Larkeep26's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Hong Kong]

This is a wonderful piece!

I'm a little biased because I like Asian culture and music.

Aside from that, the score is incredible. Not to mention it sounds like you've recorded a full orchestra...have you?? I don't have enough good stuff to say about this. The more I listen to it, the more quickly it becomes a favorite.

I love the 2 different instruments used for the melody at the start. The way they're somewhat off from one another makes it so interesting to listen to. Not to mention the choice of instruments used. That hot air flute (I'm not sure what it actually is) is mesmerizing.

I love how much emotional power music can have. It really makes or breaks any video game or movie. You've accomplished so much with this piece.

Thank you for posting this song.

Larkeep

nathanallenpinard responds:

Much thanks to your comments Lark,

The "orchestra" is all virtual, utilizing the Vienna Symphonic Library, and a great deal of East West libraries. I still need work on the brass though as they sound more "fake' than the other things.

I don't quantize my stuff if I can't help it, otherwise it sounds TOO perfect, so when things are off like that it sounds a tad more natural (within reason)

[R Gaze]

Great

The piano sounds much better.

If I can play the other end of the spectrum from Darthduba's post, I'd like to say that I wouldn't change a thing on the piano. I love the dark, muffled sound and think that its EQ makes this piece what it is. Some of the strings could use a little refining, I agree with that. The stereo enhancer would be nice.

In my opinion, don't touch the piano. That's why I favorited this track.

Larkeep

Rwinius responds:

i chose the cut-off piano sound as a foundation for this song, i probably wont change alot, ill try out some effects though, and see how it plays out..

Thanks, once again, for your opinion, id be more than happy to notify you when the next version is up, if you like..

[R Ideal]

Great composition

I'm interested to hear you record something on a real piano. You've got a good ear for writing this style of music. The only downfall is that it sounds digital.

I think you're a great asset to this site because you write great movie-type stuff. Things that can really be used for flash projects. I've been listening a lot lately to a bunch of songs in the audio portal and some people seem to just write things that may not work very well in a movie. Your music does.

Thanks,

Larkeep

Rwinius responds:

hey thanks man i really apreciate that :D im just a newb with this kind of thing, im aiming to one day produce great epic music, like maestrorage and such great newgrounds artists..

sorry im a little late with responding, i didnt realise you reviewed this :)

[Super Mario Bros. (Punk Remix)]

Love it

Great stuff. Sometimes I forget that the audio portal is good for any genre of music - not just synth-trance. This is a great reminder.

Here are a few critics (In my humble opinion, of course)...

-The mix could be changed a bit to give it more balance. The guitars seem a bit loud. I know it's supposed to be punk / ska but the guitars seem to overpower the drums and horns.

-There are a few parts that I don't agree with musically. For example, at around 0:30, the rhythm guitars should go lower on the first note. Right now it sounds like it's doing C then A and repeated but I feel like it should be G# then C and repeated. This is following the original score of the music, though. If this is how you planned it then disregard. Listening to it just sounds off to and I'm left expecting it to change and it doesn't.

Anyway, sorry for the long-winded review. I hope this is more helpful than insulting. Overall, I love the piece and hope to hear more like it.

Thanks,

Larkeep

giftedbuttwisted responds:

Yeah there needs to be more punk on here lol. As far as the mix goes, I'm in no way a professional haha I'm a 16 year old kid that records music in his bedroom. This was mixed down on iPod headphones so I think it'll sound pretty good in those (I can't afford monitors). I dont really understand your last criticism lol but you're probably right. And no your review is not insulting, it's really helpful for me and I appreciate it =D

[m0ar electr0]

I don't think you should delete it.

It's simple but it's catchy. I love the drum loop. The opening swell is awesome too.

InvertedScrotum responds:

Thanks =)

I guess I'll keep it y0

[Dark - {LDL}]

Great Musically...

I enjoy the composition quite a lot. There's no problems there (in my humble opinion)

Here's my only constructive criticism:

You need to add some reverb and a few other subtle effects to the main instruments / riffs / choir.
It sounds very dry and unnatural. Adding reverb can really make a difference. I would also recommend giving you notes a longer release time.
For example, on the choir, it starts gradually (has a longer attack time) but stops abruptly. If you increase the release time, it will fade out more naturally. The reverb will also help this.

I do love the plucked strings around 2:00 minutes in. Great work with that. Here's another example where some reverb and a touch of delay would go a long way.

Hopefully that wasn't too much. Like I said, I love the composition.

Larkeep

LoopDaLoop responds:

I listened carefully to your review. It helped me, alot. I fixed the Choir i think.
Please listen to it again ;)

One of my best reviews so far, one with some actual constructive criticism!

Cheers! \o/
{LDL}

[Arsenic on the Rocks]

I...

Well, I don't have much criticism for this one. It's a fairly simple track (simple sounding - I'm sure it was more difficult to make). Simple can be good though. The only qualm I have with it is the drums / percussion. The panning in the left and right ears make me a little dizzy.

Great samples!

Extar responds:

The samples are from The House On Haunted Hill. The stereo-panned drums were the start of the entire track, so I suppose that makes them kind of integral, besides a bit of nausea probably adds to the experience. :D