ValveDriver

Not every song requires vocals

Portland, United States

Joined : 25th Sep 2012 - 13 years ago

Last Online : 7th Aug 2026 - 1 week ago

ValveDriver comments on tracks

ValveDriver has posted 509 comments on other peoples tracks.

Comments 426 - 450 of 509

ValveDriver 4th Jun 2014 17:35 - 12 years ago

on Bad Boy Sound by FreeRadical

This is a pretty solid track. I really love the D&B. I've tried making it a few times myself, but it just doesn't work for me. So, not only am I impressed by this bad boy, but a little envious as well! You did excellent work with the vocals and panning. It's very fluid in it's dynamics, and everything fits so nicely. It's a seamless little ride.
I agree with Spivkurl. You do good work with the Reese and the Hoovers. They're such powerful synths and can easily be misused, or out of place. Not the case here.
As far as the length goes...the longer the better, man. Especially in something so rhythm driven. I mean, when it's time to fire one up and kick back to some tunes, you want to be able to enjoy the ride, right?
Anyhow, "cool track bro!"

Take care.
V.

FreeRadical replied 4th Jun 2014 - 12 years ago

Thanks, I think this is one of the better ones i've made lateley so i thought i'd give it a re up. I don't know why i don't do more D&B because they normally turn out alright. I'm glad you could drop in and comment because i rate your stuff and that makes all the difference.
Cheers.
FR

ValveDriver 4th Jun 2014 03:03 - 12 years ago

on Launchpad Test Aiming For The Sun by BigPete

This is nice, with a mellow groove. It's not too overly complex, but it's still got a full sound. This would be a good one to have playing while on a long night drive.

Good work.
Take care.
V.

ValveDriver 4th Jun 2014 01:26 - 12 years ago

on Seplicate V2 by Spivkurl

As someone who likes to mix genres, I especially like this one. It definitely has a late 70's early 80's post disco feel.
The organ. Yes! I've often said there isn't enough organ work anymore. As an organ enthusiast, I love it! You did get a sweet sound on it too. It's got a very rich distortion without drowning out that signature organ sound. I've heard some distorted to the point where they just sounded like another guitar. This one toes the line, but still retains that sweet, sweet organ love! (That sounded a lot dirtier than I meant for it to.)
I really like the spoken word style vocals. It's definitely a more subdued approach than we're used to from you. I think your vocal endeavors are panning out. To be honest, I'd love to hear your take on a cover of something by The Cramps.
Nice work, man.
Take care.
Aaron

Spivkurl replied 8th Jun 2014 - 12 years ago

Hey what's up? Thanks for having a listen and leaving your always helpful and enjoyable comments! It's nice to know there are others who are into organs like me. I can't really resist keyboard instruments when I find them, and organs are definitely my favorite. I like the Fanfare organ because it has so many options to shape the sound. I can now get a good sounding recording out of the headphone output by sending it into my direct box. Much easier than micing the speakers, and has less of that old amplifier/speaker noise. I don't quite remember what I got that overdrive sound with, but I like it. With the organ I was going for a little bit of a Doors feel, and I think that leads into the spoken word parts well. Organ love, can't go wrong with that dirty or not! I think I've been trying to outlet my anger and aggression in other ways, thus leaving my art more open to different vibes. Thanks for the support on my vocals! To be honest, I've barely listened to The Cramps ever, but I should probably take a listen now. I've made some big changes to this song since you listened, I hope you like it still. I appreciate your review!

ValveDriver 25th May 2014 21:21 - 12 years ago

on Modern India by RealProblemShuckers

RPS, Hello.
This is a good track. It's got some good energy and moves along nicely. I'm not going to say anything about the intro, because it's already been covered. BUT...I will mention the outro. It's pretty abrupt, my friend. With the way this track moves so nicely along, it's kind of like it fell from a cliff when we least expected it. Like you didn't know where to go with it, so you just killed it off. Personally, I would double the length of the section between 2:23 and the end, where it drops into another section like 1:22-1:36 with the sitar layered over the top of that, and continue from there. But, that's just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
Other than that, a nice mix of genres and a pretty good groove you got!
Take care.
V.

RealProblemShuckers replied 26th May 2014 - 12 years ago

Yeah, i agree you with you- it does need some patching up with the intro + outro. Will fix that sooner or later. Thanks for feedback!

ValveDriver 25th May 2014 20:37 - 12 years ago

on Lazy featuring Rachel Clark by FreeRadical

For a bunch of loops basically just thrown together, it's pretty good, man. All the synths and sounds compliment the vocals well. The only thing I have for it, if you ever decide to go back to it, is to add that personal touch at the 5:04 mark, and maybe match the reverb on her voice in the first and second parts. The dry vocals in the second section don't quite fit the flow. Other than that, "Cool track, bro!"

Take care.
V.

FreeRadical replied 25th May 2014 - 12 years ago

Thanks man, I didn't spend a lot of time on it so perhaps a little TLC might help it along. I basically just searched for loops that were in the right key and then planted her over the top of it. It was only a few hours work.
Thanks for tuning in.
FR

ValveDriver 25th May 2014 20:25 - 12 years ago

on Nightr8 by Spivkurl

Hey Mister.

I don't think it's just the new equipment that's aided in your work. These last few tracks have been far and above. I think you've hit a re-invented creative streak, my friend. Not to take away from your previous work, but the last couple tracks have had a far more "professional" level. While, granted, the equipment does help with that, it's not what creates, composes, and arranges the song. That's all you, brother.
This track is a hard hitter for sure. It does have a sort of retro-80's-new wave-synth pop thing happening. But, only on the surface. When you dig into it a little harder, it's a pretty powerful and aggressive beast. I really like that filtered rise on the bass. It helps add to the intensity. With as busy as this song is, it's never crowded, or cluttered. You've done a killer job at arranging everything so it sits just right. But, you always do.
If I were to paint a picture to this, (Because that's my first love), it would be someone stuck in a spider's web while the spider closes in.
Take care, Spiv.
Aaron

ValveDriver 13th May 2014 15:56 - 12 years ago

on AZZYKO - GAME OVER by AZZYKO

Spivkurl is correct about the flow and melodies. It's nice to hear some dubstep that isn't just a bunch of regurgitated, chopped patches crammed together as tightly, and chaotic as possible. I'm guessing you actually sat down with your Massive and crafted these wobbs. Which is something I can get behind. Dubstep isn't my preferred genre, but this is a pretty good track.

Take care.
V.

AZZYKO replied 14th May 2014 - 12 years ago

It's nice to see positive critics. Yes, I spent a lot of time to improve all sounds in song :) Thank you for listening! :)

ValveDriver 12th May 2014 18:30 - 12 years ago

on Aerosol by Spivkurl

Spiv. How's it goin', Mister?

I'm always impressed by your work. This is no exception to that. With all of your work, it's clear that you're passionate about it. But this one has just a little more than usual. It seems to be more....seamless(?). Even the mixing seems to be more clean, which seems like an inappropriate word given the amount of distortion. But even in that, it's balanced out and varied to the point where it doesn't begin to fatigue. Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about this track.
The only thing I have that would be considered a complaint, is that guitar. There needs to be more of it. When it kicked in at 4:10, my brain wanted it to be the beginning of a solo that trudges it's way through.
Either way, I personally feel this is one of your personal best. I'm going to go hat trick on this one with comment, fav, and download.
Take care, man.
Aaron.

Spivkurl replied 13th May 2014 - 12 years ago

I really appreciate your kind and helpful comments! Seamless and clean are nice things to say! I have to admit that a lot of that is due to my new equipment - new monitors, new midi controller, new audio interface, direct box... stuff like that. Finally getting used to using these things, and it's having a great effect on my music. Glad it didn't fatigue! I'm glad you liked the guitar! I guess I didn't use it more, because I wanted this to be a very electronic sounding track, not so much electrical lol. I think using real instruments as accents and tools of expression can be a great thing in electronic music, and there's not enough of it around. I too feel this is some of my best work to date, so I'm glad you feel that way too! Thanks for the fave and DL!

ValveDriver 12th May 2014 17:32 - 12 years ago

on The Overcasters by Evisma

Evan. What's happnin'? I like this. It's a good, high energy track. It's fast paced, but not busy.

One of the things I like about your work is that you have a signature sound without it becoming a one trick pony. You're able to keep it inventive and new with each track.

The only thing that I think it's missing is a low end, galloping bass from :20-:35 and again from :52-1:07. That's it, though.

I hope all is well with you.
Take care.
Aaron.

Evisma replied 13th May 2014 - 12 years ago

Mr. Aaron, good to hear from you.

My signature sound is from approaching the bass like it was a solo instrument, not supporting, I suppose. I ##### at basslines.

I'll see if the old horse can still gallop. I've been working a lot so my hands are pretty tore up. The important fingers are still working!

Take care.

Evan

ValveDriver 12th May 2014 04:53 - 12 years ago

on Random Acts Of Human Kindness by StaticNomad

Static, what's a happnin', man?

I've listened to this one about 4 times now. I'm not going to give a very detailed technical review. It's been a long day and my brain is kind of done working. But, I still felt compelled to comment on it. So, I'll give it what I've got.

I like what you have here. The guitar in this has that sweet, dusty blues sound. I've always liked that. For a rhythm based guy, you did a great job on the lead solos. They're very smokey, rich and smooth. Like a filter-less Camel. Heh.
The bass line has good and strong presence without crowding everything else, and it does a great job at keeping things moving.
The strings are a nice incorporation. They class up the joint a little bit. Combined with the automated pads, it has a real pleasant, spacey Planet Caravan thing going on. Not to take away from any of your creativity or originality by any means. That's just what comes to mind when I listen.
If I were in a position in life where I could still fire up the ol' bongzilla, I would definitely put this track on my "fire it up" list.
I'm looking forward to hearing where you've gone with it. A rocking, double-kick laden, epic crescendo I assume!
Can't wait, man.
If I think of any detailed what-nots to add, I'll leave another review. But for now, the obligatory, ever popular "Sick track, Bro!"
Take care.
Aaron

StaticNomad replied 14th May 2014 - 12 years ago

Yo. What's a happnin' is blues. Mostly deep shuffle blues morphing into some heavy electric voodoo blues reaching out into the puple haze in an attempt to connect with Jimi, wherever he is.

Well, this would be probably the greatest "Sick track, Bro!" review I've ever read. It should really only be three words long. You wanted to "Sick track, Bro!" it but couldn't help go on for a while - exactly as this track doesn't.

Thanks for the solo love. When I say I'm not much of a lead guy, what I mean is that I'm pretty ##### at playing a whole decent solo in one go. It's partly due to being lazy but my creative imagination isn't a an organisational type of imaginative, much more abstract and absurd and humorous. I also struggle to envisage a whole track or plan it out properly beforehand, which is why I'm a loop-based composer. The looped sections just keep growing and growing and that's how I make all my epics. Not by ever actually planning out the considerable length and complex changes beforehand.

The solo in this was actually all played in one take but I played for about 4 mins then edited the best bits together as it had no real structure. Now I think I've given it definite structure and interesting movements. A good solo is such an art!

I totally agree with the strings classing the joint up, which is a good phrase. They tend to have that effect. Not a lot of blues tracks with beautiful strings. I came across a great sort of concept album about ten years ago that was all about exploring the combination of deep blues with strings eg cello and violin. The liner notes pointed out the worlds of blues and classical rarely come together. You don't often see a blues band with a string section, do you?

Sabbath's Planet Caravan is very, very chilled and gentle, as I remember.

"rocking, double-kick laden, epic crescendo I assume"

I have gone into a heavier ending (extending this to around 14.5 mins!) partly inspired by your comment. Guitar turns into some powerful, primeval riffs so I thought drums should follow suit.

Been working on nothing but this for the last couple of weeks and am getting a bit bored of it. Must finish and move into something else. Quite possibly some pure electro with no guitar involved at all.

Sick review, bro!

ValveDriver 12th May 2014 04:08 - 12 years ago

on 15 Minutes Isnt All We Can Have by MOONLYTE

You clearly have the confidence in your voice where the scream-o is concerned. It's the melodic parts that need more. It comes across as if you're hesitating. Specifically, 1:28-1:42. Maybe if you added a little reverb so it wasn't so dry. I understand you want variation in the different vocal parts, but that spot is a little too dry, and the levels are higher than the rest. Which isn't anything I'm going to go into at this point. It's already been stated.
I agree with Johnny. A backing vocal track would be good in this one. It would bring more dimension and life to it.
It's clear that you're working hard to improve your music. You're doing a pretty good job. Keep it up.

Take care.
V.

MOONLYTE replied 12th May 2014 - 12 years ago

This song actually started out with a lot of reverb on the vocals, but to me it sounded to much, which is why i opted to have more dry. I may redo that section you said, maybe more confidence is what i need :)

Thanks for the advice and listen

ValveDriver 11th May 2014 01:23 - 12 years ago

on Session by Diskonnect

Cryin' ass shame about losing' this summbitch! I've had that happen a couple times. Either that or it would glitch out somewhere and I ended up having to scrap it. Bummer, dude.

But, as for what we have here, I really dig it. That beat is nice and heavy, but relaxed as hell, and the bassline you have rolling with it is nice and dark without killing the vibe. I like the way this track stumbles into so many different genres and eras without ever leaving it's course.

Your transitions between synths are near seamless, and timed well.

Overall, I could see this being used as a theme song to a 90's style "Cyber-flick." A sound, that in my opinion, is all too rare.

Take care.
V.

Diskonnect replied 17th May 2014 - 12 years ago

Thanks for the comment, appreciated.

It's a bummer for sure, it's happened to me before also! Never a good feeling :(

ValveDriver 10th May 2014 19:37 - 12 years ago

on Dancing To The War Drums by crucethus

Yup. I totally see what you mean. Leaving it to the end did exactly what it was supposed to do in that case.
As far as Carmina Burana goes, it's always been one of my favorites. O'Fortuna is a brilliant piece. It's got such a tragic sound for such a positive subject matter. I'd love to see what Carl Orff would be doing today with all this technological ##### we have now.

crucethus replied 11th May 2014 - 12 years ago

I remember the first time I heard O Fortuna, which was during the Conan the Barbarian movie. I was like what is this song? Then I got ahold of a DVD Audio copy of a recording done in the eighties which was recorded Quadrophonically and just sounded like you were in the theatre...mind blowing.
"I'd love to see what Carl Orff would be doing today with all this technological ##### we have now"

That is always an interesting question, because maybe he makes amazing music, maybe he becomes just another schlep like us on a looper site. Maybe the lack of our technology was the catalyst for his great composition. We will never know, but is an excellent idea to debate. Maybe he sounds like Michele Cretu's Enigma (Gravity of Love) which samples it quite profusely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSTV99Uy8hk&;html5=1
Steve

ValveDriver 10th May 2014 03:21 - 12 years ago

on Dancing To The War Drums by crucethus

This is a good piece. Especially for a mix of loops. I enjoyed it all the way through.
The piano is a nice touch. I think it could have been a couple db higher, though.
Then, we get to the end and you drop that choir on us. Honestly, I think that should have been used in more places. (specifically 1:37). Even if chopped and spread out. Where it is now is like waiting until the last bite of ice cream to pour the chocolate syrup. But, then again, I'm a sucker for using choir to make ##### heavier. And the subject you chose for this, is a heavy one.
All in all...Great track, man.

Take care.
V.

crucethus replied 10th May 2014 - 12 years ago

Thanks V. I understand how you feel about the choir at then end, it is one of my favourite parts of this tune. I also remember the songs I loved when I was young had these awesome coda's or parts that made me listen to the whole song until I got too the good part. The chorus is just that. if I added it (IMHO) to more of the song it would have diminished the surprise and the point of the song (religious wars of the past). Like you I love a good choir. Carmina Burana (O Fortuna) is a favourite of mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEllLECo4OM&;html5=1
Thanks so much for listening and commenting I look forward to your contributions.
Steve

ValveDriver 18th Apr 2014 17:41 - 12 years ago

on Exitium by johnnyproducing

I kinda lost interest in the whole dubstep thing when the formula became too predictable, and the drops seemed to have become a contest to see who can chop the most sounds and place them together the fastest. To me, it lost any musical aspect it ever had.
This track doesn't do that. This is a good track, man. It retains the melodic factor. Which is kind of the whole point of music. I completely agree with Neomorpheus in regards to the restraint. You obviously had a feel for the flow of the drop, and didn't just put in a bunch of random cuts, like I hear a lot of "producers" do. All of the different patches and synths blend together well and keep the flow nice and smooth.
My hat's off to you and your partner, there. Good work!

Take care.
V.

johnnyproducing replied 18th Apr 2014 - 12 years ago

Well one of my favorite producers is excision and protohype (as a dubstep producer). You could check them out if you want but maybe that is not your style.

I am to say the least really glad you could enjoy this track though, it's great to hear that this track could bring you some joy in the particular genre again ;)
My friend has more like this I believe so if you want to hear more like this just check out his soundcloud ;)

Appreciate your comments so thanks for it ;)
and take care too

ValveDriver 16th Apr 2014 22:44 - 12 years ago

on skullthrasher- 1 by razerzone515

Dude. You have some of that old 80's thrash metal goin' on here! For an old ##### like me that was there when the ##### was born, that's cool as hell, man!

Take care.
V.

ValveDriver 15th Apr 2014 19:09 - 12 years ago

on Skim by Spivkurl by Spivkurl

This is an interesting one. It's far more aggressive and raw. I think I can say this is my favorite of yours. And I downloaded your album. (Which I've listened to on several occasions.) The intro is almost misleading. It has an almost whimsical nature until about :10 when you realize this is going to be a darker ride. I like the fact that there's no giant kicks in this. As it is, it's almost mischievous. Big kicks would have just got in the way of all the other elements working together in this.
I've never really delved into the chiptune genre. I've always thought that what I had heard was intriguing, though. I may have to look a little further into it. This one is going in my fave file for sure, man. Nice work.

Take care.
Aaron.

Spivkurl replied 16th Apr 2014 - 12 years ago

Hello my friend, I value your listen and viewpoints very much! Thank you for downloading my album. The intro is not the only thing about this song that is misleading, be sure of that. It's a very unusual song for me because of the low end (kicks and bass), very incidental. Honestly putting this in the 8-bit genre was mostly an experiment, partly because it's a new genre here on the loop, and partly because of the lo fi circuit bent stuff that drives this song along. If you find any other chiptunes which are any way similar to this, please link me up, I'd be intereted to hear it. Thanks again for listening!

ValveDriver 15th Apr 2014 07:08 - 12 years ago

on Weapons Of Mastication by Evisma

Evan, What's happnin' man?

2:43 to 3:09. Everything that is being said by this piece is right there. That is the core voice of the song. Everything else, while nicely executed, is just the instruments "talking". Those few seconds are you speaking. ##### brilliant, man. I've never downloaded loops for any serious attempt at building a track around them, but I'm more and more tempted to start scouring your bass loops to see if I can give them a worthy home.

Take care, Mister.
Aaron.

Evisma replied 16th Apr 2014 - 12 years ago

A good evening to you, sir.

I'm with you on the liking of the 2:43 to 3:09 part, but I'm guessing the manipulated MIDI female vocal afterward was a bit too much. I was REALLY enjoying the PB Wheel on my MIDI controller, and it stayed.

I don't know if you can do much with my loops, a few people have, but they tried to use like seven or eight of mine, and try to MAKE something work. I think one of my loops would work for people if it was just for small parts. Everything that I've heard so far has been discouraging. I feel like I did not give very useful loops and I'll probably try to do some different stuff soon.

Thanks again for the encouraging words.

Evan

ValveDriver 14th Apr 2014 22:04 - 12 years ago

on Spivkurl vs DeciBel - Hidden Locked Tight by Spivkurl

The darkness that we all hold within us generally carries upon it's face the most beautiful sights you can imagine. Generally, no one is willing to look past the darkness and the pain to find the beauty. That's where being an artist comes into play. Whether it's music, painting, photography, or whatever medium. We have that ability to leash that hidden beauty, no matter how locked tight, and bring it to the surface for others to enjoy. While, I'm no advocate for personal struggles, I fully admire our nature as artists to bring back a piece of heaven from out of the depths of hell. So to speak.
I love the use of Massive in this. Especially how unapologetically the "Modern Talking" patch is just thrown in your face. Not many people can pull that one off.
There is a lot of distortion in this track. That, combined with the rapid synth movement and uneasiness in your vocals that the auto-tune provides, brings out a feeling of needing to lash out from a frustrated aggression, but a total reluctance to do so. In other words...keeping it locked tight.
As always, man. Awesome work.

Take care.
Aaron.

Spivkurl replied 19th Apr 2014 - 12 years ago

As always, your reviews enhance my day! I'm beginning to realize that darkness and light are just extremes, and thusly are basically the same thing. Both are needed, and both inspire. I honestly don't know what instruments were used in this, as Benham did all the real musical work. I just did some mixing, vocals, and mastering. You're probably right about the modern talking, I didn't really think of it until you said something. I generally don't use that sound in my songs, but it's effective here. I'm glad you pointed out the uneasiness from the autotune, as that's one of the main reason I had been using autotune so much. I felt it enhanced the artificial sheen on my vocals. Sort of the same reason I'm no longer anti-MP3. I don't think I'll be using autotune on my vocals much anymore, as people have encouraged me not to. If they can stand my dischord, why not give it to em. Thanks so much for listening and leaving your deep thoughts! Take care!

ValveDriver 14th Apr 2014 14:40 - 12 years ago

on domrorchestra by domr30

This is a high quality cinematic piece. There is a lot of movement that takes you to several places. Very good work.

Take care.
V.

domr30 replied 15th Apr 2014 - 12 years ago

merci pour ce commentaire domr

ValveDriver 4th Apr 2014 16:11 - 12 years ago

on Sinai by smallbots

I like it. It has a certain Richard D. James/Trent Reznor hybrid thing going on. Nice work.

Take care.
V.

smallbots replied 4th Apr 2014 - 12 years ago

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

ValveDriver 2nd Apr 2014 03:46 - 12 years ago

on Bionic with CyberTronics by RealProblemShuckers

Not a bad little track. It could use a little more melody and maybe a less abrupt ending, but it's cool.

Take care.
V.

ValveDriver 1st Apr 2014 01:46 - 12 years ago

on Troubled Minds Ft TheG1t by SeriouslyJoking

Have you tried opening with just the pads, and what sounds like it might be piano, but not the sequenced synth? Maybe try waiting until the :40 mark to bring those in.
I like the sax in there. It definitely works. I don't think you're off in the wrong direction at all.

Just a suggestion.
Take care.
V.

SeriouslyJoking replied 1st Apr 2014 - 12 years ago

I have to try that and also some other changes in the intro, the annoying rooster sounding synth is bugging me more and more.

Thank you again for the feedback!!

ValveDriver 31st Mar 2014 19:09 - 12 years ago

on No Current Title by Crypt

This sounds like some of my early work. In fact, I have a loop on here that's very similar the main bassline. Very cool. It does need some leads, though. I personally would add some melodic and almost hypnotic leads as a contrast to the sharp and aggressive nature of what's already there. But that's just how I do things.
Good work,man.

Take care.
V.

Crypt replied 1st Apr 2014 - 12 years ago

Yeah I heard the loops in question and you're right. Pretty similar sound. That's my favorite kind of synth sound. That like distorted bass lead sound. And oddly enough I was considering what you suggested in terms of guitar. I guess great minds think alike huh? :P Thanks for stopping by V!

ValveDriver 31st Mar 2014 01:32 - 12 years ago

on Troubled Minds Ft TheG1t by SeriouslyJoking

I would think that ultimately it depends on what the intro is leading into. The beginning synths are busy, but if you're going into a busier, upbeat tune, this works fine. If you do end up working a "build" into it, then that will offset the two melody synths even more. At least, that's just my opinion, anyhow.

Take care.
V.

SeriouslyJoking replied 31st Mar 2014 - 12 years ago

I'm ALWAYS trying to do this house tune and it ALWAYS ends up in something else, but this is really supposed to stay as it so an upbeat house-kind-of-a tune; a build up and some serious beats after that.

That's my plan - Thank you again! I'm going to listen to your Music when my ears are functioning again. =)

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