Phonometrologist's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[For What the Sparkler Sparkles]

I enjoyed this one immensely upon the first listen. I just came back to it today. Just wanted to say that I appreciate this composition from you for being more reserved than your free form writings. Quite soothing.

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

I wanted to come up with a new left-hand pattern that's simple, beautiful, and that hasn't been done (at least this clearly) before. It turned out to be surprisingly difficult for my fingers to remember the pattern at first, probably since it's fairly unique.

I would also describe this piece as love song of sorts.
I was directly inspired by a Final Fantasy VII track called "Interrupted by Fireworks". I don't know exactly what it is, but there's a kind of addictive bittersweetness to that track which always results in a direct blow to my emotions. Thank you for listening!

[You're the Same]

Congrats on the score. I have some catching up to do but I might as well start from the beginning and take my time. My first impression is that your production and mixing has finally gotten close to the prowess of your composition technique. But I care more about the writing itself.
Because your writing often involves progressing through harmonies without cadences that gives us pause to really reflect upon what was said before you already have established the next phrase, I shall focus on the relationship between the piano and violin. In the beginning, the violin in its high register is trying to allure the piano out of itself. The short, repetitive, descending two note motif in the piano hesitantly does end up heeding to the violins call to move from it's state of emptiness. The piano speaks and the violin sings along beautifully. I particularly like the passing tones the violin slides into from time to time.
This composition really is about the support of a friend. The stubborn friend needing the help of another to get them going. And the other friend needing the other to carry them through to the end once they do get moving. I can't help but think of this dynamic when the imagery I get is an ocean. The violin is the sail and the piano is the waves. The piano plays the secondary role, and although the violin will keep us moving, it is the weight of the piano that keeps us afloat.

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Hey there, it's nice to see you around again! I hope you're doing well :)
We should catch up a bit, at some point.

I was quite surprised by the score myself, for some reason. I didn't know how a piece like this would do in a competition, but apparently it did quite well.
I'm really glad to hear I'm slowly catching up with my mixing. My approach definitely could've been better if I had studied more actively. That said, I've thought that if I learn to mix in small steps, my production will fit my personal style better. Let's hope that's true, and not just an excuse!!

I really loved reading through this review. Your perspective on music is unique, while at the same time, it's striking in its accuracy. Now that I think of it, you improvised with just two notes as the base, at some point earlier this year. I think I did something similar here organically, but it's not impossible that your improv in some way inspired that idea.

As for the violin's expression, such as the slides, I just love how flexible the VST is. It's just so fun to write with, not to speak of simply improvising with a keyboard.

Your interpretation of the piece is pretty spot on! I think your analogy is brilliant and catchy; now I'll have difficulties listening to this without seeing the same imagery (I don't mind though)!

Thank you for the review, and of course, for listening ^____^

[Walkaway]

Similar situation to LSD as this is the first thing I'm listening to today while I'm with my daughter, and I was just thinking that you really do have a certain language. As I read the description, it makes sense to me why I feel your music describes a futuristic, urban setting. It's a similar mindset to Vangelis's work in Bladerunner as he describes a dark, technological future. It's the machine-like rhythm you have throughout while that vibrato singing overlaps it that reminds me most to to the previous generation's approach to describe this future in music. If the question back then was "Do Androids dream of electric sheep?" that ultimately birthed a piece of music called "Rachel's Song," then the next generation music that your music fits so well in would propose a similar question and that is whether "Does Rachel dream of her electric children?"

zybor responds:

:O You are back!!!!! How's the family doing? Must be awesome to be a busy daddy! :)

About the dark and technological future we are approaching, it's quite unsettling. Transhumanism interests and influences most of my work. But overtime I come to realizing that we would never be able come to that utopian future. Our resources are finite, climate change getting worse, droughts and famines ruin millions worldwide. How could I sit idle and fantasize about future when people in America drown in super hurricanes like Sandy and Harvey? How could I talk about flying car or laser gun, where my birth country battling the largest drought in SE Asian history? Did you know that the Syrian war was not being fought over bullshit like democracy? It was caused by the severe drought in the country back in 2008-2009 that murdered thousands, which led to the uprising of Arab Springs? Same for Yemen war that right now millions are dying from famine where the world literally stood by idling because of the proxy war caused by Saudis and NATO.

My music might spoke for a technological future, but they also speak for the future that the people of this world heading toward. It contains pain and sorrow that I wanted to outcry and raise awareness about the problems we could already be facing, and to find compassion. Most passerby who listened to my stuff would not notice much beside "oh these sound design are cool yo" but long time listeners and friends like you and LSD will find the intended meanings or themes of my work almost instantly from the first listen. The structureless and almost seemingly random arrangements, are the symbols of chaos. Because there is no such thing is order. I don't want to live my life and believe in order and justice, where my whole life is revolving around chaos and sorrow. Neither our world were it seemingly peaceful. No such thing is that. To quote Werner Herzog:

Civilization is like a thin layer of ice upon a deep ocean of chaos and darkness.

I hope for the bright future for all of my friends and their love ones. Anybody on this planet deserves a beautiful life. And I believe in that future. But that future can only be in existence, without capitalism and states.

[God Jul Jeanette!]

I'm still catching up to what you've been up to lately, but I heard this awhile ago and I had to come back to it. It's such a tasteful haiku of a piece. And I'm impressed. Impressed by the choice of notes to express a sweet sentiment within such a short amount of time. Your production has improved so much over the years as well. Your arrangements are really enjoyable, and I can hear how much you're growing.

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

My Christmas was merry indeed, I hope yours was too!

I'm quite pleased with this little piece myself. I just tried thinking about what kinds of chords and melodies would communicate an Xmas feel in such a short time, and I happened to come up with this. I'm really glad to hear my production has improved! I've noticed it too, ofc. I could've watched a lot of tutorials and the like, but I've preferred to learn slowly, over the years. I figured I'd develop more of a personal style and sound that way :D
I still have a ways to go, though :3

Thank you for coming back for more, and for reviewing ^____^

[Insomnolence]

This sounds like something I would like to do... We should meet up and work on the same project while sitting at desks next to each other...too bad you're across oceans. This is a nice loop with really pleasing sound design. The stretched out instruments in the background really puts me in a dream state. The chord resolution at 1:32 is satisfying. I think you're getting quite inspired....or at least I am.

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

In retrospect, it definitely sounds like something you might do! Funny thing is, this time my inspirations lied elsewhere. I do believe we could come up with some wonderful ideas and sounds together, especially in real-time. I will be less busy than I have been, the coming half year. If luck has it, perhaps we'll get an opportunity to collaborate on something.
Thank you for listening, and for leaving your thoughts! :)

[MvP]

Great sound! I was instantly hooked on the fade-in. Glad to hear something new from you.

Mattashi responds:

Thank you Phono! I haven't been on Newgrounds for a while I gotta check out what everyone has released lately :)

[Road To Redemption]

I am honored to have received a piece of music from you in dedication to my daughter. I have downloaded and will certainly play this for her when she is older to appreciate such a track. These kinds of gestures should never be taken lightly as music being an outstretched hand filled with wisdom, knowledge, compassion, and empathy to its listener makes it quite the gift to receive. The one thing I would like to caution you is in your description by the usage of the word genius because words like those divide. I am no different from you, my friend. You and I are on equal footing.

In regards to this piece more specifically, the tone is very moody and concerning. I absolutely love the scratching of the strings on 1:20, 2:30, 2:52, 3:12 and those are just several examples we hear them in. The strengthening determination in this ominous march to face the many unjust and cruel fruitions of mankind is what I vision here. And I find it to be an encouraging piece. Thank you

zybor responds:

^____^ Thank you for your thoughtful responses as usual. I'm being honest about you being a genius dude. I felt guilty after I nearly forgot about your daughter's birth day so I wanted to make it up for it. This piece is truly one of the most complicated and complex work I have done recent years. The strings were done with modwheels (dynamic/expression), EQ and pitch manipulation. I was really into string libraries like Native Instruments Thrill and Spitfire Orchestra Swarm or even CAGE Solo Strings but I don't have the budget for it so I used only available libraries like Anthology Strings, Joshua Bell Violin and Norturne Violin/Cello. I tried brass but doesn't turn out ok. The completion of this track actually took over 12 hours including composition, arrangement and mastering. The last track I gave so much dedication was Vaeltaja with LSD and Etherealwinds and it does come quite close to the sheer size of the production.

Thank you again for your awesome review! Take care and happy Xmas! Have a great week with your family! ♥‿♥

[Purple Floyd]

lol not more needs to be said besides what has already been said from the individual before me.
The title peaked my interest.
But I think etherealwinds got the right idea in saying that this piece is like a nice haiku.

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

Do you like haikus?
I'm asking because I do.
Thought I'd let you know ;)

[Vaeltaja]

I downloaded this and listened on CD while at work so I can give it several more listens before I said anything. The imagery that keeps coming to mind when listening to it is a panoramic view rolling over several different landscapes. This is a bit like a baroque piece in the sense that the music keeps on going without any pauses in between phrases. I also think it's brilliant that you and etherealwinds swapped audio. This makes me think that Versilian Studios has to create an Etherealwinds library soon. Oh and that melodious violin at 2:10 is quite beautiful and catchy. It an ambitious piece with a lot of variety. You've mentioned how some of my music would fly by without realizing how many minutes have passed, but I say that's what happens exactly with this piece you two created here.

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

We appreciate you taking the time to not only listen to the piece, but think about it too before you comment!

It's always great to hear that people get their imaginations flowing when listening to one's music. It seems that your imagery fits the theme of the piece quite well, considering the meaning of the name, and our thoughts while making it!
The melody at 2:10 was made by us both ^___^

Although Jordi suggested the idea, we had already thought of it individually, because of the circumstances. Unfortunately, we actualized it so late that SnowTeddy didn't get a good change to record anything.

And Etherealwinds library would indeed be something everyone should want :O!

As for the time flying by, we're really glad that you felt that way listening to this. We were actually literally just talking about you, and your music ;)
Thanks for listening, and for reviewing!

[Going in Style]

That sax is such a weird choice for a piece like this that it works. I like the strangeness of it. 1:20 is cool, but I wish it was a bit louder in the mix. And as etherealwinds mentioned, I too thought it would accompany a game in a menu/title screen setting. It's fun listening to your collabs!

LucidShadowDreamer responds:

All credit for the idea of the sax goes to dem0, even if we created the melodies together! I was stunned when he showed me the idea, because of how surprisingly well it worked :D
We certainly went for an experimental style here. A bit of a risk, but either way we're happy we did it!

1:20, even though very active, is supposed to function like a short break from the melodies, focusing more on the rhythmic aspects of the piece. I agree it could be even louder. I'm afraid the piece is already compressed as far as we dare without damaging the sound, and is as loud as possible. So all other parts would have to be lowered in volume for that part to be enhanced. Maybe that would've been worth the trade though, since the listener can always raise the volume on their part?

It's fantastic to hear they're fun to listen to, since we always have fun working together! Thank you for the review ^____________^