Great picks this round! Another round that was a bit tough to rank. I listened to each song 3 times, and each writeup was written down on the third listen. I then ranked them from the most memorable to the least, but it was tough (as I will note), so here it is:
Top Pick: kari
Band: Mono
Song Name: Moonlight
This was simply beautiful post-rock. I don't know a lot of post-rock, but this was evidence that I really like the genre! One big crescendo, like you said, and when it got heavier near the end, I was just like "WHAT?!" Also, for a bit over 13 minutes, it did not overstay its welcome. Time flew by very fast with this song.
Second Place: Marvellous G
Band: Metallica
Song Name: Suicide and Redemption
I already know Metallica (mainly The Black Album and St. Anger...I know, I know), but I counted this one because I didn't know the album. This was better than ANYTHING off of St. Anger. It has a very awesome energy. The riffs here show that the guys still have the ability to write some awesome riffs. I take it Death Magnetic absolutely slays St. Anger? lol
Next Three:
Brother H
Band: Kaki King
Song Name: Can Anybody Who Has Heard This Music Really Be A Bad Person?
First off, it was funny, I had this playing on a higher volume because it was minimal to start...but somehow it just naturally breezed into this large sounding ending and I had to run to my computer to turn it down (neighbors downstairs lol). I really liked this, it was very dreamy and kept me interested. I'll check the album out after the roulette.
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AriichLOL
Band: God is an Astronaut
Song Name: Echoes
Like you said, this song packs some awesome energy. This is another album that I would like to get to know if it has some other quality material like this! Very good pick.
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Zantera
Band: Codes In the Clouds
Song Name: Where Dirt Meets Water
I really liked this song. It carried me on some cool rides and took some turns that weren't unexpected but flowed very nicely. Do want more.
Next 3 (Guys, all 3 of these were really hard to put in this category...all really great picks, so don't be discouraged):
Ravenheart
Band: Death
Song Name: Voice of the Soul
Such emotional guitars. I liked how the acoustic guitars and the heavy/melodic guitars blended together...it wasn't awkward, it was great! This was a very good piece of music. Do they do only instrumental music?
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Space Invader
Band: Exivious
Song: Time and Its Changes
First off, the bass is so crystal clear, and the basslines are very good, so that was really great. I lost a little interest in it near the end, but it is still a great tune!
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YtseBitsySpider
Band: Ozric Tentacles
Song Name: Magick Valley
I think this is easily the most unique track sent this round. It has a very cool futuristic sound to it, and doesn't lose its steam. Definitely not for the casual music listener, but it is very interesting music. What album/year is this from? You didn't put it in the format I was hoping for.
Last 2:
Quadrochosis
Band: The Flower Kings
Song Name: "Don of the Universe"
This was a very relaxing song indeed. I liked the musicianship. I see this as more of background music to studying, though (probably because there have been quite a few times where I would play some easy-going jazz during homework). This song didn't hit me as hard as the others, unfortunately. What is their other material like? I know quite a few people here love them, so would this album be a good place to start?
contest_sanity
Band: Jean-Luc Ponty
Song Name: New Country
You know, I liked this. I did...but it didn't really do much for me beyond that. Sorry mang. Great musicianship, though!
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Standings:
Kari - 5+8=13
Space Invader - 7+5=12
Quadrochosis - 8+4=12
Zantera - 6+6=12
Ravenheart - 6+5=11
Ariich - 5+6=11
Marvellous G - 4+7=11
contest_sanity - 6+4=10
YtseBitsySpider - 5+5=10
Brother H - 4+6=10
ROUND THREE: Ambient time! Make it count, and make it interesting. Ambient can be taken in different ways, so as long as you can justify the place of ambiance in the song, it's good. It can be dark, it can feel uplifting. Vocals or none. This is still anyone's game. GO!