<Non Pony><WIP> looking for some critique (Update)

[the4thImpulse]

Just your average uncompleted, unmixed, unmastered work in progress.

Anypony want to listen?

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/67192836/Uplifter.mp3

[Dabrenn]

You've given me so much advice I'm really nowhere near the level to critique anything you do past just basic impressions.

I have to say, though, I do like it the overall feel of it, I think the part starting at ~1:35 drags on a little too long for my interests tough, or it just needs more variation to keep it a little more interesting and connect with the rest of the track.

Whatever bass sound you used I like it, full and low. Not a fan of that clap, maybe I'm just searching too hard, but I'd like to hear it with a snare alone, or layered in there with the clap.

it's a little barebones and sounds uncompleted (as to be expected from an uncompleted track), but I could definitely see you making something worthwhile out of this :D

[XXDarkShadow79XX]

I think a biiiit of reverb on the drums could make it sound less empty. And at the moment the segments are sounding a tad bit disconnected. I think the white noise transitions should open a lot more, in terms of filtering. (Well, what other terms are there? Silly Dark Shadow...) Also, have you added a sub yet? It's fine if you haven't, it's just a WIP. But in that case you should probably layer a very short 808 kick underneath your existing one to give you track that needed boost only obtainable by a sub. I'm talking like I know about making house, (And house in general) but I really don't. Other than that, I'm excited to hear the final product!

[GhostXb]

A little re-verb can help, as the mix seems to sound dry and minimal, or alternatively, fatten up some of the instruments with Eq and compression, namely the bass, or a combination of the two. Sometimes, adding a reverb with no delay helps, it adds a subtle layer of sound that gives a sense of space without calling attention to the reverb itself.

Just to re-iterate, I agree that the part at 1:35 seems to drag on. Maybe try a harsh lead melody to build interest in the track, and then when the kicks and bass drop in again, it can add pleasant build-up and continuation of the lead.

Take Omen Reprise for example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ASjVpMv9o

It has a heavy bass rhythm that draws the users attention, it seems to want to build to a climax in the absence of drums, but it doesn't. I think with the drop off at 1:35 you can take advantage of this kind of build up when the song re-enters the drum and bass rhythm. Also, I think the section from 0:34 to 1:34 could use more progression, it seems kind of repetitive. I see you use automation to make it more lively, but this change alone I don't think will keep the listener listening. Maybe layer the synth melody with another one?

Just some suggestions that would improve the song to my ears, take whatever direction you see fit, and good luck.

Also, I think XXDarkShadow79XX got's the right idea, the track seems to be missing some sub.

[the4thImpulse]

Whatever bass sound you used I like it, full and low. Not a fan of that clap, maybe I'm just searching too hard, but I'd like to hear it with a snare alone, or layered in there with the clap.

it's a little barebones and sounds uncompleted (as to be expected from an uncompleted track), but I could definitely see you making something worthwhile out of this

Thanks, I know what you mean by the claps, I will try layering on some heavy snares. It definitly is very barebones and this preview is more a concept, the breakdown is quite disconected from the track.

I think a biiiit of reverb on the drums could make it sound less empty. And at the moment the segments are sounding a tad bit disconnected. I think the white noise transitions should open a lot more, in terms of filtering. (Well, what other terms are there? Silly Dark Shadow...) Also, have you added a sub yet? It's fine if you haven't, it's just a WIP. But in that case you should probably layer a very short 808 kick underneath your existing one to give you track that needed boost only obtainable by a sub. I'm talking like I know about making house, (And house in general) but I really don't. Other than that, I'm excited to hear the final product!

The kick seemed plenty low enough in my headphones, my monitors don't have much of a bass response but my cheap computer speakers do and they kicked on them. I will look further into it but I have a feeling it might be your monitoring end on this one, I could be wrong though so thanks for pointing that out.

A little re-verb can help, as the mix seems to sound dry and minimal, or alternatively, fatten up some of the instruments with Eq and compression, namely the bass, or a combination of the two. Sometimes, adding a reverb with no delay helps, it adds a subtle layer of sound that gives a sense of space without calling attention to the reverb itself.

Just to re-iterate, I agree that the part at 1:35 seems to drag on. Maybe try a harsh lead melody to build interest in the track, and then when the kicks and bass drop in again, it can add pleasant build-up and continuation of the lead.

Take Omen Reprise for example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ASjVpMv9o

It has a heavy bass rhythm that draws the users attention, it seems to want to build to a climax in the absence of drums, but it doesn't. I think with the drop off at 1:35 you can take advantage of this kind of build up when the song re-enters the drum and bass rhythm. Also, I think the section from 0:34 to 1:34 could use more progression, it seems kind of repetitive. I see you use automation to make it more lively, but this change alone I don't think will keep the listener listening. Maybe layer the synth melody with another one?

Just some suggestions that would improve the song to my ears, take whatever direction you see fit, and good luck.

Also, I think XXDarkShadow79XX got's the right idea, the track seems to be missing some sub.

I am still working on the reverb layers, I agree it sounds very dry at the moment (more than I had initially thought). 1:35 is a problem spot, I am considering removing it and saving the idea for another song or just reworking the ideas. Layers are a good idea anmd something I will keep working on the track, another synth over the lead sounds like the place to start. Thanks!


I hope to update it this weekend.

[the4thImpulse]

Its late, stuff happens and I couldn't work on the track very much in the past couple of weeks. Anyway here it is, an updated version of what I had posted before!

Its got more synths now to fill in the gaps, clap is much stronger than before, breakdown is changed a little bit (for the better I hope), bassline synthesis is giving me headaches; I just can't get it where I want so it will likely keep changing.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/67192836/Uplifter2.mp3

As always any and all criticism is very much appreciated