Not IDM

Been having a blast learning Reason 5 and came up with these - christ knows what category they come under, prog, shit? Anyway I can't ask any of my mates what they think because none of them are into anything without vocals, so I'd appreciate your opinions please. Much obliged.

http://soundcloud.com/neil-grant/come-home

http://soundcloud.com/neil-grant/play-and-record

http://soundcloud.com/neil-grant/by-the-gate

http://soundcloud.com/neil-grant/princess-betty

Second has familiar idmish synth sounds (not that its a bad thing) but like the first three hass a chill slow break, maybe a little too fast for down temp but it feels in that vain. the 4th one makes me want to scream out something in broken spancish and dance. Nice work!

Dude now its missing something in broken Spanish, I need a sample of that! Thanks for listening to them, tempo is definitely something I need to get my head around, as is using and creating synths.

the first track sounds like it could be an electronic remix of an old smooth jazz album by earl klugh, lol, it is very nice though.

the third track reminds me of the cure for some reason.. it's kind of just got that sad/sentimental vibe to it, with a sort of uplifting bittersweet ending.

i'd say focus more on making your songs sound like they're not just loops being played, but rather a continuous evolving pieces, you know?

Yeah thats been another stumbling block really, I'm used to writing songs with vocals which are the focus I guess, rather than subtle variations, breaks and other devices to keep you interested. I keep structuring everything the same way too: verse chorus verse chorus middle 8 chorus, not easy to break out of when you've been doing it so long. It's an interesting learning curve though, cheers.

Tracks are good - kinda fresh for here. Second and 4th tracks were the ones that grabbed me the most. The main hook on the 2nd tune is very fn nice. 2nd track sounded somewhere between U-Ziq and Jega. The 3rd track reminded me of Angelo Badalamenti Twin Peaks style. 4th has another nice hook. I think you got some nice hooks mate. Yeah 2nd and 4th were my favourites. I can hear room for improvement in the mix but overall pretty decent stuff!! Will be keeping an eye on your shit. ;-)

Thanks mate, very useful feedback, mixing is a.new thing to me so loads to learn about eq and compression etc. will definitely be sounding out more stuff here in future. This place is a goldmine of talent so all opinions much respected and appreciated.

Thanks mate, very useful feedback, mixing is a.new thing to me so loads to learn about eq and compression etc. will definitely be sounding out more stuff here in future. This place is a goldmine of talent so all opinions much respected and appreciated.

Bit of a downtempo emo-y tune:

http://soundcloud.com/neil-grant/im-so-sorry