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\ \ Overcomposure by CoarseTone / \__/
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\__/I humour myself for a few minutes as I reflect on the current state of Speccy music on the scene. Or, more specifically, on some of the entries at recent demoparties. There are several with multiple entries this year, but I'll pick one in particular, Forever 2023. Fortunately, there are only 6 tracks to analyse, but more than half of them are what I would call 'overcomposed'.
I intend to discuss the pieces from the event and give my honest opinion on them.
- 4ever in Me (LikeWavesInTheSea) by Aki
This is how it usually goes with Aki. Yes, it is very well done, but in this song you will find SO MANY different instruments, or rather styles of AY instruments. It sounds like Aki is saying:
"You know what, if I use ALL the instruments, most people will like it and it will definitely be a great song!". There are very few AY tracks that I know of that work well. A good example would be Agent-X's Intro Beat track or his track used in the Gemini Double Preview demo - both classics that take you on a musical journey, but even then are not overdone. It has to be done in moderation. As for the fact that Aki has won a music competition, this can only be compared to Michael Schumacher constantly winning F1. It gets boring after a while and I'm sure that's why some people don't enter some music competitions. They know who is going to take part and is bound to win, so why bother?
- Saturnia Pyri by X-Agon
Starts off interestingly, sounding like some of X-Agon's typical tracks. Well rounded and with Agent-X style chords in the middle. Now there are two styles in this track, and towards the end of the song there are more Agent-X style embellishments. It doesn't seem to be going anywhere. A bit like our next track to analyse.
- Waiting 4 Robot by Lamer Pinky
This sounds like a piece that tries too hard. It seems lost in the way the main instrument tries to create a melody that is somehow 'catchy'. For me, it doesn't do anything. It's really strange because there's nothing wrong with the piece, it just doesn't do anything and goes nowhere. 0 points for lack of musical journey.
- John by Zoom
Well, this is a shameless copy of the Amiga mod file - Anarchy Menu 01 from 4mat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5vHnZzylv0.
It can also be found as a MOD file called paradox.crack-13. As far as covers go, this one is good, has a nice fade at the end and a real effort has been made to make it sound good on 3 channels. The only disappointing thing is that it was submitted to a music competition.
- Cold Heart by TDM
FINALLY! A track worth listening to! I know, it's a cover of Cold Heart by Elton John and Dua Lipa, but it's very well done.
A faithful rendition of the original song. There's no crazy 'use all the instruments' nonsense here. It just picks a few instruments and takes us on a relaxing journey. Very good, why didn't this win? In my opinion this is the clear winner of this music competition. Keep it up TDM.
- Where You Are by LaesQ
Well, this sounds like an unfinished song if ever I heard one!
Not LaesQ standard, this song really needs some AY polishing to make it stand out from the crowd. That said, it does have some direction with a loose attempt at a 'drop' towards the end, which is an interesting addition to what appears to be an attempt at some mainstream AY music from LaesQ. Oh, and let's not forget the great drop/fart at the end. Great ending to the track, more farting in the tracks please!
As you can see, this is just one demoparty music compo. I could analyse more, but I think you get the idea. AY musicians of the scene, I expect MORE!
It's time to revisit the Speccy demos of the 90s. Until next time, CoarseTone.
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