I`ve been listening to several of your tracks on my MP3 player the last while Steve (Dust & Bones, Solitare, Forgetting You)...so just had to stop by & see/hear what you`ve been up to lately...Glad I did...guess I somehow missed this one ...Must say you use some of the most tasty chord progs I ever hear in much of your music...Lots of power in this one, but you always seem to get a great combination of instrument clarity, catchy melodies and beautiful clean mixes...Great job by you and Behnam on this one....You have a big fan up this side of the planet....keep on & I`ll keep tuning in.....Ed
I love this composition. It's so dark and sensual. I am not a fan of my voice in it overall but its not a fault of yours...it's that this song needs its own lyrics. You've done well for using already existing lyrics, but I can do better.
Hi JJ..really nice to hear from you...I've missed working with your voice! This track needs work anyway so would be happy to collab on it if you have time. Also I am posting a lot more music on Soundcloud now due to the ease of use. Anyway as i said before really glad to hear from you.
This is quite an expertly created song! It really reminds me of some Kate Bush stuff, and would be excellent with a nice vocal. Interesting selection of sounds you've included. Seems to tell a story to me. Really good work in all respects! Fav'd!
I can give fewer words than that to express my approval but I thought you might like a few more regarding the details.
Intro is good but 1:36 is where it really takes off for me. Those other vocals (samples from somewhere) are really cool. Nice African sort of sound maybe.
Big, powerful rich sound you have here that I will give more details and criticisms another time as I'm very busy right now.
Ahh that's good. there's so much good going on in this track. I cannot critique on this listen I just will enjoy it as a fan cos it's so freaking brilliant! Fav'd fur shur.!
Nearly missed this track Steve... What a tasty, moody guitar play and I specially like your chords and tone change in the chorus...gives a totally different approach for the song...
your versatility is showing again Steve....hell, I like a lot of those mamby-pamby chillout tunes..and I like this one too....break around 3:20 is excellent stuff...definitely agree with the groovy comments...its a got a groove that just doesn`t quit...the kind of stuff that keeps dance floors full (some of my hair grew back while I was listening haha)...great job my friend & really well produced....you do it well in whatever genre gets you rolling......Ed
hi, really nice track: a lot of let's say digital or industrial sounds in here. I like the arpeggiated synths starting from trom 1:33. Very powerful music! Nice ambient and distorted elements. Interlude part (2:50) with organ/rhodes(?)loop. This track is a bit old-styled but I really like that. Nice combination of heavy guitar and arp. synth in the last part. Synth pad (4:39) could have a longer release but is still interesting. An orchestral-hit synth effect (5:11)! It reminds me of some older recordings from 'Astral Projection' or something like that but this one is much more funky! Great work! A.
Wow! Very good piece you have hear. As Danke said it's very groovy and unique. I like the guitar sounds added with the synths...nicely done. This is a great track indeed! LOL..your description comment is too funny. Keep up the good work man. Peace......Dan
Yeah, screw that namby pamby chillout shit. No one likes that. Let's get rockin'!
First 30 secs really didn't grab me though they'd be fine to set the scene in a club. Ah but then it gets much better with a solid beat and bassline.
0:46 delayed squealing synth is cool. Need some of that in my music.
1:02 VST guitar is pretty good. Slightly fake but it's still a cool sound.
1:33 arp synth enters to make things more intense and the bassline gets busier too. Only problem with this increase in intensity is that the drums stay a bit flat and don't seem to go up or more powerful with everything else. Only a small thing as they're already pumping but perhaps a little room for improvement there.
2:49 squelchy creature fill.
Nice fade in volume of drums to 3:04 then another synth screech and more drum work to make things a bit funkier again in this middle more chilled section (not namby pamby).
3:50 good short guitar break though it does contain a little audio pop sound that slightly spoils it.
And then we're back dance rocking.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black but I feel this is maybe a about a minute too long as there wasn't too much new in the last 3 mins. Yes, there was an arp synth solo but I still feel you could chop at least 30 secs and have the track punchier.
As I said in my other reply to you, I managed to recently get a track down to 5:45 and have also done a 4:00 min one this year.
Funny old things track lengths - no rules so it's only about how it feels so I'm just offering my humble opinion, as I always try to do reasonably honestly (hopefully never brutally so).
Main bassline is pretty dark. Reminds me a little of something like Massive Attack's stunning Mezzanine album eg Angle (first track). Especially with the drums behind that bass.
Good ethereal, shimmering pads on top.
Shaker that comes in with vocals is not only a bit loud but probably not necessary as it interferes with vocals. And it's close (dry) and she's distant so it seems even more prominent.
Vocals may well have a bit too much reverb on them.
1:38 chorus good piano notes and vocals but maybe hat needs to be heavier (or more open or both)to really give the track a big lift. But what the drums are playing is fine.
2:20 good spill of the vocals into the next verse.
2:40 effective stop
3:01 good glassy shimmer
And the shaker's back, still interfering with the vocal. Try choosing a different, less intrusive drum sound to play on that beat.
3:26 I like the little synth lead. Kind of subtle and slots in well.
Fade out ending is OK. I've heard many worse but am not a fan in general of such endings. Something more definitive would be better.
Overall: I like it but probably not as much as when I first reviewed it. There are definitely things that can be improved upon so hope you manage it, after giving this a bit of space, as it's worth sticking with.
Good song, just find some of the words are lost in the efx's, like at the end of phrases most times, it's the key word to the sentence... At that point the true value of the lyric is lost, thus losing the dynamics it needs to enhance the Music around it... In fact it should be the other way around anyway...But that's my taste... Never the less you've got some real nice flavour going on here...
Very interesting track srbrown7. Good surprise of the mixed content and the levels are sounding balanced. You got it louder with the dynamics at 4:00 for example where the sounds all come together. I can picture the clouds dividing and that bright light is the signal of greater victory. The use of the specific pella by JJW is meaningful message with your combination. That porta synth lead was unexpected but left a good thought about it. The pads/fx add that mysterious walk through shadows. The vocals mixed in is like that voice inside your head leading you somewhere. The guitar sound is powerful, pushes through that wall of doubt. Piano as simple as it is plays an important role for my listen. Thanks for sharing, Peace.
Good morning. First of all i'm liking the atmosphere you've created for the intro. The vocals are sounding nice as are the synths. Woha! It's shifted up a gear now and i've got a barrage of guitars, pianos and different synths. That was a nice change up. I know you're saying you hit a brick wall with this but it really doesn't sound like it. It sounds like you have spent a long time on it and that everything has been planned out to the last minor detail. Really enjoyed listening to this. FR
Cheers FR. Thanks for the great feedback. Its always hard to find the mixdown you're entirely happy with when your'e trying to get the track loud but with enough dynamic range for all instruments to be heard! Feedback like this is very encouraging! Steve
Excellent work! Lots to talk about here so I will give a lot more detail sometime tomorrow. Lots of vibe and atmosphere and fine vocals (no surprise from JJW) and some good rocking.
But there are some problems, such as the far too loud right panned shaker, which interferes with the vocals and other elements.
Lots of nice touches ad some weirdness too but there are a few things to fix/tighten up.
Hi SN. Yes on the shaker. I dropped the vocals in one of my last listens as it was booming so then the shaker was too loud. Iv'e now fixed that. I have also tried a flanger on the rock guitar for a bit more prominence but will await more feedback before releasing the track again. Looking forward to your further comments but glad you liked the first listen
Commented on Natural by srbrown7
Fun and light
Commented on Life Echos by srbrown7
Really enjoyed this. Thanks.
Commented on My Life Today ft Behnam Zandi by srbrown7
I`ve been listening to several of your tracks on my MP3 player the last while Steve (Dust & Bones, Solitare, Forgetting You)...so just had to stop by & see/hear what you`ve been up to lately...Glad I did...guess I somehow missed this one ...Must say you use some of the most tasty chord progs I ever hear in much of your music...Lots of power in this one, but you always seem to get a great combination of instrument clarity, catchy melodies and beautiful clean mixes...Great job by you and Behnam on this one....You have a big fan up this side of the planet....keep on & I`ll keep tuning in.....Ed
Commented on Never Coming Home by srbrown7
This is definitely a very nice piece. I like music which tells a story and has atmosphere. Your song has both. Added to my favs!
Commented on Go For Landing by srbrown7
Nice arrangement! blip blop as it's best!
Love it!
/anders
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
I love this composition. It's so dark and sensual. I am not a fan of my voice in it overall but its not a fault of yours...it's that this song needs its own lyrics. You've done well for using already existing lyrics, but I can do better.
Commented on The Prodigal Son by srbrown7
This is quite an expertly created song! It really reminds me of some Kate Bush stuff, and would be excellent with a nice vocal. Interesting selection of sounds you've included. Seems to tell a story to me. Really good work in all respects! Fav'd!
Commented on My Life Today ft Behnam Zandi by srbrown7
Greetings. This is really fine work.
I can give fewer words than that to express my approval but I thought you might
like a few more regarding the details.
Intro is good but 1:36 is where it really takes off for me. Those other vocals (samples from somewhere) are really cool. Nice African sort of sound maybe.
Big, powerful rich sound you have here that I will give more details and criticisms another time as I'm very busy right now.
Congrats.
Commented on My Life Today ft Behnam Zandi by srbrown7
Agree with cru!
Chords are so melodical, bit pop feeling...(not bad critique...lol)
Whole number is flowing, waving...
Love it!!!
Much respect, Danke
Commented on My Life Today ft Behnam Zandi by srbrown7
Ahh that's good. there's so much good going on in this track. I cannot critique on this listen I just will enjoy it as a fan cos it's so freaking brilliant!
Fav'd fur shur.!
Commented on Dust And Bones by srbrown7
Hahh...
Nearly missed this track Steve...
What a tasty, moody guitar play and I specially like your chords and tone change in the chorus...gives a totally different approach for the song...
Superb song, congrats, Danke
Commented on Power Drive by srbrown7
your versatility is showing again Steve....hell, I like a lot of those mamby-pamby chillout tunes..and I like this one too....break around 3:20 is excellent stuff...definitely agree with the groovy comments...its a got a groove that just doesn`t quit...the kind of stuff that keeps dance floors full (some of my hair grew back while I was listening haha)...great job my friend & really well produced....you do it well in whatever genre gets you rolling......Ed
Commented on Power Drive by srbrown7
hi,
really nice track: a lot of let's say digital or industrial sounds in here. I like the arpeggiated synths starting from trom 1:33. Very powerful music! Nice ambient and distorted elements. Interlude part (2:50) with organ/rhodes(?)loop. This track is a bit old-styled but I really like that. Nice combination of heavy guitar and arp. synth in the last part. Synth pad (4:39) could have a longer release but is still interesting. An orchestral-hit synth effect (5:11)!
It reminds me of some older recordings from 'Astral Projection' or something like that but this one is much more funky! Great work!
A.
Commented on Power Drive by srbrown7
Wow! Very good piece you have hear. As Danke said it's very groovy and unique. I like the guitar sounds added with the synths...nicely done. This is a great track indeed! LOL..your description comment is too funny. Keep up the good work man. Peace......Dan
Commented on Power Drive by srbrown7
Yeah, screw that namby pamby chillout shit. No one likes that. Let's get rockin'!
First 30 secs really didn't grab me though they'd be fine to set the scene in a club. Ah but then it gets much better with a solid beat and bassline.
0:46 delayed squealing synth is cool. Need some of that in my music.
1:02 VST guitar is pretty good. Slightly fake but it's still a cool sound.
1:33 arp synth enters to make things more intense and the bassline gets busier too. Only problem with this increase in intensity is that the drums stay a bit flat and don't seem to go up or more powerful with everything else. Only a small thing as they're already pumping but perhaps a little room for improvement there.
2:49 squelchy creature fill.
Nice fade in volume of drums to 3:04 then another synth screech and more drum work to make things a bit funkier again in this middle more chilled section (not namby pamby).
3:50 good short guitar break though it does contain a little audio pop sound that slightly spoils it.
And then we're back dance rocking.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black but I feel this is maybe a about a minute too long as there wasn't too much new in the last 3 mins. Yes, there was an arp synth solo but I still feel you could chop at least 30 secs and have the track punchier.
As I said in my other reply to you, I managed to recently get a track down to 5:45 and have also done a 4:00 min one this year.
Funny old things track lengths - no rules so it's only about how it feels so I'm just offering my humble opinion, as I always try to do reasonably honestly (hopefully never brutally so).
Commented on Power Drive by srbrown7
Pro track Steve!
Your groovy is unbelievable and unique here...always a winner tempos and 'riffs'...for me the mix is stunning too but I'm so poor on that field...:-)
Congrats, Danke
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
good track overall..keep it up!
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
a very nice track with just enough dark feel to keep it going, nice work!
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
Very good! I enjoyed listening to this. Very dark feel to it. Love the E.guitar coming in at 1:45 and 4:00. Nice switch up. =B-)
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
So, the additional detail I said I'd give.
Main bassline is pretty dark. Reminds me a little of something like Massive Attack's stunning Mezzanine album eg Angle (first track). Especially with the drums behind that bass.
Good ethereal, shimmering pads on top.
Shaker that comes in with vocals is not only a bit loud but probably not necessary as it interferes with vocals. And it's close (dry) and she's distant so it seems even more prominent.
Vocals may well have a bit too much reverb on them.
1:38 chorus good piano notes and vocals but maybe hat needs to be heavier (or more open or both)to really give the track a big lift. But what the drums are playing is fine.
2:20 good spill of the vocals into the next verse.
2:40 effective stop
3:01 good glassy shimmer
And the shaker's back, still interfering with the vocal. Try choosing a different, less intrusive drum sound to play on that beat.
3:26 I like the little synth lead. Kind of subtle and slots in well.
Fade out ending is OK. I've heard many worse but am not a fan in general of such endings. Something more definitive would be better.
Overall: I like it but probably not as much as when I first reviewed it. There are definitely things that can be improved upon so hope you manage it, after giving this a bit of space, as it's worth sticking with.
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
This is just superb!
Beautiful vocals from jj and superb use of them.!
I really love the deep sensual feel to this,as it so reminds me of Conjour One.!
Superb Atmosphere,awesome placement of keys with rich guitar.
This is a superb track.!
Hints of yesturday with colours of tomorrow!
Beautiful work man!
Massive thanks for DL.
So pleased i could get in and grab me some of this!
peace man!
***bb***
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
Good song, just find some of the words are lost in the efx's, like at the end
of phrases most times, it's the key word to the sentence...
At that point the true value of the lyric is lost, thus losing the dynamics it
needs to enhance the Music around it...
In fact it should be the other way around anyway...But that's my taste...
Never the less you've got some real nice flavour going on here...
Peace...TG.
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
Very interesting track srbrown7. Good surprise of the mixed content and the levels are sounding balanced. You got it louder with the dynamics at 4:00 for example where the sounds all come together. I can picture the clouds dividing and that bright light is the signal of greater victory. The use of the specific pella by JJW is meaningful message with your combination. That porta synth lead was unexpected but left a good thought about it. The pads/fx add that mysterious walk through shadows. The vocals mixed in is like that voice inside your head leading you somewhere. The guitar sound is powerful, pushes through that wall of doubt. Piano as simple as it is plays an important role for my listen. Thanks for sharing, Peace.
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
Good morning. First of all i'm liking the atmosphere you've created for the intro. The vocals are sounding nice as are the synths. Woha! It's shifted up a gear now and i've got a barrage of guitars, pianos and different synths. That was a nice change up. I know you're saying you hit a brick wall with this but it really doesn't sound like it. It sounds like you have spent a long time on it and that everything has been planned out to the last minor detail.
Really enjoyed listening to this.
FR
Commented on In My Eyes ft JJWeekz by srbrown7
Excellent work! Lots to talk about here so I will give a lot more detail sometime tomorrow. Lots of vibe and atmosphere and fine vocals (no surprise from JJW) and some good rocking.
But there are some problems, such as the far too loud right panned shaker, which interferes with the vocals and other elements.
Lots of nice touches ad some weirdness too but there are a few things to fix/tighten up.
Well done yet again.
More detail to follow.