Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE VOTING!​

You are voting for your favorite riff in Round 2 of the January 2010 Riff-Off. More information about the Riff-Off can be found here. In this round, there are four head-to-head battles. Be sure to check out and vote for your favorite riff in the other three Round 2 matches, also found in the Tips and Clips room. To view the bracket for this month's Riff-Off, go here.

Because not all contestants have access to the same quality of recording equipment, your voting decision should be based first on the actual composition, second on the player's execution of the riff. Try to look past recording quality. Some questions you may want to ask yourself while considering which way to vote: What is the emotional impact of the riff? How original is the riff? Does the riff inspire me? Would I want to hear a whole song built off this riff?

Note that each contestant has chosen a battle name for the Riff-Off; their identities have been hidden from all other contestants and the voting public, and will be revealed at the end of the Riff-Off, when a champion is crowned.

Lastly, while comments are strongly encouraged, please realize that each contestant put personal time and creative energy into his or her submission. If you have any critique to provide in this thread, give the contestants the courtesy of making it constructive. This competition is built on the premises of fun and musical growth.

Here are the links to each clip in this head-to-head:

Inkvayvanhailstone

The Atomic Punk

If you run into any technical issues or have other question regarding the Riff-Off, contact me via email (kgmessier at gmail dot com).

Have fun!

- Keith

 

[tone4days]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

nice battle!

inkvay's is clearly a riff ... straight ahead and easy to sink your teeth into ... i like the tone - suits the mood ... performance could use a little timing tightening and groove relaxing towards the end of the riff ... perfect length for a riff - long enough to develop a theme but short enough to stay a riff ...

atomic's was fun - cool tone and mood ... but it was hard to get my head wrapped around it ... it didnt have that 'instantly singable' quality that i look for in a riff ...

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Going with Inkvay here as the riff was catchy. I just wish the performance was tighter.

AP's entry is certainly well played and the tone is on but it's a bit too death metal for my taste. In short. Don't change for me. Just not my cup of tea.

 

[Jay 77]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Inkvay nailed the concept of a riff to me. Atomic's is some really cool playing but I found it a touch busy to personally call it a riff. In any case, it's great submissions by both of you!

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Inky's does seem a bit too loose. Maybe with a full-band or at least some drums behind it to see what kinda groove he had in mind?
Either way, something about it appeals to me more.


Atomic's is a strong track, but IMO has a bit of a strange blend - Death Metal tone with an almost Alternative melody. Maybe it's just me - I'm half asleep from working last night :lol:

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

inky's is a little too far off from the beat for me to really feel the groove but like has been mentioned, it would probably go well in a band situation.

atomic punk's riff is really cool. about as cool as i expected it to be the pedal notes keep a sense of a chord progression while the above notes provide the melody. i love it!

 

[d1dsj]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

I'm going for AP's riff here, seems that it would be some kind of middle 8 but I like the strange feel to it.

I have to agree that inkvays is more like a true riff and is very well done too.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

I feel like the delay in Atomic Punk's submission really detracts from the riff. Dude, you can play. You don't need to cover it up. Let it speak for itself.

Inkvay's got my foot going immediately. I like the tone, and I like the riff. He had slight variations on the main theme to add color, which isn't always easy to figure out, and it was right to the point. Well done, Inkvay, my vote is yours.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Voted. Finally i hear something that sounds original rather than generic and at the same time i see it is lagging behind (11-5) in the voting. I look for originality, and in both comp's so far, i get the feeling that originality is outta the comp by round 3. It saddens me.

 

[GoDrex]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

I went with AP only because I've got money riding on him...

ok no I'm kidding - seriously though, I had to vote for AP only because just about everything else in the whole contest sounds 35 years old

 

[Redmist]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Went with Inky here, both good riffs but one appealed to me more.
This one could be close.

 

[Gamera]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Both fantastic riffs, and clearly fitting the definition of a riff IMHO.

I had to go with Punk on this one. It has an old school, 80's thrash groove that feels good and sounds as if it's the song's crescendo. I've already suffered through the acoustic intro, the slow ballad beginning, the emotional solo, and now I'm treated to the climax. The money shot. What everything in the song was building up towards and I'm bouncing off the walls while I headbang and mosh around in my pajamas. Well done!

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

I liked both of these. I knew this would be a difficult match up.

I disagree about the "riff" definitions. AP had a distinct Shrapnel Records vibe to it that reminded me of Vinnie Moore's early work.

Inkvay had my toe tapping immediately.

AP held my ear throughout.

Tough call, but vote was submitted.

 

[GoDrex]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

sweet - tied up 14-14

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

These were both great!

It's a shame only one will advance. The deciding factor for me was the pleasantly surprising introduction of the higher pitched notes into what started as a dark, grinding type of riff for AP. The contrast drew me in.

 

[Tor]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Inkvay had my toe tapping immediately.

AP held my ear throughout.

Well said. Both are very good. But Inky's got the edge on this one, ultimately.

That being said, I like AP's tone much better.

 

[Gamera]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

AP had a distinct Shrapnel Records vibe to it that reminded me of Vinnie Moore's early work.

Wow. Big praise IMO. I'll have to listen to them both again through Les' ears.

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Atomic gets my vote. It's tighter, diverse, original and strong. None of them shaked my balls tho LOL

 

[firebirdV]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Again, Inkvay wins the air guitar test, so he gets my vote.

 

[elscorcho]

Re: Riff-Off 2.2: Inkvayvanhailstone vs. The Atomic Punk

Voted!

Two great submissions -both should be proud!