SUBTLE TENSION INSTRUMENTAL CUES

[davidagates]

Hi all,

Back again on the hunt for advice, this listing isn't for quite some time, but it's a genre I want to get down. As such I've put a few hours in today to hash out an idea, I'm at the point of "do I commit or do I start again?". It's a basic structure so far.

I've tried to keep in simple, as in the brief, no big changes, all around the same two notes really, but I'm paranoid about the old dreaded "too repetitive" feedback.

I've included a link to the listing as well as the samples, any feedback would be massively appreciated, just trying to nail this listing!

My track:

https://s.disco.ac/tsgekhxsfjxc

Listing: https: //www.taxi.com/listings/S250209MN
Sample Tracks: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/sh7p2lkh ... xcdsd&dl=0

Thanks in advance guys,

Dave

[d7guitar]

Newbie here... I loved it. I don't feel qualified to give feedback yet, since i've a lot to learn still.
I just wanted to say hello and it sounds great.

[BMiller]

Hey Dave.... I think it's sounding very good. I've done a few of these type of cues in the past, and I would always get feedback on adding another element to the mix to help with the repetitiveness. So maybe a very subtle metal like percussion sound at 48 seconds, or 1:48 might help, or some type of pulse like the first song example has starting at 1:24. I'm sure others on here will have great ideas.
Hope that helps!
Brad

[RealPickle]

Hey Dave,

It's a good track! I've also done a few of these types of cues and I think it's got the right vibe. I agree with Brad that at about :48 it starts to feel a bit repetitive. Would hate for you to get the dreaded "needs more development" feedback.

Also, compared to the references, your percussion is really hot in the mix. It's kind of all I notice once it all kicks in. You might try balancing it a bit more, and maybe not bring it all in until later. That might help with item #1 as well.

Good luck!

[davidagates]

Hi gents,

Incredibly helpful feedback, as ever.

Absolutely great notes and stuff that I'll implement without a doubt, it's a definte art to balance out that simple soundscape without it becoming boring. I think you're both spot on, little bits here and there to keep the ears engaged and then hold off on the percussion.

I intend to hit this hard with a few cues so I apprciate the help!

Regards,

Dave

[cosmicdolphin]

I would start out with one of the pad like sounds and save the bass until later and bring it in at the same time as the drums. This way you're giving an ediot a couple of distinct options and a defined edit point.

12s - Transition sound ( the one that sounds loke a robot pteredactyl ) is a bit loud

25s - the high perc is too loud as mentioned by others

47s - I'm bored by this point as it's too repetitive - consider some sort of harmonic shift - go to some different chords for a few bars and then come back at the breakdown

1:48 - We've already heard this section before ( I think you maybe added a high string/pad ) but it's too similar to previous sections. I'd be tempted to hold off some of your ticky percs until this section to differentiate it more

Mark

[davidagates]

I would start out with one of the pad like sounds and save the bass until later and bring it in at the same time as the drums. This way you're giving an ediot a couple of distinct options and a defined edit point.

12s - Transition sound ( the one that sounds loke a robot pteredactyl ) is a bit loud

25s - the high perc is too loud as mentioned by others

47s - I'm bored by this point as it's too repetitive - consider some sort of harmonic shift - go to some different chords for a few bars and then come back at the breakdown

1:48 - We've already heard this section before ( I think you maybe added a high string/pad ) but it's too similar to previous sections. I'd be tempted to hold off some of your ticky percs until this section to differentiate it more

Mark

Brilliant stuff as ever mate, I'll get this worked in. Do you not think the chord shift will be regarded poorly given they said "keep in around one idea", personally I'd like to, it is repetitive, you're absolutely right. Also, Pteeredactyl? Love it. Don't envy the guy field recording that!

[cosmicdolphin]

Brilliant stuff as ever mate, I'll get this worked in. Do you not think the chord shift will be regarded poorly given they said "keep in around one idea"

Glad my feedback was helpful. About the chord shift: I think it can work within the “keep it around one idea” guideline if done subtly. The key is to make it feel like a natural progression rather than a big, noticeable change.

You’d still maintain the same central motif and tonal vibe, but by shifting the underlying chords for a few bars, you can add emotional depth without breaking the simplicity the brief asks for. It’s less about introducing something entirely new and more about giving the motif a fresh context. Think of it like a slightly different camera angle on the same scene—it keeps things visually (or in this case, sonically) engaging without disrupting the main theme.

For example:

Start with a static chord for most of the track to build tension.
Around :48 or so, subtly introduce a new chord underneath the motif, maybe one that creates a bit more dissonance or suspense, and then resolve back to the original chord later.
This approach would avoid repetition fatigue while staying true to the brief. Plus, editors still have the option to loop sections if needed.

[davidagates]

I've had another swing, it's already much better imo. Didn't see your helpful comments about the change, but I think this is minimal enough to sustain interest but not sound out of place or bombastic.

https://s.disco.ac/llkaprtzvxbf

[JimOfferman]

I've had another swing, it's already much better imo. Didn't see your helpful comments about the change, but I think this is minimal enough to sustain interest but not sound out of place or bombastic.

https://s.disco.ac/llkaprtzvxbf

I really like this version! To my ears, it fits the listing well. Hope you score another forward!