1. corrugated paranoia
   cotmm68030
2. Vivid Imagination
   TheVideoGamer
3. The Box (2023 Edition)
   JH Sounds

!

1. it's just a song about the theme. i'm okay, i swear.
   coloradoweeks
2. Short Of Breath
   Misael.K
3. Breaking Out of It
   DDRKirby(ISQ)

I've replied to the comments on discord, so this is irrelevant. On to the actual voting!

TheVideoGamer - This track is basically a waltz, with sort of a cartoony kids type chord progression and melody. To me it reminds me of Pokemon, but to some on the Discord, it's clown music lol. I don't know why, i don't see it nor was i trying to make clown music. The middle does go into some really intricate directions, including a more sustained section that has a bit of epic-ness (It's also where we change the lead melody into something more akin to a trance like synth), a breakdown with a lighter melody and chord progression, and then a crazy arp section that serves as the transition back into the original chord sequence. It's not necessarily the most accurate in regards to the theme for some. However i was writing this in the perspective of 2 homeless guys using their imagination to dream up a better place than the one they're currently living in. It's like a source of optimism if you get me. All in all i actually really like this, super proud of the chords, instead of falling to the same old progressions i usually go for (Not that it matters). Glad you liked it anyways!

Lyra_183 - Welcome back! I think you went a little too hard on the gain this week, a little distorted. Still though, this is lovely singing, you are really good with the melodies! Good job!

DarkShadow - Time Signature craziness as usual. The kick drums are super clicky, this is a full on laser symphony. The bassline is super saw-y, to the point where it sounds like one single buzz lol. It's a very cool piece not gonna lie, but the kick drum isn't really my thing, and the melodies are chaotic as always. Good job though!

cotmm68030 - The 6 minute man in full effect, this time going for some really distorted stuff. Not Merzbow levels of distortion, but there is a lot of rumbling going on. Sounds like an earthquake lol. I want to know what goes on in your mind sometimes, because some of these samples are quite....unique. I like the slowly creeping melody at around 1:30, it really adds something to what is quite the deep almost full on rumbling piece. It's kind of oddly soothing as well, it's not an intense piece, but it's not a sleepy one either. The vocals are kind of masked by the overtly distorted tones powering though, but i do think it needs them, especially for something that's more on the minimalistic side. I do like this idea, it's definately cool, but i don't know. I feel there is potential for more melodic ideas, particularly more upfront melody ideas. As the intense distortion is taking over a lot of the sounds presented here. Still though, it was a lot of fun, good job!

BJKMenu - Never heard of the original, so this should be good. Loving that bassline and guitar combo. You are really great at the guitar, it's super clean and polished. Lots of really lovely riffs here, and some super great drum sounds. Everything just feels very live, which is great. I could also tell a lot of it's live, based on how loose some of the rhythms are. This was just great, definately voting worthy! Awesome work!

Greendjssa - Welcome back, i missed you! Lovely music box sounds, and nice techno like kick. This is gotta bit of a moody, semi spooky vibe to the sound. It's kind of child-like in some parts. That Wintetgatan VST must be your favourite, because you're using it in a lot of your tracks lol. This was a lot of fun, if a bit short. I felt especially towards the end, it was a bit...repetitive. I know you are making a bit of techno like style. Still though, in the end, i ended up giving it to you, because i found more to like than dislike. Well done!

Coloradoweeks - Ooh that was a good intro drum fill. This is smoooth. Lots of sick electric piano chords, and dirty low bass notes. Even has the amazing vocals that i always love, and a very sick drum sound. This is so deep! The mix in this is perfect to boot! Oh and the classic Colorado ending....is non existent? What happened, no delay? Wow, this is not the same Colorado lol. All jokes aside, I can't really say anything else, this is amazing. In fact so amazing, i decided to place it on the top spot! Incredible work!

DDRKirby(ISQ) - Ooh a song if 2 parts, i like that. These are some really sick NES type sounds. You make some incredible NES music, that i couldn't even do. The reverb is quite strong here, but i think this is deliberate, as the room tone is very massive. The melodies are amazing, and quite funky. The percussion is probably a little loud in this, but that's a mere nitpick. The melodies are sick, and the grooves were definately funky. The double time section towards the end, was super satisfying and fits perfectly. So good i placed it 3rd, amazing work!

Arcana - Those are definately some Arcana chords. The kick is very interesting, i think you went way too hard on the sidechain in this. It sounds like a windmill lol. It almost like your slamming hard on all the other instruments as a result. The key modulation was interesting i will say, but i think i sense a lack of time overall, because the piece ends kind of abruptly. Don't be discouraged, this one has a lot of potential it's great. Good job!

Misael.K - Ooh that is an interesting time signature. Lots of cool 7th chords in this. The drums are really lovely, it's got that proper live kit feel. The melodies and chords are great, and the fact it's aided by this cool time signature feel is really what makes the piece. The melody sort of makes it a bit psychedelic, it isn't really it's own distinctive feature, and sort of blends with the rest of the instruments. The chord change around 1:16 was really satisfying, some really cool chord changes in this! Even has a lot dynamic shifts, especially towards the end. This is just one lovely piece, awesome stuff, so awesome i placed it 2nd! Amazing work!

JH Sounds - Ooh were back to Vocal JH. This is kind of a Beatles inspired piece, more on the Paul McCartney side. Not heard the original version, but this one is very great, lots of lovely lyrical content, great singing, and a really nice use of chords! I'll await your replies next week lol. Lots of fun, well done!

Top 3 - coloradoweeks, Misael.K, DDRKirby(ISQ).

BJKMenu is also a contender for the list.

Awesome - BJKMenu, Greendjssa, coloradoweeks, DDRKirby(ISQ), Misael.K, JH Sounds.

Needs Work - Lyra_183, DarkShadow, cotmm68030, Arcana.

1. Hey Boxy Way
   bjkmenu
2. it's just a song about the theme. i'm okay, i swear.
   coloradoweeks
3. Mediocrity
   Arcana

1. Vivid Imagination
   TheVideoGamer
2. Again and Again
   Greendjssa
3. Breaking Out of It
   DDRKirby(ISQ)

TheVideoGamer: an interesting take on the theme. Very playful.

greenjsa: tense and upbeat.

DDRKirby(ISQ): solid 9-bit work.

awesum: Arcana, coloradoweeks, DarkShadow, DDRKirby(ISQ), Greendjssa, TheVideoGamer.
good: bjkmenu, cotmm68030, JH Sounds, Lyra_183.