yo TL, I've realized over several years of lurking here that there's a strong correlation between Stacraft, and metal music. I figure it's a good place to get some decent feedback
A quick summary - Shallow Skies has been together for 5 months now, and we've reached the point of playing live shows! We've slowly been finding our sound, and believe our newest song is the first true reflection of where we are heading. We record/write all of the music ourselves (still experimenting and improving in this area lol) and are quite eager to hear metal/rock fans general opinion. Were really trying to put our own spin on everything, originality is very important to us.
We are open to all opinions regardless of what style of music you prefer of course lol So what do you think, do we have any potential to take our music somewhere? we are going to try are hardest no matter what (wow that was cliche aha), but feedback is always helpful, and inspiring!
So if you have a minute to listen, it would be much appreciated
edit - we recorded this ourselves with a laptop, mixer and vocal mic using cubase. We completely realize the quality is not high end as it wasn't recorded in a professional studio.
Honestly? It's pretty bad. Vocals sound really off when they get higher and the lyrics seem generic and whiny. I can't really comment too much on the instruments because the production is pretty low quality and the guitar tone is horrendous.
Its not THAT bad but FAR from great, i think there are a lot of things to improve on (Read Odal`s input) but i smell talent! And since you guys are only together for 5 months there still is a lot of growing and learning to do!
One thing i noted in general though, the lyrics are VERY generic. But if the songwriting is something you guys just started on there will be no problem since you can still improve a lot!
Don`t give up and keep producing!
EDIT: This is compared to some big names, compared to other less famous bands your music sounds great! The potential is there!
Odal, alright fair enough lol I see your where your coming from with the lyrics, they have quite a personal meaning to our singer, but from an "outsider" perspective I'd react similarly. As for the singing being off, we actually took a vocal correction program before hand to see where he goes off, and frankly its generally fairly close (chorus has pretty small issues), especially for an amateur singer. Aside from that, the quality isn't close to professional level, we agree.
Basagu, thanks for the constructive criticism. We pretty much share the same opinion lol if you compare us to the "top" metal bands we are lacking of course, but it's something to strive for! as for the lyrics they are generic, I think the emotion/vibe on his delivery flows, but I'm biased
Honestly the production quality is pretty bad, so I think a lot gets lost there. I like the ambience you have going on, but that as well gets a bit ruined by the production (did you produce it yourselves or go to a studio? assuming the previous). Also, the vocals fall a bit flat for me, sadly. Adding to that, I'm not a fan of solos, and it kinda dragged on a bit long for my taste.
Not super impressed, but I definitely think that you have potential, as long as you keep at it and polish your craft. Maybe you should go find a (somewhat, at least) professional studio to produce a demo for you. Good luck, guys!
writing as i listen: The lead guitar is rather whimsical which is all fine and good.
and then you go into the pre-chorus where the rhythm guitar has a very cliche repetitive headbanger sound and terse lyric. But it doesn't feel heavy at all due to the badly mixed drums, and complete lack of bass (or is it just too quiet in the mix?) ionno. and the "i can see right through you" just comes out of nowhere and breaks the rhythm. ehhhh
Then the chorus is once again a change of rhythm with clashing lead / drum parts. The drums need to be faster to keep up with the guitar, or the guitar part should be removed completely, maked it a more forceful naked vocals + drums + bass, then lead out with guitar. my opinion of course. It's your music, but i feel you're trying to fit too much in at once.
It seems the Drums + rhythm are trying to do one thing, but the guitar player is doing another, while the singer goes back and forth between a thrash -> emo/punk -> nu-metal styles and its all very disjointed.
k. song done. listen2.
Granted, you guys have lots of talent, but seems you're trying too hard, mixing lots of things at once. What parts of the song are you trying to emphasize? the rhythm and lead and vocals all kind of fought for soundspace, and they didn't really form a cohesive whole at most points.
Ok. sorry i'm just typing as i listen again sorry if it's an essay. k. yea. the song just seems to be a feud of styles and guitars. lots of parts have both guitars at the front of the mix at around equal volume, but they don't complement each other, since the tones and rhythms are so different. imo you should either make them both due nearly the same thing at once except for solos/filler ala Iron Maiden, or separate them in the mix, emphasizing the lead during solos or inbetween sections, but bring rhythm to the front during singing parts.
What's weird is although there is too much sound at once, it never feels like a full heavy sound. Something like Tool's Undertow where although the song is slow and sparse, a very audible bass and strong drum lead mix makes it feel very full even though the guitar play is actually very slow. and now i'm rambling even after song is over...
tl;dr (yes this is a long tl;dr, almost as long as hte spoiler >_<) my thoughts: Song is rather aimless. What emotion am i supposed to feel?
Mix: @2:30 notice your guitars are both around the same level. One of them is going wah wah wah, while the other is going chugachuga and they are fighting against each other instead of complementing. The drums are kinda lonely in the mix i feel. How are you recording the drums btw? this might all be recording/mixing problem that's easily fixed with better equipment.
Overall, the musicians have skill, but imo the band is not one as a whole. creative differences between band members? singular parts are very good, but together i'm not so sure.
i'll not comment on lyrics as i didn't pay too much attention there. though maybe i should seeing as i'm an english major... lol
i actually enjoyed the song (else why would i listen to it twice lol) but the song kept reminding me of .... not sure what >_< anyway, I would recommend making the drums more prevalent in the mix, or figuring out which parts you want to be the forefront of the sound.
also, dont pay much attention to me since i know nothing. aaaaaaaaaaaah
EPT
