ValveDriver

"There's nothing else then forest and birds."
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I know exactly how that feels, and how inspirational it truly is. I don't know if you ever listened to my track Moss Mother pt.1, but that's what it's all about. So, I can totally relate to your situation, and I'm glad you found that!

"I'm not feeling alone anymore."

That pleases me to no end, brother. When I found this place, I felt like the "Bee girl" at the end of the Blind Melon's "No Rain" video. Everyone was so accepting and supportive. Most of what I know I learned here, from some of the old timers back in the day. I think I can safely speak for a lot of people here when I say that you're a valued member of this little community, and we're glad that you're here.
So, here's to many more, brother.
Take care.

Hey Lu. Welcome back, man. I'm glad to see you've been busy working on more music. I've always liked your work.
This is a good one. I really like the way you've used the synths throughout the whole thing, but their so cleverly placed that you almost don't notice them. But if they weren't there, you would definitely miss them. They're like a sonic ribbon that weaves in and out, tying everything together.
As far as the mix goes, it sounds good to me. Everything is clear, all the levels seem to be balanced, you have good panning and stereo separation, every instrument sits exactly where it should, and your vocals come through clearly. For a beginner, man, it sounds great! I think you're closer to "there" than you give yourself credit for.
When you release your album, please let me know immediately, and point me in the right direction as to where to find it. I'll be first in line to get it.
Take care, mister.
Aaron

I dig it, man. The guitar work reminds me a little of Mick Gordon. That's a good thing.
Have you ever tried selectively syncopating some of the chugs with the 808's? Or, something to that effect. I imagine that would give it a real hard hitting sound. Like being repeatedly punched in the chest with a Rhino. It might be good for a breakdown. Just a thought.
I know it's not mastered yet, but it still sounds good. I'd like to hear it when it's done.
Take care, man.
Aaron

Sounds good, brother. I really dig the lyrical content. They're poetic and real. Keep 'em coming, man! This was a good backing track to use for a foundation, too. So, kudos to you and Robin, both.
Take care.
V.

The lyrical content to this reminded me of a song called "T.U.S.A."from the album "Sunrise On The Sufferbus" by the band Masters Of Reality, released in 1992. GInger Baker from Cream and Blind Faith was their drummer, and vocals for that song. It's also about how Americans can't make tea.
For the record, though, this American doesn't do tea, so I can never be accused of making a bad cup. Now, coffee on the other hand...that's my thing. I'm behind every step of the process, starting with roasting my own. So, I always know it's fresh, and I have the brewing down to a science.
Anyhow, as far as this track goes. I REALLY like the sustained vocals. They fit so damned well. I know the lyrics are meat to be humorous, but the way you delivered them really drives the point home.
@Dimestop, thank you for the boost, man! I appreciate that!
As always, take care.
V

TrippleN, how ya doin' man? Well, I hope.

Listen, this is a damn fine production. You have definitely put a lot into this. As far as the repetitiveness of it, I don't think so at all. Granted, the main melody repeats through the whole thing, but you have enough other elements into play that it's constantly moving, glitching, or breaking. All of which keep it interesting and not monotonous.
Honestly, it kind of reminds of something from some old Dj Nujabes. There's something about it that's new and nostalgic at the same time. Excellent work, man. Keep it up.
Take care.
V.

Cool man, cool.

WesterlyGroove, hello.
I know nothing about Jungle so I couldn't tell you if this is good or not by the genre's standards. But, as a listener with no preconceived notions as to what it should sound like, I like it. I'm just curious though, what makes it Jungle as opposed to D-n-B, or something to that effect?
I fully understand the creating "something atmospheric and nighttime". Most of my best work has come from the middle of the night, and it sounded like it.
Good work. Keep it up.
Take care.
V

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say you're a fellow Gen-X'r. Not only does it have a Satch vibe, but there's a lot of Billy Gibbons, EVH, Angus, and a little Vai in there too.
Excellent work. It sounds a lot like some of the stuff I was listening to back in the early 80's. Keep it up.
Take care.
V.

It does have an 80s feel. I noticed a couple people compared it to A-Ha. I can agree with that. I can also hear just a touch of Depeche Mode in a few spots.

Having been around in the 80s, and listening to ALL of the music back then, here are a couple of suggestions to consider for a more authentic 80s sound:

Brassy stabs. For whatever reason we thought the brassy stabs were gods gift to synth pop back then. In some songs they were very prevalent, in others, just an accent here and there. In this track, they'd be better as a here and there accent type.

Super synth tom rolls, Try throwing in a few tom fills that are very obviously synth toms. Another thing we thought was a good idea.

Just a couple of ideas that you can either use, or toss out. Either way, you've done a good job with your recreation.
Take care.
V.

Funny thing is, man, everyone is always spouting off some regurgitated Hallmark, inspirational poster type shit whenever you're in a bad place, as if you have to escape immediately. And for most, it's something that needs to be heard in that time. But for artists, poets, musicians, nah...F off with that. Let me lean into that pain. Let me submerge myself. Don't stand there trying to pull me out. Don't throw me a lifeline because YOU think I've been in too long. Art is catharsis and I'll stay in it as long as I need.
People ask me why my art is so dark. I just tell them, it's how I bleed.
In otherwords, I get it. It's a price we artists must pay. Pain in exchange for greatness. I'm sorry you had to endure whatever it was that you did, but this piece that came from it is by far one of your best. If I could suggest anything, it would be to remember the avenues within yourself that you took in this creative process so that you can tap into it again without the need for pain's presence.
With that being said, I do hope things are better for you now.
Take care.
Aaron

Hello Frenz.
Almost every track I do has no plan. I just build as I go. So, I can fully respect the creative process here.
Kayos had mentioned that it's futuristic. I'd like to add to that. To me, it sounds retro-futuristic. I imagine that if Mark Mothersbaugh, Gary Neuman, and Ray Lynch were to collaborate, it would sound a lot like this. So to that, I say excellent work.
I really enjoy the bridge. The minimalist build is very effective. To me, this whole thing sounds like it could be in an 80s sci-fi thriller.
Again, excellent work.
Take care.
V.

Hello.
You have a good foundation here. However, adding a few more instruments, a bassline, and some breaks or transitions would really help knock it out of the park. Keep up the good work.
Take care.
V.
.

Everything sounds good. The mix is clear, everything is spread out nicely. Good work. The only complaint I have is the super abrupt ending.
Other than that....cool.
Take care.
V.

After listening again, I have to wonder if Billy Gibbons is a big influence on your playing style? I swear I can hear a little ZZ Top in the lead. Maybe a little Robert Cray in there, too?
Again, sounds good!
Take care.
V.

Hello StratOli.
I'm very much a metal head. The heavier the better. But, I'm a sucker for some blues. I can't pass a track labeled as such. I'm glad I stopped for a listen. It sounds good, man.

Zoot, I like it. It sounds like it could be something from a Mark Lanegan project circa mid 1990s. The chorus (?) effects on the guitars, I think, are what does it. It could easily fit in a play list with Blind Melon, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden, etc.

Micky's bass is a great addition. It sounds much fuller and warmer now. Kudos to Micky.

Honestly, I don't think the 2-3 minute mark needs anything at all. I think the synths you have in there are exactly as it should be. It's such a mellow tune that anything more would be distracting, or maybe even ruin the flow.

Yeah, man. I totally dig this.

I sent you an email a few minutes ago with an idea or two. If you like them, get a hold of me.

Take care.
V.

Hello Anthony. It reminded me a little bit of The Art Of Noise. That's a compliment.
In my ears, the mixing was done well. The structure was done in a way that kept me listening, so....
Good work, man. Keep it up.
Take care.
V.

Kay, this is really good. Not only the music and vocals, but the lyrical concept. You've managed to express the feeling that perfectly fits the idea. Excellent work to the both of you.
Take care.
V.

This is good. You've done a good job on the mixing for sure. I'm just curious, do you use loops, or do you create from Default, or a little of both?
Excellent work either way. Keep it up.
Take care.
V

You know what, man? Greatest voice or not, you're not afraid to put it out there because that's what YOU want to do. I'm sure you've noticed that there isn't a Valvedriver track on here with my voice in it. (There is one that exists, just not here.) So, there's that.
Tell ya what, though, you might do well to try Reggae. I mean, if you like Reggae, that is. Doesn't make much sense to do something you don't enjoy.
Either way, kudos to you, man. Keep it up!
Take care.
Aaron

Marco, I would have loved to hear you and Spivkurl put something together back in the day. It could have been a very interesting collaboration, to say the least.
Either way, I like this one. The swirling arps kind of grab you and don't let go until it's completely faded out.
I hope to hear more from you someday!
Take care.
V.

Kay, hello.

After reading the previous comments, it seems clear that you all have a hit on your handsand with good reason.

It feels as though youve truly found your voice, both literally and figuratively. These last few tracks youve released have been a noticeable step above. Your delivery now comes across as far more relaxed and confident.

In my opinion, you and Oli share excellent chemistry. It reminds me of artists like Lords of Acid, Goldfrapp, and even Garbagewhere a powerhouse producer lays down strong, masculine foundations that are perfectly complemented by delicate yet powerful feminine vocals. Its such a compelling combination.

Excellent work, Kay. Im looking forward to hearing what you create next.

Take care,
V.

Micky, hello.

I really enjoyed this. Ill admit, I was a little hesitant to hit play when I saw the RnB tag, but knowing you consistently put out quality music, I gave it a chanceand this is no exception.

The structure is fascinating. At first, it feels like a collection of individual parts, each doing its own thing. Everything is cohesive, yet distinct. As the track progresses, the elements begin to blend more and more. By the time it reaches the 3:20 mark, the sounds merge so seamlessly that it becomes a rich, enveloping groove you cant help but get drawn intoand dont want to leave.

The overall energy is fantastic. It has this acid-jazz, funk, disco hybrid vibe that feels very Jamiroquai-esqueand that is definitely.....A good thing.

Take care,
V.

Quality, as always. To me, and I mean this as a compliment, it sounds like the soundtrack to a killer cyber-logic, fever dream type game. I could totally get lost in this while figuring out some F'd up puzzles in a cyberpunk town full of crime and chaos.
I like it, man.