NikolaosTheDark's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[[As] Tobuscus Dubstep (RMX)]

I gotta say...

...when people do filth properly and with a touch of uniqueness, it's actually enjoyable. This is a shining example.

In concurrence with what Blizzard said, you might just need to take another look at the drums. It sounds as if the drums are being dominated by synths.

[Molten Lava]

Simple, yet well-made.

The first thing I must note is the drop. These days, the drops are practically a joke. They're usually incredibly predictable. This one, however, really took me by surprise.

Overall, my only heavy complaint is the percussion setup. First off, I recommend putting in some hi-hats -- or, at the very least, something light and rhythmic. I'd change the kick as well, but the big enchilada is the snare/clap. Make it more hammering, more on the "anthemic" side of things.

Keep making dubstep.

kordelp responds:

Thx for the review! I'm glad you liked the drop. Looking back on this piece I think I can see what you're saying about my percussion. I blame my sample choices mainly (as I tried tweaking them for a "harder" feel but with little avail, though at the time I figured it would work still). You're my first review without a perfect score, and so far it's the most helpful. Thanks again!

[The Longest Road <Seth>]

Percussion is almost nonexistent.

I notice that you sampled "Faxing Berlin," which doesn't bother me. What is bothering me is that the synth is completely covering up the percussion. Crank the percussion, lower the synths, get the balance back in.

[Phunk Inphestation]

Nice. Freaking Nice.

Getting a bit of a Jamiroquai/James Brown vibe here.

Might I suggest that you try some EQing to make the trumpets less piercing? The trumpeters performed well, but I feel as if they're punching my ears.

Other than that, great job.

[Reach Equilibrium]

Haven't seen you in a while.

I'm definitely feeling the symphonic/folk metal in this song. It definitely makes me feel Falconer, and although I haven't listened to them in a long while, I can almost reach out and touch Kamelot's "Epica" album.

Very well done, Rich. You somehow manage to maintain both quality and quantity at the same time.

[SP - WahWah]

My suggestion?

Make the main wobble (sounds like a slight formant to me) more guitar-like in sound. For some reason, it makes me think of "Rock It" by Sub Focus.

Try a different percussion setup as well. Pardon me for sounding like the hormone-driven idiots on YouTube, but I'm feeling more of an "in-your-FACE!" setup for this track.

Flamingweeny responds:

for a track i made in one evening i can try so much more..thanks for the feed

[-Naive Again-]

Wow. Just...wow.

Being the extreme cynic that I am, I often look upon the "naive" days as candy-coated and care-free. This is the aural manifestation of those feelings.

Might I suggest an extended mix? A build-up to the pure soma would help with the progression.

[Lizzy Disco]

Composition isn't bad...

...but it's obnoxiously obvious that you used FL Studio to make this. I'll give a guess to the instruments here.

- Default FL7 drums
- Sytrus saw. If I had to guess, a Hypersaw or detuned saw of some sort.
- SimSynth pluck
- Either a Sytrus guitar or the "Plucked!" synth below 3xOsc
- Organ sounds Sytrus-y, or SimSynth

Among the more seasoned producers and critics on the internet, let alone Newgrounds, FL Syndrome is a big no-no. It just sounds mediocre and lazy. Please diversify your instruments.

FlameRetardant responds:

Thank you for the feedback.
Listen to the music, not the sounds.

Peace man.

[-Lightspeed-]

Interesting piece of music.

I haven't listened to a bucket-load of your music, but I know that you have somewhat of a cult following on Newgrounds.

I'm loving the combination of the old school eurodance chord structure with tribal drum beats and classic trance orchestral elements. So the answer is yes, it will blend.

This isn't necessarily good or bad, but it seems like a soundtrack song trying to be a club banger. That's what I'm feeling in my vibes, anyway.

[~NK~ "Nightfall"]

Kick drum.

Composition is good, but the style is definitely top-notch.

However, work on the kick. With the slight (yet noticeable) clipping that it causes, I feel as if it's going to eat me. Then again, this might be a lower-quality version of the track. If the higher-quality has no clipping, let me know.