Critique: Dying Scientists - UPDATED 12/30/08

Hi All,

Here is another song of ours that I just finished doing my first mix on. It had quite a bit of keyboard parts in it this time that added to the complexity. I always have a hard time getting the right blend between the guitars and keyboards, so I'd appreciate any feedback on this one.

*** We've made changes to the mix based on the suggestions here. If you would please listen again and provide feedback that would be appreciated! ***

Here is a link to the song: Dying Scientists

I hope everyone has a very blest Merry Christmas.

Thanks for listening and providing feedback,
Tom

Tom,

I thought the separation between the guitar and synth was good. Both contribute and do not compete and your vocal over the top sounds good with especially good harmonies. This is a very refreshing, different sounding song. I liked it a lot.

Great song here, awesome vocals, harmonies and playing!!

I agree with Dean, the guitars up just a tad, and or make them cut through just a bit more. Right now, they almost sound like synth pads themselves. The song is kinda cool, sort of a Rush/Yes vibe.

Great song....and a hefty mixing job on this to fit everything. Excellent Bass lines.

It sounds like some "areas" where vocals might wash out just a tiny bit. Maybe riding some automation in those spots (or some very slight complimentary eq). Same thing with snare (comparing snare clarity which is good at 1:00 area with the snare at 3:27 area which isn't quite as clear).

And the synths take over a bit too much in some spots.

Great work so far. Loved the arrangement.

Jeff

Ah ... synth wars!

Tom, this is very powerful to my ears.

1:21 feels slightly awkward; soft-vox may need some HPF to help it 'float' ... and/or some tape saturation or 4kHz presence in sections.
(I seriously love the lead vox here as he sings his ballad 3:50 to 4:30 ish)

Bass-line is a bit high ... maybe drop it an octave.

5:00 guitar work is excellent as are the synth wars.

In sum: some 'bite' in sections (tape saturation, 2-4kHz enhancements, HPF of some instruments), possible lower bass-line for stronger 30-60Hz and/or increased kick compression)

... in sections only ... as this song is long/sweet ... and I'd hate to see it suffer from excess tape or presence. I love this piece.

You must listen to Coast to Coast AM!
Anyways there are times where the instruments are not in synch or something, most of the time it was the drums. I think the drums need to have some more depth or low end to them, and the guitar and synth sound like they are taking up the same space. The vocals sound pretty good to me though.

Drop that high hat volume in the beginning; it is distracting. Add more reverb to the kit.
The bass needs more definition. More presence.
Your vocals could stand a de-esser. And more compression.
Loved the swirly synth at 2:50.