Member’s Music

Okay, I'll get the ball rolling. I've been toying with a prog-type song for a few days now, and I'll put it up for critique. It's a diversion, but a fun one; I wanted to combine some of the classic prog sounds without being too blatantly derivative. As it is a 'work in progress', feel free to suggest, criticize, dismiss, gush, insult, whatever. I'll be just as happy if you laugh at it.

known issues (hehe I always loved that phrase): cymbal sounds are quite crappy and the drum programming is still pretty stiff; a few static pops crept in during recording, I'll re-record the offending tracks sometime; there's more I'd like to add to the song, including vocals (be afraid!) and a nice acoustic bit to come after the last passage.

http://home.earthlink.net/~jamesnkt/sitebuildercontent/siteb uilderfiles/Pastiche.mp3

I did like it once it got going, but the intro didn't really grab my attention enough, so after one listen I can't remember much of the first two minutes... I did like the bit that was the intro, but not when it was used as an intro. I don't know how much sense that made, but on the whole I liked it

Hey Certif1ed I'll email you for some of you stuff but I want to know how much your box can hold so I can mail you some of mine.  I've been working hard lately on a really...different mix of mine.  I don't think I'd call it prog but it's interesting none the less and I'm curious to hear what other people have to say about it.

I could keep a session drummer busy for months with all the loops I've left in otherwise acceptable tracks. It's become so bad I've threatened to buy a kit and learn how to play the damn things myself (I couldn't be any worse on drums than I am on bass)...but that would just mean another half-dozen mics to set up!

When is that direct brain implant MIDI interface coming out? I think Steinberg may be close to a breakthrough...

 

 

Okay, the next phase of construction is complete. I re-worked the intro, added some piano and guitars, and am currently working on vocals. Everyone's comments and suggestions have been most useful- please keep 'em coming.

http://home.earthlink.net/~jamesnkt/sitebuildercontent/siteb uilderfiles/Pastiche.mp3

James Lee wrote: The Owl wrote: This Owl released a CD 2 years ago, "Tales From The Inflatable Forest", here's the website (samples are there). www.geocities.com/theowlwatches At this writing I'm working on a new collaborative project called Strix Varia (it's the scientific name of a Barred Owl)in which I record raw improvised bass or guitar tracks , then send them on to a collaborator where they can add overdub and generally mutilate it to their heart's content. After they're done, they send back the disc and I'll compile it into a finished CD. I'll keep you posted on its progress. Cool stuff- in the canterbury/ fusion/ jazzy ballpark, but with a unique texture. I like the complex chords and the swift tumbling rhythms (and the owls, but that goes without saying!). A lot of character to the tones- I bet the samples don't do the instruments justice.

 

Thanks there James, greatly appreciate your raves! It's true, 30-second clips can NEVER give you the full picture.

Doing the "Owl Chorus" on the title track was fun too, even more so was putting them on backwards. that actually spooked one or two listeners at first . The backwards owls were actually done at the suggestion of a friend., just as a joke. He was floored when I actually went through with  it.

 

Hi, visit Zembus' website www.zembus.cjb.net
we are a new prog-rock-metal (a little bit of prog +
metal) band from Italy

Stand Alone - pity the keyboard entry doesn't last longer - I'd like to hear it progress and develop, as the guitars seem to take over rather than join in. The drum entry is somewhat hesitant - maybe the intro could do with a rethink? The vocals show potential, but the riffing is somewhat derived - Judas Priest were doing that back in the 1970s. That said, you show an ear for a vocal melody - but think about those lyrics! Would you say any of those lines out loud to anyone in normal speech? The break at 2:54 grabbed my interest, and the entry into the Helloween style thrash riff is tight, but the drummer needs a little more confidence with that style. The guitar lead requires much more direction - at the moment he's churning out some fairly derivative material, then seems to get lost in the ethers before dive-bombing down. On the whole, a fairly solid track - but not progressive.

A Different Youth : Reminds me heavily of Metallica's "Orion" or "Fade To Black". Interesting texture changes and experimentation around 3:45 and 5:45, but other than that, the riffs are nothing outstanding. I'd like to hear the lead guitars and keyboards more - they're a bit far down in the mix and thin sounding - they sound very melodic. Interesting, sparse vocal harmonies that avoid the obvious, and an interesting lead vocal tone with a good ear for melody - could do with a little work, but I've heard worse in professional bands.

The Dream Theater cover sounds competant, but you don't really add anything to it.

Senza Vento : I think the vocals are a bit low in the mix - and the drums could do with work in the main riff sections - which tend to go on a bit too long, IMO. Again, you show a good ear for melody, and there seems to be some interesting things happening in the guitars which we don't quite hear, due to the mix - that solo section requires a total rework!

 

In short, I can hear you leaning towards a progressive approach, but I think you should try listening to a wider variety of music (this site will help you plenty there!!!) and allow other influences to wash into your work. You've already got the "prog metal" base, now what you need is something different to make your music stand out - which it doesn't at the moment. My personal taste would be to hear more keyboards, more defined and better mixed guitar solos and more of those inventive vocal harmonies (in other words, more of what you do well!!!).

Don't get me wrong - my criticisms are intended to give you ideas, not put you down - I'd really like to see you make it big time - then you can remember me and send me copies of your albums

GOOD LUCK!!!

Edited by Certif1ed

Hey James,

I'm diggin' yer tune... I'd buy this. I have to admit, it's better than quite a bit of the stuff in my collection.

The only improvement would be in the drums/percs department. Even that is on the money.

Here's a complete tune, free mp3 download of "There Ain't No Such Things As Spooks"

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/5/theowlwatchesmusic.htm