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Latest Music Reviews
These are the latest 15 reviews that we've completed.
To read a review, click on the song name.
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Genre: Pop
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Richard gave a score of 5.41 / 10. Comments were:
The lyrics were quite cliched, although the vocals were tuneful enough but the whole song was a bit of a plodder
Scoring: Songcraft: 5.5, Recording: 4.5, Freshness: 5.5, Vocals: 6, Musicianship: 6, XFactor: 5.5
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 4.87 / 10. Comments were:
Been Down Before is a song about somebody who's been Been Down Before, but not like this. Something like that anyway. This is pop, with country traits. About somebody singing about a really big problem of some sort that they can't get out of. If anything, the song gets plus for very good sound quality, which helps getting the message across. The lyrics come clear, and it is seldom I hear a song speaking to me as this song has done. Wow I feel like singing, ahem, ok, cough cough.. ahem, here we go: I've Been Down Before, reviewed songs, but not like this. Doesn't anybody care?!!"... Hmm, I guess not.
Scoring: Songcraft: 4.5, Recording: 10, Freshness: 0, XFactor: 5
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 9.58 / 10. Comments were:
Now pay attention. Joe K's Kid is saying something every one needs to hear. And he says it pretty much - just about perfect.
He is telling us a story from which we all come. Some of us get it, some of us don't - most of us medicate ourselves to the point that it all becomes a blur-and we don't have to deal with it.
And of course - then there are those who do not survive it at all.., and it is for them he is singing this song. Joe K is telling it just like it is.
He is very gifted - as a writer - his lyrics - the structure of his song - his guitar and the Bros that are playing with him. And this kid has got a fabulous set of Pipes.
Watch for him.. if he doesn't give up Mongo say this Boy'z gonna take it.
BEYOND THE BONEZ - MONGO OUT
Scoring: Songcraft: 9.5, Recording: 9, Freshness: 9, Vocals: 10, Musicianship: 9.5, XFactor: 10
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nb gave a score of 5.25 / 10. Comments were:
I am not one for conversational lyrics I prefer imagery and metaphor. The lyrics I been down before sounds like a list of depression features or symptoms and maybe this is your therapy. Abit on the self absorption side of things and hard for many to identify with. I worry about references of killing ie kill the fear and killing time which is a downer and seems juxtaposed against the up pop almost contradictory. Anyway I hope you are feeling better soon and not so hard on yourself. Hey I noticed and I care.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 5.5, Freshness: 5, Vocals: 6.5, Musicianship: 5, XFactor: 5
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Goat gave a score of 3.83 / 10. Comments were:
Lyrics: I’m alone tonight, and I’m not feeling right about where I am and how I got here. Could this be my life? What’s my alibi? It’s not like anybody else did this to me. So many unlived dreams. It’s not too late for me. But it will be if I don’t make a big change. I’ve been down before but not like this. And it’s funny noone even seems to notice. I’ve been down before but this time it’s different. I wanna scream doesn’t anybody care? End Lyrics --- hmmm. Simple -- too simple -- a handful of cliched lyrics over cliches beats. What makes this track work is a better than average voice. Otherwise, this is subpar pop if for no other reason than there's not an "original" phrase in the whole song. The key to interest is to use interesting words and syntax to create a "new" and "fresh" way of saying things we've been saying since the dawn of humanity's ability to sing. Cmon -- use a litte imagination with the lyrics -- put together new ways of saying those things, and do it in an intersting and compelling manner.
Scoring: Songcraft: 4.5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 4, Vocals: 7, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 1.5
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Genre: Alternative Metal
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 8.37 / 10. Comments were:
Pickle of changes remix was the one that popped up first. It was a refreshing experience. Highly electronic, almost industrial, but with vocals. Can only recommend, but please: The point of c0nsensus.com is to get 5 distinctive reviews on 1 song. Yes, 1 song. So please make it easier for us reviewers and give us a SPECIFIC song to review, instead of letting is pick. It sort of blows the whole point of c0nsensus.com if you ask me.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7.5, Recording: 9, Freshness: 8.5, XFactor: 8.5
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Truthful Dom gave a score of 7.16 / 10. Comments were:
And the first song that pops up is... Rainy Day Fun Book.
I normally don't like vocals that are screaming, but these are just on the right side of what i'd listen to. Song is a bit repetitive. I like the cheery bridge/chorus, makes it a unique song before back into the verse. Very interesting, quite a unique blend of flavours in this song. Pretty clever and cool overall, could use a bit more work on the overall flow though.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7, Recording: 8, Freshness: 8, Vocals: 7.5, Musicianship: 8, XFactor: 7.5
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 9.66 / 10. Comments were:
Da Devil's Bawlz was the "Which ever song pops up first". Ahh Gargamel doing Alternative Metal. Well it is all of that. Really very good for headbanger sh*t, er stuff, er whatever. Creeps up in creepy sort of way - babies in tanks. Skitzoid synthisizer at it's best. Really a great lament and a nod to Mr Moog who once told Mongo that the greatest told lie in all history was, "I'll only stick it in a little bit". That would be light language for this crowd. Flip this Dude the "BONE".
Scoring: Songcraft: 9.5, Recording: 10, Freshness: 9, Vocals: 10, Musicianship: 9.5, XFactor: 10
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Nibbish gave a score of 8.25 / 10. Comments were:
Saying 'whichever song sounds first' shows guts and a certain self-assurance that all of your work is equally quality. My song was 'The Fly', and from the intro, it's apparent that this is going to be a different experience. A song that mixes elements of swing, funk, hard rock into a mix that sounds more than a little like Mr. Bungle. Its saving grace is that it's done extremely well, with the slightly psychotic vocals (and do, do, do, do's) mixing well with the guitars and clever lyrics. Good job, Gargamel... you either got lucky with the song that 'popped up first', or your self-confidence is well placed.
Scoring: Songcraft: 9, Recording: 7, Freshness: 8.5, Vocals: 8.5, Musicianship: 8, XFactor: 8.5
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Axeman gave a score of 7.08 / 10. Comments were:
Well, dunno if "first song that comes up" is Consensus kosher, but i listened to 'Language of the Knife' anyhow. I was pleasantly surprised. Good song structure, nice tempo changes. Heavy, but mainstream radio-friendly. The most impressive thing is that the vocals were crisp and understandable, without sounding sappy. Good job!
Scoring: Songcraft: 6.5, Recording: 8, Freshness: 8.5, Vocals: 6.5, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 7
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Genre: Blues
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 7 / 10. Comments were:
An ok blues diddly to get me in the mood for something less than serious. Good vocals, good vibe, and sound quality make me want more. I got what I wanted on theSoundBytes's homepage as well, lots of songs there to choose from, for those interested. Recommended.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7.5, Recording: 6, Freshness: 6.5, XFactor: 8
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jkap gave a score of 6.58 / 10. Comments were:
The instruments sound kinda fake and MIDI-ish.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7, Recording: 8, Freshness: 6, Vocals: 9.5, Musicianship: 8, XFactor: 2.5
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Truthful Dom gave a score of 8.83 / 10. Comments were:
Love the opening beat and overall groove of the song. Catchy song that gets into my head. The lyrics work well for the song. The whole skill of the band is fantastic. Great band.
Scoring: Songcraft: 9.5, Recording: 8.5, Freshness: 9, Vocals: 8, Musicianship: 10, XFactor: 9
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Goat gave a score of 4.5 / 10. Comments were:
This track needs to go into the context of those of us who are over 50. There's nothing "new" about this kind of I-IV-V blues - mostly because it's NOT new. It's old ... like those of us who grew up listening to it, emulating it, jamming on it ... but then again; I just saw Taj Mahal this Saturday and that mofo is celebrating 40 years on stage. Hmmm .. this is okay ... I don't like the "slow down" that does sound fake. The message doesn't grab me or make me want to reach for a fatty or anything ... and if I were at the blues jam tonight, I'd prob'ly yawn a little, order another scotch and sit out on the smoking patio.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6, Recording: 6, Freshness: 2, Vocals: 6, Musicianship: 6, XFactor: 3
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 9 / 10. Comments were:
Mongo dig the blues. Particularly when its well done. "I Need a Break" is very medium rare - and very well done. Excellent rifts, nice layers, great front vocal and backgrounds. There are only so many ways to lay down the shuffle - and the SoundBytes just unfolded another. Blues at its best in Mongo Land.
Beyond the Bonez..
Scoring: Songcraft: 9, Recording: 9, Freshness: 9, Vocals: 9, Musicianship: 9, XFactor: 9
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Genre: Electronic
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 5 / 10. Comments were:
Did not found the artist in question, nor the song. The page is entirely gone. But since this baby only needs one more vote, I'll write this note, and submit this for publishing. Seeing as all the others must have heard, and found something more than I did.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 5, XFactor: 5
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djsky73 gave a score of 2.5 / 10. Comments were:
I think the artist name makes a bold statement, although the "artist" in this case could have been more creative. As for the track itself, it needs more than just senseless beeps, blips, and whatever else is in there to be at least a little bit stimulating. But I had hope for about 1 minute into this rubbish, hoping for anything that could make this compilation of noise and frequency knob twisting sound like music. it didn't happen. This is not electronica, and to call it that is an insult to a genre. This is more of a "what's this knob do" experiment put together in less than 5 minutes.
Scoring: Songcraft: 0, Recording: 10, Freshness: 0, Musicianship: 1, XFactor: 0
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 0 / 10. Comments were:
Hey Electromancer.com. Get it together dude. Stop sniffing paint. Mongo always available to help remodel brain. Have a nice day.
Scoring: Songcraft: 0, Recording: 0, Freshness: 0, XFactor: 0
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Nibbish gave a score of 7.87 / 10. Comments were:
I'm going to complete this entire review without once mentioning this band's unfortunate name. In lieu of making genitalia jokes, I'm going to comment on the band's rather unique glitchy sound. Instead of tossing in juvenile comments, I'm going to note that this is actually a fairly interesting track, albeit one that will likely be wildly loved/hated. I can honestly say that 'ap-boogie' is a success, an interesting song and sort of bizzarely fun to listen to. All of which is probably the last thing I thought I'd be saying about a song by a band called 'Thick Dick'.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7.5, Recording: 8, Freshness: 8.5, XFactor: 7.5
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nb gave a score of 3.12 / 10. Comments were:
Electrostatic art music I guess you could dance to the downbeats. The FBI could use this for psychological weaponry. Unpleasant and harsh not the usual groove one associates with electronica.
Scoring: Songcraft: 4.5, Recording: 3.5, Freshness: 3.5, Musicianship: 4, XFactor: 1
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Genre: Rock
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 8 / 10. Comments were:
Rock with a David Bowie feel. Since I love David Bowie, you really just have to do the math. A bit distorted sound in places (too high volume) deters me from giving top marks. Still, highly recommended stuff.
Scoring: Songcraft: 10, Recording: 6, Freshness: 8, XFactor: 8
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Truthful Dom gave a score of 4.91 / 10. Comments were:
Starts off with a laid-back bass beat accompanied by a sweet piano sound, the verse is a bit long and slow for me, but the song becomes very interesting in the pre-chorus and then blasts into a more lively chorus. Good recording quality, vocals and lyrics could do with some work. Very skilled musicians, but song needs a lot more spirit.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7, Recording: 7.5, Freshness: 3.5, Vocals: 4, Musicianship: 7.5, XFactor: 4.5
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Uncle Thumpy gave a score of 6 / 10. Comments were:
Fun song! You really need to let this one develop while listening. Pay attention! How very rock opera! Some could say derivative of numerous acts from 30 years ago, but that stuff is due to come around again. +2.0 for songwriting.
Freshness...yeah, what's old is new again. +1
Vocals are decent with no hint of digital "fixing"...or at least it's very subtle. +1 there as well.
A string arrangement that isn't block chords? Holy cow. +1 *more* for songwriting.
Xfactor gets a +1 because this one just had "something" for me. Lots of replays there.
Scoring: Songcraft: 8, Recording: 5, Freshness: 6, Vocals: 6, Musicianship: 5, XFactor: 6
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Goat gave a score of 7.41 / 10. Comments were:
Folks -- we have a winner! Yeah, shades of Bowie, glitter and rocknroll in high fashion boots, Orange tube amps and pop-de-bop-deluxe. Need I really say more??? Dude sings his ass off.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7, Recording: 5, Freshness: 8, Vocals: 8.5, Musicianship: 8, XFactor: 8.5
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 10 / 10. Comments were:
V Sparks has a velvet voice - shades of Freddie Mercury appears in a 1956 acid rock musical. Very nicely done, excellent production and recording. First cabin musicianship, structure and composition. Peyote Fields ...forever..Again.. beyond the Bonez..
Scoring: Songcraft: 10, Recording: 10, Freshness: 10, Vocals: 10, Musicianship: 10, XFactor: 10
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Genre: Heavy Metal
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Truthful Dom gave a score of 4.25 / 10. Comments were:
Gloomy but brilliant soft intro, before breaking out into a good beat with a guitar that could probably use more sharpness and punch. The lyrics are too repetitive and the vocals seem to be the standard guttural growl and scream. The soft guitar riff is the best part of the whole song.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6.5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 5.5, Vocals: 3, Musicianship: 5, XFactor: 4.5
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 4.87 / 10. Comments were:
These guys fall flat in between the guys who really rock, and those who really suck. They know how to play, and the vocals are powerful. But even though I actually listen to this kind of music myself, this song doesn't do anything for me personally. There is nothing wrong with the song actually, and the record quality is very good as well. But I guess in some cases some like the tea, and some like the coffee. But hey, you can come to my house for a couple of adrenaline pills and prune juice any time you like mate.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6, Recording: 5.5, Freshness: 4.5, XFactor: 3.5
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 0 / 10. Comments were:
Groovey Name. No music to be found. A Web page still under construction. Like the difference between a State Highway worker and a Cow. The Cow is moving...
Scoring: Songcraft: 0, Recording: 0, Freshness: 0, XFactor: 0
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Axeman gave a score of 4.3 / 10. Comments were:
The Metallica-like opening is auspicious, but then the vocals start, sounding like the usual parody of old death-metal bands. It might actually have worked, but the drum track is too thin sounding, like they are damped, and the guitars not heavy enough to support all the ranting and raving. Some energy here, but in the end it just made me laugh.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 3, Freshness: 4, Vocals: 5, Musicianship: 5, XFactor: 4.5
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Nibbish gave a score of 4 / 10. Comments were:
One-half of one second. That's how long it takes this song to turn from the mellow opening guitars to "brootal deth metal". All I can keep thinking is "meh, I've heard better" (and recently, actually... see the recently reviewed sogn by Neurotic Decay on this very site). The lyrics, again, deal with the standard 'death, fight, destruction' material that is just shy of played to the death these bands all seem to be obsessed with. No one's impressed with double drums anymore, unless you can make it sound like more than the pitter-patter that this song does. No matter how the lead screamer twists and contorts his vocal cords, I'm just not fazed... I dunno... there's just nothing here that begs to be listened. It's not half so brutal as it thinks it is, not half so hardcore as it wants to be, and not half no memorable as deserve a second listen.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 5.5, Freshness: 3.5, Vocals: 5, Musicianship: 6.5, XFactor: 2
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Genre: Electronic
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Truthful Dom gave a score of 2.83 / 10. Comments were:
That first and main beat just gives me a headache, adding more layers doesn't make it any less repetitive. Vocals need to be louder and too much whine in the voice. The song seems to go nowhere for me and isn't as dynamic as it could have been, I was hoping for a big climax towards the end, but was dissapointed when the song just ended with no real punch.
Scoring: Songcraft: 3, Recording: 4.5, Freshness: 2, Vocals: 3, Musicianship: 2.5, XFactor: 2.5
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 3.75 / 10. Comments were:
klang klang klang klang klang klang klang, ding. klang klang klang klang klang klang klang, ding. klang klang klang klang klang klang klang, ding. klang klang klang klang klang klang klang, ding. klang klang klang klang klang klang klang, ding. klang klang klang klang klang klang klang, ding.
Interesting experience, now if only I could get that loop out of my head. The vocals a bit later, helped a bit, but not much. Klang klang, klang, end.
Scoring: Songcraft: 3.5, Recording: 3.5, Freshness: 4.5, XFactor: 3.5
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 10 / 10. Comments were:
Mongo generally doesn't care for electronica. And "Soft Light Masquerade" starts out with their tune "Incunabula" a bit deceptively. Sort of a retro "Teenage Wasteland" begining. Then the other electro violins, horns and backbeats begin. And ou think thats where it ends, yeah another electro piece - but then it really begins. A dry - melencolic voice tells the story, other voices join. And a splinded dirge of the retro mentally insane (that would include most of us) takes us to another plain. Plain on Dudes and Dudettes. Third listen and it gets better each time. Movie Sound Track. Mongo really digs this piece.
BEYOND THE BONZE...
Scoring: Songcraft: 10, Recording: 10, Freshness: 10, Vocals: 10, Musicianship: 10, XFactor: 10
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nb gave a score of 5.5 / 10. Comments were:
Hmmm not quite what I was expecting for electronica I usually think of downtempo ambient or trance this was more art school pop. I can see though why you chose the genre given your options. It would be a hard sell to radio to have a minute and 30 second intro to vocal. By this time I was expecting an instrumental too. Nevertheless it was interesting in an artsy kind of way. The dissonant chaos at 2:46 was disorienting and then when it harmonized reminded me of Allan Parsons Project of the 80s. Check them out you would enjoy their songs. Unusual and original.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5.5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 5.5, Vocals: 6, Musicianship: 6, XFactor: 5
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Axeman gave a score of 3 / 10. Comments were:
By the time the 'Chopsticks'-sounding keyboard part that forms the basis of this song hit 1:00 in length, i was ready to ram my head through the computer monitor. That about says it.
Scoring: Songcraft: 2, Recording: 5.5, Freshness: 1.5, Vocals: 5, Musicianship: 4.5, XFactor: 1
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Genre: Extreme Metal
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nb gave a score of 6.33 / 10. Comments were:
The first half is a kindler, gentler extreme metal song that is melodic and pleasing in this surprisingly introspective song. The guitar harkens back to of all things Boston 70´s guitar rock band. Then when the intense growling death rasp and rapid speed is what one would expect in this genre and you deliver and submerge us all in dirt. Oh yes it has definite cinematic qualities as well... now time to sleep with my lights on.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6, Recording: 6, Freshness: 5, Vocals: 7, Musicianship: 8, XFactor: 7
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 7.62 / 10. Comments were:
"Disk.." something was unavailable for review so I clicked on "The autumn son." This is a rare treat, since I don't often hear this hard metal on the internet. But when the music is as fast as this, the drummer misses a few beats here and there. But no matter. This is up to par with many bands that sound like these guys. They handle their instruments well, and the vocals are well organized. I will actually go as far as to say Submerged in Dirt are more talented than many of the selected few I've heard that aren't speaking (screaming?) to a record label on a daily basis. For those of you who love the very hard metal, I can only recommend.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6.5, Recording: 5.5, Freshness: 9.5, XFactor: 9
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 10 / 10. Comments were:
Submerged in Dirt is like a submarine. Buried - unseen - never even notice it until it's just to late. Cept this submarine creeps up from the earth and just explodes all over the place. Your place, my place. It is however - an extreemly well disaplined explosiong. Ancestrial chiors - long buried in the earth emerge with that deep, resonating voice driving them on. AS TIGHT AS THE LIGHT - cept it's not about that. Most excellent at every level - qualifies for the Mongo Ungowa U award. Inner Primal 101. Bass, guitars, drums.. welcome to the School of Higher Throbbing...
WAY BEYOND THE BONEZ - MONGO FAR OUT...
Scoring: Songcraft: 10, Recording: 10, Freshness: 10, Vocals: 10, Musicianship: 10, XFactor: 10
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Axeman gave a score of 4.6 / 10. Comments were:
Supposedly, SID wants to "create a new higher standard of metal". So, why does it start the first half of this song with a lame throwback to 80's melodic metal, complete with harmonized guitar solo and pointless pulloffs? I would excise the first 2 minutes of this song, the latter part of the song is much more energenic and entertaining, even if i still can't understand a word the singer's saying. Hey, now there's a thought guys--you wanna elevate death metal?--how bout recording a true death metal song that can actually be understood? Now, that would be original.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 6.5, Freshness: 4.5, Vocals: 1.5, Musicianship: 5.5, XFactor: 5.5
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Nibbish gave a score of 6.1 / 10. Comments were:
For the first two minutes or so, this song has a nice progressive metal feel to it. A lightly growled vocal (if that makes any sense), some nice fretwork, some fairly simple, yet insistant drums. It slowly starts to devolve into insanity around the 2:15 mark, seeking to drag the listener with it. The vocalist pulls up his best demonic possession victim impression, and the band goes into coniptions. It goes through a couple of stages, slowing down a bit for each before launching into a truly impressive solo around the 4 minute mark. While the 'hardcore brutal metal' parts are almost a little buzzy (thus losing their power to a certain extent), they're nowhere near as mindlessly played as some that I've heard, and the band is obviously well-versed in creating songs. By the time the requisite haunting fadeout comes along, you're left with yet another song that thinks it's so much more hardcore than it actually is, but the begining is well worth the listen. It's very good.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7.5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 6, Vocals: 5.5, Musicianship: 9, XFactor: 6.5
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Genre: Indie Rock
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 7.87 / 10. Comments were:
The song in question was not available at the time, so I now review Stupid Girl. Reminds me a lot of the more happy songs of No Doubt. The song is kind of smart, because it actually borrows some inspiration from Drum'n base in the beat. Just a little, not much. It is not a Drum'n base beat, but still, it got some kick. The female vocals are very good, accompanied with a very well arranged guitar, and supporting instruments. The song is absolutely radio friendly, and very upbeat and happy. I find it hard, not to recommend the track, because the sound is so honest without using too much of the overrated distortion or other effects. So yeah, I recommend the song to anybody who like radio music, but just want something a bit different. Highly recommended.
Scoring: Songcraft: 8, Recording: 7.5, Freshness: 7.5, XFactor: 8.5
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nb gave a score of 6.41 / 10. Comments were:
Great female vox, at the intro I though inocent and light like Jewel but when the heavier production came in she really held her own. Vocals are very pleasing and expressive. Musically the melody is strong and easy to remember. Iam not caryzy about the hook we mourn we mourn,,,and the lyrics some times are not cohesive. In first part it is written what seems third person or at least a universal stand point then it becomes more intimate and personal. The cynicism is about the lost love but it is not clear lyrically how you make that global jump to colour everything that way. Overall an enjoyable listen!
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 6.5, Freshness: 6.5, Vocals: 8, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 7
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Andy Chapman gave a score of 6.5 / 10. Comments were:
If the 90's Australian outfit 'Frente' were dirtier and grungier, what you'd have is “The Lighting Strikes”. Lead vocalist Lacy Wright hits home with sugar sweet and strong vocals that are both melodious and pitch perfect. Backing her up is one-man-band Carter Stewart, who seems to play every damn instrument under the sun, and in convincing style. The recording is a little bass heavy for my liking and I think lacks a bit of polish. Other than that, this is a very solid offering and worth a listen.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6.5, Recording: 5.5, Freshness: 6.5, Vocals: 7.5, Musicianship: 7.5, XFactor: 6.5
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Goat gave a score of 5.16 / 10. Comments were:
A weak beginning vocally does nothing to endear the listener to the stronger arrangement that follows. But then, the singer doesn't do anything to help herself either. Sliding into notes, over reaching intervals, trying for that damned octave jump that became popular and is now a cliche just doesn't make for a good presentation. As a producer, I would have strived for a better vocal performance. The rest of the track is kinda good and has some potential.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5.5, Recording: 7, Freshness: 5.5, Vocals: 3.5, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 3.5
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 8.08 / 10. Comments were:
The Liking Strikes and The Liking Strikes. Where has this group been hiding? Somewhere that Bush can't find them because he couldn't handle the heat from this "Bush". Just excellent. Most original - great structure and this Girl has a set of pipes and knows how to use them. She weaves throughout the stucatto guitars and drums - perfect. Out of Ten Bonez - Mongo give three sevens
Scoring: Songcraft: 7, Recording: 7.5, Freshness: 7.5, Vocals: 9, Musicianship: 9, XFactor: 9
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Genre: Folk
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 3.75 / 10. Comments were:
The song starts very carefully. In fact, I wondered if there even was a song, so I had to turn up the volume. The song consists of two things: The very careful guitar playing, and the even more subtle vocalist. So this is folk music, and this will work very well by the campfire I'm sure. As an mp3 file, I am not so sure it works that well. BECAUSE there is also a third thing in this track. Yes I mentioned the guitar, and the guy singing. But there is also another band member not so talked about, but who we really should bring out in the spotlight: Silence. Because when the dude, and the guitar, are not doing anything, Mr. Silence steps in. Oh yes. Absolute silence. Nothing. Not even a hissing sound, and no hissing is usually a good thing (good record quality.) If I was sitting by the campfire with Dan Weintraub in person, I'm sure I'd close my eyes, and me and him could sit down after his little tune, and talk about the good old days, and have a smoke. Because this is great music! But Dan Weintraub is not with me, he is on my speakers. There is no campfire, because I don't want to burn my house down. So here I am, with my speakers, the man, and his guitar, and in between the pauses, we have Mr. Silence. Maybe I have misunderstood the song, or what Dan is trying to convey, maybe that is what it is. Because to me, this sounds like chunks of music, like a CD with many tracks and spaces in between. With the campfire sound which is so important to me, the song would make sense. Because this is a very acoustic song. But with the silences in between the guitar playing and the occasional singing, and the fact that this is not very loud at all, leaves me wondering if this is a rare case of folk music, on a collision course with technology. Maybe if this sounded more like a live recording, and not so digitally perfect as it is now, it wouldn't feel so wrong as it does.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 10, Freshness: 0, XFactor: 0
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nb gave a score of 3.75 / 10. Comments were:
This could be the start of a real great song but it doesn’t go any where right now. There is no communication of your statement’s into their meaning. Lyrically you never tell us why we should be so negative ie reveling in the lows, talking about the despised, enthralled by the morose..etc. What is the pay off for the listener of doing what you say? The song at best self reflective introspective inner voice meanderings at worst a boring traverse into the darkside of depression. Musically it is repeats and is in desperate need of a chorus, a break or something to keep the listener engaged. Overall a work in progress with much potential.
Scoring: Songcraft: 4.5, Recording: 3, Freshness: 2, Vocals: 5.5, Musicianship: 5, XFactor: 2.5
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Andy Chapman gave a score of 4.8 / 10. Comments were:
'Unuttered' is full of hiss and dirt and emptiness, but it's those raw elements that makes it seam pretty down to earth and real. You can picture Dan sitting in his room on some lonely Sunday afternoon recording this by himself. Dan's vocal delivery is sparse and to the point, reminding me a bit of Johnny Cash. All in all this is a pleasant and inoffensive folk tune, but it doesn't really hit a home run.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 3.5, Freshness: 5, Vocals: 6.5, Musicianship: 5, XFactor: 4
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Goat gave a score of 5 / 10. Comments were:
Sorry to say I'm not terribly moved by this simple folk tune, voiced over the simplest of guitar strumming. Essentially, what Dan has given us to review is a songwriter demo -- bare of any substantive arrangment and production elements to bring the story to life. Good lyrics though.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 5, Vocals: 5, Musicianship: 5, XFactor: 3
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 7.5 / 10. Comments were:
Dan Weintraub remind Mong of a fella most of todays crowd never heard of. His name was - is - Leonard Cohen. Maybe Mongo not spell it right - but those of you who know - know. Dan be thinkin' and feelin' what he's saying. He's a good songwriter - not playing for the mainstream but playing what he knows. It is in tunes like "Unuttered" that the truth be found. But one has to be paying attention in the first place to get it at all. Out of ten bonez - Mongo give 72
Scoring: Songcraft: 8, Recording: 7, Freshness: 7, Vocals: 7.5, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 7.5
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Genre: Pop
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Goat gave a score of 4.16 / 10. Comments were:
i have a sense that somewhere in the future this young singer-songwriter will will find his way. Right now, today, based on this one track, I'd say he has a lot to learn yet. First, lyrically, this is not a folk song. It's a pop love song sung with a simply strummed chord progression on an acoustic guitar. Brent is a good guitar enough guitar player, and a good enough "local" singer. The lyrics in this one is where the song falls apart. As much as Brent wants to keep things simple, these lyrics are far too much so. This is a nice ode to the one he loves, but it should stay there -- with the one he loves.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 3, Vocals: 5, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 5
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Andy Chapman gave a score of 6.83 / 10. Comments were:
"Finding our way" is a really quite a beautiful balad, delivered with tenderness and sincerity. The recording is wonderful and clean, the lyrics are simple but thoughtful and the vocals are raw and effective. This isn't a radio single, but it is certainly a nice addition to any collection.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7, Recording: 7.5, Freshness: 6, Vocals: 6.5, XFactor: 6.5
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Uncle Thumpy gave a score of 6.25 / 10. Comments were:
Beautiful tone and you voice is birdsong-sweet. +1 for vocals..and it would have been higher except for the off-notes the harmony line has early on in the song.
Fingerpicking feels a bit stiff here and there, and do I detect digital shifting on those lead vocals? -.5 to musicianship.
Losing half a point on recording for the backing vocal not sitting well with the lead. -.5 to Recording Quality.
The lyrics made me misty-eyed. Huge +4 to Lyrics.
Harry Chapin and Jim Croce would have been proud. +1 for Songwriting.
Even with the deductions, the whole is more than the sum of its parts. +2 on XFactor.
I this on iTunes? I'll *buy* it,
Scoring: Songcraft: 6, Recording: 4.5, Freshness: 5, Vocals: 6, Musicianship: 4.5, XFactor: 7
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Nibbish gave a score of 8.75 / 10. Comments were:
With the glut of guitar-only singer-songwriters out there, it's easy to forget just how effective and powerful the genre can be when done right. 'Finding Our Way' does everything right. The acoustic guitar sounds beautiful, and Mr. Ratkovich's vocals are spot on by every definition of the word. The lyrics are simple, yet emotionally tinged. This song is simply fantastic. Kudos to you, Brent, you've created an amazing song.
Scoring: Songcraft: 9, Recording: 8.5, Freshness: 8.5, Vocals: 9, Musicianship: 8.5, XFactor: 9
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 7.16 / 10. Comments were:
Brent doing a good job. Nice fingerpickin', good vocals, nice flow. Remind Mongo of John Denver - for today Good mellow tune about the stuff that makes us all tick. Out of 10 bonez Mongo give 44
Scoring: Songcraft: 8, Recording: 7, Freshness: 7, Vocals: 7, Musicianship: 7.5, XFactor: 7
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Genre: Rock
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nb gave a score of 5.41 / 10. Comments were:
The intro hey hey reminded me of the 70s bubblegum pop Bay City Rollers chant of S A T U R DAY night then you shifted gear into an edgier punkpop which was surprising but worked. Great energy, authentic feel nothing too original or outstanding just straight up r and r. Enjoyable listen all in all.
Scoring: Songcraft: 5.5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 5, Vocals: 6, Musicianship: 6, XFactor: 5.5
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rottimom gave a score of 7.33 / 10. Comments were:
Good straight up rock here. Vocals were good. I have heard thousands of bands with this style, so there's nothing unique here. But, still a solid prformance from n obviously tight band.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6, Recording: 9, Freshness: 7, Vocals: 9, Musicianship: 9, XFactor: 7
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Nibbish gave a score of 7.08 / 10. Comments were:
According to Buffalo Chrome, it's Rock and Roll Time - and I'd be inclined to agree. Rock and roll songs about rock and roll are probably as old as the genre itself, but it's always nice to hear a well done take on it, nonetheless. The recording quality is a bit... gritty, but the driving beat and hitting guitars barrel right past any obstacles that fact might put in their way. The vocalist is enthusiastic and up to the task. The lyrics are ridiculous and silly, but completely forgivable. When music is this fun, who needs depth?
Scoring: Songcraft: 7.5, Recording: 4.5, Freshness: 8, Vocals: 8, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 8.5
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Goat gave a score of 4.33 / 10. Comments were:
Okay. The boys can bang a gong. They can rock n roll. But didn't I hear this song like back in the 70s or something?
Scoring: Songcraft: 5, Recording: 5, Freshness: 3, Vocals: 5, Musicianship: 6, XFactor: 3
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 6 / 10. Comments were:
Don't smoke the buffalo. Good rock tune, doin all the chops but somehow remind Mongo of David Bowie meet AC/DC. Got a bit tedious for Mongo but then again Mongo old dude - has short term rememory loss. Still - this one has some smoke but needs original fire. Out of ten Bonez - Mongo give 7
Scoring: Songcraft: 6.5, Recording: 6, Freshness: 4.5, Vocals: 6.5, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 6.5
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Genre: Other
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 2.12 / 10. Comments were:
A rather special thing, with classical influences, and later a vocal. Nothing much else to say since the artist never gave me the whole song, but teased me with a sample. No more candy for me then. Well, I'll not share any of my candy with the artist either. So there.
Scoring: Songcraft: 4, Recording: 2.5, Freshness: 2, XFactor: 0
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Nibbish gave a score of 6.2 / 10. Comments were:
Cabaret Noir? You've got me intruiged from the instant I get a glimpse of your website. I love the violin to start things off, with the guitar flaring in the background. Once things kick up a notch, they get interesting. I like the urgency of the vocals, as well as almost gypsy-like flourishes. I dislike mentioning sample MP3s, because it isn't really the song's fault, but in order for us to really give a fair, thorough rating, we need to at least hear the chorus (the sample given cuts out right at the chorus). Choruses make or break about 80% of songs, and having not heard the one to 'Living Round Here', I don't feel like I actually have a feel for the song. I liked what I heard, but I need to hear more.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7, Recording: 5.5, Freshness: 7, Vocals: 6.5, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 5
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 9.5 / 10. Comments were:
Ensimble or encimbly - it is a rare thing when musical discipline meets soul, but the folks in picturebox have it both. The violin and Spanish weave a comfortable classical blanket - when suddenly the opera of the left of field enable appears. A rising upbeat dirg - of the drunken sailor lamenting days gone by - but more recent ones than faded from memory. Or was that mamory?
Great work - none the less.
Mongo Out
Scoring: Songcraft: 10, Recording: 10, Freshness: 9.5, Vocals: 9, Musicianship: 10, XFactor: 9.5
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nb gave a score of 6.83 / 10. Comments were:
Spectacular gypsy violin by the campfire kind of intro to the tune. I was surprised by the passionate vocalist coming in so late I was expecting an instrumental piece. Too bad the song cut out it was creating quite a tremendous build would have like to see where it climaxed. Very interesting...
Scoring: Songcraft: 7.5, Recording: 5.5, Freshness: 7, Vocals: 7.5, Musicianship: 8, XFactor: 5.5
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MYSTR Treefrog gave a score of 8 / 10. Comments were:
Oh man! Very deep and mysterious and like a mix of the DANSE MACABRE and the novel PEDRO PARAMO...whoa..mad gypsies unite and become wine soaked demon skinwalkers with Violas.
I LIKE>
Scoring: Songcraft: 8.5, Recording: 7, Freshness: 9, Vocals: 7, Musicianship: 9.5, XFactor: 8.5
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Genre: World
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Nibbish gave a score of 6.12 / 10. Comments were:
Nature sounds greet us to start out 'The Oak and the Loch'. Soon, we hear an arrangement that sounds very much like it was inspired by the 'Final Fantasy' game soundtracks. The only problem I can see here is that the instruments sound mostly like MIDI synthesized ones, so that would put us somewhere around Final Fantasy VII. What's odd about this song is that it's almost impossible to score ithout knowing the artist's intent. If the video game sounding MIDI score was indeed the artist's intent, fantastic, job well done, the arrangement itself is engaging and pleasant. If this was supposed to sound like an actual orchestral score, then I don't think it's going to be fooling many. I'm giving the artist the benefit of the doubt, because I did enjoy the arrangement and the mood that the arrangement had, I just had a hard time not visualizing spiky-haired heroes walking across my television screen as I listened. I will say this, however - I would greatly enjoy to hear this with either a better synthesized string section, or better (but more unlikely) yet, a real string section and completely real instruments all around.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7, Recording: 3, Freshness: 7, XFactor: 7.5
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 9.25 / 10. Comments were:
The Oak and the Loch reminds me of many of the greatest soundtracks to games I've ever heard. Games like, Oblivion, Guild Wars, Age of Conan, Guild Wars, and Morrowind. Now you may think that: Wow, is The Oak and the Loch that good? Well, yes. Sure, you hear that the instruments aren't real, but I can forgive that. The talent behind this piece of music is outstanding, and if you are a writer for a game of some sort with some medieval plot, you should pay some attention to Bonamici. Maybe he has what it takes to put music in your game? Highly recommended listen.
Scoring: Songcraft: 9, Recording: 9.5, Freshness: 9, XFactor: 9.5
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 10 / 10. Comments were:
Bonamici is all about what is right with the World. The Oak and the Loch is just a lovely tune. Gentle, well written, a classic piece - must like the theme to Brigadoon. It is suck a pleasure to enter your gentle world. Mongo knows this place. What a good place to be. A world where folk appreciate the fact that they are even alive. What it is they have and all of those they love. Bless your soul and all of those who are with you. Love to see you - on the other side.
This is Beyond all the Bonez - the place where the Bonez rise.. Just flawless... and not that many ever get there...
Scoring: Songcraft: 10, Recording: 10, Freshness: 10, Musicianship: 10, XFactor: 10
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nb gave a score of 6.25 / 10. Comments were:
Celtic flavoured and cinematic in scope this worldly instrumental piece paints images of ancient forests and lakes like the title suggests. Dreamy and ethereal, perfect for relaxing and resting. Nice work.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6.5, Recording: 6.5, Freshness: 6, Musicianship: 6.5, XFactor: 6
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Axeman gave a score of 7.75 / 10. Comments were:
Not world, but very classical. Sounds like an enjoyable film score. The use of theme and development of same (without overdoing it) is outstanding. Very well composed. My only nit is to do away with the cute synth birds at start and finish. Id replace them with a real instrument, like a classical guitar or something.
Scoring: Songcraft: 9, Recording: 9, Freshness: 6, Musicianship: 8, XFactor: 7
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Genre: Electronic
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Nibbish gave a score of 4.91 / 10. Comments were:
"Woopsie-daisy", is how 'Wrong Way Out' starts out. For some reason, this grates on my nerves a bit, even more so when it turns out that it makes for an easy second couplet rhyme. The song itself is a dark electronica "ex slammer". The synth lines have nice groove to them, and the vocalist is a different sort than you normally hear, a much lower voice, less breathy. It sounds out of the ordinary, and serves the song nicely. Once the "I hear you scream and shout" line hits on the chorus, I was hoping that there could be some hope that the song would go the route of the dark revenge tale. Unfortunately, the only reason I can find for this lyric is that it rhymes with "wrong way out". Disappointing that many of the lyrics seem forcibly rhymed. I mean, almost all lyrical couplets have some manner of rhym to them, but these just all seem so... obvious. The "Whoopsie Daisy" line comes up two more times, sealing its fate. I dig the lower register female vocal, and the tune itself is decently solid, but the lyrics are just so stilted and silly that it's hard to recommend the song.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6, Recording: 7, Freshness: 6, Vocals: 7, XFactor: 2.5
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Christian Lowensprung gave a score of 8.5 / 10. Comments were:
"wrong way out" gets points for being a very different cup of tea. It might not be to everybody's taste, but that doesn't matter much. The song is well presented with good record quality, and great vocals. Would be great for radio. Recommended download.
Scoring: Songcraft: 6.5, Recording: 7.5, Freshness: 10, XFactor: 10
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MongoKnowsRecords gave a score of 4.58 / 10. Comments were:
batu - wrong way out. Well named. nope. sorry. This don't do it for Mongo. This be electro-porno soundtrack. Maybe not even getting to that level. The structure is like camp-white- hipster. This just be canned tribal. Lot of skill at doing the wrong thing. Mongo know better could come out these folks
Scoring: Songcraft: 4, Recording: 9, Freshness: 3, Vocals: 6.5, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 2
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nb gave a score of 8.16 / 10. Comments were:
Electronic pop with mood appeal and a crisp and tasty vocalist with a style all her own to boot. Imagery deluxe and an atmospheric production that lifts this song above the rest. Wrong way out is a clever hook and you are on definitely on the right track here. I could not improve this hooky little ditty. Great song!
Scoring: Songcraft: 7.5, Recording: 7.5, Freshness: 8.5, Vocals: 9, Musicianship: 8, XFactor: 8.5
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The Captain gave a score of 7.25 / 10. Comments were:
Batu's page contains the following promotional blurb: "Babusjka & Tublenco formed in blah blah blah when blah blah soundtrack blah blah blah blah and then blah blah ubercool and some more twang and porn blah blah, with blah on top." What a set up. But I can’t blah, blah the review, because their track 'The Wrong Way Out' actually has a very, very cool sound. The girl has a sensuous sound; the track has an infectious melody, featuring a trippy and ridiculous arrangement – one of those kinds that you will more likely hate than love, but (and here’s the point) you won’t easily forget it. Yeah, like a provocative pose; well arranged. Gotta give it to them this track is blah, blah interesting. (Couldn't resist that, sorry.) Recommended.
Scoring: Songcraft: 7.5, Recording: 7.5, Freshness: 7.5, Vocals: 7.5, Musicianship: 7, XFactor: 7
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