LEVEL MUSIC beta IS COMPLETE

[Maxo]

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've been here (for no good reason). But I bring good news! I have finished the initial version of LEVEL MUSIC! (although it's still not technically finished)

Here it is:
http://maxolevelmusic.blogspot.com/

All the download links are there, and there's a link at the bottom to listen to tracks individually on youtube! Lemme know what you think!

[JonahB]

I thought the name Maxo sounded familiar but I couldn't quite put my finger on it, then I seen the Maxo folder in the chip tunes section of my own music collection. I saved a bunch of your stuff from 8bc onto my onto my hd awhile back. It's really good stuff. I'll definitely have to check out this project. I put it on my MP3 player to listen to later. I'll let you know you know how awesome it is when I hear it.

[Charybdizs]

Oh, you don't know how grateful I am to you, Maxo, for sharing this with us. I downloaded it the other day, and put it on my MP3 player, but I had been too on the go to give it much of a listen.

And then I went to the dentist. After getting four teeth pulled, I wasn't in any shape to do much of anything (even play videogames), so I just lay in my bed, an icepack to my cheek, and headphones on my ears. I lay there for what seemed like a good 2 hours, listening to the soundtrack. I didn't even finish it in all that time, in fact, I only got to Floral Floats. That was when I decided I had had enough beauty for one listening. I absolutely adore some of the simple, familiar, yet original themes you've chosen for each song. You've got the typical well known and well liked themes, like Scorching Chamber, or Underwater Floor, but you also manage to explore some new areas, like Neon Passage and Beanstalk Paradise. Each has it's own merits, and some are better than others, but almost every one manages to convey it's own little pieces of imagination and artistry.

My personal favorites so far have been:

Underwater Floor:
This one just managed to portray the loneliness yet serenity of the deep ocean floor. It reminded me in many ways of the Sunken Ship theme from Wagyan paradise. One thing that stuck out to me musically, was the string chords. The way you give each note it's turn to layer upon the lower ones, that's a technique I've always loved. A lot of very unconventional but appropriate chords in here, too, but that goes for all the songs. That's a compliment, by the way. I love a bit of new sounds.

Frozen Foot
First things first, this is the most interesting use of percussion/noise I have ever heard. I'm not sure what specifically about it fits the song well, but it adds a lot of personality that begins to ready the listener's mind for the rest of the song.

Storm Top
This theme reminds me so much of one of the first songs I ever made, except done right. My only irk with this song is the orchestral hit. Although it's used wonderfully, it cuts off so soon it feels a bit weird. I'm gonna assume this was unavoidable due to the SNES sounds. Besides that, I have only compliments. The flow of the song is wonderful, with good dynamics and techniques, especially the percussive silence that begins at 0:37. I have to laugh though, this song is such an emblem of the way you, Blitz Lunar, and a few other of the chiptunists compose. ^_^

Arid Dusk
I always love a good desert theme, so I was completely wowed over this one, as imagination rich as it is. I'm completely surprised by the change between minor and major keys that you pull in this. I don't think I've ever heard a good desert song with as much major parts as this. I'm very impressed by even that idea. I never would have thought to do it myself, but it works very well, giving the song a bit more cheer. I'm going to have to learn from your use of the Sitar in here, as I have a desert song due to my "client", and he begged me for some serious Sitar usage. I wasn't quite sure how to go about it, but I think if I learn from this, and the expression put into it, I think I'll do fine.

Shifting Systems
From the first two... Electric-ish patterns that repeat in the background of the beginning, you had me hooked. I eagerly waited for more. I was not disappointed. I find it interesting that you manage to use the same one or two melody lines all throughout it, yet it never grows boring, because the rest around them is constantly shifting around. I guess it makes sense that it's called Shifting Systems.

Of course, these are pretty much all compliments. I have some nitpicks with some songs, Quiet Springs and Forest clearing in particular, but those will have to wait 'til later, as I should be getting my sleep. Overall, Maxo, I'm more impressed with your music than I ever was before, and am excited that this isn't all of this album. Keep up the good work!



PS: Your album makes me love Sine Waves even more than I did before.

[Maxo]

Wow thank you so much for the in depth feedback! I love hearing what people think on a track by track basis! I'm really grateful that you took the time to listen so carefully (even though you were at the dentist haha). Thanks a ton for all the compliments, they mean a lot. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the material!

[JonahB]

Just finished listening to all of it. This is absolutely fantastic. I'd have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the every minute of it! It's kind of difficult to pick out favorite tracks because for the most part the whole thing is just so consistently good, but some of the tracks that stood out the most to me are Underwater Floor, Autumn Fortress, Frozen Foot, Quiet Springs, Dawn Resort, Beanstalk Paradise, Chalktopia, Fertile Fields, Sushi Land, Exotic Estates, and Toybox Trial. I particularly enjoyed Chalktopia. It has such a nice, light, and upbeat feel.

So many different themes and ideas are explored throughout this album and every piece does a wonderful job of conveying it's specific theme. I think this has the potential to inspire a lot of other chiptunes artists. It's definitely gonna make future rounds on my mp3 player.

Thank you for sharing this with us!

[Maxo]

Thanks so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[mudlord]

Neato, you made something cool.

Wow.

[Maxo]

Neato, you made something cool.

Wow.

thank ya!