Need an in depth critique

[Redlettersuite]

I am looking for someone to give my band an in depth critique on our first album. We are looking for individual song critiques as well as the album as a whole. Please be as unbiased as possible and think of commercial value and marketability of the music. All critiques are welcome. Visit www.redlettersuite.com, there is a flash based audio player on the top left of the homepage. Thanks to all in advance.

The Red Letter Suite

[t4mh]

I only had time to listen to the first track. Enjoyed the song, good dynamics! Most everything sounds well produced and the performances are executed very nicely! My only nit is the sound of the acoustic guitar. I'd like to hear more presence and sparkle in that track. Obviously those tones need to be handled carefully to not interfere with the vocal line. Overall, good job! Fix the guitar...

Good Luck!

[Casey H]

I am looking for someone to give my band an in depth critique on our first album. We are looking for individual song critiques as well as the album as a whole. Please be as unbiased as possible and think of commercial value and marketability of the music. All critiques are welcome. Visit http://www.redlettersuite.com, there is a flash based audio player on the top left of the homepage. Thanks to all in advance.

The Red Letter Suite

Hi
If possible, let me know one track you'd like reviewed and post the lyrics as well.

Best,
Casey

[Redlettersuite]

@ Casey H

Ok, well let's see. One track we'd like to hear opinions on is "Confounded" it is more on the rock side of our repertoire. We are a very versatile band and we write many different styles. Compare "Confounded" to "Breeder" then to "The Beltway". They are all very different. I am curious for one, to know if the difference in sound between each song is too versatile to be marketed successfully. I am including the lyrics for "Confounded" to this post (see below).

Thanks!
The Red Letter Suite


Confounded
Written by Aaron Giard and Mark Collins (The Red Letter Suite)
© 2011 Aaron Giard (The Red Letter Suite)

I spin around so turned around.
No one's seen me fall so far down.

My mind has gone way too far, it seems now the past has awoken.
I find a way to move along and suppress my emotions.

I am running from a former life I tried to release this notion.

But I just can't let go.

Cause I just want to go back in time and set things right.
I need to fix this mess if it takes my life.
I have to slow things down and think this through.
I just want to go back in time and forget about you.

I cannot sleep I feel too weak.
Nothing has done this before.

It seems to be so very deep.
These things I'm feeling.

So with open eyes I fall asleep in hopes to control my dreaming.
Very cold so very cold, this affair is so binding.

But I just can't let go.

Cause I just want to go back in time and set things right.
I need to fix this mess if it takes my life.
I have to slow things down and think this through.
I just want to go back in time and forget about you.

I spin around so turned around.
My mind has gone way too far.

Confounded
Written by Aaron Giard and Mark Collins (The Red Letter Suite)
© 2011 Aaron Giard (The Red Letter Suite)

[Redlettersuite]

@t4mh

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen We appreciate your feedback, the guitars on Grace were difficult to wrestle into place. With songs of this type, it can be tough to get everything to 'sit' just right for sure.

Thanks!!
The Red Letter Suite

[kitz]

Red,

You've got some nice things going from what I can tell. Confounded was really nice I thought although may benefit from an organ on the chorus or something else to add dimension. Breeder might be a little long on the intro. Nice harmonies. Are the acoustic gtrs run direct or mic'd?

It's anybody's guess as to the versatility question. You've got some nice stuff. Just keep doing more and more and see what sticks. It's hard to take the time to listen to a full album for many of us so keep that in mind on the comments.

Oddball sounds good - (I'd bring up the lead on the solo) there is a continuity in the guitar rhythms that you use in a lot of the songs so that may be something to tie it all together so I don't think you need to worry too much about being too versatile. Confounded does seem to be different but the song after helps make the connection.

Good Luck!!

Kitz

[Redlettersuite]

@ kitz
Thanks so much for listening and the detailed input. We are going to attempt the whole internet sales game and see how we fare. We have some good ins at local estabs. as well so fingers crossed...

Btw, there is one direct guitar and one mic'ed.

Thanks again for your time!
The Red Letter Suite

[Casey H]

Red Letter
I really enjoyed the track! Nicely done!

I don't have any real suggestions. My only thought what was said-- maybe beef up the production on the chorus a little to make it stand out more.

Good luck!!
Casey

[Redlettersuite]

Thanks Casey,
We appreciate you taking the time for us. Everyone here has been very helpful, a great community for sure.

Thanks again!
The Red Letter Suite

[nick.moxsom]

Listened to Confounded, The Beltway and Plays On.

It's difficult sometimes to give an opinion without sounding like you know better than someone else, but here goes.

In all honesty I think you have the makings of a really good band, but I'm not sure you've found your sound yet. I personally hear you slightly heavier and more urgent. You sound a little unsure of yourselves at the moment.

I also think you should give your lyrics a long hard look, see if you can get to the point where every single word means something. Many rewrites are common (dunno if you do that already), and scanning and meaning are more important than rhyme schemes.

Sounds harsh but there's no point pulling punches, and you did ask. Look forward to hearing more. Good luck.

Nick