PATHOGEN - LEAVING THE CITY by PATHOGEN music
OVERVIEW
A deep, atmospheric rolling drum and bass track that oozes atmosphere and emotion. Pathogen certainly takes us on a journey into the soul with this track.
MIXDOWN
The mix on this track is really nice. It's simple, so doesn't engulf the listener maybe as much as we would like, but it's certainly clean enough to stand up to any tracks a DJ might want to mix it with. Drums are solid and punch just enough to help give the track some power. Would have liked to have heard a little more bright shimmer to the hats in this track, and maybe a touch more high end throughout. Just lacks a little sparkle. Mid ranges are nice and crunchy, and the low end sits well enough in the mix too.
ORIGINALITY
Pathogen has managed to combine a very liquid vibe with some undertones of grit and nastyness, making this track stand out quite well. A pretty original concept. I would certainly struggle to catagorise this into any sub genre!.
SOUND DESIGN
Some of the sounds in this track are beautiful, the composition of the deep piano, along with the sound effects like the rain and hustle and bustle within the intro work wonderfully together and really help set a mood for the track. The bass is your typical reece kinda sound but fits well into the style of track that this is. As i spoke briefly about earlier, the drums are solid. The kick and snare especially, with both punching hard into your soul! There are some nice synth melodies throughout which also help evolve the track on it's path.
STRUCTURE
A very solid creation from Pathogen. All the drops are in the right places, the track rolls along very smoothly, and the added dirt into the second drop really helps the diversity of the track. I think a DJ would have no problems putting this into a set.
KRONIX RATING - 7.5 / 10
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Morning Rise - Suburban Filth
Morning Rise by Suburban Filth
OVERVIEW
An extremely melodic "fun" drum and bass track from Suburban Filth focusing on the lighter side of the usually dark genre.
MIXDOWN
A nice clean mix all round in this track. I would specifically like to draw attention to the clarity of the drum work. They sound extremely clean and punchy, like a breath of fresh air. The higher, louder piano plucks could do with bringing down a touch as they are a db or two too loud, whereas the lower piano sounds sit perfectly. The bass is nice, could maybe do with a bit more body to it but it's not too bad as it is. Overall a nice mix that would sound better with a touch more low end.
ORIGINALITY
I'm finding this track to be quite original, the melodies used, and the atmosphere created is very relaxed and soothing. I can sense an element of trance within the track mainly due to the gated riffs that come in sequentially, which I'm not a huge fan of, but each to their own.
SOUND DESIGN
The melodic piano sounds are beautiful, they really do create an air of relaxation and emotion, and Suburban Filth has taken his productions to the next level with that crystal clear drum work. Bass is simple yet effective. The only thing I can criticise in sound design is those gated synth's, I'm just not feeling them at all. But I would also put that down to personal preference, I'm sure there's listeners out there that will love them!
STRUCTURE
As solid as they come! Everything hits and stops when it should, theres the right amount of intro, right amount of drop and right amount of everything to make this track work in any drum and bass set out there.
KRONIX RATING - 7.5 / 10
OVERVIEW
An extremely melodic "fun" drum and bass track from Suburban Filth focusing on the lighter side of the usually dark genre.
MIXDOWN
A nice clean mix all round in this track. I would specifically like to draw attention to the clarity of the drum work. They sound extremely clean and punchy, like a breath of fresh air. The higher, louder piano plucks could do with bringing down a touch as they are a db or two too loud, whereas the lower piano sounds sit perfectly. The bass is nice, could maybe do with a bit more body to it but it's not too bad as it is. Overall a nice mix that would sound better with a touch more low end.
ORIGINALITY
I'm finding this track to be quite original, the melodies used, and the atmosphere created is very relaxed and soothing. I can sense an element of trance within the track mainly due to the gated riffs that come in sequentially, which I'm not a huge fan of, but each to their own.
SOUND DESIGN
The melodic piano sounds are beautiful, they really do create an air of relaxation and emotion, and Suburban Filth has taken his productions to the next level with that crystal clear drum work. Bass is simple yet effective. The only thing I can criticise in sound design is those gated synth's, I'm just not feeling them at all. But I would also put that down to personal preference, I'm sure there's listeners out there that will love them!
STRUCTURE
As solid as they come! Everything hits and stops when it should, theres the right amount of intro, right amount of drop and right amount of everything to make this track work in any drum and bass set out there.
KRONIX RATING - 7.5 / 10
The Journey - JukeMaluke
The Journey by JukeMaluke
OVERVIEW
A techy drum and bass track that offers morphing sounds and a new outlook to the genre. JukeMaluke is a relatively new producer, having been at it for only a month.
MIXDOWN
Unfortunately the mix is all over the place. I put this down to merely the lack of experience JukeMaluke has under his belt as a producer. The levels are all out, the big warping bass drowns out almost all of the drums. We can hardly notice a kickdrum at all, and the snare sounds like it's fighting for it's life. I'd suggest that JukeMaluke spends a little time focusing on how to EQ correctly, as some simple surgical EQ work would do wonders for the track.
ORIGINALITY
I find that most new producers are pretty original, I was the same when first starting out. They havn't conformed to a specific genre, or the rules that each genre brings with it. Thus bringing something new and original to the table. And this track is no exception. I wouldnt be able to catagorise it, but if I were to try I'd slot it into the techy drum and bass file.
SOUND DESIGN
Taking into consideration the lack of experience JukeMaluke has, the actual sound design and manipulation is pretty good, and for only a month of producing I can tell once he has more knowledge, we can expect some pretty big things to come out of his studio. The bass wobbles are nice, and with some clever EQ work could be moulded into something great. They just need taming down a little, and cleaning up.
STRUCTURE
Unfortunately, again due to lack of experience, the structure is a little off. It's not terrible by any standards, but it could be improved. There's enough for a DJ to be able to slot it into, and out of a mix without too much worry though.
KRONIX RATING - 4 / 10
OVERVIEW
A techy drum and bass track that offers morphing sounds and a new outlook to the genre. JukeMaluke is a relatively new producer, having been at it for only a month.
MIXDOWN
Unfortunately the mix is all over the place. I put this down to merely the lack of experience JukeMaluke has under his belt as a producer. The levels are all out, the big warping bass drowns out almost all of the drums. We can hardly notice a kickdrum at all, and the snare sounds like it's fighting for it's life. I'd suggest that JukeMaluke spends a little time focusing on how to EQ correctly, as some simple surgical EQ work would do wonders for the track.
ORIGINALITY
I find that most new producers are pretty original, I was the same when first starting out. They havn't conformed to a specific genre, or the rules that each genre brings with it. Thus bringing something new and original to the table. And this track is no exception. I wouldnt be able to catagorise it, but if I were to try I'd slot it into the techy drum and bass file.
SOUND DESIGN
Taking into consideration the lack of experience JukeMaluke has, the actual sound design and manipulation is pretty good, and for only a month of producing I can tell once he has more knowledge, we can expect some pretty big things to come out of his studio. The bass wobbles are nice, and with some clever EQ work could be moulded into something great. They just need taming down a little, and cleaning up.
STRUCTURE
Unfortunately, again due to lack of experience, the structure is a little off. It's not terrible by any standards, but it could be improved. There's enough for a DJ to be able to slot it into, and out of a mix without too much worry though.
KRONIX RATING - 4 / 10
Monday, 17 December 2012
Aftermath - HYQXYZ
Aftermath by HYQXYZ
OVERVIEW
A tearing neurofunk drum and bass track with an element of an oriental background to boot. HYQXYZ takes us deep into his mind with this non stop action track.
MIXDOWN
Really can't fault it. The mix is spot on. Everything punches through so cleanly and sharply. All elements sit together in the frequency range perfectly and the drums hit hard like a heavyweight. If I was trying to pick at it, I'd say it could do with a bit more dynamics. Well, the hi hats could anyway, the rest of the track is perfect. I really cannot find fault at all.
ORIGINALITY
As most neurofunk drum and bass is pretty original, it's difficult to discuss the originality of this track on it's own. However, the bass work is fantastic and definately deserves an honourable mention when it comes to originality. But I'll go into more detail in the sound design section of the review.
SOUND DESIGN
Amazing......period! Thats all I can say! The time that must have gone into creating this track is crazy. The bassline is so clean yet so gritty and powerful it simply astounds me. The atmospheric elements which lend an oriental flavour to the track are also second to none, building an emotional hold over the listener. I'm gonna say that I am really impressed with this track throughout.
STRUCTURE
A good structure to the track with builds and drops where they should be. However, throughout the second drop there are a few glitched, choppy, stutter moments which sound amazing within the track, but may cause headaches for a DJ trying to mix at this point. But most DJ's are good enough to not lose focus so it shouldn't cause too much heartache.
KRONIX RATING - 9 / 10
OVERVIEW
A tearing neurofunk drum and bass track with an element of an oriental background to boot. HYQXYZ takes us deep into his mind with this non stop action track.
MIXDOWN
Really can't fault it. The mix is spot on. Everything punches through so cleanly and sharply. All elements sit together in the frequency range perfectly and the drums hit hard like a heavyweight. If I was trying to pick at it, I'd say it could do with a bit more dynamics. Well, the hi hats could anyway, the rest of the track is perfect. I really cannot find fault at all.
ORIGINALITY
As most neurofunk drum and bass is pretty original, it's difficult to discuss the originality of this track on it's own. However, the bass work is fantastic and definately deserves an honourable mention when it comes to originality. But I'll go into more detail in the sound design section of the review.
SOUND DESIGN
Amazing......period! Thats all I can say! The time that must have gone into creating this track is crazy. The bassline is so clean yet so gritty and powerful it simply astounds me. The atmospheric elements which lend an oriental flavour to the track are also second to none, building an emotional hold over the listener. I'm gonna say that I am really impressed with this track throughout.
STRUCTURE
A good structure to the track with builds and drops where they should be. However, throughout the second drop there are a few glitched, choppy, stutter moments which sound amazing within the track, but may cause headaches for a DJ trying to mix at this point. But most DJ's are good enough to not lose focus so it shouldn't cause too much heartache.
KRONIX RATING - 9 / 10
Maneuvers - Dead Noise System
Maneuvers by Dead Noise System by Dead Noise System
OVERVIEW
The Dead Noise System take us on a deep, soulful underground journey with this super dark underground dubstep number.
MIXDOWN
A fairly good mix, most of the sounds come through clearly and cleanly without problem. There is a nice range of frequencies all shining through and each element seems to have it's own space in the mix. If anything I think the mix is a little too bright, maybe the higher frequencies could be tamed down a little to let us focus on those lovely deep bass sounds that are sitting underneath.
ORIGINALITY
Plenty of original dark sinister sounds in this one to keep the avid listener entertained. If you are a fan of the more commercial side of dubstep then this is definately NOT for you. Theres none of those screeching wobbles and glitched up vocals here. This is for the hardcore dubstep fan, the fan that likes it dark and deep. This is as underground as it gets!
SOUND DESIGN
The sounds used in this track are insane! The guys at Dead Noise System have really pulled out all the stops with this. The bass is enough to turn your rib cage inside out, and the echoes and delays that pan around the track engulf the listener in a barrage of audio sensuality! There is a touch too much reverb and delay on everything for my taste, but I know the guys at DNS love a bit of verb n delay so who am I to argue?
STRUCTURE
A top solid structure for a track, there's some subtle hats in the intro so any DJ can get the timing down, and the drops and breaks happen on point too so this track is in DJ Heaven. would fit perfectly into any deep dubstep set. And as DNS are also a group of DJ's, you can be sure that this info is correct, they would have made this to be mixed with!
KRONIX RATING - 8 / 10
OVERVIEW
The Dead Noise System take us on a deep, soulful underground journey with this super dark underground dubstep number.
MIXDOWN
A fairly good mix, most of the sounds come through clearly and cleanly without problem. There is a nice range of frequencies all shining through and each element seems to have it's own space in the mix. If anything I think the mix is a little too bright, maybe the higher frequencies could be tamed down a little to let us focus on those lovely deep bass sounds that are sitting underneath.
ORIGINALITY
Plenty of original dark sinister sounds in this one to keep the avid listener entertained. If you are a fan of the more commercial side of dubstep then this is definately NOT for you. Theres none of those screeching wobbles and glitched up vocals here. This is for the hardcore dubstep fan, the fan that likes it dark and deep. This is as underground as it gets!
SOUND DESIGN
The sounds used in this track are insane! The guys at Dead Noise System have really pulled out all the stops with this. The bass is enough to turn your rib cage inside out, and the echoes and delays that pan around the track engulf the listener in a barrage of audio sensuality! There is a touch too much reverb and delay on everything for my taste, but I know the guys at DNS love a bit of verb n delay so who am I to argue?
STRUCTURE
A top solid structure for a track, there's some subtle hats in the intro so any DJ can get the timing down, and the drops and breaks happen on point too so this track is in DJ Heaven. would fit perfectly into any deep dubstep set. And as DNS are also a group of DJ's, you can be sure that this info is correct, they would have made this to be mixed with!
KRONIX RATING - 8 / 10
Memories - Evermind & Czeknology
Evermind & Czeknology - Memories by evermind
OVERVIEW
An energetic, commercial drum and bass sound that oozes character and life. An energy builder if ever I heard one.
MIXDOWN
The mix needs quite a bit of work in this track, which is a shame because there are a lot of good ideas here. The main bass lfo that continues throughout the track is pretty ear piercing, I'd suggest low passing a little off the top end of the frequencies, and tame it in a little by making it a touch mono. Also, I feel like it is maybe an octave too high and would be beneficial if it were lowered an octave. Drums sound nice and crisp, but they don't punch through the mix anywhere near as much as they should. I also think the whole track is a little too bright. Theres not much low end or low mid frequencies, everything is relying on the high's too much.
ORIGINALITY
It's a really nice concept of a track and if it had a better mix, it would sit wonderfully on a commercial compilation cd. Original? not so much. But there are some very good ideas in here to make it stand up with the rest. The vocals give it a touch of flare and work well with the style of track.
SOUND DESIGN
Like I touched upon before, there are some really nice ideas in here. The actual sound design could do with some improvement. Not so much the actual sounds, but the moulding of those sounds. Clearly Evermind has the skill and knowledge to create good sounds from a synth, but I feel he needs to take some time learning how to fine tune and craft those sounds, moulding them into a cleaner, more educated sound. The drums are ok, nothing to shout about but they do the job. A little thin and as usual, I would like them to have a little more body to them but I'm starting to realise that I'm just finicky when it comes to drums.
STRUCTURE
A well built track, that would sit well in any commercial mix. Drops and breaks happen when they should and no sudden glitches or stutters that could throw a mix off guard.
KRONIX RATING - 6 / 10
OVERVIEW
An energetic, commercial drum and bass sound that oozes character and life. An energy builder if ever I heard one.
MIXDOWN
The mix needs quite a bit of work in this track, which is a shame because there are a lot of good ideas here. The main bass lfo that continues throughout the track is pretty ear piercing, I'd suggest low passing a little off the top end of the frequencies, and tame it in a little by making it a touch mono. Also, I feel like it is maybe an octave too high and would be beneficial if it were lowered an octave. Drums sound nice and crisp, but they don't punch through the mix anywhere near as much as they should. I also think the whole track is a little too bright. Theres not much low end or low mid frequencies, everything is relying on the high's too much.
ORIGINALITY
It's a really nice concept of a track and if it had a better mix, it would sit wonderfully on a commercial compilation cd. Original? not so much. But there are some very good ideas in here to make it stand up with the rest. The vocals give it a touch of flare and work well with the style of track.
SOUND DESIGN
Like I touched upon before, there are some really nice ideas in here. The actual sound design could do with some improvement. Not so much the actual sounds, but the moulding of those sounds. Clearly Evermind has the skill and knowledge to create good sounds from a synth, but I feel he needs to take some time learning how to fine tune and craft those sounds, moulding them into a cleaner, more educated sound. The drums are ok, nothing to shout about but they do the job. A little thin and as usual, I would like them to have a little more body to them but I'm starting to realise that I'm just finicky when it comes to drums.
STRUCTURE
A well built track, that would sit well in any commercial mix. Drops and breaks happen when they should and no sudden glitches or stutters that could throw a mix off guard.
KRONIX RATING - 6 / 10
A New World - Cartel
A new world by DJCartel
OVERVIEW
A very deep minimal drum and bass liquid roller focusing on ambient, rolling beats with a touch of light melody to sooth away your blues.
MIXDOWN
Not a bad mix at all, everything sounds nice and smooth. I do notice later on in the track some clipping issues however it's difficult to decipher the culprit of the problem. I believe the mix could have been a touch brighter, maybe a small boost around the 5 - 10 khz range just to help the track shine. Also, I feel the bass is maybe a db or two too loud in the mix, it's just ever so slightly overpowering the rest of the track, but apart from that there's not much else to pick out. Drums sound pretty standard, and the snare sounds like it's struggling to break through as much as we would have liked.
ORIGINALITY
I find myself quite sucked in to the deep ambience of this track. Although it is your typical bog standard liquid roller with all the elements we have come to expect from such a sub genre, DJ Cartel has managed to breath some new life into the catagory with the arrangement. Although they are tried and tested elements, the arrangement sounds very fresh and new.
SOUND DESIGN
There are some very nice sounds in this track that sit underneath the main aspects. You have to listen quite carefully to hear them all, but they are there! The vocal sample that is used is nice, but it's what Cartel has done to it that really brings it to my attention. The atmosphere that the vocal adds to the track is fantastic and I couldn't fault it if I wanted to. There's a piano sound that flows throughout the track that sits well and helps the track evolve, provoking emotion and atmosphere.
Drums are your typical drum and bass liquid roller kind of beats, nothing groundbreaking or new, but they do what they are supposed to. I just wish that snare was a little cleaner!
STRUCTURE
A solid structure in this track, no random intervals or breaks in the track that are unexpected that could cause heartache to a DJ. A very fluent motion from start to end and a track that would fit wonderfully into any liquid drum and bass set.
KRONIX RATING - 7 / 10
OVERVIEW
A very deep minimal drum and bass liquid roller focusing on ambient, rolling beats with a touch of light melody to sooth away your blues.
MIXDOWN
Not a bad mix at all, everything sounds nice and smooth. I do notice later on in the track some clipping issues however it's difficult to decipher the culprit of the problem. I believe the mix could have been a touch brighter, maybe a small boost around the 5 - 10 khz range just to help the track shine. Also, I feel the bass is maybe a db or two too loud in the mix, it's just ever so slightly overpowering the rest of the track, but apart from that there's not much else to pick out. Drums sound pretty standard, and the snare sounds like it's struggling to break through as much as we would have liked.
ORIGINALITY
I find myself quite sucked in to the deep ambience of this track. Although it is your typical bog standard liquid roller with all the elements we have come to expect from such a sub genre, DJ Cartel has managed to breath some new life into the catagory with the arrangement. Although they are tried and tested elements, the arrangement sounds very fresh and new.
SOUND DESIGN
There are some very nice sounds in this track that sit underneath the main aspects. You have to listen quite carefully to hear them all, but they are there! The vocal sample that is used is nice, but it's what Cartel has done to it that really brings it to my attention. The atmosphere that the vocal adds to the track is fantastic and I couldn't fault it if I wanted to. There's a piano sound that flows throughout the track that sits well and helps the track evolve, provoking emotion and atmosphere.
Drums are your typical drum and bass liquid roller kind of beats, nothing groundbreaking or new, but they do what they are supposed to. I just wish that snare was a little cleaner!
STRUCTURE
A solid structure in this track, no random intervals or breaks in the track that are unexpected that could cause heartache to a DJ. A very fluent motion from start to end and a track that would fit wonderfully into any liquid drum and bass set.
KRONIX RATING - 7 / 10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)