This review covers the uptempo track Spirograph – Reverse Engineering.
It is unclear when this track was released. Some sources suggest this track was released in 2008, but metadata obtained by Freezenet puts this track as being released in 2005.
The track starts off with some chords that gradually increase in attack. This is followed up by another buildup with the same sounds, only with some percussion work. The cutoff gradually changes with these chords, adding a little bit of extra resonance.
From there, an additional synth is added, giving this track a bit of a melody. The melody fades out, then is echoed with another synth with a similar melody for a brief moment. The track then breaks down a bit before starting to build up again. It’s a false build up that breaks down and then builds up for real on the second round.
After another round of the chorded melody, the track drops off with a subtle version of the main melody that is more constant, but uses a different synth again. After this, the track goes back to a similar synth pattern again.
Towards the end, the final variation of the melody is heard again layered with some of the other effects. After this, the track breaks down for a final time.
What I like about this track is that the melody is simple, yet effective. It’s not just the way the notes are laid out, but it is also the way it is broken up. This gives the track a rather serious feel without being dramatic. This is certainly a nice change of pace for a more serious track as it shows that you don’t actually have to throw in layers upon layers of compressed sound to make an effectively serious track. Sometimes, just the most minimal use of synths can be just as effective.
The downside to this track is the fact that the main melody is just playing out over and over again in different variations. While the variations to add a lot of much needed variety, the track could’ve used a second melody to help break the track up nicely. The main melody, by my count, is about 4 bars long and just repeats in different forms. As a result, the track does lose a bit of staying power because you experience the full extent of the track pretty quickly.
Still, this isn’t a bad track. It’s a good one to listen to every so often while working on something. The variations of the main melody work quite well and even gives this track a nicely realized mood. The downside is that the track is largely the same 4 bar melody over and over again which means the track can be a little repetitive in spite of the many different ways it varies. Overall, it is certainly a track worth listening to, but to be listened to periodically and not over and over again.
Score
7/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Google+.
