This doesn't belong on Newgrounds
This might just be the first ten I've given an audio submission since I returned to Newgrounds.
This, this is a masterpiece. I usually don't want to copy someone else's review style, but I think it'd be much easier if I reviewed every section of yours, like Supersteph did. Here goes.
0.00 - 0.20
Starting of smoothly and slowly, not really building up to the next segment, but preparing you for the next couple of minutes. Sure, it might be a bit too quiet, but I'm not sure it should be much louder.
0.21 - 0.34
I don't see how this one fits what you say is the story (loading the cannons), but it fits for someone preparing for the festivities. You introduce a new instrument, with strings, which works out great.
0.34 - 1.05
Wow, what a great segment. This is what the build-up was for. You add a few more instruments and create an extremely happy and lively atmosphere. Reminds me of Bilbo's birthday, if I may say so.
You managed to keep it controlled. There's a lot of life in it, but nothing chaotic, nothing over-the-top. It's just right.
1.06 - 1.24
Didn't really like the sound of the cannons going of, but that's nitpicking. However, I did get the effect of shock, which is what this would feel like to the innocent citizens. Out of nowhere, explosions, death and destruction.
The piano plays a vital part, and it plays it very well. Brings some real power to this part.
1.25 - 1.39
The immediate aftermath. There's a slight feel of despair and sadness in the segment, but also of pure fear. Towards the end, it feels like you're left behind, with nothing.
1.40 - 2.15
Another beautiful part, that seems to be "somewhere else". If this were a movie, we would have skipped from one day to the other. The break before this segment sort of breaks the song into multiple pieces, and it feels like this is a completely new song. Well, not completely, it just feels like a new chapter, not simply a new paragraph.
I don't really know how this fits the story you wrote either. There was a huge battle here, wasn't there? I loved the strings being introduced again, but it seemed slightly off.
2.16 - 2.42
Eerily! Such a heavy atmosphere. Feels lonely, probably due to the great choiring going on in the background on this. Feels like the ambient tracks of a heavy forest.
2.43 - Finish
A fantastic ending to this track, which doesn't really completely close the book, but leaves it open to more chapters. Which I hope there will be.
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Wow, that took a lot longer than I thought, but it was worth it. I think I've listened through it about five times now, and I gotta say, I'm very hungry for some more.
Throughout the whole piece you use a nice array of instruments, with some great choiring in parts, and when it all comes together, it makes for an absolutely stunning atmosphere. An atmosphere that completely draws the listener into the story.
Did you use the story as a starting point, or did you compose the music first, and create a story from that? Or did you just make it all up as you went? Either way, it's an absolutely fantastic track. I'm adding you to my favourites.
Review Request Club