This is the first tune I'm posting for feedback. I'm a bit intimidated by some of the quality I'm hearing from you guys, but I need to learn my chops so thanks for giving a listen and I appreciate any constructive criticism. Thanks!
 
https://soundcloud.com/kevin-ibsen/shot-in-the-back
 
 
Update:
 
I've taken in all the commentary and have produced a new mix. Interestingly, to my ears it doesn't really sound better, just a bit different. I'd be interested in hearing some comments on this. I've also noticed quite a bit of difference between the wav, the mp3 and the tune after soundcloud is done hammering away at it.
 
Anyway, here are the changes I incorporated:
 
1. Adjusted the mic'ing of the snare (I'm using Addictive Drums 2) to more heavily favor the top over the bottom mic. I've also goosed the snare volume a tad, along with the kick.
2. I've modified the bass to increase the high pass filter starting frequency to 60hz and increased the slope some. I've also added some upper mids to capture a bit more of my p-bass's character. I think I could do more here but I'll stop where I'm at.
3. I've reduced the reverb on the vocal tracks quite a bit.
4. I've reduced the volume of the synth to allow it to fill out things without getting to onerous.
5. I've adjusted the overall eq of the track to add a bit more top end. Since I don't have very good high frequency hearing it's tough for me to judge whether or not I've gone too far here so comment is very welcome.
 
The new version can be found here:
https://soundcloud.com/kevin-ibsen/shot-in-the-back-v2
 
 
Thanks!

This works quite well here the vocals are nice and clear everything else seems to be in the right places.
 
Thanks for sharing.

Nice groove, licks and overall tone on everything. Love the treatment on the voice. Can hear everything nice and clear without you being too in-your-face. Would love to hear a bit more width on the piece (drums mainly). The guitars are separated nice. The snare could come up a hair, or it could be brightened a touch. Give that synth a bit more width with some stereo simulators or delay. Maybe found a similar patch on another vst or synth and pan the babies L&R creatively. Would love a little bit of brightening (watch for Essing!) on the overall master'd track.  
 
Great song overall. Good work sir!
~ F.R.

Thanks for the feedback! Never would have thought of brightening the snare, not sure why. My high-frequency hearing isn't very good so I'm always cautious there, but I'll give that whirl. Thanks for the great pointers!

Hey Kevin,
   Cool tune! Nice catchy riffs and a good mix.
 
   There's something about the way the synth comes in at 0:42 (and when it comes back later) that rubs me the wrong way. I think part of it might be adding some width and/or ambience, as previously mentioned, and part of it might be the arrangement - either bring it in a little sooner and more subtly, or keep it going softly under the verse - or under the chorus. Right now it shows up just long for me to notice it, then goes away. 
 
Thanks for sharing. Nice work.
 
MIke

Thanks, Mike. I too have a love/hate relationship with that synth. It's been banished from the tune more than once. :) I'll play with it a bit and see what I can do with it.

Good song!   Overall I think the mix works but could maybe use a few tweaks...  I agree with the snare comments, where I'm almost hearing a higher pitched version; and maybe a bit more snap/top vs. bottom/snares.  For the kick I'd personally cut back on the hi click just a little or maybe lower its frequency if you can, otherwise it seems to blend with the bass very nicely.    All subjective nit-picks though because it does sound good!   I like the changes from verse to chorus, very cool..
 

I loved the guitars in general.  Nice tone, placed well in the mix, and good volume.  I also enjoyed the breakdown at 2 minutes.  I was needing a change in pace and that served this purpose well.  My only critique would be complimentary to those above regarding the synth.  In my opinion, it is unnecessary and sounds almost forced.  If you are committed to keeping it I would suggest trying an aggressive use of a high pass filter and maybe some volume reduction.  This way it would present itself as a nuance.  Just thinking out loud. 
 
My 7 year old son walked in and said "nice song, I like the drums."  So, there you have it.  I would trust his judgment over mine.

sounds really good I thought, great performance/playing too.
Only think I could find is maybe the bass guitar hass a hair too much low freqs (somewhere from 60 to 40Hz).
Great stuff !
 

kevinwal
I'm a bit intimidated by some of the quality I'm hearing from you guys

Hi Kevin,
 
I know exactly what you mean. Listening to Shot In The Back, though, I don't think you have anything to worry about.
 
Cool song, and sounds pretty good to my ears .
 
There's some excellent advice here already, and I'm not going to embarrass myself by trying to add to that
 
cheers
 
andy