Auryn wrote: ↑04 Apr 2019
Very musical stuff here, you obviously have talent for writing intricate melodic arrangements. The closest point of musical reference for me would be something post-rock like Tortoise. The biggest gripe I have while listening is that the sampled sounds you've limited yourself to don't really have the same expressiveness as a live performance would have had, which leads to the tracks sounding a bit "flat" for me. I could imagine that the same arrangements, but with some more varied & expressive sound/instrument choices (instead of the constantly returning "aaahhh" choirs) would be more compelling for me to listen to. Oh and the rhythm section in most tracks could use a bit more oomph, IMHO. But in terms of writing this is excellent, kept me entertained/interested throughout.
Perhaps I should have included more guitar and cello, and more of my own sampled Pyrex bowls (which aren't live instruments, but DO have roundrobins and have a more 'live' quality). But after working (for too long an extended period), I became fatigued and just wanted to finish the compositions.
I did toil the whole time with the question of whether or not the same limited instruments being reused throughout, especially the vocals, would detract from one's enjoyment of the album. I'm glad to see your comments on that matter, Auryn, as it does confirm this concern. I might be in the minority, because I quite enjoy just using the ahh vocals as textural place holders for melodies, where my mind just kind of adapts and accepts their limited nature. I guess I was trying to rely too heavily on the melody and harmonies to cary the humana vocals past their limits. But they are what they are: limited soundsets indeed.
About the rhythm sections needing more 'oomph', I can confirm that one element that I can overlook is the bass and drums. I often find it VERY hard to find the balance between too much and not enough 'oomph'. I tend to get things sounding good on home speakers, only to discover in the car or on headphones the kick and bass are way too boomy. I'm so constantly worried about things sounding woofy or boomy in the rhythm section, that perhaps I've taken too much of that oomph out. D:
I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment Auryn!
Thanks for the musical reference Tortoise. is there a specific track of their's you would pick that coincides with my music.
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