W.A.I.L. I.A.A.C. 1+1+5+ ...
Balance Lost -
Pretty but bland. I didn't mind it at all.
Berkeley Social Scene -
like the vaguely post-punk direction. Can't decide whether it's pretty catchy or slightly clunky. Both, probably.
Brown Word and the Big Whine
Hmm, not so keen on the verses (though I like the harmonies in the second verse very much) but the choruses have me captured. Joan Jett rather than the Runaways. EDIT: Actually I am thinking of Suzi Quatro in the choruses, which is meant as a compliment!
Budget Bears
Well, this plays in my favourite room in the whole big ol' house of music. love it!
Cavedwellers
Love the big ol' drums. Improves any Jethro Tull(circa "Under Wraps") pastiche. Once again, it goes on a fair bit without getting camp enough, but hey, that's a long-standing complaint that you rightly take so notice of ...
Ever Kenievel -
I really like the synth lead under the choruses. The rest not so much.
Governing Dynamics -
The whiney lyric isn't my favoured approach and it must be said (as I'm sure you know) the vocals a bit wavery/pitchy, especially on the chorus. However there's a fair bit here to like in the arrangement. I also like the subtle variation in your style this round but I fear this will be a one off and we'll be back to the Lincoln Parks next time round. Hope not.
Grumpy Mike -
Well, that's adorable. You never said
1890s! I love subpar Bertolt Brecht pastiches and you nailed it.
Heid -
Nice ukulele tone on the chorus. I don't like the verse style choices as much but that's personal taste. It's clearly very well composed and performed so I won't hold it against you.
Hot Pink Halo -
I really am not a fan of this. It should be working for me and I can't quite describe what it is that stops it moving up from average to brilliant in my soggy brain. Sorry about that.
The Lowest Bitter -
I really like the twitchy guitar part very much, but not the vocal. Not that it's bad, just drab and steals the fun out of the tune. I do like the "it if helps" BVs but they come and go and then we're back to the drab bits.
Mandibles -
Ugh. Comedy Country songs about the difficulties of being a touring musician and ... tour buses? Really?? I like the vocal and it does what it says on the tin. That's just a tin I wouldn't have on my shelf.
Max Bombast -
Love the synth-y sound - then due to the Falsetto, it goes a bit Muse to these ears. Or Therapy? Anyway perfectly fine using those criteria, I guess.
Moss Palace -
That is a brilliantly sleazy bass tone/riff. PJ Harvey called and asked if she could have her 4 track demos back
I quite like this one, despite myself.
Nick Soma
Nice atmosphere created by the first 15 seconds. Pretty good. Probably needs a more distinct chorus section but hey what would I know It develops nicely, though I am unsure if story of the words do.
see-man-ski -
My only real problem with this rather Rag 'n' Bone Man-esque track is the 4-chord chord progression is just not interesting enough to support the song. IMO obviously. However it's quite the big problem. For me...
Third Cat -
I think it should be 10-20 bpm faster. It drags after the initial atmosphere. This would sound good with a faster, Depeche Mode-ish arrangement. At least it doesn't hang around too much, but for once I will add it could do and maybe should.
WreckdoM -
Oh no, not to my taste at ALL. I admire the Prefects / Nightingales vibe but i'm not enjoying the song. I think if the mix made a bit more impact, it would move up my list but not by many places. Disappointed fan!
(Crown Shy) -
You see, this is why we shouldn't have immunity at all, as it means a song as good as this kind of falls by the wayside. I love the Laurie Anderson-esque Spoken Word verses and the chorus is fantastic. Best song (not) in the fight and would have voted accordingly if I could.
(Not going to review the shadow entries as is the judge's perogative but I almost did as I liked Dento I-Veg's song a fair bit, and decided not to as I didn't like Lichenthroat's that much and I take no pleasure from endlessly ragging on people.)
j$