CryNN's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[NGAIC 2023, Layer 2 - Meng & Jing (Super Famicom Faketune Fakerip)]

It really sucks to hear that you encountered hardware problems while making this. Its a total producers nightmare ;-; hopefully all will get sorted out asap.

Nothing much to review on this. The wet ambience with the dry synths is a nice contrast. I like the panning, but i wish the main elements could move more with some modulations on them ;)

[Ice Crasher (NGAIC 2022-2023)]

Oh shit i love how many peps went for dnb in this layer. Everyone has its own personal approach to the genre. If i were to compare your submission then i think we have a lot in common on how we make synths.

The structure is very simple, but satisfying. It does sound that you made it in a short time span especially in the drop part. The progression could be much more variable and colorful, i also miss a bit more grease and mid distortion on them, but that is just an subjective point of view ;D However, i think the better category to focus on when producing tracks in a rush would be mix and master which you did an excellent job on. GOOD JOB!!!

WakerLink responds:

ayyy, glad you like it! And yeah, the progression is very barebones, especially considering how late I started (even though I rarely refine ideas very well), however it's worth noting that I experimented in this one a bit with sound design/arrangement principles that I don't really use (which I've been doing a lot recently, weirdly enough), so it's a bit of a new experience in that regard too. A bit surprised that the mix and master turned out well, because they were DEFINITELY the most rushed part, but if it works, it works

[Warm Winter]

The vibe is super strong on this one. Its also really simple and works nice. Personally id make this a bit more relaxed and deep with adding a wide but slight, long sub that would play in the background. Id also lp filter the drums more and would choose a slower tempo.

This is an unusual style pick on layer 1, but i gotta agree that lo-fi tracks are very popular nowadays.

[FD - Aurora Australis]

This is something i would listen to while stargazing. Love those high resonant detuned pads that are helping the other elements to create an outstanding soundscape. The enveloping is well done, everything blends nicely. Wow!

[Dreaming Under Metallic Skies (NGAIC)]

This piece caught my attention right from the start. Especially with the detuned piano for which i have a soft spot haha. I can visually think of a lost city or a stranded spaceship when listening to it.
Some Half-life Alyx inspiration perhaps? LOVE IT!

LD-W responds:

The Piano patch was a self-made happy accident, one of the very first ones I made back around the time Soundpaint was new and there were only like 4 libs! If you ever get your hands on Palindrone 1 for Soundpaint & have the Vintage 1928 installed, let me know and I'll send you the patch

[NAVOJ-Grenedation [Doomori AP OST]]

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

NAVOJJ responds:

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[NGADM 2022 Grand Finals Podcast]

loving ur cowbell part Lich

Anyways im really happy for fulfilling the judging part of the contest and im also happy that the entire contest went really smoothly. The contest has shown how the average music production standard has improved by a quite a ton and also how each contestant was patient and cooperative with our reviews. The finals were intense must say, loved every piece of it haha. Im thanking everyone who participated and ran the contest<3

Next time im thinking of joining the NGADM as a contestant to test out my creativity and competition spirit! :)

LuckyDee responds:

Pleased to meet you, even though I might not have shown in my activity on Discord - or through this generic message I'm posting under all the judges' comments XD

But I had fun nonetheless and had a chance for a little personal development, so thanks for your contribution to that.

[The Final Resolve - NGADM 2022 Final Round]

SORRY FOR THE DELAY SPADE

Is this still considered an official NGADM review?

Anyways where to start. The track from start to finish has an amazing final battle vibe going on hahaha. My only thoughts were to have the signature part coming a bit earlier so the overall structure could have more faster pace. The sections and breaks sure make things more interesting so my comment about the structure is rather personal.

As much i dont like phaser and flanger effects on synths i think you made them pretty interesting atleast. The bass synths would lose some magic without them. Speaking of synths, except from a few bass elements, the entire sound design is simple and relies more on the melodies. The res growls in the main part might sound a bit too weak imo, and they deserve more spotlight in terms of color and saturation. It really sounds like youve tried to do something extra cool, but it does not really work in practice. Check on those extra cool wizard sounds a bit more and try approaching them in different ways.

The mix is the one category of which I was most critical throughout the contest. For me, the mix makes up the most crucial part in electronic tracks. With the exception of the muddy mids brought on by the substantial amount of layered synths, the mastering itself is quite nice.
In terms of mixing, the hats themselves would sound better with drier reverb, and the kick could have a bigger sub. Those are just some details, but you can hear them when they pile up.

Other than that, I really liked listening to the composition. The melodic progression is extremely well-crafted and effective. Additionally, the transitions and atmosphere deserve praise. Just a few thoughts on the mixing and some of the sound design.

Thank you for surviving from the start till the end. Twas a blaaaaaast!!!
-CRY

[Aeon Genesis @hypertrance vol.1]

Holy shit what have I found. Stellar work<3

[Manifold]

SIKK