JeffHeim's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Unholy Ascension {SF}]

good improvisation, needs more variety

While the performance is nice and aesthetically pleasing to listen to (perfect for background music), the composition itself is very repetitive and could definitely use a change of direction. I got a bit tired of the I - VII - VI chord progression after about 40-45 seconds into the piece, but then it just kept going. I think a modulation, or expansion of chord choices would help give this piece more direction and movement. Again, I really enjoyed listening to the piece and think it's a great start, but it sounded more like an improvisation than a complete score. I hope my words don't come across as discouraging...I wouldn't have written such a lengthy review had I not found enjoyment in listening to it repeatedly while writing these words :)

Best wishes,
-Jeff Heim

strikefreak responds:

Thank you for the review.

First off I would like to say as you mentioned I did write and intended this piece to be background music as if someone who was emotionally destroyed wondered.
Second I do have plans of taking this piece further by fixing mistakes and making additions. I recorded this in one take and felt that leaving the chord progression would suit.

Thank you again
I will take your criticism into consideration

{SF}

[Waltz of Evil]

Awesome work!

Sounds like a cross between Pirates of the Caribbean and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra :)

Outstanding orchestral quality! I can hear that you're using EWQLSO. May I ask which other libraries you used to create this piece?

[Collaboration Demo #1]

I think this is what Benyue was trying to say...

Instead of inputting the notes with a mouse, try using a midi keyboard to input the notes to add more realism and variety between the articulations. The only time I noticed this being an issue was in the string bass part (staccato samples around 3:00-3:30). I'm not sure which program you use, but if possible try adjusting the articulations so some of the notes are more audible than others.

Personally, I use a keyboard to input the notes so I can write music faster, but I almost always apply quantization to correct rhythmic flaws in my own playing. Next, I adjust the articulation levels with a mouse so essentially it doesn't matter if you use a keyboard or not.

I really enjoyed this piece and the mood it presents. While there are some small fixes that could help enhance the realism of this piece, I think your works sound quite professional overall. Lastly, I think it's important as an artist to be receptive and respectful of both positive and negative feedback, no matter how nasty the negative feedback may sound ;)

With that being said, I didn't like Benue's choice of words in his review. A good review should include a couple compliments with some constructive criticism in the middle.

Great work!

FlaggedOnArrival responds:

I have no problem with negative feedback, but i do have a problem with pompous assholes. thank you for the review and the attempt to clear up benyue, 'tis much appreciated.

[PrTr: 08 Wee Willie Winkie]

outstanding audio quality and composition!

This is a rare achievement here on NG in the classical section: a composition that boasts of utter power and orchestral finesse and at the same time, screams of compositional talent. There are truly some great moments which give me the chills just to listen to.

An instant download. Well done!

EvilRaccoon responds:

Thanks Basbalfan55, for the download. Great to hear you enjoyed it. Makes it worth while putting this up on NGs for everyone to hear. :D

["Desert Journey"]

catchy!

First of all, I loved the melody you present here, and the rhythm works well with the orchestral background. I'd like to focus on the things that I think could make this sound more effective:

First of all, I felt the balance between the orchestra and percussion was a little off. You're using hand drums which sound like they're being played right next to a microphone while the orchestra sounds pretty far away. I think if you toned down the percussion (or raised the volume of the orchestra), it would sound better. Also, the orchestra is pretty static. I think more dynamic contrast in the strings/brass could really make this mix sound more dramatic.

Great start so far! I can hear some Martin O'Donnell influences here.

BrokenDeck responds:

Thanks! Although I was thinking "Jerry Goldsmith" inside my head at the time I slapped this track together. Cheers :D

["The Last Ship"]

outstanding

This piece is incredibly powerful and soothing, and the harmonic choices you made ring of beauty. Lovely!

BrokenDeck responds:

Thanx!

[| Epic Fantasy |]

Well done!

First of all, I enjoyed listening to this...interesting melody and chord choices, and I liked the rhythm from the snare drum and brass.
There were a few spots where I noticed a cut in the audio, like at 0:32 and at 1:21. The reverb doesn't seem to carry over into the next phrase. There were a few minor balance issues between the brass, flute and snare drum as well, but nothing to fuss over. Very well done! The sound quality was quite good :)

[{BT} Sneaky Sneakers]

sneaky!

The plucked guitar, harp, and pizzicato strings were a perfect selection of instruments which fits the character described in the title perfectly. Wonderful layering of instruments, and the melody and countermelodies all work so well together! I'm officially going to listen to this piece every time I tie my shoes in the morning :)

BenTibbetts responds:

Thank you! Tie away, my friend, tie away.

[Red Saturn Day]

beautiful chords!

The mix between minor and major modes really makes this pieces powerful, and that brief pause at 2:00 is perfect! Is this meant to loop? My one complaint is that the piece is a bit stagnant. I think after about 2 minutes you could use different chords or possibly use a modulation, and that last chord needs to be longer :)
Love the touch of the piano! Well played :D

MarkySpark responds:

Thankyou for the review my friend.

[-Orr- LARRY: City of Karryon]

Majestic!

Dave, listening to your music always seems to put me in a good mood! This one in particular has a strong, lively character to it which captivates the listener's attention right away. I love the emotion you've put into this one, and the attention to detail is mindblowing! I can't wait to check out the higher quality version on iTunes.
Nicely done!

-Jeff