Track returned and I'd love to understand better what I did wrong

[Sonora]

I submitted this track to listing Y170122FT FUTURISTIC, TENSION-Based INSTRUMENTAL CUES

https://soundcloud.com/bsharplabs/unset ... ets/futura

It was returned and I totally agree with the critique:
"Nice patterns but the piece could have more tension. Some tones could be more current."

I specially agree with the fact that it wasn't really dark and it lacks tension, but I'd like to have your opinion on the "Some tones could be more current" bit.
Which sounds do you think the reviewer is talking about? I have a couple of ideas but I don't want to influence your judgement.

I was surprised because the first reference track was Stranger Things' main theme and it sounds quite "vintage futuristic" in a way.
Any idea?

[Telefunkin]

"Some tones could be more current" bit.
Which sounds do you think the reviewer is talking about?

I always find this difficult and confusing, especially when many 'current' sounds are reworked from vintage gear! Even Massive, a fine source of 'current' sounds, is also extremely capable of plenty of dated tones too (as many of the preset collections demonstrate beyond any doubt).

In this case, my guess would be sequenced percussive sound that comes in at about 0:20s and is then present through the rest of the track. Perhaps it would help rescue such sounds (if indeed that is needed) by putting a bit of grit in there, eg by applying distortion plugin, maybe coupled with some extreme eq? Just an idea. I hope you get some more advice on this though.

[Sonora]

"Some tones could be more current" bit.
Which sounds do you think the reviewer is talking about?

In this case, my guess would be sequenced percussive sound that comes in at about 0:20s and is then present through the rest of the track. Perhaps it would help rescue such sounds (if indeed that is needed) by putting a bit of grit in there, eg by applying distortion plugin, maybe coupled with some extreme eq? Just an idea. I hope you get some more advice on this though.

Thanks for you insight Graham. So you mean the metallic sound? It's interesting since for example is not what I thought they were referring to...

[Telefunkin]

I did say that I always find this difficult
It'll be interesting (for me too) to see what others think.

[Len911]

It's futuristic and some sounds could be more current. Why not futuristic sounds? A sound you programmed yourself and has not been heard before? I'm baffled.

[MattCurious]

I think the key is that the sounds are "reworked" from vintage sounds. So they have a vintage tone or sensibility but are samples with a modern / contemporary production. Make sense? I'm only just getting it myself, so finding it a bit difficult to put into words.

[Paulie]

Nice cue. I think this is a good cue for future use but not in the tension category. It's more industrial/manufacturing sounding, like an assembly line documentary on 'How It's Made' The one sound that really sticks out to me is the wet FM-synthesis sounding bass that comes in around 0:42. It's a pretty attention grabbing sound up front in the mix. I bet if you replace that with a less obtrusive patch the cue will have more success. I've had a ton of tension returns and several forwards as well. It's always a good idea to check out the forwards section to see what others have had success with. Good luck!

[Sonora]

Nice cue. I think this is a good cue for future use but not in the tension category. It's more industrial/manufacturing sounding, like an assembly line documentary on 'How It's Made' The one sound that really sticks out to me is the wet FM-synthesis sounding bass that comes in around 0:42. It's a pretty attention grabbing sound up front in the mix. I bet if you replace that with a less obtrusive patch the cue will have more success. I've had a ton of tension returns and several forwards as well. It's always a good idea to check out the forwards section to see what others have had success with. Good luck!

Yeah, that bass was the very first sound that after reading the review made me think.
Too late to change it I guess but I might do a second version in the future..

[EvanLainhart]

Im a little late on this thread but I just want to say that I checked out your Soundcloud, and I looooooove the sounds your using and the feel of the tracks. Best of luck!
Evan

[Onaginoffegin]

Yeah, I think Paul nailed it.
That synth Vox bass patch sounded very dated. If you replaced that with a more current synth bass, it would really help.
Also the glockenspiel sound — not gonna hear that in too many tension cues.
Having said that, the cue had a nice groove and feel to it, and with a couple of tweaks, I think you have a winner.


Henry