etherealwinds's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Kuebiko, Pt.1 [NGUAC '24 FINALS]]

Woah, that intro. Very pleasantly bold! As a listener, I'm not really so well versed in DnB, but it sounds as good as any other good DnB songs I've heard. Maybe it's a slight bit repetitive for me, but I feel like that could also be a feature of the genre, so that could just be down to personal taste. The change-up at 2:11 is really nice though, and that rhythm is really satisfying. Good luck in the NGUAC!

Kz-N responds:

thanks!!

[the city we dreamt]

Nice to hear your music kiiri! You really succeeded in building up a gorgeous atmosphere with this one. 0:27 gave me goosebumps. Love the reverses mixed into your vocals too, which really helps make an otherworldly atmosphere. Barely relevant to anything, but I can't say I've heard the word "cairn" used in a song, which was actually quite refreshing! You're a poet, and that also comes across in the subtler elements of your composing/arranging (that breath at 02:28, as an example). "Tis the path upon the stars we etched" is such a strong line. If I might say so, I'd really have loved to hear the track ring out at the end; I feel it's a slight shame the tail gets cut off at 3:18. With such a beautifully crafted atmosphere, I wanna bathe in some of that afterglow, y'know? This is one of my favourite submissions, and I'll look forward to hearing more of your music, for sure. Best of luck in the NGUAC finals!

kiiri responds:

you're too kind man, best of luck to you too

[VS. The Procrastination Demon]

ha, the title and concept of this track tickles me. It's a shame I didn't hear it sooner; perhaps it could have helped ward off my procrastination demon. This is really nice! If I can leave a bit of advice, and this is just my personal opinion... While I do enjoy a wide mix, I think it would be a bit even more balanced if you didn't neglect the centre of the track. Perhaps the bass and percussion would hit harder if they didn't feel so wide in the mix, but if you left the other more melodic elements widened instead. Aside from that, all of the musical elements in this track are super impressive and I REALLY liked the subtle speed-up around the climax. You succeeded in driving up the intensity. This is a really great track! Good luck in the finals :)

JorelSimpson responds:

Thanks for the criticism. Good luck to you as well.

[UK Dubstep Track (NGUAC Finals 2024 Entry)]

As a brit, this honestly reminds me of some of the underage parties I used to go to. I feel like I haven't heard dubstep in way too long, but it brings a sense of nostalgia to me when I used to hear it all the time between 2009-2012. Totally different from the type of music I make, but it definitely has its place :) Very satisfyingly mixed; you do this genre particularly well. I'd be really interested to hear how it sounds when there's the rap verses added! Good luck in this year's NGUAC finals!

JoeStasi responds:

Hi there thank you so much for your kind words. I'm very glad it gave you a feeling of nostalgia - that was exactly my aim!

[Petrichor - NGUAC]

This deserves all the love its gotten so far, plus much more. Your music is always such a pleasure to listen to, and your style is always very much up my alley, so to speak. My cup of tea! This is nothing short of excellent, as is your usual offering. Good luck in the finals this year :)

Irish-Soul responds:

Thanks so much for the glowing review!

[The Descent Of A Champion (NGUAC Finals Rank 23)]

You had me hooked from 0:00. This is giving me Final Fantasy V boss battle vibes and I'm here for it. I just read Nobuo Uematsu in your description as soon as I wrote that... so yeah, it definitely came across. I think this would definitely be to his tastes. My favourite part is 1:37, which actually makes me feel more Chrono Trigger feels, with a slight aura of airship theme. One of my favourite submissions this round! Best of luck in the NGUAC :D

Interloping responds:

On the contrary, I think this is my favorite comment that I have ever gotten. I try really hard with what I have, which is the basic version of FL studio. Just a piano roll, my brain power, and a lot of clicking/dragging.

Video game music has been one of the few things in my life that has made me truly feel amazing, inside and out. I want to convey the same bold, empowering emotions that I have felt from the greatest writers before me, who also happened to be using what they had available, with everything they've got.

I hope that you can find it within yourself to share this gift of music in your own form, and pass on the feeling of euphoria that I have felt from the moment I first heard my first song on Sonic 2 as a toddler.

Cheers, friend. I wish you all the best.

- Interloping

[Crystallis Ultima]

I mean... Where do I even start? What do I even say...? You should be composing for AAA video games and films. I feel like you're the perfect example as a competitor in this year's NGUAC of the highest bar of quality of music we've gotten the privilege to hear. I'm not too shy to say that you're my personal winner this year, no matter what happens. You really are quite something else! Good luck, Holland :)

HollandAlbright responds:

Aw!! That is so kind and means so much- thank you, Jordi! Someday, I hope to get there...

I also heard your entry! It definitely has some RPG/Final Fantasy vibes- I could see it in a game. Good luck to you, as well. ♫✩

[Conductor - NGADM Round 2 & NGUAC Finals!]

Your musical taste/instinct is really quite refreshing. I can safely say I've never heard anything like this, in the most positive way. I really appreciate your courage to make the choices you made here, because the end result is pure ear candy. This is honestly epic and quite inspiring. Your sound design is amazing. Good luck in the finals; I think this will do very well!

GameBoyFireworks responds:

Thank you so much! I really really appreciate those kind words. I've been telling myself that it's best to win or lose "my way", so I'm hoping some of the judges are able to vibe with my style, but I totally understand how polarizing it may be. Again, thank you so much for the review! Reviews like this really keep you going 💞

[Untinted]

This is one of my favourite compositions of yours, and what a good time to pull it out in time for the NGUAC finals. This gives me major Ghibli vibes, and your orchestration, as always, is very tasteful. I also feel a bit of Ryuichi Sakamoto in this. I love that little tiny detail at 0:59 that really adds some whimsy! Very emotional and heartfelt throughout. Best of luck in the competition :3

Everratic responds:

Thank you, this means a lot coming from you! I'm pleasantly surprised by the reception so far. I think I tend to think more highly of my tracks that were more difficult to compose, and this track was one of the easiest to compose in a long time - it felt like the track was writing itself and sending signals to my brain xD

I'll check out Ryuichi's music. Let me know if you have recommendations!

Best of luck to you as well!

[AndrewCR × Upcoda - Glee]

The mixing on this is super impressive, and all the little bleepy bloopy elements. I don't listen to too much glitch hop, but perhaps after this I'll be more inclined to. This is just a really great feel-good song in general. Best of luck to you both in the finals of the NGUAC!

AndrewCr responds:

Thanks! If you've heard some of the other entries, you know that we'll need the luck haha