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Posted: 25 Dec 2011, 00:31
by DarkSky
thejti wrote:
DarkSky wrote:I like the emotional load that Travis' lyrics have, which is really great. And I'm definitely not telling him to change the way he writes. But I've heard more people talking about muffled sounding voice of Travis. Now those people know why it is..
If I'm not mistaken, his earlier songs were recorded with an old mic and the newer stuff was recorded with a better mic. That might be why too.
Oh yes, definitely.. that's also a very important thing.. :-)

Posted: 26 Dec 2011, 07:34
by drnrg
Megan188
2. Gays Gays Gays (Disko Warp Extended Mix) / Foxxie: 9-
If I had to describe this, I'd say that it sounds like a 1995 – 1996 A-Beat C song on an acid trip. A lot of the instrumentation is fairly similar to that style, but the tempo is much faster, and the wacky sound effects add a much quirkier element to the piece.
that thing you mentioned about early AbeatC immediately took me back to one of my favorite songs of thiers'. The much unsung, Slam Flash Beauty from the artist Blonde Beauty

..and Darksky; at first, that whole explaination completely confused me even more. Especially, since I have no idea what a lot of words like (plosive obstruent,open glottis, ect...) mean, but after applying it to what I hear in actual Eurbeat vocals; I get it now :)

Posted: 31 Dec 2011, 07:24
by drnrg
A couple of vinyl sleeves to commend my favourit songs on the compilation.

Foxxie- Gays Gays Gays (Disko Warp Extended Mix) (Disko Warp Music)
Image


Hydlide feat. SquaDus- Regret (The Paradise Last)
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Mortimer- Gas Love 2011 (Odyssey Music)
Image

Posted: 31 Dec 2011, 23:32
by Shinraikan
Nice, drnrg! Lovin' em. :P

Posted: 01 Jan 2012, 04:54
by Lebon14
Salutation guys and gals. Happy New Year 2012!
I said I'll be doing a review of SEBF vol.1 and things were a bit hectic these days, so it was delayed. Now that I think about it and want to do it, it's now or never.

Here we go.

1. Remember Me (DJ Bouche Euro Mix) by Christina Vee [No Limits Zone]
DJ Bouche has been remixing songs into eurobeat for quite a while. Especialy anime songs like Hare Hare Yukai, to name only one. This song is yet another remix og his. I don't know the original so I cannot say if it's a good remix or not. The music is reminescent of the original Eurobeat that everybody loves. The music is appealing but what's not helping me to like it more is the vocals; especially in the chorus. I'm not exactly fond of them. But the song isn't exactly bad. In fact, it's in the middle-range.

Rating : 7.5

2. Gays Gays Gays by Foxxie [Disko Warp]
"Ugh" is a great world to describe the first thing that came to my mind when listening to this for the first time. That electronic guitar isn't exactly ear-pleasing. Past that, the riff is quite listenable and the music is okay and fits the mood nicely. But something just doesn't seem right. Is it the witty lyrics? Probably not. I said that the music is fitting the mood. OK. Then, it's the vocals. They are way too warped (pun not intended). They fit too much in. It's a good song, but there's something that doesn't make me come back to it and can't put my finger on it.

Rating : 7.5

3. Gas Love 2011 by Mortimer [Odyssey]
zoupzuop/Ken Blast/Mortimer/T. Stebbins has been able to create quite a few hits. But this... sorry to say but that riff is just weird sounding and the vocals just over-powers the music (mastering problem) and it's like I'm listening to accapella. Anyway, I am not too keen about this song but bonus points for the chorus.

Rating : 6

4. Breakin' Tonight by Saya [SuganoMusic]
I always liked Japanese music since I found out about it. So the vocals being in Japanese has no impact on my listening experience. The guitar intro is really nice. the riff and overall melodies are really reminescent of 2005-2006 eurobeat. The vocals are pretty good and give a strong feeling to the song. Very good song overall.

Rating : 9


5. Wonderland by Idris [The Paradise Last]
OK, where to start? I f*cking love this song. This is BY FAR the best song on the album. The build-up of the song gives an epic feeling to the song. Instruments starts one by one synths add up the epic feeling. Then, the most epic idea : multiple riffs! I really love this idea and, well implemented, like here, can really turn a good song into an amazing one. Too bad that the idea was only used in the intro. The vocals really fits the mood and are as epic as the melody is. The 8-bit breakdown is probably the most of the most awesome and original idea for eurobeat. Ever. No italian label would have thought of doing this. They would not have the guts to try it without being bashed. Overall, this is a hit. A long-lasting one on top of that and to be remembered by fans.

Rating : 9001

6. Neon Nights by Neon Feat. Navisa [Neon Music]
So, here's a song by the "first-time making eurobeat and it turns out to be a smash hit" (Speaking of Rocket Girl, here) producer, Dominic Ninmark. It's probably one of those songs that will be probably go "what" at some point because, in the chorus, the tone and way of singing changes quite a bit compared to the verse and bridge and might sound off for some. In a way, that's quite a good idea but in another way, not. As for me, I'm split. I like it but I don't at the same time. As for the music, it's very nice and catchy melody. Overall, I quite enjoy the song even if the chorus on the weird sounding side.
P.S Speaking of Rocket Girl, I hope this see the recording on a future album!

Rating : 8.5

7. ひとつだけ Freedom (EBF Mix) by Tekondo [SuganoMusic]
I swear I've heard that same kind of intro somewhere else. Must be me. The riff is quite heavy and powerful and sounds very A-Beat-C-ish. The vocals are quite amazing and powerful. Gives emotion to the song. A strong feeling quite fitting to the mood. The melody is very good. Both together is a perfect fit. Overall, I'm quite impressed. I haven't been impressed by a Sugano song since... Delete Love (I still hope that this song will appear on an album someday).

Rating : 9.5

8. My Love Is Nineteen by Cougar [Disko Warp]
The moment I've heard the intro, I had a bad feeling. When I heard the riff, I thought that the song might be good overall. But, once the vocals came, my bad feeling finally came true. God the vocals feels out of place and the melody sound empty and not fitting. All and all, this is song isn't my cup of tea.

Rating : 5

9. Regret by Hydlide Feat. Squadus [The Paradise Last]
Probably one of the best song in there. Catchy intro, riff, melody and vocals. The lyrics are quite amazing. The vocals are making them alive, full of emotion and mixed with that amazing melody makes that song quite the threat. That guitar solo adds an amazing touch the song and fits quite amazingly. My second favorite on the album.

Rating : 10

10. My Number One by Rayo Light [Disko Warp]
That intro left me in stone. With a poker face. And then, that riff came out of nowhere. It wasn't bad but quite unfitting. The vocals in the verse and bridge were quite good but were quite sub-par in the chorus but, overall, they are quite lifeless. The music is sounding quite empty at times. Not exactly the best song.

Rating : 7

11. Eurobeat Forever Non-Stop Megamix Vol.1 by DJ Skyblue [Sugano Music]
Sorry to tell you Skyblue but those mix aren't quite my cup of tea. When two songs are mixed together, it feels that one stop and then the other start. In fact, I can tell when one starts and then the other ends. For, exemple, at 8:08, the transition between "Breakin' Tonight" and "Wonderland" is inexistant. So, it feels quite rushed and amateur. Sorry about that, but those are my honnest feelings. And it's quite lengthy for 10 songs...

Mixing quality : 4

Overall, that was quite the album. I enjoyed although some scores might seem low. That's a good invested 10$. I really like the overall idea of changing the bridge and chorus over the song instead of repeating them. It becomes quite original that way. I wish the overall quality stays or grows with the future releases of the album.

Overall rating : 8

Label Count
Disko Warp : 3
The Paradise Last : 2
Neon Music : 1
Odyssey : 1
No Limit Zone : 1
SuganoMusic : 2

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!

Posted: 01 Jan 2012, 05:58
by Shinraikan
Thank you for the great review, Lebon, and everyone for that matter. I hope to see more. :)

You guys can expect the next album sometime early spring for sure.

Oh and Lebon, as for Rocket Girl... "word on the street" has it that it'll be on a future album with vocals. :)

Posted: 01 Jan 2012, 06:11
by drnrg
Good review Lebon. They are getting better or maybe you just like the music better? haha!

Shinraikan
Nice, drnrg! Lovin' em.
Thanks. Appeciate it lots. Once again, I listen to the songs on repeat as a create them :P

HAPPY NEW YEAR YEAR to all. Let's make this the best Eurobeat year ever. :D

Posted: 01 Jan 2012, 17:06
by Lebon14
Shinraikan wrote:Thank you for the great review, Lebon, and everyone for that matter. I hope to see more. :)

You guys can expect the next album sometime early spring for sure.

Oh and Lebon, as for Rocket Girl... "word on the street" has it that it'll be on a future album with vocals. :)
I hope it will be featured on an album, it's an amazing track. I would also throw cash to have the current instrumental version too!

Posted: 01 Jan 2012, 17:12
by the_ditz
About time I put in the effort to write a review for this first release! Sorry if it's not as deep or in-depth as my other reviews - I've just reviewed my top 50 pop songs of 2011 on another forum, so my descriptive vocabulary is struggling to flow! Also, just remember that I never give more than 10/10, no matter how much I love the track, so if you get a 10 you know you've truly cracked it!

Anyway, here's hoping this album is the first of many in the series :grin:

EUROBEAT FOREVER Vol. 1

01. Cristina Vee - REMEMBER ME (DJ Bouche Euro Mix)
This track seems to have a really nice aishu sound to the melodies and the production combines some more mainstream elements with a more retro-style hook. Cristina's vocals are competent, although I wouldn't say they are the best that they could be (during the verse for example, in the lower ranges, they fade into the background a little). That second line in the chorus sounds really odd and I always think it's a little discordant compared with the rest of the song. Overall, I was taken by the solid production (the piano in the intro was nice) but I'd like to hear slightly stronger vocal delivery and production in the future. A nice start to the album.
Score: 8/10

02. Foxxie - GAYS GAYS GAYS (Disko Warp Extended Mix)
I still find it difficult to really go crazy about this track as the production style really doesn't sit well with me. It has quite a basic and, dare I say it, amateur sound to it. The distorted guitar used in the intro is horrible, and the basic synth used in the hook is default Fruity Loops fare. The laser effects and explosions used make things more sparkly and energetic, but I still find it hard to see past the horrible parts of the production. The vocals are gimmicky and cartoon-styled since that's what the lyrics called for, and I do find that the chorus melody that has a habit of sticking in my head. However, I don't often listen to this one in full - it's the weakest of Disko Warp's 3 tracks on this release in my opinion.
Score: 6/10

03. Mortimer - GAS LOVE 2011
I reckon some Gas Love could be pretty explosive, huh?...geddit...gas...explosive....ugh, never mind... here we have one of the highest profile independent Eurobeat producers and performers in the community with a track that certainly showcases his style and talent, but perhaps doesn't excel in either of these fields. The intro is pure old-school SEB (I'm taken back to the early to mid 1990's with that synth hook). The main hook sounds inspired very much by video game music - I know you're a fan of Sonic, and I can definitely hear the Sega music influences here. The vocals could do with a bit less reverb, as they sound a little out of place with the backing track. Still, I love the creative melodies - that chorus in particular is a triumph - and the overall production is a very complete and satisfying package.
Score: 8.5/10

04. Saya - BREAKIN' TONIGHT
That guitar in the intro is just awesome - it really makes you sit up and take notice of this track. Sugano has always had extremely accomplished and polished production stylings, and this is no exception. I hear an A-Beat C influence in the synth hook and the chord progression. I can understand why certain people have been put off by the vocals, as for me they don't always sound right on key - it may just be the vocal style, but they have a habit of sounding a semi-tone or so flat for most of the song. It really impacts on an otherwise very melodic and epic production. I'd love to hear the instrumental alone.
Score: 8/10 (would've been higher with work on the vocals)

05. Idris - WONDERLAND
Oh my god, this is like a heavenly dream for my ears!! The build-up from the lush strings and twinkling piano to the trance-inspired synth arpeggios and into that most unique of TheParadiseLast elements - the main synth introducing the chorus melody - I was sold on this before a single vocal had been sung! Having said that, Idris still stands up to the challenge admirably - her tone is gentle yet strong, and she delivers the lyrics with a purity and conviction that is endearing and addictive. I always knew that Nick would be capable of producing ground-breaking original Eurobeat as soon as the could find vocalists that could help him bring his unique and captivating compositions to life, but even I was shocked at just how powerful this track was. The 8-bit section was fantastically quirky, and if I was to bit one piece of constructive criticism, it could've perhaps been cut-down slightly to allow for one more repetition of the chorus before the ending section, but I cannot let this personal preference overshadow the amazing work that has gone into this track. A true triumph and the shining star of the whole album - be very proud Nick, this is AMAZING!!
Score: 10/10

06. Neon feat. Levosa - NEON NIGHTS
I really love the groove that you have going in the intro of this track, and as soon as the beat kicks in, I was pretty smitten by this one. Rich sounds and production again, and more unique synth sounds to add to the variety of the album. However, the vocals just didn't work for me. I'm not sure whether it's the tone of the vocalist herself, or the mastering of the vocals against the rest of the track, but they just don't sound comfortable in their place here. The verse actually has a bit of Eurodance influence in the melody and chord progression, but the chorus is a bit of a low point for me when it should in fact be the climax of things bringing the whole production full circle back to the main synth hook. I'll give you the credit of making the backing track super-energetic and unique with all the synth and guitar solos, but the vocal core just doesn't excite me. A real shame.
Score: 7.5/10 (the production would be closer to 9 or 9.5 though)

07. Tekondo - HITOTUDAKE FREEDOM (EBF Mix)
I'm so jealous of these Japanese producers that just seemed to have found an effortless way to emulate the classic Eurobeat sound but with some modern touches. The synths and percussion in this one are all bagn-on, and the rising crescendo throughout the intro was a perfect way to lead-up to the first synth hook. As for the vocals, I'd say that they seem work far better in this one as they seem to be a bit more measured and sit more comfortably in the backing track. It's hard to find any faults at all in this one to be honest - my only regret is that I can't really sing along (must try those Japanese language CDs again some time!!)
Score: 9.5/10

08. Cougar - MY LOVE IS NINETEEN (Disko Warp Extended Mix)
I reckon Disko Warp has over-dosed on Hi-NRG Attack, as this track really pays homage to that labels speedy style, from the vocal warp effects in the intro to the super-speedy synth melody in the hook. We style have the heavily doctored vocals in this one, but I find this one less irritating and discordant than Gays Gays Gays. My main comment about this track would probably be the fact that the bass sound used sounds far too loud and high-pitched throughout most of the song - something less in your face might have worked better. But I like the other quirky production methods you tried (like the wub-wub dubstep style bass during the breakdown) and I can safely say that this is far better than the first Disko Warp track on this release. More like this please! :)
Score: 8.5/10

09. Hydlide feat. SquaDus - REGRET
More trance-inspired build-ups during the intro, but this one seems to have more of a meaty Eurobeat heart, thanks in no small part to that awesome guitar during the intro and the beautifully melodic main hook. The vocalist sounds like he's of Mediterranean origin (at least that's what the accent suggests) which is cool by me as I think it gives the track an added edge. Once again, the production is crafted beautifully around the vocals ensuring that the synths support when necessary, fill-in the silences with melodic flourishes and most importantly they don't ever take the focus away from the lyrics. I particularly love the verse and bridge - all the rise and fall make me smile - and the sections where the kick drum and synths mirror the vocal rhythms just add that extra piece of style to make this track an explosive 2 out of 2 for TheParadiseLast! I strongly feel that this label is what sets this independent release apart from anything else - they sound so unique and fresh and bring such fantastic, melodic ideas and compositions to the table that I am sure the series will go from strength to strength. Fantastic!
P.S. what's with the weird names though??
Score: 10/10

10. Rayo Light - MY NUMBER ONE (Disko Warp Extended Mix)
I reckon this is how Abba may have sounded if that had tried their hand at some Eurobeat! Seriously, the vocal melody in the verse just screams Abba to me - which isn't a bad thing at all! I actually feel that this is probably the best production from Disko Warp that I've ever come across - I think I said before that I just didn't seem to gel with his productions, but this one sounds far more accomplished and less goofy. I enjoy the breakdown instrumental as well, as the synths all play amongst each other to create a really rich soundscape. I'm glad that this track was held back until the end as it leaves me curious to hear more from Disko Warp on future releases. A nice way to finish off a fantastic first album!
Score: 8/10

TheParadiseLast (a.k.a. Nick Hemler/Shinraikan) should be immensely proud of what he has put together here. It truly showcases the "new generation" of modern Eurobeat, and I can only wish everyone involved all the success in the world for the future of the series. Now, to get my butt in gear so that DTZ Project can be involved in this project!! :D

Posted: 01 Jan 2012, 20:42
by zoupzuop2
the_ditz wrote: 03. Mortimer - GAS LOVE 2011
I reckon some Gas Love could be pretty explosive, huh?...geddit...gas...explosive....ugh, never mind... here we have one of the highest profile independent Eurobeat producers and performers in the community with a track that certainly showcases his style and talent, but perhaps doesn't excel in either of these fields. The intro is pure old-school SEB (I'm taken back to the early to mid 1990's with that synth hook). The main hook sounds inspired very much by video game music - I know you're a fan of Sonic, and I can definitely hear the Sega music influences here. The vocals could do with a bit less reverb, as they sound a little out of place with the backing track. Still, I love the creative melodies - that chorus in particular is a triumph - and the overall production is a very complete and satisfying package.
Score: 8.5/10
Mm, the track IS a bit older (this one is actually a remix of a track from a couple years prior). Glad you enjoyed it!

...Can't say I'm a Sonic fan, though I definitely enjoyed the earlier games and kind of hope that Generations is any good!

Posted: 13 Jan 2012, 02:29
by Skyblue
Thanks for some people who saying the feeling about my non-stop mix. :)

By the way I'm not a member of Suganomusic, I just a member of KIZUNA RECORDS but we aren't join in this compilation as KIZUNA, so I'm not join about all the labels who included in Eurobeat Forever Vol.1.

Posted: 29 Jan 2012, 11:24
by Shinraikan
P.S. what's with the weird names though??
Well, we changed from Traviata to Idris. Look up Idris. It's a reference to a certain Doctor. And yes, you will probably see a themed track from her in the future. :)

SquaDus is my vocalist's stage name and he didn't really want to change it. It seemed so strange on its own that I added my own alias "Hydlide". I don't really go by Shin anymore. :)

Thank you everyone for the kind words and all the love. We still sell a copy or two every other day even more than a month after release. We'll be releasing some more info soon and the release date for Volume 2 is set for sometime in March. Eurobeat Forever!

Posted: 29 Jan 2012, 12:48
by Gorgia_v
its been a while since I have been on EBP, but i am glad I decided to check things out, new Eurobeat is always great so i cant complain.

one thing I feel I must comment on is that the DiskoWarp songs dont a all feel like eurobeat for me, i guess hearing their other productions through ITG and downloading them from Itunes have put them into another genre or group of their own in my mind....now this isnt anything against them as i have had some fun with the gays gays gays in another forum...but apparently i am now a gay, homophobe lol..Which i am trying to figure out how that is possible.

cant wait till march now!! great work.

Posted: 30 Jan 2012, 17:21
by Javy
Shinraikan wrote:
P.S. what's with the weird names though??
Well, we changed from Traviata to Idris. Look up Idris. It's a reference to a certain Doctor. And yes, you will probably see a themed track from her in the future. :)
He likes eurobeat now.... Eurobeat is cool.

Posted: 01 Feb 2012, 00:18
by Megan188
I just wanted to say that Wonderland has grown on me tremendously since I first bought it. It literally gives me shivers whenever I listen to it, it's so good! That huge buildup in the intro is breathtaking! I now totally agree with Jorge that this is the best eurobeat song of 2011, up with Power Two for me personally.

Gas Love 2011 and Regret are also still as hot as ever.