Phonometrologist's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[What Lies Ahead (NGADM)]

Very smooth and pleasant to listen to. It reminds me of some of the music I would play along with during the Unreal series mixed in with what Philip Glass would do if he was into writing fusion. The whole piece sounds like a constant transition as it just cycles through and through. Hence the title I suppose and it fits.

FateModified responds:

Thanks!! I gotta check out some of the music you mentioned that it reminds you of. I’ve heard of Philip Glass but I’m not sure I’ve heard much of his music. They sound cool! And actually I named the song after the current state of the way life seems now in these very uncertain times, but I do like your interpretation of its meaning. I’m horrible with naming my songs lol, but I’m glad you thought this name is fitting. Thanks for the comment! :)

[Reframe]

Hi Valent. Just wanted to stop by for a listen. The timbre of some of the synths reminds me a bit of garlagan's early works. I like your taste in what synths you use. I admit I don't have much exposure in this genre so my references are limited. Regardless, the groove and melody is a pleasure to listen to. The arrangement choices work well, and you provide enough variety changes in the instrumentation. If I may encourage you to think more in providing that variation musically as well. For every time you change the instrumentation, provide a countermelody that is recognizably different from the one we are first introduced to, or add a different section altogether by treating the instruments as individuals that contribute to the conversation. That's my one critique in that the section changes merely reside in the instruments as if a parrot was in the room speaking the same words as its counterparts.

UmValent responds:

Thank you so much for the in-depth review!
I totally get your point regarding the section changes. Funny thing is, while drafting, I had a completely different guitar section in the middle. Since I felt it provided too much contrast to the rest of the track, I scrapped it entirely. Maybe it would have served to differentiate the sections more and alleviate the issue, just like you described.

[raccoon joins band practice for the first time]

Played this and my daughter had to come over to take a look. We both like it. The arrangement and chord structure doesn't get boring either. The only thing I would have imagined differently with a raccoon and other animals marching is that it wouldn't be so quantized on the beat. I expected to hear more rubato, misses, and tempo automation. That being said. This one is a lot of fun even after multiple listens.

johnfn responds:

HAHA! omg im glad your daughter liked it :D I was SORELY tempted to add more un-quantization and mistakes but i was worried about making the song a little too hard to listen to just for fun you know? it's a tradeoff. not gonna lie though i spent like 50% of the time on this song making the intro perfectly wrong. :D

hope you're doing well!!

(i did actually just reupload it with some more badness to make it... better... ?_?)

[Plakativ]

Welcome back! This one's a trip. I appreciate the atmosphere and variety in this one. I can't really offer an analysis nor desire to critique the mix. I just enjoy this one, and it got me to smile.

Azhthar responds:

Thanks a lot and good to see you are still around here!

[Communication Offline]

I've been meaning to return to this when I had not realized that you've become quite productive in submitting two tracks since this. Then again, now looking at when you uploaded this, I think I went into a coma and lost track of time! I've been out of touch from so many here lately. That moment at 1:45 is soo good. Very satisfying.

ZLEAP responds:

It's ok. I think I've got you beat on inactivity, though :P

Thanks :)

[Failing Orwell]

To me this is the airline companies entrance music when they approach Trump for that bailout. The execs can high-five each other after giving themselves that bonus.
Musically speaking, don't go changing. Really like the atmosphere and melody on this... suits this climate well.

ZLEAP responds:

These truly are dystopian times we're living in. And now, with a global pandemic, things are only getting worse. I hope you're doing well, friend. Stay safe.

[Mother Machine 7 : Full Album]

I downloaded this thing, because I can't sit still for 30 minutes on the computer without getting distracted. The problem with that is not being able to go back to a particular track as easily as I would like. I have no idea what the track names are, but track 1 is what really hooked me in. I knew I had to download it at that point.
The sounds and grooves in this whole thing is captivating. I'm surprised it doesn't get as much attention here. This whole thing got me in a trance.

Anchorwind responds:

I thank you. FYI, if you look at my profile I'm fairly good at labeling - 2019 is nothing but MM7 and Ten Years of Tragedy (TYoT) tracks. 2018 was mostly MM6, etc.

The track in question is 'Accepting Her Invitation' and can be found here https://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/862740

[Dilatory]

This really makes me happy to hear. And I get what Anchorwind is saying, but this does have your signature sound. Your voice is distinguishable in this track with a bit of chill. I like the intro and groove.

ZLEAP responds:

Thanks, man.

I'm just glad to be writing again. It's been too long.

[Collapse]

Yeah Mang! The atmosphere in the beginning is what I dig! The beat that comes in 40 seconds has a great build. Horror ambient in the beginning with a cinematic sound that truly does align with Mad Max. I've listened to this several times when you released this, but It's really hitting the spot right now. Works great while playing some FPS. Reading your description, I'm reminded of this clip regarding the Age of Decadence that this society is currently in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaSUDBU-QSs
Could it be the beginning of the end?

zybor responds:

O.o I'm so happy seeing your review. I'm so proud of this track, but funny thing is that I already made two unreleased better tracks for the album haha.

Inspired somebody is not the same as imitating. I've been trying to get my stuff sound like someone else and failed. But Collapse marks a changing point in my music, because I now stop trying to sounds like someone else but be my own. While yes, I was inspired by you and Lich, always, I do find my own path.

As for the theme, collapse is already happening. The fires, the riots, revolutions, climate change, they all come from the instability of life, and that come from the system. When people said the system not working, I say capitalism is working as intended, it is how it work, it must exploit people to survive. But capitalism is like a parasite, sooner or later, it will kill the host. And that host is us, and the ecology. 10 years left until the tipping point of climate. Make your time count. You are welcome to look up UN IPCC data and check them out.

Stay safe my friend, take care of your loved ones, buy guns, stock ammos, foods and pray for there still be future for your kids. Because everyone gonna have rough rides, and few will make it.

[TYoT : Never Too Late To Love Yourself]

So this is what it feels like not knowing how one would fit in a track. But I am aware that just because someone was an inspiration for such a piece, that doesn't mean the track is going to sound like them as it's conceived through another. This track puts me into a trance as if the body follows the mind roaming incessantly down long corridors. But there's an element of contentment amid the searching. That pulse at 2:56 and as it develops onward really brings meaning through it all. Loving it

Anchorwind responds:

As I continue to work on my multimedia project (The Ten Years of Tragedy) : This Album Portion of it started off with my 200th published work - Making Angels Cry, and I tried to go out of my way to make it as good as possible, as opposed to tell a story. I, personally, feel I succeeded. I consider it to be an achievement for 'The Anchorwind Sound' whatever that means. Tracks 2-4 of Ten Years of Tragedy, although I didn't realize it at the time was me telling a story - I was falling deeper into the despair I am currently in.

By Track 5 I was aware of where I was at in life and where I wanted to go with the album's narrative. Forgiveness (5) , Soul Searching (6) , Define Your Success (7) , The Battle For Control (8) , Yearning Yet Burdened (9) - and for the last couple I even wrote messages for some, just in case others were struggling like me. I'm an old combat veteran, I've been at this for a while whereas others just may be beginning their journey and a random internet message might be a spark that really helps.

Now to this : #10 - the conclusion. It's Never Too Late To Love Yourself. I know what I want to say but not how to say it, and I think back to 'A City Not Forsaken (Pt. 1)' and the synth line that makes me smile, the hope upon the horizon of it. That even after whatever war we have survived, there is a way to rebuild to a better tomorrow. It may not be easy, but many things in life worth doing aren't.