Codefreq's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[geyserwall - Laser]

I think this has a pretty impressive amount of production for something composed in Garageband. What synth instruments did you use?

Around the 1:00 minute mark I noticed some dissonance; some of your instruments clashed with each other in a way that I found distracting.

This is very well-mixed.

Was there anything you were trying to do with this song? Do you have any extra information that might provide some insight into your process for this song, that might add to the listening experience? If so, I'd like to see it in the description.

Listening to this, it this it kind of reminds me of a classic Sonic The Hedgehog level.

Overall, nice job. :)

geyserwallllll responds:

1. I used the Arcade Synth, Motion Pluck, 80’s Sync Lead, and Sweet Bell synths.
2. Yeah, I tend to do that a lot when parts get repetitive, but thanks for the feedback! I’ll keep this in mind.
3. Like I mentioned in the description, I made it for a friend who wanted me to use it in his show. There wasn’t much else I was trying to do in particular.

[The World is your Circus]

This is really fun to listen to. In my head I see a giant, 16-bit, cartoony, floating evil clown head as the boss.

It's also got a 2-D Kirby game vibe, due to the fast tempo and playful, yet serious, energy.

IMO you did not disappoint. This song is so fun to listen to that it makes me want to play the game it's included in.

Fun note for the title: given the fact that this piece reminds me of a clown, as an alternative title, I'd like to throw out the idea of calling this piece "Insane Clown Bossy".

[Cold Surge |NORTHPEAKS SPY an NVGMC SUBMISSION|]

First off, you really nailed the "forest" vibe here. I got the sense of being in a forest or jungle of some sort, surrounded by bamboo and mist in a way where I can't see everything around me due to the density of the foliage.

The second half in particular has just the right amount of tension. I get the sense that if I were a character in this game it would seem like there is a real threat somewhere nearby. I'm imagining, I can't see the threat, nor do I know exactly what it is, but it's making the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I need to run away, immediately.

If I were rating this on how much I liked it, I'd give it 5 stars because of the immersion alone, no question. However, the way I review is based not on my own taste as much as it is how effective I think your intent came across.

With that in mind, I have some notes. First, the imagery I get from this, while very immersive and accurate, doesn't completely match the scenario IMO. The background sound design in particular, especially throughout the first part before the tempo picks up, makes me think of a very warm climate, rather than a snowy one. Also, there isn't a lot in this piece to make me think this scenario takes place at night, which, from what I gather from your description, it is supposed to.

Other than those points, I think you did a fantastic job accomplishing what you set out to do. It's easy to see why this was frontpaged.

More info about how I review music here: https://codefreq.newgrounds.com/news/post/1089806

[Random Outcome]

This feels to me like a technologically advanced realm. I get an uneasy feeling from this piece from the get-go, almost like a mixture of an eerie Pokemon environment with a retro-themed indie sci-fi horror game.

I almost wish you elaborated on what realm you were trying to convey with the challenge you did. I can't properly rate and review your piece (reviewing based on how well I thought your intent came through) without knowing the details of exactly what realm you were going for.

Nevertheless, the piece is fascinating!

More info about how I review music here: https://codefreq.newgrounds.com/news/post/1089806

[Epic Title Screen]

"Orchestral song that sounds perfect for a title screen."

That it does.

It also sounds like it could be for a loading screen or the cinematic for the first level of a fantasy game.

Nice work. :)

More info about how I review music here: https://codefreq.newgrounds.com/news/post/1089806

DarkGod666 responds:

Thanks a lot! :)

[Dream Zone [Final Sector]]

I'll tackle this in two parts.

The first half:

You've really nailed the eerie and uneasy nightmare-esque vibe here. It's like I'm playing an old and obscure GameBoy game no one's heard of that seems broken but is actually haunted.

The second half:

It's definitely more pleasant sounding, kind of like a sweet-food-themed Kirby level, or something, but less energetic.

The transition towards the middle between the two parts is also well done. It feels like I'm progressing through the game.

The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I'm not quite sure from your description if the first half is supposed to represent the nightmare and the second half is supposed to represent the nice dream. I can infer from the description that's what it means, but I don't actually know for sure.

As for the song itself, I think it does exactly what you're going for. Great job overall!

More info about how I review music here: https://codefreq.newgrounds.com/news/post/1089806

9VoltBaby responds:

Im honestly at a loss for words, it's the first time i get such a detailed review so thank you so much!!
Im sure the description is quite messy and confusing to read, i'll be sure to rewrite it so it makes more sense as soon as i have the time.
Again thank you so much for your feedback, im really glad you liked the track!

[Something in the works]

I can't tell you how to write better, as that is subjective. What I can do, though, is share with you some things I consider when I write that may help you with the process of creating.

One thing I do is I think about what I'm trying to accomplish with my song. I start by ask questions like, "Why am I making this"? Whether it's for fun or to make a statement, knowing the reason why I'm making a song is important. Then I create the song, keeping in mind what each element represents, from the different instruments I use to the way I mix the song. After I make the song, I try to make everything about my submission consistent to the way the piece "feels" to me, emotionally or otherwise. From the name and the description to the tags and, if applicable, the submission's icon artwork, I try to make everything match each other to the best of my ability.

That's one way I go about it. I hope this helps you. :)

More info about how I review music here: https://codefreq.newgrounds.com/news/post/1089806

AirEyez responds:

Thank you for the advice. I was basically having issues on what to add more to the track to make it more interesting and sound better but its safe to say that I got inspired by the advice you gave me, It really opened me up to newer ideas.

[Flechex - The Enemy]

UPDATE:

Thank you for clarifying.

I think you did a great job with the Sci-Fi vibe here. :)

Original 4 star review:

"This piece does have an eerie feel to it. Make me think of mysterious moments in movies or games where you can tell something's not right; something's making your skin crawl, but you don't quite know what it is yet.

Does this have a backstory to it? I'd love to know what it is, if there is one. I can give you better feedback if I knew where you were coming from.

I do like this though. Makes my hair stand on end a bit.

More info about how I review music here: https://codefreq.newgrounds.com/news/post/1089806"

[Death Castle]

UPDATE:

Thank you for clarifying.

This sounds like an excellent fit for Geometry Dash. :)

Original 4 star review:

"Interesting! I hear this and I get a vibe that matches the title you picked; A 16-bit adventure game in a creepy dungeon, with danceable elements. It almost sounds to me like something out of "Crypt Of The Necrodancer".

I'm curious, what kind of game is this to be a part of? What was it you were trying to convey here?

More info about how I review music here: https://codefreq.newgrounds.com/news/post/1089806"

DeCodyOfficial responds:

This is music that I will probably use for an underground level in Geometry Dash.

[Vista Sounds - Study Hall]

Neat! Reminds me of my college days. Comfortable yet groovy.

Where did the name come from?

Also, I'd like to know what else you were thinking of when you made this. If you share your intent, I can give you feedback based on how well I thought that intent came through as opposed to my own taste.

More info about how I review music here: https://codefreq.newgrounds.com/news/post/1089806

Vista-Sound13 responds:

For a couple of months, I wanted to write some smooth and relaxing jazz + hip-hop tracks that fit the vibe of doing school activities, drawing, studying, being in school, etc. I made a couple of them, and I think this one is the one that was in my mind, and I was able to execute it properly, and so I named this track 'Study Hall'.

I am glad you liked this track, and you felt similar vibes to it, so thank you!