Heavy Tension Cue...too much melody, not enough?

[coxnvox]

If you listen to the refs, you'll notice there is very little melody anywhere in any of the 3, but the listing still uses the "Build your cue around a central melodic theme" verbiage. I tried to end up somewhere in between...would love advice on whether I hit the mark or not. Thanks!

https://soundcloud.com/kerry-cox-9/slithering-darkness

Here's the listing...

HEAVY TENSION INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a Music Supervisor-owned Music Library that’s feeding music directly to an Investigative TV Series. They need a bunch of Tension Cues in a variety of tempos and styles. Please listen to the references below to get a general idea of the style they need:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ACktbmscxg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XenTM_C9fxM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCimEns0MMA
IMPORTANT NOTE: The references are in “Trailer form,” using three distinct sections or “acts.” This request is for TV CUES, not Trailer Instrumentals, so please take note of the style of music, but not the arrangement or forms used in the examples. No big stops and starts are needed!!
Please send them Instrumental Cues that use Electronic and/or Orchestral Instrumentation to evoke emotions like tension, suspense, danger, distress, anticipation, etc. Build your Cue around a central melodic theme that would support tension-filled scenes, while adding and subtracting layers of instrumentation as it progresses to create a dynamic build and forward momentum that leads to a crescendo and Stinger ending for a big finish.
All submissions should be about 90 seconds long. If you go a little over, don’t sweat it! Non-Faded, Stinger endings will work best. Please do NOT copy the referenced examples in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a general guide for tempo, texture, tone, and overall vibe. Broadcast quality is needed.
Note: This is a Music Library that very few TAXI members have music in, so this is a great chance to build a new relationship!
This company offers a really cool, musician friendly EXCLUSIVE deal: You get 100% of the writer’s share AND 30% of the publisher’s share! The company gets only 70% of the publisher’s share. You’ll also get 30% of any sync fees! After 5 years, you can choose to have all rights revert back to you, OR continue to work with this company on a year-by-year basis. You must own or control your Master and Copyright to pitch for this opportunity. Please submit as many Instrumental Cues as you'd like online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than 11:59PM (PDT), on Saturday, July 7th, 2018.  TAXI #Y180707HT

[jdstamper]

Good one! Seems perfect to me, but I too find the listing description confusing re the examples.

Jim

[coxnvox]

Thanks, Jim!

[mikehamm123]

I would say that is not too much melody.

Great cue!

[Horacemix]

I'm not an expert, and I'm still learning about making instrumental cues but I'd say it's perfect according to the listing.
You started with impacts that can easily be edited, not too much melody but enough to create tension.

Congrats!