After a disappointing round, now we're back with a more regular one
(Parama)
East of the Wall -
The ApologistWell I can see why you love this track and band. It's pretty atmospheric stuff, like a combination of post-rock and sludge metal I guess. Great production too, I'm glad I can hear the bass most of the time. But I don't love it, nor hate it. My main problem is the vocalist, how he sings really aggressive on moments that are rather calm, and imo it doesn't really fit the mood. I don't mind harsh vocals (except maybe shrieks), but I kinda wished he used his clean voice not only in the background as harmonies. And the second thing that doesn't convince me here are the instrumental sections. The drums are doing a great job, but the guitars are just playing some generic post-rock stuff. Nothing remarkable, sorry.
3/5(Tyrias)
Azedia -
Requiem for the New WorldIn general this song has some great, great instrumentation (specially the strings), and nicely placed electronic elements. It's pretty epic overall, even if it drags a bit. But the main element of the song is the narration, and unlike lyrics, I can't ignore it because it has no melodic qualities, just words. And the completely turn me off. Look, if it was onely some cheesy spiritual stuff, ok, whatever. But then it starts talking about pseudoscience crap and I can't stand it, really - I have a strong dislike towards anything related with "cosmic energy" and such, because it's pure bullshit imo. Maybe I should have mentioned I'm an engineering student and as a pragmatic, critical person, stuff like this lacks any sense to me.
Anyways, back to the song. Had the "narration" not been a big part of the song, this would have definitely scored way higher. Sorry, bro, but I can't give it more than this score.
3/5(Biskit)
Pearl Jam -
BlackEh... this is ok. The instrumentation is nothing special, except maybe the guitar at times. The singer is ok, and from time to time he delivers some nice melodies. Overall, I think I should like this one more, but it just lacks personality, and that turns me off. I struggle a bit remembering how it sounded like after it finishes.
3/5(Train of Naught)
System of a Down -
AerialsSome pretty cool riffs here, yup. My problem here is Serj Tankian - while there's nothing wrong with his voice, and has some interesting vocal melodies, I feel he basically adds nothing to the track. And the song, as a whole, really goes nowhere imo.
+3/5(mikemangioy)
Periphery -
22 FacesFor some reason I never listened to Periphery, seemingly one of the biggest djent acts. So I was curious about their music. And... it's ok. While the instrumentation is
pretty good (great riffs), even if not that original, the vocals are quite generic. I'm not really interested in br00tal music unless it has something unique or different to offer. Not bad, but, honestly, I think I prefer anything by David Maxim Micic or Destiny Potato. Not remarkable.
+3/5(425)
TUOMAS HOLOPAINEN -
A Lifetime of AdventureThis is pretty nice, and even a bit cheesy. In a sense it reminds me of Disney movies
. Overall it's a good song, and with quite an epic vibe. The biggest dud here is the guitar solo - the fuck with that tone? Too low, and makes a nice solo really unmemorable imo.
+3/5(sneakyblueberry)
vulfpeck -
back pocketChill yet groovy, nice. Maybe with a few more listens it will grow more on me, since I only gave it like 3-4 spins. Don't have much to say, here, I feel I don't have a strong opinion formed on it so for now I'll just score it like this.
3.5/5(splent)
Enya -
Lazy DaysDunno if I have said it before, but I have a weak spot for innocent, beautiful music as long as it's not cheesy. This track has gorgeous vocal harmonies and an excellent chorus. But, like half of the song is a chorus - this song lasts less than 4 mins, and the chorus is repeated 3 times, and is extended through the end when it fades away. Had this tune had more development/different sections, it would have certainly scored higher. Maybe it makes more sense int eh album context?
3.5/5(Evermind)
Amethystium -
Autumn InterludeWell this is a pretty interesting electronic track. You know I'm a sucker for beautiful, atmospheric music, and this is pretty much that. While the vocals are gorgeous, the electronic sounds and the piano feel a bit generic, like done with some cheap presets, and that kinda turns me a bit off, for it feels quite amateur-ish. Still, a pretty nice song.
+3.5/5(Senecadawg2)
Bob Dylan -
Like a Rolling StoneThis reminded me a bit of Neutral Milk Hotel, because of the joyful instrumentation. At first Dylan's voice turned me off, and I've got used to it, but it's still the weakest point of the song for me, apart from the production, but since it was released in 1965, I can't really fault it. Pretty enjoyable track, and I'm looking forwards to getting into this album.
4/5(Elite)
Eisley -
Mr. MoonThis is some pretty interesting indie pop I guess? Although it may not sound 100% original, it has some pretty gorgeous moments, and her voice is great. A nice little song I quite liked, but dunno what else to say about it.
4/5(Fluffy Lothario)
Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts -
Bad Dog No BiscuitsThis is the kind of, eh, jazz? that I quite like. Reminds me a bit of the Pink Panther theme, but more upbeat. I feel it could easily fit an epic car chase scene or something. And the problem is, while the music here is excellent, I feel there's some context missing. I think I'd love it along with where it's used on Cowboy Bebop. Still, a great track that makes me want to watch the series.
4/5(Bolsters)
The Naked and Famous -
We Are LeavingI've gotta say I love the atmosphere here, a lot - I think it's mainly to the gorgeous synth line on the background. The singer has a nice voice, and there are some interesting vocal harmonies here and there. The drumming and percussion are great. At the middle there's a distorted sound appears and it feels like it will lead to an epic climax or something, but then the song just calms down until it ends, so... huh?
The songwriting could be quite better, to be honest. Other than that, it's a song full of wonderful sounds.
4/5(Shadow Ninja 2.0)
Steam Powered Giraffe -
Brass GogglesFor some reason I have a weak spot for cabaret-like music, and songs on this vein are definitely my favorite on most kids movies when they appear. This has a very retro appeal, and while it may not be the most creative song songwriting-wise, it's pretty fun and I dig it a lot.
+4/5(home)
Queen -
InnuendoI have always enjoyed Queen, but never felt compelled to dive into their albums. But I saw Innuendo was one of their most praised albums, so added it to the list, mostly our of curiosity. I've gotta say, I'm fucking impressed. The melodies and atmosphere at the beginning and through most of the song are haunting. Freddy's voice really add to it. If there's a weak part of this track, is the chorus - oh, it's good, but the rest of the first half of the tune is vastly superior imo. It really surprised me how then a flamenco section appears, and I love it. Then some excellent vocal harmonies. The guitar tone is a bit weird, but it does an excellent work. All in all, I'm surprised.
4.5/5Standings
24.5 - Fluffy Lothario xxxxx
+24 - Elite xxxxx
24 - Shadow Ninja 2.0 xxxxx
+23 - Parama xxxxx
+23 - Bolsters xxxx
(23 - Symphony)
+22.5 - Biskit xxxxx
+22.5 - home xxxx
22.5 - Evermind xxxxx
22 - splent xxxx
+21.5 - senecadawg2 xxxx
+21.5 - Tyrias xxxxx
21.5 - 425 xxxxx
+21 - Train of Naught xxxx
20 - Sneakyblueberry xxxx
18.5 - mikemangioy xxxx
With a very consistent output, looks like Fluffy, Elite and our dear Ninja will pretty much stay in the lead, while Bolsters, Parama, the Biscuit and Home could any claim a place in the top 5 as well. Even Evermind and splent could have a chance too, if they play well and the others fuck up a bit. For the rest, I hope you still send me good stuff even if there are small chances for you. With 4 rounds left, things could shake up a bit.
And the magic words are: 48 and
public shaming hours.