almost screeching. Sounds like your chords may be distorting around 2:05 or so. I just glanced at the time... And, waiting – yes, definitely some distortion from over compression. I feel had you had more time to go over this track, improvements could have been made.

[All the Shades Between]

Definitely a ton of ideas stitched together, but your textures are so nice! Name is quite apt. That you managed to essentially pull this out of your arse is a testament to your ability. Only thing I didn't like was the dryness of the bass guitar. Reminds me of Age of Mythology in some places.

[Call of the Warrior]

Really interesting fusion of styles here. Choral, church organ, synth, metal styled drums. I can't really pick out any specific sins other than perhaps a very dry piano and somewhat of a bare melodic scape. Everything seems more rhythm and less melody.

Spadezer responds:

I appreciate the kind words. I'm curious what you mean by "bare melodic scape."

Thanks

[Osman - "Stardancer" (NGADM)]

Pretty fun, innocent little tune, and a good blend of sonic textures. I like your progression, but I could go without the extreme pitch bends everywhere. Other than that it sounds just a little empty. It sounds like something is missing.