1. Darkest Shine
   Random-storykeeper
2. Jaws by the Lake
   OMGitslewis
3. Backseat
   A2Z

Thematic concerns put these three candidates at the top.

Musical flexibility put Random-storykeeper on top of the pile.

I also really enjoyed OMGitslewis's sound design.

Backseat is good as well, but short, and feels incomplete.

1. Tough Friend
   Misael.K
2. Gatorskin Boots and Tequila Concert
   Koekepan
3. Backseat
   A2Z

1) "Tough Friend" - Because electric guitar sounds fit the "toughness" aspect you're going for here. I hear them and think motorcycles, then leather. Some of the instrument choices are a little too lush for me, but they're mostly overpowered by the guitar drive, and I actually really like that.

2) "Gatorskin Boots and Tequila Concert" - If that bass was boosted and the lead was mixed in better with the rest of the track, this would have been my first pick. I hear the introduction and I think "slick". And I do like that lead; I just think it sticks out a little too much.

3) "Backseat" - I really like the mix of sounds you're going for here, with the piano and those chords with the delays. It's a bit on the short side, and I wish the piece had more of a "drive" to it. But what you ended up with is a very nice blend of music.

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Honourable mentions:

"Shittin Chitin" - My 4th place pick. I like the instrument choice. Love the intro. But I wasn't really a fan of the melody this week.

I also like "ice zone" but I can't come up with a proper reason for what I like about it. It's just...nice and very johnfn... :)

1. Backseat
   A2Z
2. Losing another day every day
   NickC
3. Crazy Smooth Touch
   obScene

A2Z: love those sounds and those chords. Great job!

NickC: very dark and ominous, not what I imagined the theme to be, but very good nevertheless.

obScene: pretty tunes and melodies. Really enjoyed this. Some mixing issues with the lead, though.
 

awesum: A2Z, johnfn, NickC, obScene.
good: Arcana, Koekepan, OMGitslewis, Random-storykeeper.