The 2004 Elemental Music Compo
Competition Results
Fire Category
First Place: Ignifera Clamosus by BotB, featuring Ethelion, with a score of 42.75!
Second Place: [ kromos feeniks ] by Alterfish Gravity, with a score of 39.625!
TIED AT Third Place: A Dancing Flame by skyscape/Libris, with a score of 38.50!
TIED AT Third Place: Morkamon - Heborian Theme by Iwellius, with a score of 38.50!
Fifth Place: Sweetness Arrives by Slog, with a score of 35.50!
Sixth Place: Autumn Fire by Iverson, with a score of 24.25!
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Ignifera Clamosus - First Place / Winner
by Benefit of the Boomerang, featuring Ethelion
Download (1685 downloads)
Score: 42.75Artist's Comments: Why fire... the aim was to produce a phat, pounding sound which would both burn heavily on low frequencies as well as lick the high peaks.. Like.. engulfing molten ambience to steam you up for distorted raw edged guitar riffs, accompanied by some pounding broken sledgehammerbeats. Igniting your speakers.
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
This one's definately a fire tune. The artist's description provides more insight into the tune, but it's feelings of rage and furiosity seem to clench the deal for me. Though, it seems to be a fire that starts strong, and then burns off fairly quickly... followed with another burst of intense flame or two, and ending with a few smoldering embers... 20 of 20 points.
Musicality
There are some rather odd moments in this tune. Times when things don't quite line up harmonically. It's not blatently easy to tell if this was done to add to the tension of the tune, or perhaps might be an afterthought; I'm mainly speaking of the little counter-melodic riff which clashes (at times) with other parts of the song. I can't knock the tune too much for that, however. One last thought, though, about the structure; there should be more variety between the different sections; I feel that parts of the tune repeat a bit too often from time to time. 6 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
This one's fairly original and also is creative; however, it's not really pushing the envelope as it stands. There could be more variation (in the drums, for example) in spots. 5 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
This one's quite complicated in spots, there's a lot going on. Technically speaking, things seem to work well as they are; the samples sound good (nice guitars), but I still don't quite like the unmatched nature of the chords and the counter-melody idea mentioned above. 7 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 20+6+5+7 = 38 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
Fire! - Got it! - Slow and Fast - Wild / overwhelming - non directional a life of it's own - scary and beautiful -- woo hooo! 20 of 20 points.
Musicality
Well written - good beats - everything compliments everything and everything fits - I like the wind sounding instruments in the background - I LIKE IT! 10 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Unfortunately it sounds like a good deal of the alternative/punk rock that I listen to - but many aspects have a lot of originality - so almost perfect. 8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Very well put together - professional quality - everything is equally powerfull. 10 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 20+10+8+10 = 48 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
20 of 20 points.
Musicality
8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
9 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
9 of 10 points.
Comments
I really enjoy how the composer has chosen just the right instruments to portray fire. This is a great track; it definitely belongs in this category. I love the beats!!!! Excellent choice of style, and very creative! The tempo of this track makes me think of a quick burning flame, dangerous, and overpowering.
Overall Score: 20+8+9+9 = 46 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
Yes, definatly fire. The metal guitar of course works well here, but I love the lo-fi breaks. Almost genius. The weird synth in the right field somehow even work to this category. 18 of 20 Points.
Musicality
Musically there isn't a lot going on here. For the most part of the track it's monotonous riffs over two chords. The lead that emerges (2:13) is rather simple and uninspired. 5 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
In some aspects this track is very creative (lo-fi sounds, synth, overall atmosphere). However the guitar and percussion really do alot of things we've heard many times before. 7 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Definately the best production here. Great sound quality, great mixing. Very complex and full of texture. Again I have to complain about the lead guitar (2:13). Very weak sample choice and doesnt fit in the mix well. Also I think the snare is too loud, it sounds really nasty at high volumes. 9 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 18+5+7+9 = 39 points
Final Average: (38+48+46+39)/4 = 42.75 of 50 Possible Points
[kromos feeniks] - Second Place
by Alterfish Gravity
Download (1405 downloads)
Score: 39.625Artist's Comments: I think this track fits in the fire category because its sharp sounds, the saw waves for example. I also added quite much force and speed to the beats, because i think fire certainly is a powerful thing. Jennifer's vocals are also so spicy and hot, that they boost up the fiery spirit of the track. ;)
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
I do feel this one's a bit firey, even spunky. The effects seem to help the feelings shine through. Also, I sense some agitation and frustration in the tune, which seem to be emotions related to fire. I'll say 17 of 20 points for this one.
Musicality
This one's got enough to stand on it's own very well. There are a few times I can't feel overly confident in the timing of the rhythm; and a really "firey" lead would have added so much to this tune. Musically, here's 6 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
This one's definately original and creative. The vocal sample doesn't really fit in my opinion, but really, this tune's got a nice blend of styles to form something that's quite original. 9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
The tune's fairly well made, and blends several different styles together well. I feel there are some balance issues; some of the effects are a bit much in places, but really this tune feels like it's fairly solid. 7 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 17+6+9+7 = 39 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
It's fire all right! - I would pretty much just be repeating the synopsis that came in the package - It's definitely powerful, sharp & dangerous - as is fire. 20 of 20 points.
Musicality
Music is written pretty well - but some sounds seem to contradict to me. There's just a few things that rub me wrong and make me squint my eyes. 7 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Very original - the vocals - while done in this manner before - were pretty hot and did add a lot to the song. It reminded me of some of my music from years past - which is why I dropped one point. 9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Pretty Good - some of the beats were a little distorted and hard on the ears (speakers) - on purpose or not I don't know - so I'll deduct just a bit. 7 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 20+7+9+7 = 43 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
15 of 20 points.
Musicality
7 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
7.5 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
8 of 10 points.
Comments
A nice track, quick tempo, to represent a burning flame, it fits into this category, and hey, nice vocals!! *wink* I like how they turned out!
Overall Score: 15+7+7.5+8 = 37.5 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
Out of all the entries, this track seems to represent fire the best to me. The claustrophobic atmosphere created by the pads works wonderfully, the busy and dense sound fits perfectly to fire. I dont think the vocals quite represent fire the way you said, but they make the track a little more interesting. 18 of 20 Points.
Musicality
Simple melodies and harmonies work well here, they are arranged nicely and contrast well against the more complex percussion. My only complaint is there seems to be a lack of structure and the track seems to repeat itself too many times by the end. 6 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
A very unique track in most aspects. Lots of stuff going on especially in the percussion, very good attention to detail. The saw lead is definately not original, but otherwise a very original track. 8 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Pretty good overall. There is some noticeable feedback in the vocal sample, the bass sample seems to put out a lot of air, but but other samples sound great. Well mixed, powerful track. 7 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 18+6+8+7 = 39 points
Final Average: (39+43+37.5+39)/4 = 39.625 of 50 Possible Points
A Dancing Flame - Third Place
by skyscape/Libris
Download (1402 downloads)
Score: 38.50Artist's Comments: Fire can be extremely destructive, frightening or dangerous, but I decided to make a playful song instead. Think of a little flame, perhaps dancing on the end of someone's lighter in a seedy club.
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
Oh wow :) I definately see a seedy club in this one. More like a strip club I suppose; with this kind of music going on as the girls... dance... But um, back to the song! Yes. Indeed, the tune seems to capture some of the essence of the hot, passionate happenings in the club; yet I don't quite feel like I'm burning up completely... 16 of 20 points.
Musicality
Very nice work in this one; it's a great playful tune with a nice (but yet slightly snooty) lead, and some great ambience. The drums really help the atmosphere as well. Also, some nice voicings in the chords. 9 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Great work; just enough variation to really keep your foot tapping most of the way through, though at times there could be more. 8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
The whole thing sounds great, really; it's a little odd with the fade-out ending, but this kind of tune is hard to end "just right" anyway. Nice cymbals and drums, and great strings for this kind of tune. There could perhaps be more ambient stuff, maybe some low audience noise ("Ooh's" and "Ahh's" every now and then, too!), perhaps some glasses clanking about; more club noise :) However, it's great as it is, especially since it really does make me think of a night club. 8 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 16+9+8+8 = 41 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
I wouldn't have heard "fire" without reading the synopsis. I felt a little water in here so I deducted a couple of points. But, I see it now - more like a fireplace or a campfire that you dance with - a lighter is too small for this song. 18 of 20 points.
Musicality
Music is good - it all sounds nice together and compliments itself very well. 8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Ever watch Shaft? Reminds me of the 70's "cop"/"spy"/"PI" theme songs - so a little gone on the originality. 5 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
It is put together very well - everything fits. 9 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 18+8+5+9 = 40 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
20 of 20 points.
Musicality
8 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
8 of 10 points.
Comments
This song is so cool, because it is very playful sounding, like the composer describes. It fits in this category quite well!! I can indeed picture a small flame dancing around on a lighter. Way cool!
Overall Score: 20+8+8+8 = 44 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
lol, well I enjoyed this track but Im not sure if you can seriously attach this to the fire element. Honestly I dont see fire represented in this track. However I can definatly see something dancing, a flame? Well maybe. 8 of 20 Points.
Musicality
Well this track is more about the feeling than the music, but it does a nice job. The main thing is that it keeps the listener interested for the duration of the track when they aren't dancing. Its structured well and fades away before it has a chance to get repetitive. 7 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
Well this is following a very familiar style with little variation. I dont see alot of originality here, but there are some nice creative riffs and melodies from time to time, and I love the main melody. 6 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Very good sound quality, mixed very well. I think the track could use a litte compression as the volume is a little low and the beat doesnt come through the mix very well as it should in a dance track. 8 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 8+7+6+8 = 29 points
Final Average: (41+40+44+29)/4 = 38.50 of 50 Possible Points
Morkamon - Heborian Theme - Third Place
by Iwellius
Download (1690 downloads)
Score: 38.50Artist's Comments: Morkamon - Heborian Theme is quite a new file and I finished it about 2 weeks ago for a friend's novel: It's literally about a warlike norman folk called the Heborer. Niashandra is growing up there in times of conflict and struggles as surrounding rural areas constantly try to conquer this folk. What I connect with fire in this song is the effect of the impressions towards Niashandra. She's growing up in a rude and unkindly world in which the only goal seems to be fighting for life with weapons, murder and saving ones body from torture and rape. As a child, she asked herself for reasons, but as time passes with all these battles, pain and unsolved questions, her heart burned and her eyes just reflect intertwining and destructive flames of hatred towards all that comes in front of her scarred face.
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
Well, going from the artist's description, I can see some fire in this tune. It wouldn't have been my first thought, really; I see it as more of an earth tune in a way. There are definately moments where I do see fire, though. 14 of 20 points.
Musicality
Outstanding! Very well thought out. The tune's got lots of great moments. I love the drums! The effects used really help the tune musically as well; they're well used. There's a lot of good dynamic contrast in this tune as well. 10 of 10 points!
Originality and Creativity
Very original, very creative! It's a perfect blend, and it has many wonderful moments. I suppose it could stand to have a bit more excitement in it; but overall, very nicely done. 10 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically, this tune rocks. There are a FEW moments when some voices seem to either fade away too quickly, or almost disappear; however, these issues are barely worth mentioning. The balance is wonderful; everything blends together well. Good transitions, and great implementation. I love the samples used; they all sound great, and at times give this tune an almost eerie feeling. 9 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 14+10+10+9 = 43 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
Fire? No. / Water - Yes. Slow, Powerful - gains speed eventually takes everything down in it's path. It slows at the end which doesn't make me think of fire. I hear a little in the dancing high pitches - so I can give it a few points. 5 of 20 points.
Musicality
WOW! I really like this one - I might want to burn it off and keep listening. It is a very moving piece.
WOW! I didn't even read the synopsis before I was getting ready to write. "I see an old indian tribe on a sad journey in this music" Then I read it ... Excellent story telling in music (sorry about the fire thing). 10 of 10 points.Originality and Creativity
I'm torn here ... it's so good, but it sounds like music from some tribal movies - or do the movies reflect the music - I'll have to give it good marks because it is making me think too much - again - sorry about "Fire." 10 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Professional Quality - talk to a producer - WOW! 10 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 5+10+10+10 = 35 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
20 of 20 points.
Musicality
9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
9 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
10 of 10 points.
Comments
Very creative track!! Excellent job indeed. I love the storyline behind the song, and I definitely think this song is fitting into this category. I love the use of instruments, very diverse, and selective. Nice sounding arrangement, very professional sounding.
Overall Score: 20+9+9+10 = 48 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
I have a hard time tying this track to fire, and after reading your comments I see this track really has little to do with fire. You try to connect fire to the girl's hatred, but I dont hear this anywhere in the music, with maybe the exception of the intro and outro. Most of the track seems too light and spirited to represent the hatred you explained. 5 of 20 Points.
Musicality
There are a great many ideas in this track, some very nice melodies and soundscapes. Lots of detailed parts and really an excellent work. I enjoyed the piano part especially. I would have to complain that the structure seems a little messy at times as the track seems to not be sure where it wants to go. 8 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
A very creatitive piece. Lots of ideas through melody and harmony. Some nice mixes of orchestral and elctronic music. A very unique and special track IMO. 8 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
This is one part where the track is damaged. Some of the samples are very weak and really detract from the atmosphere. At some points the sound is rather sloppy, and often the panning is not very well balanced. This track could be much more powerful with better sound samples, proper mixing, and a little more control in the more climatic parts. 7 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 5+8+8+7 = 28 points
Final Average: (43+35+48+28)/4 = 38.50 of 50 Possible Points
Sweetness Arrives - Fifth Place
by Slog
Download (1371 downloads)
Score: 35.50Artist's Comments: Well I think this song fits into the fire element. First of all I entered this song for the fire category cause one day when I was sitting and looking into our fireplace I suddenly got some ideas for a song. So this song is even inspired from fire. I think this song is my best, and I really like it.
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
This one really seems to fit the fire element well. It's got a lot of sharp and "hot" sounding moments, as well as some vivid image-inducing elements. Though, small parts of the song almsot sound a bit earthy, too... 17 of 20 points.
Musicality
This tune's got some great moments, and though the beat is pretty static, it's got enough variation to make the tune stay interesting throughout. Nice effects as well; some I wouldn't really have thought would be present in a fire entry. 9 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
The song's quite like some of the trance/club mixes out there today, using several common effects and elements of the genre. However, it's well written and very listenable. 5 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically, the tune is great. There are well chosen (and well used) samples and effects, though there could be more variation in spots. Also, the tune has a nice balance, and even some good dynamic contrast; though there could be even more. 7 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 17+9+5+7 = 38 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
I don't know where I would put this one - really it's a process of elimination. It doesn't fit the other three - so Fire it is. It's fast and driving so it shold make it pretty well in the fire -- lets see if it ends like I think it should to complete this thought... Ooooh oooh, there's the ending - sudden - like fire being put out -- good for another point. 16 of 20 points.
Musicality
Disco here we come - Pretty good music - It all fits together very well, some sounds overpower others a little. 8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
I hear bits of a lot of different things I've heard before - but not put together quite like this so - originality is pretty high. 9 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
It sounds good - composed very well - just a few things that seem to overpower but maybe that was the intention. 9 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 16+8+9+9 = 42 points
Comments from Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
10 of 20 points.
Musicality
10 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
8 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
9 of 10 points.
Comments
Pretty groovy song. Not sure it fits into the fire category so well, as I don't see much relevance. I'm not even sure which category I would recommend it should be in, but I do like the style of the song! Nicely put together, and very original sounding, it has your own touch to it indeed. Keep it up slog! :)
Overall Score: 10+10+8+9 = 37 points
Comments from obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
I understand that this track was inpsired by fire, but it doesnt work as well bringing the listener to your understanding of the element. I hear alot of space-like melodies which takes me in the opposite direction of fire. However the percussion loop that comes in (2:49) seems to bring the track back to earth and maybe I can see a tribe sitting around the fire... but then the lead synth comes back in and well, doesnt fit the scene anymore. 5 of 20 Points.
Musicality
Some nice and catchy melodies here, but a very simple and common chord structure lies underneath. Unlike most trance this track is structured more to my taste, as its shorter and leaves less room for repetition. 6 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
Well trance is hard to be creative or original in. There really isn't a lot here we haven't heard before, but still there are a lot of nice ideas, but I think more could have been done to seperate this track from the usual trance and gear it towards this competition. 5 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Definately your best production ever. Great sound quality, mixed very well. Sometimes it seems like alot of sound is coming from center with alot of delay effects. I think a little spread on the panning would help very much. 9 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 5+6+5+9 = 25 points
Final Average: (38+42+37+25)/4 = 35.50 of 50 Possible Points
Autumn Fire - Sixth Place
by Iverson
Download (1626 downloads)
Score: 24.25Artist's Comments: This track is in fact inspired by an accident i had as a child, together with a friend; causing a big fire, burning down a big field...
This was in autumn ... autumn brings a beautiful firey colour to nature, so seeing these colours together with the massive impact real fire can do was breathtaking ... looking back on it the whole thing seems sort of calming, fire is dangerous but even so the memory of it seem to make a relaxing, beautiful picture.
So, in essence, this is a piece of music to describe how beautiful fire is as a picture but how cruel and dangerous it can be in real life. How fire is a two-egged sword, beautiful and necessecary yet dangerous and destroying ... dr. jekyll and mr. hyde ... good and evil ... heaven and hell ... peace and war ... love and hate.
Another dimension to this fire is of course that in the years since that fire this field looks more beautiful than ever before ... the fire brings new life, flowers, trees, grass, insects and animals ... God giveth, God taketh away ... death and life ... past and future ...
Fire contains every contrast ...
Comments by Christofori
Relevance to Theme and Category
I feel this tune fits into the fire category well enough. I do get the feeling of a slow and burning death of sorts; well in line with the artist's description for the tune. I don't really feel what the artist might have intended, though (at least not entirely); really, what was described must have been a wonderfully awesome sight; but, I can't help but feel that the music should convey more of that awe, as well as some danger or fear. Fire is very destructive; this tune sounds more like a slow or even smoldering fire, near the end of it's life. 15 of 20 points.
Musicality
This tune could stand more variation. More exciting moments; more of that awe that was described, yet I didn't feel it from the music itself. Really, though, the theme and idea of the tune are solid; it just needs more. 4 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Pretty original; but I feel that the tune could have been developed to be so much more. Perhaps a progressive section where the tempo quickens, the structure becomes more dense, and even more hectic -- like the heartbeat of a young child who's emotions begin to run wild as he realized that he's gonna be in trouble for burning up a big field! 3 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Technically, the tune works well, but tends to be a bit redundant. The same theme repeating; more variation would provide a lot more interest. However, the scratchy sounds add a lot of atmosphere; almost like flickering flames dancing in the wild night. Very spooky ambience, with the low voicings. Nice work, but it leaves me feeling as though it's lacking something. 4 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 15+4+3+4 = 26 points
Comments by AladdinSane
Relevance to Theme and Category
I don't get fire - not even a little - fire is more exciting. I see EARTH - something slow, steady, unmoving, repetitive, Kind of like listening to grass grow. Good synopsis though - wrong song. 0 of 20 points.
Musicality
Repetitive, interesting concepts - stuck in a loop unless I missed something. 4 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
Never heard anything like it - so - it's good here for Original. Creative..? 7 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
Not sure I like the overpowering "noise" / distortion / record popping - (remember, I'm not a musician, I just listen to A LOT of music) - thought it was going to hurt my speakers. I think I would like to hear this one without the noise, the background "music" sounds kind of interesting. 3 of 10 points.
Overall Score: 0+4+7+3 = 14 points
Comments by Annonymous
Relevance to Theme
20 of 20 points.
Musicality
6 of 10 points.
Technical Quality
5 of 10 points.
Originality and Creativity
8 of 10 points.
Comments
I would have to agree with the composers comments on this track, it certainly makes you picture a beautiful burning fire, something peaceful and enjoyable, however, I felt the song to be quite repetitive, not much in the way of technical quality, I would have enjoyed hearing a lot more instruments added into this song, perhaps some horns, or some other piano chords. Overall, a very calming song, but needs some definite spicing up! Good job!
Overall Score: 20+6+5+8 = 39 points
Comments by obScene
Relevance to Theme and Category
Well I wonder if the fire-like sample was gone, would I still be able to identify this as fire? This track seems a bit too calm and mundane. However reading your comments does paint an interesting image and suddenly I can see this in the music. It's interesting. 10 of 20 Points.
Musicality
This track is only musical for the first few seconds. The bass could stand to do something different but it never does. The guitar really never does enough to distract from the five minutes of repetition. I dont understand why this track is not simply one minute long instead. 2 of 10 Points.
Originality and Creativity
Original, yes very. Creative, not really. It seemed like the creativity only counts for about 4 bars of music, when the repetition starts, the creativity ends. 3 of 10 Points.
Technical Quality
Very low quality. Too many low frequencies, low quality samples, poor use (or lack) of panning. Lots of pops and hisses that could have easily been elinated with an hour of work. After the music stops there is a minute long fadeout!!! 3 of 10 Points.
Overall Score: 10+2+3+3 = 18 points
Final Average: (26+14+39+18)/4 = 24.25 of 50 Possible Points
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