Bright Midnight
Comments
18
bass face
Aug 17, 2010
Song: Skinny Girl
Of the three songs I've heard of yours (and trust me, I plan on listening to the others), this one feels the most complete to me. To start, the production is terrific. Everything lines up really well in the mix, and nothing is lost in the process. This is a song where the mix propels the song to new heights, rather than keeping it down.
I'd also like to say that this song has got a great arrangement. It's almost a progressive song in the way that it changes, which makes it very interesting to listen to. The highlight in my mind is the tempo increase right around the 3 minute mark, with the drums signaling it in on the toms. To be honest, it sounds like it shouldn't work. However, it totally does. Also, kudos to the bass work. This song comes off as a bassist feature, as well as being more about the band than the singer. The singing is very serviceable to this purpose, and really fits the song.
In short, I consider this to be, of the three songs I've reviewed, to be the most compl
bass face
Aug 17, 2010
It was right around listening to this song that I realized how well your album covers work. This music invokes images of the sea in many ways. I'd like to say that such a consistent sound is hard to come across, and that that is commendable.
Now, to Floating Feather. This song seemed like it had less creative drive behind it than Overboard. The production issues I heard in the latter don't really apply here, mainly due to, I can assume, the bassist being more rooted in the low end. The instrumental parts in this are in no way bad. They are, however, less gripping to my ear, less memorable. However, the organ/synth you have playing throughout does add a very nice texture. Also, in contrast to Overboard, I feel this one goes on for just a bit too long, and when I say a bit, I mean it. I love the idea of having just a little bit of guitar noodling at the end. To me, it really suits the song. However, the very end of it sounds more like something you'd hear at a circus, and sort of brea
bass face
Aug 17, 2010
Song: Overboard
This song is an interesting case to me. For one, it opens with my favorite chord progression (i-IV, gets me every time), and each part of this song grabbed me from its entrance. What I hear is a very well-composed song with some really cool instrumental moments. I especially dig the bass lick that starts to get into triplets nearing the end of the song, and the way that your instruments interact allows for cool things to happen. I feel that the lyrics in this one suit the song well, and the vocal delivery of said lyrics is even better. I especially liked the chorus of the song vocally. However, I feel like the song ends a little too abruptly. It's surprised me 2 of the 3 times I've listened to it, how sudden it is.
The only substantial gripe I have with this is the production. It sounds to me that the production of this one is holding the song back more so than propelling it forward. This is mainly in the guitar and bass tone/mix. The rhythm guitar part (the one that opens the song)
Headwork
Apr 13, 2010
I was well impressed with the guitar theme in La minuit. Very nice. I,m adding it to my station(soon)! Interesting collection of songs. Will listen in.
Thomas J Marchant
Feb 09, 2010
Song: When You're Down
man. this song didn't hit me as hard as, say, liberation, but boy is it a slow burner. the more i listen to it, the more intense the outro gets. i love love love it.
Wake of Destruction
Dec 21, 2009
Song: Liberation
Hillis, this is your best track thus far. The drums are really tight and eq'd really nicely. The guitars sound good although they should be mixed with a have a bit more sparkle i think. The lyrics are good in spots and not so much in others. The vocal performance is the smoothest and most within yourself I've heard. Which is a definite improvement! Now I'd like to see them eq'd a bit less bassy and harmonies in one or two choice spots plus stacks on the choruses. Spend a bit more time on your lyrics. You've clearly been studying production techniques now its time to read smoe good poetry and work on writing catchy and good songs.
One criticism... as usual, you end up sounding a bit too much like an influence... i.e. strokes/killers.
Kyma
Dec 07, 2009
I don't know what it is about this track but I just love listening to it! Its almost out of time but thats part of why its great!
Pow Pow Roach
Nov 22, 2009
your arrangement skills are getting incredibly good. the vocals are a little low for my liking but that aside, i think this is one of your best songs yet. just wonderful, and great drums too.
Thomas J Marchant
Nov 01, 2009
each time i come back to your page, i'm reminded of how great your lyrics and sound are. i'm listening to floating feather right now and i envy your ability to create those big guitar soundscapes.
Kennyken and The Electric Jesus
Jul 26, 2009
Song: The Stranger
yo bro, I let my thread die for now, but just wanted to let you know I listened to your song. very interesting man, a 100% improvement in sound quality. some notes were a little sour but for the most part you sang it well and cooly, I love the guitar parts and tone you used, kick ass my friend. good groove
Thomas J Marchant
Jul 03, 2009
sweet track, man. it's interesting, you kind of got both elements of how apocalypse now sounds spot on. i mean, i don't think, at any point in the film, there's any non-synthesized instruments within the original score, so i t's not EXACTLY like apocalypse now, but the whole thing is totally reminiscent of the scene with the bridge.
Hillis is just great at what he does..its this poetic psychedelic punk rockish mashup with the man's smooth as silk vocals dancing on top. Its def my type of party! Song after song he has yet to cease to amaze and inspire me... Bottoms up to you Hills!