Battle of the beats 2005 - V: reviews by crank

dead emotions by cyborg: nice dark drumfunky

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 12:17.

nice dark drumfunky thing.

dont like this phaser effect of drums tho.
hi freqs somewhat are oversaturated.

it would be nice to introduce something new in
the atmospheres in the second part of the track.
than return back in the ending.

anyway nice break mashing with thought out order.
as a lover of drumfunk i give it highest rank.

Withered Hill by ManFromZion: hits in the beat are a bit

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 12:24.

hits in the beat are a bit longer that they should be.
so snare sounds a bit loose, clashing.
vibe is nice, but mixing has some problems.
some distortion hits overloaded parts.
structure is ok, but track should be longer def.

Hydro by Virus: nice breakbeat/jungle

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 10:15.

nice breakbeat/jungle stuff.
one drawback i think the beat is a bit muddy, oversaturated.
the whole track seems overexcited & harsh.
and it isnt in center in my headphones.
probably some stereo enhancing/phasing.
i dont like that much.

if the level of exciting & drums' centering would be ok here
that would be good.

the structure is strong, not boring.
excellent build ups with sweeps, drills and other elements.

i'd add more harmonics to bass. i think it doesnt cut thru the mix enough. the bass just cares much of melodic load here so it really needs more presence.

action movie vibe. really like that.

The Dutty Growl by Terra-Rise: nice aggresive track. tho

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 12:00.

nice aggresive track.
tho i'm not much in vibe with it.
imho hi freqs are a bit harsh that makes sounds a bit metallic.

the structure is ok, but i think it's a bit annoying
cause it's flat in power. i mean no definite culmination.
and high tension is constant.
i think more balance should be between quiet & power parts, no just constant grinding.

yeah breakdowns are made but really they just pauses between grinding drops.

Drunken Punch by Tedd-Z: this stuff rolls. but i feel

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 10:08.

this stuff rolls.
but i feel it like overcompressed.
the beat needs more dynamics imho & upfront presence.
this bell riff starting first 1:30 is really outstanding of the mix & the track. doesnt fit the vibe.
i think there should be more changes in beats.
otherwise the track gets somewhat boring to the end

Baby Backesh by Picto: tracks lacks of stereo. it

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 12:27.

tracks lacks of stereo.
it more gets strange with wide stereo snare sounding over mono stuff in the center.
somewhat 'loopish' song with easy dance floor vibe.
some stuff lacks are too lo-fi imho.

Turn by DMJ a.k.a Jossi: the beat isnt grooved

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 12:06.

the beat isnt grooved enough
somewhat loosy messed hats in intro.
snare def needs more power.
otherwise the beat sounds like a beat for intro.

tracks lacks of some more definite build ups.
so some parts sounds not prepared enough.

track has some nice melodies but seems mixing isnt well balanced.

Sun Dial by Dj obscure: snare is muddy & clashy. i'd

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 12:13.

snare is muddy & clashy.
i'd put more thin & sharp one.
i think first breakdown is made too early.
second drop comes with another vibe. not good imho.
the beat has some feeling of bit reduction processing.
also not good.

that switching between diff vibes isnt kool imho.
extra psychodelic elements doesnt fit the scheme.
even percussion is bit reduced.
that kick trancy build up seems out of the vibe too.

too much mashed here imho.
i prefer more accurate style holding.
bass & percussion mashing looks senseless in the outro.

Staring Into The Shadows by Qatar: here is a problem with the

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 10:25.

here is a problem with the beat.
not enough of punch, dynamics & presence.
not much into the vibe. punky.
the main riff's synth is too loud imho.

epitaph for humanity by ptah: really weak beat here. 2

Submitted by crank on Fri, 2006-01-13 10:21.

really weak beat here.
2 layered ones to be exactly
first basic really lacks strong punch & groove.
second ugly band passed.
no punch & decent groove at all.
bleeping hi-hat is also shite.

structure is ok.
the mix need more clearness i think.

i think the beat fucked the thing up.

The Man in The Sink (Remix) by TVG Hates TVG & Vodka Jimmy: dunno how it's happened but

Submitted by crank on Wed, 2006-01-18 20:58.

dunno how it's happened but this track is from the prev contest. i gave it a high rank.
now just 1 not to mess the top list Smiling