aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand results!
Round 1 - OpenZantera
Cloud Nothings - Wasted DaysWell, sadly I've actually heard this album before (and didn't really like a lot of it.) However, this song is the exception, I like a lot of what goes on in it (the second half especially.) Don't really like the guys' vocals, though, which really drag the song down for me. Sadly, I do think I would love this song a whole lot more if it was entirely instrumental and didn't have the indie-rock-ish first half. Still, it was good enough. After hearing you and Ryan rave about it, though, I was expecting something brilliant, however!
3/5---
Kari
Jesus and Mary Chain - Just Like Honey Not a bad song. Has sort of that 80's sound (because it's from the 80's I'm assuming) that I don't particularly enjoy, but the vocals and the melodies are still really good. I thought the repetition of the title near the end was a bit cheesy, too, but eh. For the most part the song just doesn't reach a pinnacle of "awesome" that really engages me. It just kind of drifts along. Not bad though. Enjoyable song!
3/5---
crazyaga
DJ Shadow - Changeling - Transmission 1Well, I guess I was lying when I said I didn't like /any/ hip-hop. I've actually listened to most of this album and enjoyed it, seeing as it's not your typical hip-hop or rap, y'know. It's a very different kind of instrumental music and it's fairly engaging as well. I could definitely see myself listening to more experimental stuff like this (not constantly but on whims and whatnot) so I definitely think this was a great first submission! Cool!
3.5/5---
Scorpion
Diablo Swing Orchestra - A Tap Dancer's Dilemma Ah, the Diablo Swing Orchestra. I've heard a bit of these guys and have always somewhat enjoyed what I heard. This was good-- but it was lacking a little something, not sure what, but something to push it to another level. Still good stuff though. I love the craziness of the song in parts, whereas other parts felt somewhat forced, maybe? Still need to check out some of their other stuff though, so good submission!
3.5/5---
Elite
The River Empires - A Toast to the Snake KingAWESOME SONG. I've heard a few TRE songs and I've always liked what I've heard, but I really liked this. The vocals were good, the guitar was very folk-y, and the piano at the end was sweet. I really need to hear the full album now, so kudos for the bandcamp link. I've heard one of their newest songs and it was really sweet. Great stuff!
(Also, I forgot to score Non-Elite's song and I can't be bothered to do that right now because SLEEP. Will get around to that
)
4/5---
LieLow
Animal Collective - In the Flowers
This track is really dreamy. I really love indie-type music like this, and this was no exception. The entire atmosphere of the song is just kind of "drifting" and I really like the vocals. I've always been interested in this band but didn't know where to start. Perhaps now I'll check out one of their albums. Very good stuff!
4/5---
MoraWintersoul
Amorphis - SampoDang, I really liked this. The heavy bit at the end was really good, and the atmosphere throughout the song was great. Then there's the electronic keyboard solo, which...kind of doesn't fit, haha. The beginning half was by far my favorite, however, as the vocals were cool. Overall a good song, will definitely look more into their stuff.
4/5---
WindMaster
*shels - Butterflies On Luci's WayNow, I've actually heard this album in it's entirety, but it was almost a year ago, so this was still very impressive. I remember really liking "Journey to the Plains" a lot too. Lovely atmosphere and the post-rock + vocals combo really does work here. Awesome!
4/5---
Lolzeez
Cult of Luna - I, the WeaponWell, here it is. I love post-metal, and this was no exception. I've been meaning to listen to this album and this just gives me more reason. Absolutely crushing atmosphere the entire time, and the harsh vocals are really good. Great stuff that really excites me to hear the rest. It really reminded me of Rosetta, too, who have risen near my top ten bands--maybe a little bit of Amia Venera Landscape as well.
Awesome!
4.5/5STANDINGS:Lolzeez - 4.5
WindMaster - 4
MoraWintersoul - 4
Elite - 4
LieLow - 4
crazyaga - 3.5
Scorpion - 3.5
kari - 3
Zantera - 3
Well, this was a good round, folks! Definitely a lot of stellar songs, but nothing that truly blew me away, i.e. a 5/5. Hoping for that in the next round which is...
ROUND TWO - LIGHT! Here's the deal-- I want you to send me a song which you would describe as "light." Now this could mean light in tone, atmosphere, instrumentation, vocals, layering, anything! Something ethereal. Something that evokes the feeling of "light." I trust you to take this in any direction possible-- if you think light is crazy harsh vocals on top of a floating, uplifting atmosphere than so be it! IN ANY CASE, I look for the songs for this round to be due on
Wednesday Feb 6th at 11:59 EST. Once again, if this isn't enough time we can work something out, but the three days worked perfectly for this round, I think. Gave me ample time to listen to the songs and gave you good enough time to think about them. However, if you have any suggestions, throw em' at me! I'm open to whatever.
Either way, good luck for the next round and I look forward to some amazing tracks!