Bosa's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[~SW~ Astral Nation]

Quite splendid!

From start to finish, I noticed how... different this song is. The idea in itself was quite intriguing enough for me. Even though you took a journey through different styles of music, you still maintained the same theme throughout the song, which was well done. How brilliant.

I already discussed mastering with you, sir. But the quality of the programs used is another matter. They were quite average, I suppose, but you utilized them to their full potential without making them sound too synthy (to coin a phrase). The bagpipes were a nice touch, but not very realistic for my tastes. I did like the playing style of the guitar. Anything that resembles the early 90's is fine by me. The guitar reminded me of the midi instrument, but not too much.

I am reminded greatly of Age of Empires, or the Civilization games. I enjoy your work sir, and I give to thee four stars along with a five vote.

SkyeWint responds:

Good day sir. Thank you for taking the time to review, it's helpful to understand how you were judging!

To start out - I definitely wanted to try something "different". No point in doing the same old thing that everyone else is doing. Having the same simple theme throughout the piece was done to tie it together - as nice as pure soundtrack is, I prefer to have something to keep a piece together throughout many changes - it's all one piece.

We did indeed already discuss mastering.

When it comes to programs, I would have to disagree with you. While the orchestral instruments in the first few parts were from Edirol and therefore average, the strings, piano, and instruments in the second half were mainly from Omnisphere - I would not call Omnisphere an "average" program. I do agree about the bagpipes, they weren't used realistically. It was not precisely my intention to use them realistically, but I can see how there would be points taken off there, it's a very stylistic choice and so far it's been fairly controversial among people I've shown this to. The guitar was actually one of my lowest-quality instruments, seeing as it was a simple soundfont. The reason it may have sounded higher-quality is because I ran it through two Guitar Rig amps (another VST on the level of Omnisphere).

Age of Empires and Civilization could have easily been some inspiration for the idea of this piece. I'm not sure what really inspired it exactly - it's very rare I manage to pinpoint the original source of inspiration for many of my odd pieces.

[From The Heart]

I liked it, anyways. I tried to boost your score back up with a five vote, but it seems as though a bunch of crackheads zero voted you into oblivion.

JJM121 responds:

Thanks, Bosa. It's really starting to get annoying with the zero-voters...

[A New King]

I have nothing but adoration for this song. It has that very distinctive 'Awesome' sound! Every instrument you've used aids each other in a subtle, yet satisfying way that really brings out the cheerful theme you were going for. Great work. :D

I shall voteth five, sir.

stunkel responds:

Oh thanks! Glad you liked it so much. I really appreciate the compliments and everything.

Thanks for the review!

[The Honey Pixie]

Wow, and excellent work. It has that creepy feeling at the beginning, and then it kinda takes a whole new direction after 0:40.

I love the feel of this song, and the 'fluttering' feeling of the synth instruments add more depth to the overall design of your arrangement.

I shall voteth five.

[When in Kalm [FF7]]

Very emotional, in a sense. It has that Final Fantasy feel, which I'm sure is what you intended.

I guess the only think I believe should improve is the production quality of the instruments. Perhaps someday, when you become really good, you will invest in some high quality VST instruments.'

Excellent work! I will vote five.

[Into the Dragons Lair]

Clever use of sound effects, lol. This reminds me of some pc game I played back in 1994.

Very medieval and nostalgic for me, and that is always a good thing in my opinion. Five vote, my good sir.

SoundChris responds:

Thanks a lot, milord!

[Santa's Nice List "Orch"]

Mellow, joyful, underscore, minimal, and special. Those are the words that I would use to describe this song. I can tell you worked especially hard on the string ensemble.

I would recommend using more portamento and slurs legato if you are using live instrumentation, however -- that would give the vins a lot more expression and fluidity.

I know you spent a while designing what sounds you wanted to be included, and you can never go wrong with the traditional-sounding orchestra to produce a rich Christmas song that is both inspiring and heart warming. Good work, my dear friend.

[Chasing the Wind]

Influenced by Koji Kondo, I see. Edirol Orchestral is an excellent way to begin your dive into classical music, and I highly recommend using it as a starting point along with soundfonts.

The music reminds me of a new beginning, or the revealing of spring and the business that it entails after a long winter. I could definitely hear this in a Japanese developed game like Harvest Moon or Legend of Zelda.

[Teach The World to Fap]

This is a deathly blow to the audio portal.

I must say, what could cause a man to conceive such rubbish into musical form? I believe you would be better off drawing nude cartoons and satisfying the lusts of men rather than "composing" music in Reason. Perhaps if I had the humor of a fifteen-year-old I would enjoy this, but I have more respect for the art of music and I honor work that goes beyond the kitschy elementary.

I will not zero vote this, but I do hope you consider taking a serious look into the wondrous world of music. Perhaps someday you will score music that will inspire and push humanity forward instead of revealing the stupidity of our age. I hope that we will both move towards wisdom.

[Primoris]

Reminds me of the Terminator.

Metroid Prime is a good game, and I'm glad that you are so diverse in your musical style. I'd say that you could almost do about anything with music. The synth sounds just added to the positive and determined atmosphere that is portrayed throughout the song.

I would of liked to of heard more refined and expressive brass instruments, though. The french horns seem lacking without any wind power.

I give unto thee... 4.5 out of 5 stars, and a Five VOTEDETH

Step responds:

Whoops, sorry for taking so long to answer. Thanks a lot for the great review! Yeah I was never really that satisfied with East/West Symphonic Orchestra's brass. Ah well!

Glad you like it man.