Battle of the beatz 2007 - III: reviews by Noctuary

Gimme The Weed rmx by King Louis: Mm, this is superb. The

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Submitted by Noctuary on Sat, 2007-08-11 13:26.

Mm, this is superb. The production on this one is outstanding, such a nicely balanced mix - each instrument has its own room in the mix. The transitions between the half-time beat and the full on ragga dnb works well, though a bit of a build-up before the first dnb drop would be good.
Vocals are superb, really fit the track. I am left wondering, though, how much of this was sampled? I don't want to put a downer on this tune, but it just sounds a bit...*too* perfect...


The Way To Amsterdam by Bluntman: Rhodes...Mmmmm.

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Submitted by Noctuary on Sat, 2007-08-11 13:39.

Rhodes...Mmmmm. Sax....Mmmmm.

I'm loving these vibes. Think the beat is a bit too overpowering, esp. that snare. The amen interlude is slightly out-of-time...needs to be stretched to the bar properly.

This is another track that I'm not too sure what to say about...It's just a damn good vibe (snare volume aside!), and easily grooves...I like Laughing out loud


Cross Over by Significant Kids: The drums on this track are

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Submitted by Noctuary on Sat, 2007-08-11 13:55.

The drums on this track are superb - perfect hits, damn good programming...They blend in well with the sounds of the track.

The synth that comes in at about the 2.30 mark is a bit too loud, though.

It's a shame that the bass noise at about 4.33 and again at the 5min mark enters so late in the track - it's those sort of techy noises that fit this track really well. It def. needs more of them!


UNDERGROUND ALIEN FORTRESS by DARK GENIUS: Some excellent atmospherics

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Submitted by Noctuary on Sat, 2007-08-11 13:51.

Some excellent atmospherics in this - I love the pads and evolving noises you've used. It makes the whole thing really hypnotic. It's a shame there isn't a bit more movement in the pitch or tune of the track, but I guess that's just the style you've gone for.

Definately a track that builds really well...I dig Laughing out loud


Numb by DJ Scape: Nice intro... But I'm not

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Submitted by Noctuary on Sat, 2007-08-11 13:44.

Nice intro... But I'm not sure whether the whole Linkin Park thing works; the vocals and samples from that tune do sound as if they're not in time properly (phrasing, more than rhythm, that is).
I like the obvious GLO influences (esp. on the cut-up break) and smooth bassline...it's a formula that always works rather well.
It's a shame about the L.P. samples, though...I think you could've written something better yourself, rather than use those samples.


DNB Alien inside Me by Essence: Excellent intro (tho the

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Submitted by Noctuary on Sat, 2007-08-11 13:33.

Excellent intro (tho the screams, if they were made quieter, would be more menacing methinks). Proper good atmosphere.

The drums: the 2nd snare drum that plays the off-beat notes is a bit loud, it makes the beat sound obv. programmed and takes away the natural 'flow'. S'all about dynamics!

Synth-work is great, though. all the sounds work incredibly well together - there's not one out of place noise.

All-in-all a damn good tune Smiling


Core Fractal by Contayjen: Oh man, that is a LOT of

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Submitted by Noctuary on Sat, 2007-08-11 13:30.

Oh man, that is a LOT of bass. Almost too much, and definately a bit too over-powering. I think I know who's track this, so I'll not mention my usual gripe with the snare(s) you use Eye-wink

It's definately got pace and speed, that's for sure. But I do this the mix needs a bit of attention. The constant 16th note bass synth, along with the 1&1/2 bar bass sustain makes for quite a heavy (too heavy) combination...I couldn't whack this track up loud, 'cos the bass just ate my head up.

Bass aside, though, there's some nicely made synths flying around. I think they almost save the track...


Passive Aggressive by Abnormal Experimentalist: The intro promises

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Submitted by Noctuary on Sat, 2007-08-11 13:35.

The intro promises much...It's just a shame the rest of the track doesn't deliver. It's just the usual cut-up amen break with a few things thrown on the top :-S.

I'm not too sure what to say about this, it just really wasn't anything that got me going. Sorry.