Well, it is time for another “Demo reviews”. You sent me music, I listened and gave you my dumb opinion on it. If you’d like to be a part of this, the floodgates remain open. SEND ME YOUR MUSIC. But, first, read the RULES , as they are crucial to the process.
Anyway, the reviews work like so, I listen to your song, write a paragraph or two on it then arbitrarily rate the songs from 1-10 in these categories:
Production
Vocals
Listenability
Originality
Simple stuff. A monkey could do it. But I wouldn’t wanna subject a monkey to some of these demos to the burden is all on me.
Artist:Onlyinmylife
Song:Hear my Cry
This beat is one of those “overly emotional” tracks that some people love. I’m not one of them. It’s not bad but I always tend to feel tracks like this are pulling strings rather than bringing on honest emotion. It’s mix is a bit sloppy too.
The rapper is pretty good but his style is well worn. I’ve heard many many songs just like this. Again, it’s not bad but it’s kinda the same old same old
Production:4.5 out of 10
Vocals:5 out of 10
Listenability:4.5 out of 10
Originality:3.5 out of 10
Artist: Alien Altra
Song: Animal or Human?
You know in movies about the future they will sometimes have music playing in the background? This sounds like some “future music” , if it was thought up by a person who kinda hates music. It feels futuristic but it’s also very hard to listen to.
The beat is a well curated but badly mixed shit storm. Like, I get the idea of what they were trying to do but it’s just not polished enough to work. The rapping is not very good in general. Sounds like their just joking around…which is fine but I’m not really interested in listening to it.
Production:4 out of 10
Vocals:4 out of 10
Listenability:4 out of 10
Originality:5 out of 10
Artist: Lanny A helton
Song: Everything
Hey Lanny, have you ever read this column? I don’t really review this kind of music. Mostly cause I don’t have an basis of interest to give a worthwhile opinion on it. Is this bar rock? Is this indie? i have no fucking idea. I don’t really care.
Production:???
Vocals:????
Listenability:Not much
Originality:No clue
Artist: Jackson Whalan
Song: S.N.A.G.
Man, this is actually pretty funny. Having played some hippie music festivals this is pretty much spot on. I don’t normally get into funny songs like this but it’s just well done. It’s one time where having a paul barmen like voice actually works perfectly. Not to mention, the beat is is pretty solid too. The sitar sound is perfect. I mean, I hope this is kinda jokey…
Production:5.5 out of 10
Vocals:6 out of 10
Listenability:6.5 out of 10
Originality:5 out of 10
Artist: Smokey Joe
Song: Milltown Blues
This is a dope little throwback beat. Sounds like some late 90’s underground shit.
It’s pretty simple but effective.
The rapping is solid and I kinda like the guys voice. His flow is a little shaky in a few moments but, overall, it’s good.
The lo-fi sound actually work. It sounds like a demo but that has it’s charm to it , in this case.
Production:5.5 out of 10
Vocals:5 out of 10
Listenability:6 out of 10
Originality:4 out of 10
Artist: Eurybaric
Song: Oh Youth
I’m 30 seconds in it sounds like cat walking on a synth. That’s not good.
It cleans up when the hi hats drop but, still, this is just boring electro noodling. There’s nothing going on here that’s compelling or that catches the ear in a way. Like, what’s the purpose of this music? I don’t say that to be a dick, I legit want to know.
Production:3 out of 10
Vocals:n/a
Listenability:3 out of 10
Originality:4 out of 10
Artist: Belgian Gates
Song: Attu
This is a slightly more put together version of the song above. It’s got better sounds and a palpable mood (That mood: running scared through a bath house) but it’s still ultimately completely uninteresting. Then the steel drums drop…Nope.
I appreciate the attempt, I’ve tried incorporating steel drums into my beats a few times and it’s never easy. Points for trying but it didn’t work.
Production:3.5 out of 10
Vocals:n/a
Listenability:3.5 out of 10
Originality:4 out of 10
Artist: DJ Donak
Song: John Tosh-Lonely
Sometimes I wonder how demo’s land in my inbox. Like, there’s no way the dude who made this reads my blog or cares what I think about his song. It just can’t be.So weird.
Anyway, this is perfectly fine for what it is. A electronic reggae song. Much like that rock song earlier, i don’t feel I’m the guy to review this. I will say, it’s well done at least. he’s got a good voice and the music is well executed. That’s all I can say about that.
Production:5 out of 10
Vocals:5 out of 1o
Listenability:5 out of 10
Originality:4.5 out of 10
