MadTracker - MT2 Compo

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Khano's Theme

By FoZ

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Yannick

Originality:	7	Technical:	7
Theme:	9	Quality:	8
Arrangement:	8	Global:	8

+ Samples, theme

Sunbuster

Originality:	7	Technical:	4
Theme:	5	Quality:	6
Arrangement:	4	Global:	5

This is a song that tries to sound majestic, but unfortunately doesn't quite deliver. This I believe is because the samples used simply don't sound orchestral enough. There's not enough power in them on their own. Also, especially the lead trumpet could use some reverb. Now that it's dry it sounds even weaker.

I'd say at least double the instruments and timeshift them slightly to get a more orchestral sound, at least the trumpet and the violins.

Panning and such works well in this tune, it has a good stereoimage imo.

Overall, it's a good try at a genre we don't hear that often in the MT scene. Unfortunately it's a bit dry overall (needs more reverb for greater depth) and doesn't go all the way in delievering the goods.

mindplay

Originality:	6	Technical:	7
Theme:	6	Quality:	6
Arrangement:	7	Global:	6

Somewhat "midi" sounding in places, but otherwise good sound quality. Nice epic feel, but in some parts too "quantized" sounding.

Novus

Originality:	7	Technical:	7
Theme:	6	Quality:	7
Arrangement:	6	Global:	6

With "Khano's Theme," Foz strives for an epic and authentic orchestral sound, with admirable results. But while the song has its moments, particularly in the middle, it lags in the beginning and end, keeping it from reaching its full potential.

In any orchestral track, sample selection is key. If your orchestra doesn't sound like a friggin' orchestra, you're pretty much dead in the water. :) Foz could've done better in this department, since all of the samples have an almost-but-not-quite-authentic sound to them, with just enough of an electronic twinge that very few people will be fooled into thinking it's a real orchestra. But while it's noticeable, it never really becomes a distraction either.

The music itself is nicely layered and flows well. The arrangement begins with a brass fanfare, then adds in a low cello and a high viola to round out the sonic spectrum and builds up from there. The song relies a lot on pizzicato strings and fast violin riffs in the more upbeat sections, then uses bass piano notes and cello to emphasize darker sections. Foz shows a deft awareness of musical balance, and makes sure to use a wide selection of low, middle and high notes to round out the sound at all times.

Unfortunately, the song lacks punch. Oh, sure it tries, especially between 1:20 and 1:40, but most of the melodies seriously lack power, and the main hook of the song simply isn't all that memorable. The song tries to get by just on sheer atmosphere and panache, but that's like trying to use gourmet ketchup to distract you from the really thin hamburger patty: in the end, you're still asking "Where's the beef?"

Ah well... I like ketchup. :) The song carries a nicely dark edge for this genre, and that almost won me over. Overall, "Khano's Theme" hits me as slightly above average, and if Foz can work on his musicality, I'm optimistic about what he could produce in the future.