Evisma
Better Than You Since 82
Middle America, United States
Joined : 1st Apr 2013 - 12 years ago
Last Online : 4th Apr 2025 - 10 months ago
Comments on Evisma tracks
Other users have posted 640 comments on tracks by Evisma
on So Long Bound by Evisma
Superb intro...if you like, take a look at my Winter comes intro...nearly the same (in feeling surely)
Than 1.08: brilliant progy riff, first the lead guitar's tone was too sharp but than you won it...:-)
So groovy as usual and that analog sound is always unique...
Great track! Fav!
Danke
I listened and compared intros and I totally hear what your saying. Yours has a better touch, I think, but I always think another's music is better than mine.
I thought the lead guitar's tone had too much bite to it as well. I'll be changing things around soon.
Thanks for the listen and the feedback. Always good to hear from you.
I've gotta get you to phonetically write your name so I know how to say it in my head.
Danke like Ankh?
Danke like Dan Key?
Danke like Frank?
Someone here did a rap once and used something of yours, and tried to say your name in the beginning, and gave a few options himself. I've just always wondered, and I've never come across that name in the states.
Evan
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
Just a few have been more in the categories of "not bad" or "promising, needs work"* but then I've tried to explain in detail why I think that. Otherwise, many have been badass and they're pretty much all interesting, almost always featuring some fine bass playing. I wouldn't continually review your stuff if I didn't think it was good.
I went with the party barge of sounds analogy because since you first used that, I've been quite amused by it - one of your many charming phrases. I think I brought Valvedriver in when thinking what sort of seafaring vessel his music would be compared to. Definitely not a kid's inflatable dinghy or inflatable kayak such as the one I use. A destroyer was the obvious thought, reflecting the meaty sound he often gets.
He does have a larger arsenal of sounds but that's mostly because he only uses synths (so very many sounds available) and you focus on bass playing, with synths more of an afterthought. But there's more synth work here, so you're extending your arsenal, upgrading more to something like a party barge.
I've always used lots of synths and guitars in my 15-odd years of music production. Some of my earliest tracks are not so different from current stuff, just far poorer production and drums. I struggled with drums for years so I talk about drums a lot because I've been there and feel for people whose drums just aren't cutting it in a track.
Sticking with the seafaring vessel analogy, Spivkurl's would be a circuit bent sub, steering crazily all over the place and scaring whales with its weird, modified sonar tones.
An Asian junk isn't a raft but a type of sailing vessel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junk_(ship)
Not sure if a thigh powered accordion would work as it might be a slightly uncomfortable position to sit in. Would just be easier to use arms.
Over and temporarily out...
*I have many in that state, I just don't upload them. Sometimes I find a way to make them way better, sometimes I don't and have to accept that not everything I try to do is going to work out well, even if it seems really promising at the start. I currently have an old sort of rip-off Tool track (with more blues and chill, plus heavy riffage) that sounds OK but as though there really should be vocals so a bit too generic and simply not (yet?) good enough.
"I wouldn't ever tell you that one of your tracks was junk, in the sense of trash, crap, shit, a steaming pile of manure."
I truly hope you would, if that is what I produced.
Honesty, with no sugar-coating, is what helps the most. When I sense other's disappointment in something I've done, I feel it. I don't like the feeling, so I do all I can to not repeat the mistake, or act of laziness.
"the party barge of sounds analogy"
I believe it came from trying to put into words the feeling of one particular track of yours. Seemed very much like some wild floating spectacle.
"in my 15-odd years of music production."
Yeah, I'm at about 3 years. A year and a half was learning Cubase and Garageband with my buddy Jeff, and never really understanding either DAW properly, since they were on his computer. I joined this site right after I got StudioOne and started recording on my own. "Onward" was my first on my software, then "I4CRDK" was where I decided I didn't want a guitarist on all my tracks anymore, and I'd do it alone. Jeff had a kid and was getting busy with more important things. Hardly picks up his guitar now. Bought a better bass, a midi controller, and now a guitar, hoping to cover all the bases myself. Now, it's going to be EZ Drummer. It will happen soon. If you're celloing it up, I need to finally step up my drums.
Again, it was my nautical ignorance that created my misunderstanding, not your statement. I guess I'll have to wiki everything I perceive as an insult, before I take it as one, just to be safe.
Asian Junk seemed pretty straight-forward. Shows what I know.
The explanation was appreciated,... and apparently necessary when conversing with a land-locked individual.
Evan
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
Evan
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
You must just not know that sense of the word. But I'm still surprised you thought I was saying it was shit, especially as I praised it previously. You must have been a bit confused.
Hey, it was only a few years ago that I learned about 'your junk' being Yanktalk for your dick and balls. Not a meaning we have in the UK. You can use 'tackle' instead and it's considered quite polite and discreet.
Regarding cello, yeah, I know you're much more a "I wanna hold it" type of guy so software doesn't really do it for you. Theremins aren't too expensive but they're supposed to be extremely hard to play. No keys, frets, nothing, just empty air and you listening hard to what happens when you move your hand a millimetre. I guess you could play it with your dick, which could make for a pretty interesting live performance. Damn, not sure why I didn't think of that years ago. No that I plan to actually do it.
I imagine I could play most stringed instruments and there are a whole load I'd probably like to get. Don't think I'll ever play a wind instrument. While I do talk a lot, blowing a lot does not appeal. Not sure why.
Yeah, know what you mean about harmonicas. Other option is an electronic one that also does key changes (same goes for electronic accordion) but I have no idea who uses them.
I do need some new instrument boost or something as I've been shit musically for the last week and really worrying about running out of ideas and repeating myself and just doing average tracks rather than exciting, new ones. No idea how long I can continue to make interesting, unusual instrumental tracks entirely on my own. Having some good vocals would mean I don't have to come up with so many riffs and stuff.
Only a few days to go till I try the cello and I will also be trying the fretless ukelele bass at the same time (not the exact same time). Have to travel a couple of hours outside London for that. Definitely need to improve my bass tone and I've always wanted a fretless so maybe I will also get that. Or maybe just that. Or maybe neither.
To sum up: don't touch my junk or I won't play your junk track when I'm cruising along in my junk...
"a fairly common type of boat in Asia....You must just not know that sense of the word."
No. Never heard of it. I took it as my music being quite inferior, compared to yours and Valvedriver's. Two battleships beside some Asian junk raft.
I understand what you mean now. I was just going to accept it as a track you didn't like, and try to forget your opinion on my "level" of music making, and just try to do better in the future. I know I'm not up to date with synths, but I'm going to work on it and dedicate more time to it.
I understand, now, that "junk" is a boat. I get it. I was a bit bent, thinking how I would not say something like that to you or anyone else,... though, I ask for honesty, so I can't expect shining comments. I see now that that is not what you were saying. All is good.
Anyway,... best of luck with the cello, U-bass, dick-controlled theremin or ass powered penny-whistle. A thigh powered accordion would be cool as well.
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
K;)
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
Me be OK.
Yes, shrink-wrapped laptop for underwater Loopermanning and porn film viewing in the company of sharks (they like them too).
Horrible feeling keys indeed but protected from vomit, squid ink, oil slicks etc.
Yes, this does sound a bit, let me think...Asian? Sorry - couldn't think of another more suitable word. Don't know enough about music from that part of the world to get more specific. I was quite aware of repeating the word too many times. Asian Asian Asian.
Second half, you have indeed boarded Willy Wonka's multicoloured party barge and given me a friendly wave and bass strum as you pass by my huge sonic battleship dominating the river. It has massive double kick drums in place of a propeller (but no slave drummers in the engine room) and a 50 foot Flying V as a mast. But I think your vessel in this is more of an Asian (sorry!) junk than barge. Definitely not a gondola. Valvedriver weoukld probably have a battleship too. And sample its clanging metal for use as kick drums.
The second half has a broader sound paletter than your usual, more minimal layered bass stuff. I've wanted you for a while to expand your sound. With better synth sounnds, there's nothing to really stop you expanding your creativity abnd coming up with more unusual creations. You can certainly do the melodies and layering - I think it's just access to technology (sounds) that holds you back. And some synth knowledge.
Speaking of sound expansion, I really do need to start playing at least one new instrument. So, on Tuesday I shall be travelling to try out an electric cello. Not an instrument I've ever played but one I've wanted since age 16. I like to think I can do it. If I buy it, expect to hear some of the following genres:
cellout
cellometallo (maybe a little the band Apocalyptica, who I've seen live)
cellfunk
bluecell (sounds like a prison thing)
My joke about your inverted dong was inspired by reading that the Japanese have a specific word (koro) for fear of having an in-growing penis. http://www.cracked.com/article_22088_9-foreign-terms-that-put-english-profanity-to-shame.html
Good luck with the knee pads and dish sprayer stimulation.
"I think your vessel in this is more of an Asian (sorry!) junk than barge."
Damn. That's disappointing. I enjoy this track.
" With better synth sounnds, there's nothing to really stop you expanding your creativity abnd coming up with more unusual creations."
I had planned to spend time with the synth and get a better feel for it, but then got the guitar and it has taken up a good deal of my time getting used to the feel of it and getting more comfortable. I have shit for technique, so I've been working at that instead. I'll get back to the synth soon, I'm sure.
"try out an electric cello."
I'm excited for you! Getting something new for the music room is always something that brightens my day. I've thought of a cello as well, and looked into a violin or viola or fiddle. Theremin or a lap steel are also neat ideas. Harmonicas just suck, unless you get the whole damn case with all the scales.
Happy hunting.
Evan
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
Cheers,
Scott
I've had several references to King Crimson on my stuff. Never listened to any. I'll be getting on that.
Thanks for the listen and the feedback!
Evan
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
Anyway, I can hear the farce in this watery track as there are some weird sounds and melodies. Kind of "world music"-like. Intro is quite like an alien might sound. Well, a certain type - I guess they could sound like anything, right?
Then your pan flute, which definitely says "world music". Could be start of some ceremony out in the sun. Bit like a film theme tune, with wide vistas of massive landscapes.
0:12 I feel warmth and beauty as that bass arrives. Not cheesy, which pan flute can often be.
Gentle drum loops sit nicely in the background.
0:27 pretty sort of PRS notes. Damn, I'd recognise a PRS anywhere. No, I joke - I can't honestly recognise the sound of any make of guitar! My ears just aren't that good. I have some very limited musical/sonic listening abilities but also some other quite good ones. Hard to explain.
0:57 and your first tempo change transitions quite smoothly. You're good at this tempo changin business. Now it's maybe a bit more of an Asian dance or battle going on now.
More Asian sort of melodies, partly coming from bass. Then things get motoring a lot more, with wobbly percussive bits in there that I like, as well as your little chihuahua barks eg 1:44.
1:49 definitely quite Asian with that melody and it's fun stuff you can groove to. But in a weird way. You're definitely doing something different here, really pushing your style. Bass g taking more of a backseat.
I think your eclectic, humorous character is showing through more on this one.
An unusual track defying categorization. True "fusion" music.
Sorry, don't really have any criticisms or suggestions so no shaming and thus no character building today.
Except I can say that you're an ugly bastard with poor personal hygiene and an in-growing penis. Does that help build your character at all? If so, glad to help...
Sayonara
"I got my laptop laminated"
Like a bag-phone, or like shrink-wrapped? I'll bet the keys feel horrible.
"I can't honestly recognise the sound of any make of guitar!"
Nor I. I would rather have a doppelganger that can be made to sound like anything. That was the intent with the SR600 bass.
"....more of an Asian....More Asian sort of melodies..... definitely quite Asian."
So,... does this sound a bit Asian? I never really went for that, but I can hear what you're saying. Was going, in the second half, more for the effect of a Wonka-ferry-esque party barge passing by you on the river.
"fun stuff you can groove to. But in a weird way. You're definitely doing something different here, really pushing your style. Bass g taking more of a backseat"
That has been happening since I got the guitar. I'm glad it's making me grow in a positive way. I'll focus more on the bass next time,... or not. Don't know. Nothin goin at the moment.
"True "fusion" music"
That may be what the genre gets switched to. I just figure Rock is the closest.
"you're an ugly bastard with poor personal hygiene and an in-growing penis."
It's becoming less and less likely that you're NOT stalking me, and watch me through my windows as I try to figure out how to stimulate my inverted dong. Oddly, vibrators don't work, but water jets do. I'm installing knee pads to either side of my kitchen sink so I can hop up on the counter, straddle the sink, and let the dish sprayer blow my mind.
Or maybe I'll just get out the old chess set for a better use of my time.
Thanks for listening to this one. I really enjoyed making it and hope I do more like it in the future.
Take care.
Evan
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
I really like this new song of yours!
The title is "ironic" and well fitting the track.
Not so fond of the synth sound starting at 1:49.
Some typical Evisma signature "riff" around 1:37 (very KingCrimson-ish ... liked it a lot!)
Not a big fan of the marimba, but it feels good on this track.
Lot of things going on for such a short track... but this is good!
Ciao, Domenico
"Not so fond of the synth sound starting at 1:49"
I believe that is the accordion and marimba combo. I've wanted to use accordion for a while. Sorry, but I've been diggin the marimbas lately.
I appreciate the feedback. Hope all is well with you.
Evan
on The Farcical Aquatic Ceremony by Evisma
Tempo change comes very unexpected (0:57). You might try to find some rational formula or use proportion in the tempo changes. For me the second section starts from 1:10. You might even automate the tempo from 98 to 120 on '0:57 - 1:10 interlude'(I think it's possible in StudioOne, I never tried it though, probably it will sound weird) or try to find some even smoother transition to the second section. Reversed cymbal sound definitely helps here.
I think the piece is a bit too short to make a tempo change - it is like a bunch of 2 ideas with some interlude and I will not change anything here too much. It is sounding good, I liked a kind of a happy vibe of the second part - reminded me of some music from danish band Analogik https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbbgZvSfQy0&index=5&list=PLCA74A53508495981.
Many interesting ideas here, maybe to many but that's a good thing and I enjoyed listening.
Hope some of this was useful anyway.
Best, Alex
"try to find some rational formula or use proportion in the tempo changes"
I don't find the tempo change odd. I see "unexpected", but that is part of what I was going for. Never tried to automate the tempo track. Sounds like something I need to look into.
"I think the piece is a bit too short to make a tempo change"
I may add to this one, or expand parts that I already have.
Thanks for the feedback,... and the automated tempo thought.
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
I can't see any significant variations in the volume range almost throughout, not a big insight though. I am sorry for a comment in negative, other than that's an interesting and unusual piece. Best, Alex
First off, never apologize for a negative review. You have a right to dislike anything you want. If I'm horrible, and nobody tells me, I will continue to be horrible. Your honesty helps.
"I tried many times and at least I played it in its entirety, unfortunately with some unexpected slience breaks between the 7/8 and 21/16 grooves."
I have no idea what this means. Is the music player here putting pauses in the track? I just listened to it here and there were no gaps.
Or, was the track so bad that it took several goes to finish without retching?
"I couldn't get too much into that distortion gradation, probably because I am producing slightly different stuff at the moment"
Right-on. Does that mean since you're doing very different music, you dislike what is unlike your present creations? I guess I don't understand. No matter how soft a track I'm doing, I still love Mudvayne's L.D.50.
"at some point I can hear some scottish influences in here"
I'm guessing that's the fiddle line. I've had several tracks that I wanted to use fiddle in, but this one seemed the most fitting.
"I can't see any significant variations in the volume range almost throughout"
Agreed. I guess you don't like the lack of dynamics. The waveform looks like a flat-faced eel with a fish-tail. I didn't intend to give this one any room to breathe. That's partly why it is so short. My last track was slow and soft. I wanted the opposite in this one.
Thanks for the review! I hope all is well with you.
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
cru
Don't you love the double-post fuck-up? I've done it a few times lately and feel like an ass every time. I think Topvega did it to me a few days ago, and I did it to MetalEd a few before that. Good stuff. Keeps the blood flowing.
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
cru
That makes four Zappa references. I officially need to listen to some.
Thanks again for the kind words.
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
I'm really digging the hell out of this one. It's got a good strong energy to it. There's a lot happening, but it's never crowded. The Marimbas and the fiddles totally work.
You know what this is? This is what "rockin' country" would be if they actually had the rockin' balls they claim to have. It's almost borderline rock-a-billy. Which, honestly, there just isn't enough of on the ol' Looperman. Now that I think of it, I have never heard rock-a-billy on here. Hmm. Time for some electro-valve-a-billy.
No. No it isn't. It is not time for electro-valve-a-billy. That's a terrible idea. Stop it.
I think the only critique I have, and it's mostly just personal preference more than anything, is that the kicks stood out just a little more.
Overall, I thoroughly like this one. It's still exudes your trademark sound, but it's in a completely different arena than a good portion of your other songs.
Here, let me Lysol the place before I go.
Take care, man.
Aaron.
Rock-a-billy? I guess the verse parts do seem like they could be taken in that direction, but I had no intention of doing that.
I was thinking recently of doing other genres like country and hip-hop, just to see if I even know enough about each to attempt it.
I decided not to. I'm not that bored,... yet.
I would like to do a whole track just piano, so I can get better at writing piano parts that sound natural and more like a real piano piece.
"It's still exudes your trademark sound, but it's in a completely different arena than a good portion of your other songs."
That is what I'm going for anymore. I've found my sound, it's keeping it fresh and not repeating myself, while not abandoning anything as well.
I figure, like most other heavy music, that my music will get less heavy over time. Less anger and frustrations in life. I just hope it keeps getting better. A few years ago, I would not have thought of writing a track like "Basso Continuo" or "Hangin Round Aceldama". Far too light and vaginal, but now I think that, whatever comes out is what needed to come out. So if it is an extension of myself, and I must be true to myself, then I will accept any change that comes about.
But I will try to steer the ship more towards the Lands Of Badassery.
Thanks for the feedback, Aaron. I'll work with the kick tonight. I got a lot of high-end in the cymbals too that I need to deal with.
Take care.
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
My sampler will do that every now and then. I figure it's what we get for doing everything digital.
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
Rico L.
I never got into Motorhead, but have heard some and can't imagine any being "Laid-back".
Thanks for giving my track a listen and I appreciate the feedback.
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
Ciao,
M.
Thanks for the feedback and the kind words!
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
I'll be back to do a proper review later. I want to be able to leave an accurate one. Can't do that when getting ready for the ol' boneyard shift, ya know?
Take care, mister.
Aaron.
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
Thanks for the kind words!
Take care.
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
The tune cranks and the bass really steals the show, your usual means of musical destruction. I wish you knew a singer in your parts that would lay down some cool vocals for you, it would really bring your tracks to a new level.
Well done Evan!
Wayne
It doesn't help that I've got a distorted guitar line in there that is also pretty close. I'll be going in soon to fix stuff.
Thanks again! Always good to hear your thoughts.
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
Slick licks on the guitars, high powered groove hear this
and you've got to move...
Solid piece of work...I enjoyed it..
Peace...TG.
Thank you for the kind words. Have a good one!
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
Good track (as usual).
I really like the bass work in the initial part: it has some "melodic" properties, which one would not expect from such a driving bass line. Good!
The tempo changes are "spectacular": this is one of the most difficult things to "plan on a DAW" and in this case they sound so natural. Very Good.
marimba... now this is original, but it works very well.
I am not so fond of some synth sounds (e.g. 2:20) but this is a matter of taste.
The final bass riff is really "powerful" ... I love when the drums go away and the bass gains the "front position" (2:26)
Drumkit sounds a bit "fake": using a stereo spread plugin may help (as per MrNomad suggestion...after he pointed this out I started using it more on my tracks and in some cases it really improves things, but your mileage may vary here...)
Again: GREAT TRACK!
Ciao, Domenico
PS: I would have downloaded it if download was allowed.
"The tempo changes are "spectacular": this is one of the most difficult things to "plan on a DAW" and in this case they sound so natural. Very Good."
Thank you. Like I mentioned to Mr. Nomad, I just let the part I had play out and when it went to silence, I played some palm-muted guitar hits and got the tempo(down 20bpm), cut and changed the Tempo Track, and was able to turn on the click and play from the verse into the chorus very naturally. Getting the tempo let me set the tempo track and then the click followed it. Kinda hard to explain the process because I wasn't really paying much attention at the time.
I will address the drums soon. Thank you again for your feedback and honesty. It is the most important aspect of this site for me. I appreciate you.
Take care
Evan
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma
It is I, returning with words as they are mostly all I have to offer. I suspected you'd been cooking some shit up whilst away from the site so I guess this it - a dangerous meal only to be fed to genuine enemies.
And you're pretty quickly in goin fairly badass with that thar bass. Aggressive playing thundering away. Drums are kind of keeping up but the bass is driving it all.
0:45 and 0:53 no way - are they tiny vocal snippets? If not, what?
0:57 pretty good tempo change? How did you work how to make that happen?
1:08 pretty cheesy. Just too polite and tinkly for me. Just experiment with another sound. Unless you love it. Then ignore me.
1:19 fiddle (?) much better. Just a better sound. Melody also good.
1:40 instant tempo change works well and you're back racing away.
1:48 lead synth works just fine.
2:04 back down to the slower tempo. Those changes work well - not always an easy thing to do.
2:47 final end chord is a neat touch. Much better than just letting it drift off lazily into nothing.
Yes, there are problems with the drums - snare and also the main cymbal you use. Stereo widening might indeed help a bit though won't solve everything. Better drum sounds would but I've said that too many times so don't want to be a bore.
Overall: pretty rockin stuff though I didn't experience any anal devastation. Shit speed cannot have been sufficiently high.
"0:45 and 0:53 no way - are they tiny vocal snippets? If not, what?"
No vocal snippets, though I can see why you thought that. They are bass guitar hits using my pedal's wah. Not the Auto-wah. Played pretty high on the neck on either D or G.
"0:57 pretty good tempo change? How did you work how to make that happen?"
Thanks. Before there was anything written for a chorus, I listened to the first part leading up to the change and just played what seemed right. Can't really explain it. I've just erased about 30 sentances trying to explain it. There was no math involved. I tried three or four BPMs before deciding 90 was the feel I was going for. I had the guitar in my head and just tried to match the speed.
"1:08 pretty cheesy. Just too polite and tinkly for me."
That's fine. I figured you would find them thin and weak, but I do like the xylophone type sound it gets. The actual Xylophone synth I have is more percussive that tonal, so I like the marimbas. I could probably mix them with some lower bongos/congas and get a meatier sound.
"2:47 final end chord is a neat touch. Much better than just letting it drift off lazily into nothing."
But drifting off lazily into nothing is what I'm best at! How many tracks of mine have your disappointed outro comment on them? Anyone reading them must be saying "When the fuck is this guy gonna quit fadin his shit out?!?! Been gettin shamed for over a year. Laziness." It is something I need to do a lot less of. I appreciate the shaming.
"Yes, there are problems with the drums - snare and also the main cymbal you use. Stereo widening might indeed help a bit though won't solve everything. Better drum sounds would but I've said that too many times so don't want to be a bore."
It will happen. I guess it's hard for me to spend money on anything virtual. I don't buy games or anything like that. My DAW is really the only thing, and even that seemed wrong. Several hundred dollars for a disc. Made me sick. I'll get over it and probably get Superior Drummer when/if I upgrade my recording desktop. I refuse to get a new desktop without Windows7. 8 is total shit. Great for a tablet, infuriating for a desktop.
Thank you for the feedback and the ideas. I'll be going in soon and working on the drum sound. I also have an issue with cymbal sounds being really short, no matter how long the MIDI note is. Also, the just sound muffled and hoaky.
I hope your bass heavy track is treating you well. You said it was being a bitch. Looking forward to it!
Under and In.
on Scalpel Chowder by Evisma