ChronoNomad's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Your Flashlight Dies]

I totally dig it, chica! It has a deep, rumbling ambiance similar to Cthulu Surfaces, but still notably different and quite suitable to the style. Perfect for a Halloween jump scare! The only thing that could make it even creepier would be if some dreadfully out-of-tune music box would begin to play... xD

headphoamz responds:

Yay thank you! Aw man, if only I had put music box tunes in there... creeepy! Also, WTF?! I could have sworn I responded. Sometimes NG times out on me. Sorry about that Chrono! Thanks for the review ^__^

[Busy Feet]

The NGADM is finally nearing its terminus! And here we have another lovely Jordi Francis original that speaks to me on a number of levels. From the title alone I was expecting something a bit different, but the tone still fits the theme very well and I resonate with it as a bit of a people watcher, myself. Different lives and seemingly different worlds, all wrapped up in their own individual thoughts and responsibilities, yet surrounded by dozens of other people that they rarely - if ever - notice. But I digress...

Your vocal mixing levels are indeed improved, and I think you've pretty much nailed that spot on here. The instrumentals possess a decidedly ethereal quality that I associate with much of your music and the vocals complement that beautifully. The lyrics themselves are nice and poetic, expressing both a literal and symbolic natures of the human condition.

Everything just feels like it melds together very smoothly, and that includes the way that the vocals have been folded into the music. There is one brief moment at :54 where one of your instrumental elements sounds off, however. It might be the harp or that bell-like instrument, but I cannot be certain; there is admittedly a lot going on and I can't tell for certain even after several listens, but something comes off as being flat. Besides that singular moment I can find no other fault in the music, and perhaps it was purposefully meant to be atonal, but it just doesn't jive with me, musically. I won't be taking away half a star for it since I'm not some hard-ass nitpick of a judge. ;)

Overall, the song is positively lovely and possesses a kind of a lonely and melancholic air. Life continues on apace, even when we finally choose to stop for a minute and look at the hustle and bustle that exists all around us. Where are they going? Where have they been? Many curious and unanswerable questions, but - as a musician - it makes for excellent inspiration. Hang in there, Jordi! You've already managed to come this far, and I wish you all the best as the curtain begins to unravel.

etherealwinds responds:

It is indeed, how scary! It's been such a fun journey though. I'm glad to hear that my mixing levels have improved! I actually can't hear the flatness you mention at :54. Perhaps my ears are immune to it or your ears are picking up something entirely different, I'm not sure! ^_^ I'll continue to check it until I notice though.

Thank you for your kind comments! Hopefully I can get at least third place, not just for me, but for you and all of the other friends I made in NGADM along the way!!

[Mystic's Shore]

This has such a soothing vibe all throughout; ancient, mysterious, and otherworldly like the mystical lands of Shambala or Tír na nÓg. An excellent portrayal of that ultimate state of being and oneness, Nirvana. I suppose such levels of enlightenment can be like going to another location, a plane of existence both higher and further away, yet still tethered to the earthly domain if only for a little while. Some chills were definitely had, and I always love when that happens. And here you're singing beautifully in Mandarin, as well. Of course, because that's just how you roll. You ridiculously talented bugger, you. ;)

I would personally prefer a little less volume on that ethereal pad at the beginning of the song, but that's a purely personal preference. Possibly. Probably. Whoops, I got kind of carried away with words starting with the letter P. Pardon.

I apologize for the lateness of this review, and I won't toss some silly "I've been too busy" excuse out because those are always bullshit anyway. I suppose, in all honesty, I have felt more strongly about losing than I really thought I would. I have no regrets or anything like that, but you know...melancholy and whatnot. It's a thing. I still love you and your work just as much as ever, and I just want you to know that.

You have managed to create yet another thoroughly haunting song, and I congratulate you on such an incredible feat. You're like a runaway freight train of musical goodness, Jordi. Best of luck to you as this crazy contest continues! ^__^

etherealwinds responds:

Haha my instinct when it comes to leveling truly sucks. No level-ups for me anytime soon! ^_~ thank you for once again a lovely review. I do truly appreciate your words and I'm glad you liked it!

[Everything is Broken]

This is a very interesting glitch track, to be sure. I dig the downtempo vibe and find most of the percussive elements to be quite solid, but I feel as though the hats between :27 and :36 could use a touch more subtlety. I really love the intro and the way it leads into sort of a false idea of what the song is going to be, and you've busted out some very cool glitches throughout the piece.

The symphonic arrangement is rather lacking, unfortunately. There's a thematic progression that plays out repeatedly, but it's never really expanded upon beyond the glitching, which is nice and dramatic but doesn't really add any musical content. With some nice melodic interludes or at least a build up with that initial progression, I believe that this could really shine; something to hold the listener's attention and give a sense of anticipation. I suppose the fairly limiting two-week deadline is at least partially to blame, and it's still very enjoyable to listen to. Good luck in Round 4!

[Ascension]

So many reviews already, you don't really need another one from me, do you? Well you're getting one anyway, so deal with it! :P

This arrangement just feels like you. It's got that singularly Elspeth quality to it that always seems to give me smiles and warm fuzzies, and in that regard it reminds me very much of Dear Mario. So sweet and tinged with sadness. The piano chords are soft and rich, your voice and vocals are honest and soulful, and then - just to top it all off - french horns. The few instances of strings almost feel strangely unnecessary, but they're so subtle that they just blend right in.

The lyrics...ah, the lyrics! In such a short time you've written a song that has all the feels, tugging at my heartstrings and threatening to blur my vision with saltwater. Of course a big part of that is your tribute and the way that it reminds me of everyone I've lost over the years. There is sadness, yes...but never without a powerful sense of hope and beauty. So many feels.

Suffice to say, you never cease to amaze me. Thank you for the wonderful journey, and best of luck here in Round 4 of the NGADM. I'm just gonna say it: you're a rising star. Can't wait to see what comes next. <3

headphoamz responds:

Aw Chrono, what a lovely review. Thanks so much - I felt the same way when I was writing it. I like that there's an "Elspeth quality", hahaha! That's great. Sorry about the saltwater problem. :)

[footsteps]

I think it's safe to say that you have managed to outdo yourself here. It all flows so smoothly, and your piano arrangement really summons up the feels. Your arpeggios and strings dance beautifully together, and I for one am thoroughly happy that you decided to go in such a melodic and emotional direction. I do wish that some of the louder wind sounds were softer or more subtle, and when it was first introduced it really caught me by surprise (though perhaps that was the point), but they ended up growing on me after a time. The ending is calming and makes the piece feel complete, appropriately drawing the curtain to a close on the story.

A truly excellent job, overall. Good luck and godspeed.

johnfn responds:

Wow, thank you for such a nice review! I'm glad the piece worked for you :)

Yeah I think I introduced the wind too abruptly for sure. It was really added in the last few hours if I remember right, because I felt like the final section wasn't filled out.

I need the luck because SoundChris' song is insane!

[Moonlight Sonata]

I have a special place in my heart for Beethoven. Always. That being said, the EQ needs work; lows are too low and end up making it sound muddy, while the mid- and higher-range notes end up getting washed out. Other than that, it sounds lovely.

Nice work, overall. Polish up the EQ issues and you'll be golden. One of my all-time favorites of Ludwig van Beethoven's many outstanding compositions, so thank you for that. :)

newhansen responds:

Thx so much for your review, Chrono! I'm glad you like it ;)

[Aerith's Theme]

Keeping the instrumentation so minimal early on serves to make it all the more emotional when the orchestra swells. As usual, your vocals make up the dazzling centerpiece of the song. With the lyrics being so central to the piece there are the usual breathy artifacts here and there, but without a professional set-up or personal recording booth, what can you do?

You already know that I love this. What more can be said? :)

[~SW~ Into the Fray]

Man, I love this! I hear both the Chrono Trigger battle theme and Lavos final battle mixed into this by degrees. There's drum style is decidedly breakbeat, so I'd say DnB fits as much as the Video Game affiliation does. It's also got a crazy jazzy style in there thanks to the instrument selections that's really cool, and those electric guitar stabs sound pretty cool, too. Nicely done!

SkyeWint responds:

Thanks! ^_^ Not sure there's much I can respond to in here, but yeah. The jazzy thing was actually based a bit off another remix I had heard at one point, it was very fun to make.