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Songwriter Forum => Feedback on Finished songs => Topic started by: Andyb on May 07, 2019, 03:05:20 PM

Title: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Andyb on May 07, 2019, 03:05:20 PM
It seems like a long time since I posted any new music but here you go, a demo for my new song "Death was a friend". I've experimented a bit with some production techniques and also some clean tones on my bass (once again this a completely bass generated affair). I had the music  recorded and came up with the title and on googling it realised it was very close to a quote from the novel "The grapes of wrath" so I did a bit of research on the book (didn't have time to read it all!) and based my lyrics around it. I would welcome your comments. Calling it a demo for now as I will probably redo it for an EP release  ;)

https://soundcloud.com/user-214476590/death-was-a-friend


lyrics
Death was a friend
[and sleep was his brother]

we are lost in time
but we can't climb out
victims of design
buried all around

in these empty words
can you find your truth
and with feet worn out
we find time to soothe

we are running scared
from death's outstretched arms
turn our blackened hearts
but he means no harm

I will scratch my eyes
'til my fingers bleed
then I'll stare him down
in a blood red scene

But you'll never save anyone
no you'll never save anyone

We raise voices for the missing ones
as we curse the unforgiving sun
dreams like paper as we watch them burn
we are one
we are one

You draw circles where we as we make our stand    
I'll trade punches with a lesser man
make believe we held it in our hands
we are one
we are one

we will lay our heads
on this dust filled land
under empty skies
we make beds in sand

Bellies ache and squirm
with a hungry need
nerves that twist and turn
in his iron seat

But you'll never save everyone
no you'll never save everyone

We raise voices for the missing ones
as we curse the unforgiving sun
dreams like paper as we watch them burn
we are one
we are one

You draw circles where we as we make our stand    
I'll trade punches with a lesser man
make believe we held it in our hands
we are one
we are one

But you'll never save anyone
no you'll never save anyone

We raise voices for the missing ones
as we curse the unforgiving sun
dreams like paper as we watch them burn
we are one
we are one

You draw circles where we as we make our stand    
I'll trade punches with a lesser man
make believe we held it in our hands
we are one
we are one


Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: shadowfax on May 07, 2019, 07:14:41 PM
All I've got to say about this my friend is..fecking brilliant..loved it!! :) :) great guitar sound on the intro as well mate..awesome.
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Andyb on May 07, 2019, 07:18:51 PM
Appreciated mate
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Movin Flavour on May 07, 2019, 07:40:08 PM
Hi Andy,

This is heavy and definitely dark.

Love those guitars, drums and I think the production is excellent, better than a demo.

A tune to get angry to.

Love the vocal effect,

Like the piano ending ,top tune.

Sandeep
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Bankie on May 07, 2019, 08:08:39 PM
The quality around here at the minute is seriously awesome. This is another song I'll definitely be listening to again (and again). Happy to see your other songs are of similar quality and right up my street taste-wise. Sorry, I have nothing constructive to add; I was too busy just enjoying it to properly critique it :)
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Andyb on May 08, 2019, 12:28:03 PM
Really appreciate the comments folks. I was a bit unsure about this song (but then I always am when I come to finishing songs). You're kind words have bolstered my belief in my songwriting which comes and goes. Many thanks
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: PaulyX on May 10, 2019, 09:43:28 PM
Great vocal! Well sculpted track... interesting intro then - BANG! - loads of energy that doesn’t let up until the equally interesting outro. Very dramatic - can imagine it soundtracking something on Netflix. Snare drum maybe a bit relentless around the 4 minute mark? Apart from that detail, loved it.
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: pompeyjazz on May 10, 2019, 09:57:08 PM
This is fabulous stuff Andy. Great laid back intro until we get into the heavy stuff. Brilliant guitar and vocals. Outro with the piano was clever as well as I can just picture the hoards at some large festival demanding an encore. Bravo man  8)
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Andyb on May 11, 2019, 08:51:05 AM
Thanks so much guys. The vocals are actually my biggest gripe. I recorded them after two consecutive gigs with the cover band I play with and to me they sound a bit strained. I think I could do a better job with a well rested voice so will probably redo later
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Andyb on May 17, 2019, 10:07:26 AM
Made my first lyric video for this track
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: tboswell on May 17, 2019, 11:25:43 AM
All sounds really great to me, super rock sound led by the bass as it should be! Your vocals are great, you don't need to be concerned about those.

Piano at the end is really effective. Like the whole thing very much :-)
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Inanité_sonore on May 17, 2019, 11:44:20 AM
Hello,

It's a great piece ! I really like the sound of the intro. The guitars are very good and the voice too.
The end to the piano is perfect.

The whole sounds really professional!

IS
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Sterix on May 17, 2019, 08:25:27 PM
Loved this one. Reminded me of a band that I can't for the life of me remember who (damn crap memory is haphazzard at best). It's on the tip of my tongue but won't quite talk to my brain... whatever, it's a good song!
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: RealKevM on May 17, 2019, 11:11:27 PM
This is pretty brilliant
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Cawproductions on May 18, 2019, 06:50:28 AM
Andy.

This is really good mate and right up our street.

Great driving feel, vocals top notch, although felt a little quiet in places but hey, as a track, Frickin cool vibe.

Listened a few times, has a very pro sound and feel, easily suitable for TV or media sync.

Well done Andy.
Thumbs up from sunny (Rainy) Plymouth this morn.
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: Skub on May 20, 2019, 07:01:41 PM
Yo Andy.

That intro and the tension generated was inspired.

It's a fine rocker,well delivered.

Loved the vocals and the surprise ending.  8)
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: cowparsleyman on May 20, 2019, 07:11:56 PM
Whato @Andyb (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20943) well delivered and carefully organised rock number, cut through on an iphone the bath...

I found the video a distraction from the song as i was wondering when something was going to happen.

Good job, i always find rock a very tricky genre to nail, production wise..I’ll get there one day.
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: David Christy Jones on May 28, 2019, 11:53:34 PM
Great song for sure! :D
I have to say though, what overshadowed the song was the stellar production, for me. That drum mix is gorgeous, particularly that deep and punchy snare. Kudos to whoever tensioned the drums too.

Can't wait to hear more!
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: MonnoDB on May 29, 2019, 10:34:13 PM
Fab as always.. Just love your vocals as always, that accent really works for me :)!

Everything very well played and produced.. I'll be listening to this a fair few times I predict. Fab!
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: macker71165 on May 29, 2019, 10:54:16 PM
Very good song  very catchy melody , well produced  great chorus
Well sung..well played  overall  quality tune mate👍
Title: Re: First new song in 6 months!
Post by: digger72 on June 13, 2019, 08:19:43 PM
Hi Andy,

This is quality.
Production is great - wished my finished tracks sounded as good as your "demos."
Pro sounding throughout for me.
Can't really say much more - other than I wouldn't be disappointed if it was on one of my fave artists albums.

Digger