"Let me tell you boy, there ain't no such thing as salvation". I can't believe its been over 10 years since I first heard that dark oscillating synth intro that snagged my soul and shackled me to the ValveDrivers mad music engine! So it goes without saying that I was pretty stoked to get the message that he just out of nowhere dropped a new track. This is my third attempt to respond here, not sure if its my suckass internet service or Shans website. I hear he's finally getting around to updating it. Thanks Shan! ANYHOW onto the business at hand. Aaron you definitely haven't lost any of your edge brother. That menacing drum beat intro grabbed the attention like a Viking longboat rowing cadence. I have to say the drum programming here is tight, especially the parts synched to the guitar chugs. That takes some effort to pull off. Like most of your stuff, this track has a unique structure that works well to build and release tension. I appreciate the few respites like the one there around 1:40, which feature some cool rhythm guitar fills and allows us to brace for the upcoming assault. Good job with the sound bites, I've done a bit of this in the past and know its not so easy to find what you need to hit the mark and stay relevant and/or to have sufficient restraint to keep it from getting goofy. To be honest I haven't been listening to much Metal these past few months. Hopefully this will springboard me back into it because I have missed it. I haven't been playing much lately, just noodling around from time to time and haven't recorded anything in well... probably over a year. After I stopped uploading material here I did do a project album of Latin based guitar music where I combined various styles like Samba, Merengue, Bossa Nova, Bachata, Cumbia etc. to create several quirky rock fusion tracks. It also included a few of my Looperman tracks like El Muerto, Poquito, Evangelina and Bard with a Bandolier. I just might have to upload one or two of them for everyone to check out. Sorry to get off track but this is like a reunion of sort. Take care my friend. Neo
Its been a long time since I've been on here but I recall one of the first tracks I downloaded at least 10 years ago was a House track of yours. Cool to see you still making music. I really like this one too.
Hi thanks for taking the time to post a comment. Yes Im still writing music I have been doing since the late 80s early 90s and cant really say Ive had a break. Its just something I love to do. If you also write music you know how it is. Thanks again. Glad you like the track.
Awesome track Bil! You really nailed a lot of Eddies techniques in here and even threw in a couple of his riffs from a few classic VH tunes. Excellent playing and super props for this tremendous tribute to Eddie. I have to admit I've been in a daze since I heard of his passing. Even though you purposely channeled Eddie here I can also hear some Satriani and maybe even a bit of Eric Johnson sprinkled in. Quite an interesting structure in how it moves back and forth from the heavy rock groove to the light, melodic, almost jazz sounding sections. My favorite part is the whammy bar notes there at 3:24. Very cool!!! I think the past month has been quite an emotional time for EVH fans everywhere, and as time goes by we will most likely see a resurgence of interest and maybe a lot more songs and artists paying homage to Eddie. I have been listening, playing and as a result, re-living a lot of past memories. Its not going to be easy accepting he's gone but we certainly have to be thankful to have been witness to his genius.
Speaking of disappearing, I've been out of commission for a while here lately myself. Too much work and not enough time for play. I hope to get back to some music here real soon though. Anyhow on to the matter at hand. I thoroughly dig this...what could be considered a bit of a throwback ValveDriver track. I was all in right from the start.
As you mentioned it certainly has a lot of the original mix flavoring with the multi layer synths, its deep and heavy foreboding presence and bad ass sinister vibes.
There's plenty of notable elements here but I particularly like the pitch shifting notes in the mid section. Really accentuates the energy/tension and pegs the ol' eerie meter ! Also the Piano One is in my opinion a very sensible and appropriate addition to your arsenal. Piano (and violin) have been staple instruments for some of the most memorable and historically classic soundtracks of the "ominous" variety ever made. It also sounds very cool in there which is the best reason I can think of to hopefully persuade you to leave it.
With Halloween almost here I'm in the midst of preparing my annual scare soundtrack to provide the right ambience for the neighbor kiddos who are willing to dare enter the fright zone and knock on my door for treats. This baby will be making the play list for sure bro.
I can dig that whole more work than play thing. This whole preparing to move is a time consuming summbitch.
With the exception of the drums and the piano, the synth patches that I used in this track are 5 of my oldest patches that I made from scratch. They are the first 5 that I used in the second track I posted here back in 2012. The feel of this one is more sinister than the original track. Which is what I was going for. It's not really a remix, or a reboot, just another track with the same synths. I liked how they have a groovy drive to them, but can still be dark. Unlike the original "The Anderson Council". Which is a more groovy, chilled out ride.
I'll leave the piano in this one. I just need to go back and adjust some of the velocities on the higher notes. They're too close and sound too programmed. Not as organic and natural as I like to shoot for. I remembered the Toms, but forgot the piano. Oops.
As far as horror playlists go, feel free. You should also check out my track 2077 AD. It's a droning, dark ambient piece that I made entirely for myself for those nights where insomnia is stronger than the melatonin. So, it's plenty long so I have time to actually fall asleep before it's over.
I hope all is well deep down Texas way. Stay safe down there, mister.
Pretty freaky stuff here bro. The bass lines in here are all Killer. The effects, transitions, breakdowns, tempo changes are very well done and the carnival bit is a perfect twisted element. Another extremely well produced and very fun track.
I got separated from my parents at a circus when I was little and luckily my mom saw me as I was wandering behind the Freakshow tent ! I could have ended up a carny or traumatized for life !
Wow, there's a lot of substance here man. Supermassive ! It's like a binary star cluster getting sucked into a black hole. But seriously, you guys are creating some really terrific spaced out music. At this rate you could end up being the Tomita of this generation. I really dig the vibes, very euphoric and somewhat transcendental in nature. You certainly are showing your skills to compose as well as create atmosphere. I'm always reluctant to buy into an artist on just the merits of their first track, no matter how good it is. The one hit wonder entities abound in this place but thankfully there are exceptions and its looking like you guys are legit. I'm impressed with the efforts so far and look forward to just how far you guys can push the matter-antimatter reactor before sustaining irreparable damage to the Dilithium Crystals.
Thank you, Neomorpheus! On behalf of my ship commander Jynxz I can tell you that your words lift us up in unknown spheres and yes, we're ready to go to the farthest fringes ... Regards, Micky
Pretty cool mix you have here. Actually what attracted me to check it out was the title. I first learned about Cthulhu playing D & D and reading H.P. Lovecraft back in the college days. I dig the track as I'm always hip to interesting and unique approaches to music and music interpretation. It very much reminds me of early Pink Floyd and how they used sound effects and soundscapes as integral components in their material. Props on the production here, it's very good, and I especially like your focus on movement. A lot of producers overlook this aspect of the recording or don't put enough emphasis on it. Another important component in this type of music is texture or how well the various layers of sound interact with each other. Things like melody, tempo, harmonics etc. and how well they are combined really define the overall quality of the mix. You pretty much nailed that too.
If I was to find anything negative or had to nitpick something, I would say that as I listened I was hoping it would actually develop into something. It doesn't strike a chord, contain a rhythm or fully develop into a beat. Instead, the rhythm is intuitive and free-flowing. So essentially its a soundscape and cant be categorized as music. That's not a bad thing by any means, I'm just stating that as a listener I was left wanting or waiting on the music. However, Since you stated in your description that this will be the opening piece of your album, I feel that this is intentional and is essentially a 5 minute buildup to the first track of the album. Which makes me all the more impressed with your genius cause now I have to buy your album to see where this leads !!!
Dear Friend, I very much appreciated your in-depth analysis, you listened carefully and your comments are truly centered and precise. You are right in saying that this song does not have a traditional melody and evolution and you have well understood that it is essentially a soundscape which serves to introduce the rest of the album by gradually immersing the listener in Lovecraftian atmospheres. The rest of the album is designed to accompany the reading of HPL's works. In a few days I will receive printed copies of my CD "Cthulhu Calling", which will not be on the market, as I intend to give them to my friends. I also want to send a copy to all the friends of Looperman who have followed and encouraged me in recent months, so if you like I will send you one by post, to an address that is convenient for you to receive the package (write me in private to show me the address). A cordial greeting Marco
Dude, I guess I'm gonna have to start checking in here on a daily basis now ! I hate being late to the ValveDriver new release parties. Especially when the Hors d'Oeuvres your serving up are this good ! I know your style is typically very mood based and generally very dark natured. But yeah this is something else. It's more creepy or disturbing I think. I agree with danke that it does have some cinematic elements and you do a great job here to manage the effects and not overwhelm it. It seems to be more minimalistic than most of your tracks and whether this was done purposely or not, I think it really works here. Everything seems to blend well in the mix for me, but I didn't hear the first version before the edit. I notice some difference in the sound of the synths, I suspect you tried some different settings. As usual your structuring is great, love the mid way tempo change up.
Aaron, your really firing on all cylinders now bro. Keep poking the coals to it man. This one was really fun !
Ha! I guess it has been a bit of a Valvdriver Smorgasbord these last couple of weeks.
Yes. Typically, my work is darker and more mood based, but lately, since I've had the time to just sit down and let it all flow, I've just been letting it write itself. No matter how far outside the realms of the "vast and barren wasteland of post apocalyptic industrialism" it gets. Basically, I have time to enjoy it, so that's what I'm doing! I'm sure I'll eventually get back to the grinding doom based nightmare soundtracks, but for now...I'm a roll widdit!
You mentioned this one being more minimalist than usual. That is true. I did purposely go with a more minimal approach. Generally, I really like making the complex, uber-layered tracks with a lot of shit happening, (Just like my art. Of which, I still need to get a way for you to see those too.), but I wanted to try seeing if I could make a filled out track with less elements. In this one, I used a total of 11 instruments. That includes each piece of the drums. Normally, I have almost that many in synths alone. (I really like to layer) I did go a little out of the box with the synth patches this time. I was trying to achieve a more detuned, uneasy, unsure feeling without actually being out of tune. However,I'm curious to know what the differences were that you heard in the synths.
Eric, as always my friend, it's a pleasure to hear from you. I will get a hold of you later about the art stuff.
Oooo this is neat guys ! Some really funky and jazzed up space jam. Really diggin the groovy synths and tasty guitar work. A real unique mixture here. Vocals are a little wacky but in a nice way and add an element of fun to the mix. I really like this and hope the STAR TRAVELS don't end in this quadrant. I'm on board for more voyages with you guys.
Just saw this new track and wanted to give it a listen. I'm here at work and as you know I'm listening with a pair of ear buds. I usually like to wait until I get home and give it a proper listen through my headphones before commenting BUT, the last time I did so, I got side tracked and forgot bro. So, I will play it safe and drop some comments now.
Before I get to the track I want to say a few words regarding the situation over there in your neck of the woods. I have some friends living in and around Portland, One is a girl who works at Legacy Medical Center there not too far from the Lloyd district. I'm not entirely informed on the day to day activity. What I know I've gotten from the internet and from talking to my friends. It's a seriously tense situation over there. I'm really concerned for the safety of my friends. So whats your solution, what do you think needs to happen? Are you for this protesting bit? It seems like these so-called protesters are doing more harm than good to your city bud and the mayor has obviously lost control of the situation.
Hey on a brighter note, Right On is right on bro ! Back to your roots with the Heavy synth, slick transitions, back and forth tempo changes, tension forging arpeggiation. Its all there and all 100% Ass kickin cool! Again, the sound quality from these ear buds aren't giving me the best listen and cant do it justice so I'm really looking forward to better sampling of it later on. I also think you did a great job on the sound bites form the news. That stuff is not so easy to do. Getting appropriate, clear and defined examples is quite the task sometimes. Then you have to integrate them in the mix without making it sound hokey. You pulled it off pretty nicely.
Man this bit of a hiatus from the ol grind is sure working out good for us ValveDriver fans ! A couple of tracks now in pretty short order. Ha ha, yeah we could get used to this !!!!
Hey man. Sorry for the delayed response. I wanted to make sure I could reply with quality content. Having the kids here this weekend did not allow for that to happen.
"I'm really concerned for the safety of my friends."
I wouldn't worry too much. Unless they are down in the middle of it, they should be fine. Portland is a pretty big city and protests are all pretty well contained to a block or two in the downtown area. Lloyd District is close to downtown, but not close enough for any danger. Also, the worst, and most dangerous parts of the protests are happening at night. The protesters, (speaking strictly from my own gatherings and perspective), are not down there destroying shit just to loot and riot. They're down there because of several injustices that need to be dealt with. Originally, BLM and the COVID shit, probably 30 more things, too, knowing Portland. Anyhow, it's become a small revolution against the federal military policing. It's about Trump sending in these unmarked feds with teargas and pepperspray, and beating unarmed people just before detaining them in unmarked vans without due process, or Mirandas.
"So whats your solution, what do you think needs to happen?"
Well, coming from a non-violent, and very peaceful man, what is happening is what needs to happen. I'm not for people getting hurt. Feds or civilians either way. They're all humans. But, it's one of those tough times where the ends justify the means. I think all of the major cities need to follow Portland's lead and stand up to this power-hungry, narcissist, hell bent on destroying the progress we've made over the last 60+ years. I personally think a revolution on a national scale needs to happen. We've let those at the top get away with too much.
"...the mayor has obviously lost control of the situation."
I'm not so sure about that. The night before I made this track, he was down there in the middle of it, right there with the people. The clip in my track that says, "We have federal officers on our streets, further escalating tensions, and causing harm to Portlanders, right now" is Mayor Ted Wheeler. I mean, I'm sure he's against the destruction of property and all, but I think it says a lot that he's down there getting teargassed with the rest of them. This is all just my own opinion, though.
As far as the hiatus goes...shit yeah! I think in two weeks I've put out 4 tracks and a "lost" 5th one. Heheh. That's more than I've done in the last 4 years combined. I'm not sure what comes next.
Ronabo, now this is definitive smooth jazz bro. Some super tasteful arrangement here. Great job on all the fills and of course the sax is freakin amazing! I dig the bridge and all the lo-fi snippits too. Perfect changeup on the last section. You got it going on brother. I love Jazz and this is Killer stuff man!
Sounds good LM, the structure certainly is perfect for a vocal track. It has a bit of a melancholy vibe to it but I think its open to a wide range of lyrical theme. Soundwise its pretty tight, I noticed some nice separation in the headphones and the melody makes for an enjoyable listen. I'm no expert in this genre but it seems worthy enough to continue working on. Keep us updated on the progress.
Awesome track Aaron. Like you, I really think certain Dubstep elements are amazingly cool but I cant listen to the majority of Dubstep music simply because its so Over-killed with effects. I really appreciate your constraint here and feel this is how is should be done. Did you by chance blend a vocoder with some of the synth? It almost sounds like its trying to form words in spots. As BOD mentioned and you pointed out, the tempo changes are significant and really showcases your ability as a composer.
Its cool for me also to see others taking interest in your music bro. So, please keep them coming!
Back around 2012 and earlier, Dubstep was alright. It was a lot less...well, it was a lot less. Once Skrillex got his dick skinners on it, it turned to a load of histrionic garbage.
As far as the vocoder goes; No. I didn't use one. It's just a generous amount of LFO, envelope filters and added effect manipulations. Like chorus, distortion, dimension expanders, frequency shifting, etc. A lot of the times, with a good waveform a decimated distortion on the cutoff and resonance can give it a vocal effect, too. Even though heavy metal is so deeply ingrained into my life that it may as well be part of my DNA, I still love doing this synth stuff because of all of the tweaking of knobs, and shifting of frequencies, the creating. It's the sound design more than the music really. It's like the equivalent of a painter inventing new colors.
"Its cool for me also to see others taking interest in your music bro"
Of all the comments I've received on my tracks, that is quite possibly the most meaningful. Thank you sir.
I hadn't really thought about it, but you're right. Others taking interest. After being (mostly) absent for so long, there are a lot of new "faces" that don't have any idea who Valvedriver is. It's like starting over. Which is okay. I can shed some of that notorious infamy! HAHA!
As always, my friend, it's good to hear from you. I always look forward to it when I put up something new. Even if there are tracks that never existed that might have rap in it, but don't, because Valvedriver would never do that. Ever. It doesn't exist.
Nice feel good track here Eric. Really good mix overall, especially the piano, tight stuff ! I feel your pain on the vocoder. I have used it on a few tracks in the past and there is definitely some work involved timing wise to get it to sync properly. I think you did a pretty awesome job.
See my response to Terry's comment, below. I'd be very interested in any advice you can provide on how to ge the timing synced up properly. It's really frustrating. I think I did a nice tight job constructing the backing track for this, but the vocoder parts really ruin the groove. I'm almost inclined to delete the track and just post the backing track, but it's actually kind of repetitive and not very interesting. This song (including the original version) is a good example of a production that absolutely relies on the vocal part for interest and value. Not allowing the instrumental backing to compete in terms of loudness or frequency range with the vocal part was a good learning exercise for me.
Man this was a much welcomed surprise for me this morning. Mondays, especially after a long weekend, are usually a bitch here at work and today was no exception. We had a nasty storm here over the weekend and voltage spikes and power outages added to the drama getting my production lines running this morning. So after after much chaos and confusion I made it back to my office and settled down at my desk with a cup of coffee. Upon noticing the Looperman email from ValveDriver, I knew things were about to take a turn...for the badassery.
I keep a pair of ear buds here at work and even though they aren't all that great I had to sample the track straight away. It definitely put a smile on my face hearing those familiar synth tones reminiscent of "No Salvation", the epically wicked world debut and my initiation into the world of the"ValveDriver" ! This track, much like No Salvation, has a great industrialized vibe to it. It easily creates images of machination strewn across a dark and remote landscape. Is is some Other-Worldly realm, an alternative reality or maybe the dark side of our consciousness? The lyrics suggest maybe a dream state or sub-conscious connection.
I really enjoy music that allows me to use my imagination and adds that other dimension to the listening experience. The droning nature of the synths, subtle dubstep wobbles and groaning saw bass all combine for a great brooding groove as this progresses. I really like the mid section here, almost an interlude that depressurizes or backs off the intensity as you bring in the vocal. Very cool structuring. As mentioned, this track is a complete return to the nucleus for you and even though your later tracks are certainly more mainstream metal, these electronic variables are still way cool and still deliver the gut punch that turned us all on to the ol' ValveDriver in the first place.
So, yeah, of course I dig it bro. And thanks for putting a little (Blackhole) Sunshine into an otherwise typical crap shoot of a Monday morning.
Mondays...ammaright? HA! Dude, that's never a fun way to start the week. But the storms over the weekend sound like a good time. Seriously. I miss those. When I lived in the midwest, I used to sit on my front step and watch the big storms as they passed through. As much as I love the Northwest, they just don't have shit for storms out here.
I always kept a pair of shit earbuds at work too. Technically we weren't supposed to use them in the equipment, but when you're sitting in the cab of an old Peterbilt, doing 10 mph, driving in what is essentially a big circle, spraying water on a road where the dirt is the same consistency as talcum powder...you need some fuckin' Cannibal Corpse or Nile to maintain sanity.
As far as this track goes, I like the direction it went, but I'm afraid I could have done so much better. But, with the life changes over the last 5 years, it's left me feeling a little lackluster in the creative department. That and I just haven't had the time to really sit and fully submerge into a piece. I'm hoping that with this next chapter of life that I'm about to begin that I will have the opportunity to really dive back into it. This track was mainly for the purposes of pushing through and getting one done that can at least pass as finished.
"...has a great industrialized vibe to it. It easily creates images of machination strewn across a dark and remote landscape." After working in a steel mill for nearly 2 decades, the sounds and rhythms kind of ingrained themselves into my existence, and it kind of comes through, I guess. The next track that I'm working on is full on machine. I'm using the same VST's but I'm making patches that sound like machinery. Along with those, I'm using and manipulating recordings of actual industrial sounds.
In fact, I think I'll go work on that now. See if I can break this...rusty cage....of a creative block.
Wonderful track Patty. Man I love those harmonies, wow. I actually got chills listening to this. Your voice is so incredible. That bridge section is cool too. I just hope someday soon I will be telling everyone, yeah I used to comment on her tracks on Looperman and now look at her shes a huge superstar !!!!
Hey Steve! Man I've been away from the clubhouse a while! Since being in lockdown here in the states I've had some time to record and check out Looperman. I know I've probably missed a ton of great tracks so I have to try and catch up some. This is a groovy piece man, from start to finish. Love that percussion track and of course that tasty cacophony of music. Your skill set is amazing and truly shines through on this track.
Hey Burt, I really dig this man ! There's just something about a Mississippi Delta blues slide guitar that gives me chills every time I hear it. It all goes back to the history and roots of this style of music which was born out of the southern regions of the U.S. in the 1920s. Infamous for the extremely harsh living conditions of the poverty stricken black communities of the time period. The raw quality of the cigar box really exudes the wonderful yet agonizing sound that is synonymous with the style. Good stuff bro !!!
Great comment Neo! The cigar box guitar was born as a poor mans guitar. People were so poor and in some cases weren't allowed to own instruments so to make life suck a bit less they began making their own out of whatever they could find. Cigar boxes were abundant and made of great tone woods. I dont recall the entire story but someone involved in recording at the time was waiting for a bus or train and came across a gentleman playing a guitar by sliding his knife blade across the strings. I got the chills still do hearing these primitive instruments. Check out songs inside the box by max shores all about the current renasainance of the instrument. Earliest known picture of a cigar box fiddle was civil war era. I've been mb aking a number of these live recordings, people loving it, and I'm hoping to get others inspired to do the same. It's not about perfection.
Great job on this mix pharmaton. Nice match on the vocals and the way you structured it is tight. The melody has a real nice creepy vibe to it. Thanks for adding it to this years Halloween track thread, it fits perfectly.
WTF ! I remember getting total freaked out about some powerful superhero team ups back when I was reading comic books, like when Ghost Rider hooked up with Wolverine and The Punisher, or when Spawn and Batman got together for an ish, and even Kick-Ass and Hit Girl got in on some action together (not what yer thinkin), but this grouping has got to rank among the heaviest I remember since I've been here on Looperman. I really dig this track and dont know how I missed the first posting. I do agree there's some compression issues though so hopefully you can work that out and re-post soon. What do you think about "Warriors Three" for a band name after the Marvel group consisting of Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg?
I hope I didn't freak you out too much with this collaboration between such extreme musical heavyweights. Look out next week for my collaborative track featuring Steve Vai, Maynard James Keenan and Enya. It's something rather special.
We actually made this one about 3 years ago and were hoping to do enough for a whole album together. Or at least a group Looperman account. But that hasn't happened so I've uploaded this one here for people to check out anyway.
Warriors Three? Not a bad name but I don't love it. We suggested so many names between us but didn't really love any of them so went in the end with The Bastard Files. Because we're a bunch of bastards and we send each other audio files over the internet. A bastard file is actually a type of file ie the metal tool used for filing.
Damn those compression issues! I'll try to fix them but I've already put a huge amount of work into mixing this at various times in the last 3 years. So I can't guarantee much improvement now.
Eggs, this is awesome bro ! I especially like how the vocal track is used to explain the character a bit. Not just a bunch of misc. words tossed in. The music and effects are killer too. I sort of wish the bass had a bit more punch as skwishfish pointed out. But overall its very creative and well produced. Thanks for adding this one to the Halloween thread its a perfect fit.
Cool track Joe ! The music has a nice macabre weirdness to it and your vocals really helps push the creepy element. Good stuff and glad to see you back in the clubhouse.
Thanks a lot for your friendly comment Neo. Good to know that you could enjoy the listen to the music and my vocal work and did not run away while reading me name :)
I dig this man. Was this done with an analog polymoog synth? I especially like the sound separation and panning effects. Great job on creating something unique and extremely bizarre. I think you very much nailed the cosmic horror sound imagery of H.P. Lovecraft.
Your comment gives me great satisfaction. I thank you for the esteem you show for my work. In fact, I use some low-cost applications installed on my Huawei cell phone as the only sound source. Specifically, I use Heath Sintesizer (synth with sequencer) and Beat Machine (electronic drums) for the rhythm parts. They are extraordinary apps that allow me great compositional freedom and extreme customization of sounds. A cordial greeting Marco
Commented on AI Is Sex And violence by ValveDriver
"Let me tell you boy, there ain't no such thing as salvation". I can't believe its been over 10 years since I first heard that dark oscillating synth intro that snagged my soul and shackled me to the ValveDrivers mad music engine! So it goes without saying that I was pretty stoked to get the message that he just out of nowhere dropped a new track. This is my third attempt to respond here, not sure if its my suckass internet service or Shans website. I hear he's finally getting around to updating it. Thanks Shan! ANYHOW onto the business at hand. Aaron you definitely haven't lost any of your edge brother. That menacing drum beat intro grabbed the attention like a Viking longboat rowing cadence. I have to say the drum programming here is tight, especially the parts synched to the guitar chugs. That takes some effort to pull off. Like most of your stuff, this track has a unique structure that works well to build and release tension. I appreciate the few respites like the one there around 1:40, which feature some cool rhythm guitar fills and allows us to brace for the upcoming assault. Good job with the sound bites, I've done a bit of this in the past and know its not so easy to find what you need to hit the mark and stay relevant and/or to have sufficient restraint to keep it from getting goofy. To be honest I haven't been listening to much Metal these past few months. Hopefully this will springboard me back into it because I have missed it. I haven't been playing much lately, just noodling around from time to time and haven't recorded anything in well... probably over a year. After I stopped uploading material here I did do a project album of Latin based guitar music where I combined various styles like Samba, Merengue, Bossa Nova, Bachata, Cumbia etc. to create several quirky rock fusion tracks. It also included a few of my Looperman tracks like El Muerto, Poquito, Evangelina and Bard with a Bandolier. I just might have to upload one or two of them for everyone to check out. Sorry to get off track but this is like a reunion of sort. Take care my friend.
Neo
Commented on Temper by breo
Its been a long time since I've been on here but I recall one of the first tracks I downloaded at least 10 years ago was a House track of yours. Cool to see you still making music. I really like this one too.
Commented on Eddies Influence - Bilbozo and Buddrumming by Bilbozo
Awesome track Bil! You really nailed a lot of Eddies techniques in here and even threw in a couple of his riffs from a few classic VH tunes. Excellent playing and super props for this tremendous tribute to Eddie. I have to admit I've been in a daze since I heard of his passing.
Even though you purposely channeled Eddie here I can also hear some Satriani and maybe even a bit of Eric Johnson sprinkled in. Quite an interesting structure in how it moves back and forth from the heavy rock groove to the light, melodic, almost jazz sounding sections. My favorite part is the whammy bar notes there at 3:24. Very cool!!!
I think the past month has been quite an emotional time for EVH fans everywhere, and as time goes by we will most likely see a resurgence of interest and maybe a lot more songs and artists paying homage to Eddie. I have been listening, playing and as a result, re-living a lot of past memories. Its not going to be easy accepting he's gone but we certainly have to be thankful to have been witness to his genius.
Commented on I hope Youre Alright by ValveDriver
Aaron,
Speaking of disappearing, I've been out of commission for a while here lately myself. Too much work and not enough time for play. I hope to get back to some music here real soon though. Anyhow on to the matter at hand. I thoroughly dig this...what could be considered a bit of a throwback ValveDriver track. I was all in right from the start.
As you mentioned it certainly has a lot of the original mix flavoring with the multi layer synths, its deep and heavy foreboding presence and bad ass sinister vibes.
There's plenty of notable elements here but I particularly like the pitch shifting notes in the mid section. Really accentuates the energy/tension and pegs the ol' eerie meter ! Also the Piano One is in my opinion a very sensible and appropriate addition to your arsenal. Piano (and violin) have been staple instruments for some of the most memorable and historically classic soundtracks of the "ominous" variety ever made. It also sounds very cool in there which is the best reason I can think of to hopefully persuade you to leave it.
With Halloween almost here I'm in the midst of preparing my annual scare soundtrack to provide the right ambience for the neighbor kiddos who are willing to dare enter the fright zone and knock on my door for treats. This baby will be making the play list for sure bro.
Commented on Freakshow - Cirque Du Valve Mix by ValveDriver
Aaron,
Pretty freaky stuff here bro. The bass lines in here are all Killer. The effects, transitions, breakdowns, tempo changes are very well done and the carnival bit is a perfect twisted element. Another extremely well produced and very fun track.
I got separated from my parents at a circus when I was little and luckily my mom saw me as I was wandering behind the Freakshow tent ! I could have ended up a carny or traumatized for life !
Commented on Mission To The Farthest Fringes by StarTravels
Wow, there's a lot of substance here man. Supermassive ! It's like a binary star cluster getting sucked into a black hole. But seriously, you guys are creating some really terrific spaced out music. At this rate you could end up being the Tomita of this generation. I really dig the vibes, very euphoric and somewhat transcendental in nature. You certainly are showing your skills to compose as well as create atmosphere. I'm always reluctant to buy into an artist on just the merits of their first track, no matter how good it is. The one hit wonder entities abound in this place but thankfully there are exceptions and its looking like you guys are legit. I'm impressed with the efforts so far and look forward to just how far you guys can push the matter-antimatter reactor before sustaining irreparable damage to the Dilithium Crystals.
Commented on CTHULHU CALLING third version by Stereonomicon
Marco,
Pretty cool mix you have here. Actually what attracted me to check it out was the title. I first learned about Cthulhu playing D & D and reading H.P. Lovecraft back in the college days. I dig the track as I'm always hip to interesting and unique approaches to music and music interpretation. It very much reminds me of early Pink Floyd and how they used sound effects and soundscapes as integral components in their material. Props on the production here, it's very good, and I especially like your focus on movement. A lot of producers overlook this aspect of the recording or don't put enough emphasis on it. Another important component in this type of music is texture or how well the various layers of sound interact with each other. Things like melody, tempo, harmonics etc. and how well they are combined really define the overall quality of the mix. You pretty much nailed that too.
If I was to find anything negative or had to nitpick something, I would say that as I listened I was hoping it would actually develop into something. It doesn't strike a chord, contain a rhythm or fully develop into a beat. Instead, the rhythm is intuitive and free-flowing. So essentially its a soundscape and cant be categorized as music. That's not a bad thing by any means, I'm just stating that as a listener I was left wanting or waiting on the music. However, Since you stated in your description that this will be the opening piece of your album, I feel that this is intentional and is essentially a 5 minute buildup to the first track of the album. Which makes me all the more impressed with your genius cause now I have to buy your album to see where this leads !!!
Good stuff and nice marketing,
Neo
Commented on In Your House In Your Mind by ValveDriver
Dude, I guess I'm gonna have to start checking in here on a daily basis now ! I hate being late to the ValveDriver new release parties. Especially when the Hors d'Oeuvres your serving up are this good ! I know your style is typically very mood based and generally very dark natured. But yeah this is something else. It's more creepy or disturbing I think. I agree with danke that it does have some cinematic elements and you do a great job here to manage the effects and not overwhelm it. It seems to be more minimalistic than most of your tracks and whether this was done purposely or not, I think it really works here. Everything seems to blend well in the mix for me, but I didn't hear the first version before the edit. I notice some difference in the sound of the synths, I suspect you tried some different settings. As usual your structuring is great, love the mid way tempo change up.
Aaron, your really firing on all cylinders now bro. Keep poking the coals to it man. This one was really fun !
Commented on First Contact by StarTravels
Oooo this is neat guys ! Some really funky and jazzed up space jam. Really diggin the groovy synths and tasty guitar work. A real unique mixture here. Vocals are a little wacky but in a nice way and add an element of fun to the mix. I really like this and hope the STAR TRAVELS don't end in this quadrant. I'm on board for more voyages with you guys.
Commented on Right Now by ValveDriver
Just saw this new track and wanted to give it a listen. I'm here at work and as you know I'm listening with a pair of ear buds. I usually like to wait until I get home and give it a proper listen through my headphones before commenting BUT, the last time I did so, I got side tracked and forgot bro. So, I will play it safe and drop some comments now.
Before I get to the track I want to say a few words regarding the situation over there in your neck of the woods. I have some friends living in and around Portland, One is a girl who works at Legacy Medical Center there not too far from the Lloyd district. I'm not entirely informed on the day to day activity. What I know I've gotten from the internet and from talking to my friends. It's a seriously tense situation over there. I'm really concerned for the safety of my friends. So whats your solution, what do you think needs to happen? Are you for this protesting bit? It seems like these so-called protesters are doing more harm than good to your city bud and the mayor has obviously lost control of the situation.
Hey on a brighter note, Right On is right on bro ! Back to your roots with the Heavy synth, slick transitions, back and forth tempo changes, tension forging arpeggiation. Its all there and all 100% Ass kickin cool! Again, the sound quality from these ear buds aren't giving me the best listen and cant do it justice so I'm really looking forward to better sampling of it later on. I also think you did a great job on the sound bites form the news. That stuff is not so easy to do. Getting appropriate, clear and defined examples is quite the task sometimes. Then you have to integrate them in the mix without making it sound hokey. You pulled it off pretty nicely.
Man this bit of a hiatus from the ol grind is sure working out good for us ValveDriver fans ! A couple of tracks now in pretty short order. Ha ha, yeah we could get used to this !!!!
Later bro.
Commented on Labyrinth Of The Absurd pt 2 - Pain Has A Face by ValveDriver
postscript comment:
"Even if there are tracks that never existed that might have rap in it, but don't, because ValveDriver would never do that. Ever. It doesn't exist"
Um, "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, Let it Be."
Commented on Good Trouble - Ronabo2020 by ronabo
Ronabo, now this is definitive smooth jazz bro. Some super tasteful arrangement here. Great job on all the fills and of course the sax is freakin amazing! I dig the bridge and all the lo-fi snippits too. Perfect changeup on the last section. You got it going on brother. I love Jazz and this is Killer stuff man!
Commented on Lm29 - Over Again by Lm29
Sounds good LM, the structure certainly is perfect for a vocal track. It has a bit of a melancholy vibe to it but I think its open to a wide range of lyrical theme. Soundwise its pretty tight, I noticed some nice separation in the headphones and the melody makes for an enjoyable listen. I'm no expert in this genre but it seems worthy enough to continue working on. Keep us updated on the progress.
Commented on Labyrinth Of The Absurd pt 2 - Pain Has A Face by ValveDriver
Awesome track Aaron. Like you, I really think certain Dubstep elements are amazingly cool but I cant listen to the majority of Dubstep music simply because its so Over-killed with effects. I really appreciate your constraint here and feel this is how is should be done. Did you by chance blend a vocoder with some of the synth? It almost sounds like its trying to form words in spots. As BOD mentioned and you pointed out, the tempo changes are significant and really showcases your ability as a composer.
Its cool for me also to see others taking interest in your music bro. So, please keep them coming!
Commented on Please Dont Love Me Cover by EricMilligan
Nice feel good track here Eric. Really good mix overall, especially the piano, tight stuff ! I feel your pain on the vocoder. I have used it on a few tracks in the past and there is definitely some work involved timing wise to get it to sync properly. I think you did a pretty awesome job.
Commented on Velvet Highway by ValveDriver
Aaron,
Man this was a much welcomed surprise for me this morning. Mondays, especially after a long weekend, are usually a bitch here at work and today was no exception. We had a nasty storm here over the weekend and voltage spikes and power outages added to the drama getting my production lines running this morning. So after after much chaos and confusion I made it back to my office and settled down at my desk with a cup of coffee. Upon noticing the Looperman email from ValveDriver, I knew things were about to take a turn...for the badassery.
I keep a pair of ear buds here at work and even though they aren't all that great I had to sample the track straight away. It definitely put a smile on my face hearing those familiar synth tones reminiscent of "No Salvation", the epically wicked world debut and my initiation into the world of the"ValveDriver" ! This track, much like No Salvation, has a great industrialized vibe to it. It easily creates images of machination strewn across a dark and remote landscape. Is is some Other-Worldly realm, an alternative reality or maybe the dark side of our consciousness? The lyrics suggest maybe a dream state or sub-conscious connection.
I really enjoy music that allows me to use my imagination and adds that other dimension to the listening experience. The droning nature of the synths, subtle dubstep wobbles and groaning saw bass all combine for a great brooding groove as this progresses. I really like the mid section here, almost an interlude that depressurizes or backs off the intensity as you bring in the vocal. Very cool structuring. As mentioned, this track is a complete return to the nucleus for you and even though your later tracks are certainly more mainstream metal, these electronic variables are still way cool and still deliver the gut punch that turned us all on to the ol' ValveDriver in the first place.
So, yeah, of course I dig it bro. And thanks for putting a little (Blackhole) Sunshine into an otherwise typical crap shoot of a Monday morning.
Commented on Prisoner Muzic by FERSSIWI by PatriciaEdwards
Wonderful track Patty.
Man I love those harmonies, wow.
I actually got chills listening to this.
Your voice is so incredible.
That bridge section is cool too.
I just hope someday soon I will be telling everyone, yeah I used to comment on her tracks on Looperman and now look at her shes a huge superstar !!!!
Commented on Sugar Trips by crucethus
Hey Steve! Man I've been away from the clubhouse a while! Since being in lockdown here in the states I've had some time to record and check out Looperman. I know I've probably missed a ton of great tracks so I have to try and catch up some. This is a groovy piece man, from start to finish. Love that percussion track and of course that tasty cacophony of music. Your skill set is amazing and truly shines through on this track.
Commented on YesYes - Prod Flowers in Narnia by KnightHeir
Sounds legit bro. I really dig the eastern chicky back up track.
Commented on Chill Slidin by Burtsbluesboxes
Hey Burt, I really dig this man ! There's just something about a Mississippi Delta blues slide guitar that gives me chills every time I hear it. It all goes back to the history and roots of this style of music which was born out of the southern regions of the U.S. in the 1920s. Infamous for the extremely harsh living conditions of the poverty stricken black communities of the time period. The raw quality of the cigar box really exudes the wonderful yet agonizing sound that is synonymous with the style. Good stuff bro !!!
Commented on WithoutMyArmor- Demons Never Die -PHARMA tom REMIX by pharmatom
Great job on this mix pharmaton. Nice match on the vocals and the way you structured it is tight. The melody has a real nice creepy vibe to it. Thanks for adding it to this years Halloween track thread, it fits perfectly.
Commented on Ancient Rage by StaticNomad
WTF ! I remember getting total freaked out about some powerful superhero team ups back when I was reading comic books, like when Ghost Rider hooked up with Wolverine and The Punisher, or when Spawn and Batman got together for an ish, and even Kick-Ass and Hit Girl got in on some action together (not what yer thinkin), but this grouping has got to rank among the heaviest I remember since I've been here on Looperman. I really dig this track and dont know how I missed the first posting. I do agree there's some compression issues though so hopefully you can work that out and re-post soon. What do you think about "Warriors Three" for a band name after the Marvel group consisting of Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg?
Commented on the creators will by eggs0ntoast
Eggs, this is awesome bro !
I especially like how the vocal track is used to explain the character a bit. Not just a bunch of misc. words tossed in. The music and effects are killer too. I sort of wish the bass had a bit more punch as skwishfish pointed out. But overall its very creative and well produced. Thanks for adding this one to the Halloween thread its a perfect fit.
Commented on Der 12 Elf by joecramer
Cool track Joe ! The music has a nice macabre weirdness to it and your vocals really helps push the creepy element. Good stuff and glad to see you back in the clubhouse.
Commented on A look into the mind of Yog Sothoth by Stereonomicon
I dig this man. Was this done with an analog polymoog synth? I especially like the sound separation and panning effects. Great job on creating something unique and extremely bizarre. I think you very much nailed the cosmic horror sound imagery of H.P. Lovecraft.