Battle of the beatz 2007 - I: reviews by decklyn

Control by Harikiri: Track 208 – First

Submitted by decklyn on Fri, 2007-04-20 18:30.

Track 208 – First impression is that the space sounds very well put together. Effects and everything sound good without over stifling the tune. Kick and snare create an odd and fresh step. It drops really hard. Excellent production. The mid bass tones are nice and separate from the percussion with the sub tones (nearly?) centered. Sample use is excellent. Thus far this one gets my vote to win – probably one of the best produced tune I’ve heard come out of this site. AAAAND finally a track not wrote with reason. 9.5

Ultrafunkiller by DJ Ruffneck: Track 206 – Synths

Submitted by decklyn on Fri, 2007-04-20 18:31.

Track 206 – Synths sound close to synths used in a liquid tune, but a touch cheesier off the bat. The percussion is nice and upfront. The basses sound GRRREAT. Overall a good wobble tune with clean production. I don’t know about the bongos tho – the make the tune sound a bit “goofy”, but I guess it fits in with the clownstep style. Big up Ruffneck on this one. 8.5

Future Robot Funk by Bluntman: Track 202 – Nice warm

Submitted by decklyn on Fri, 2007-04-20 18:29.

Track 202 – Nice warm pad in the intro. Maybe it’s a bit too upfront tho and makes the percussion seem like it’s behind. I would personally cut out the phasing and set it back in the mix with reverb with little early reflection. This would make it seem behind the drums, rather than infront. The break sounds good and clean. The layers aren’t quite on tho. I can hear some phasing in the drums as a result. You could eq out conflicting frequencies (ie tone down the highs on one) as the it’s the high end differences that are noticeable. Just when I think to suggest a change up of the drums there is a roll or something to add interest. Overall a pretty good liquid track. It needs to go somewhere tho. Seems to sit a bit still. 7.5

Non-Locality by ruffian: Track 204 –

Submitted by decklyn on Fri, 2007-04-20 18:30.

Track 204 – Compression is pumping and breathing, but it actually works – You’ve got it to pump and breath on the beat. It’s maybe a little excessive though. With some elements it’s more stifling – like the starwarsshot/hoover. The drums stand out, but I think they could be a little stronger and more upfront. Gets very repetitive. Not bad though. 7/10

Nightmares by Noctuary: Track 207 –

Submitted by decklyn on Fri, 2007-04-20 18:31.

Track 207 – Combination of funk and tech elements. The vocals make me feel uncomfortable Sticking out tongue. Definitely has darkness, but I don’t think it comes across quite as intended. Percussion isn’t upfront enough for a track of this nature which is an immediate pitfall. Needs some EQ and compression work to get it upfront. 50 second breakdown is a bit excessive for a tech tune if it was to get to the floor, but as a piece on its own interesting to listen to. Not a bad tune overall. Not really in my tastes, but still a good stab. 7

Anger Management by Contayjen: Track 203 – Instantly,

Submitted by decklyn on Fri, 2007-04-20 18:28.

Track 203 – Instantly, my first impression is that this track is too fast. The rhythms are stifled with the speed. The percussion is nice and punchy tho with the time compressing. When the other elements come in I think the same thing – it’s too fast and things get stifled. The breakdown sounds great. Some of the instruments don’t seem to be on beat. I think it’s delay or something that is doing that. 6.7/10

Human Race by Contact Lost: Track 209 – First of

Submitted by decklyn on Fri, 2007-04-20 18:32.

Track 209 – First of all, this one is only 3 minutes, so I’ve gotta dock a few points there. The one synth gets really annoying very fast. The synth layering is decent tho. The percussion is WAY in the back tho. Percussion needs to be upfront in dancemusic genres. Pay attention to the space, and try to get it to sound like it’s right in the middle of the picture. Sounds like it’s standing behind the bass with the synths on either side of the bass. You’ve got huge potential bruv. Just finish it up and work on the technique. Ez! 6