Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE VOTING!

(It's a little different this time around.)​

You are rating one of sixteen riffs in Round 1 of the February 2010 Riff-Off. Each of the other fifteen riffs can be heard and rated in the Tips and Clips room. More information about the Riff-Off can be found here.

Contrary to previous Riff-Off tournaments, this month's Riff-Off has no bracket; each riff will be rated on an individual basis according to a seven-point scale. Once all of the polls have closed, the scores for each riff will be averaged, and the eight contestants with the highest average scores will advance to Round 2.

I encourage you to score each of the sixteen riffs. You may wish to listen to each riff before voting in order to establish a baseline. Of course, you are free to score riffs however you like, in whatever order you like. You could even give each riff the same score, if your impressions dictate so. It's all in your hands!

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 is a link to this contestant's Round 1 riff: Last Place

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

Have fun!

- Keith

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

The technique is cool and it's well played. But the concept doesn't hit me.

 

[GoDrex]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Wants to be Into The Void, but doesn't quite get there. Not bad but needs something.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

kinda spooky almost early sabbathy kind vibe ... cool

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Definitely reminiscent of Sabbath. I thought three things would improve this. First, tune down another half step or so. Secondly, sit on that root note a little longer at the beginning of the riff. That'll establish the heavy vibe and place a little less emphasis on the transient stuff between the chords. Finally, slow it down just a hair. This isn't an up-tempo recording, but it's got a down-in-the-dumps type of feel, and when you're feeling like that, you just don't want to move. I think you could incorporate that, and it would be heavier without the use of anymore gain.

By the way, I can't give constructive criticism to stuff that sucks. This is very well done, sir.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

I agree we need to slow down a bit and really feel the groove. Right now I feel like we're sitting somewhere between Metallica/Slayer and Sabbath. The note choices really create tension for me, which is great for metal. I think there is good potential for nice sludgy riff.

 

[Gamera]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Reminds me of Trouble which was heavily influenced by Sabbath. I agree it could be cool slowed down a tad. I really want to hear this one with another guitar also. Maybe even played an octave higher, ala Trouble.

 

[B2D]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Well played and good concept, but I'm just not digging it. I applaud the outside the box scalar effort, though.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

not enough sameness to give the differentness relevance in contrast

still cool though

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Agree on the Sabbath comments. I like it for that reason, but the execution could use a bit of work IMO.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Yeah, i heard some old Sabbath/ Ozzy aspect to it too. It sounds similar to a lot of stuff i've heard, but it is well executed. I would have liked it to push the boundaries a little bit more.

 

[Redmist]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Is this not Reign in Blood?

Doesn't really smack me as being very original. Sorry.

 

[elscorcho]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Like the dark vibe....I would like to hear it developed a little more! Cool concept!

 

[Blue Calx]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

I agree that I would like to hear it played at a slower tempo, but I want to hear it swing too.

 

[JollyRoger523]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

At first the Sabbath vibe didn't hit me. After listening to it again it's definitely there.

 

[DankStar]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

lemme start over here:

dig the riff, it just reminds me of Beat It.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

Wants to be Into The Void, but doesn't quite get there. Not bad but needs something.

+1

similar note structure, but different rhythm.

 

[Tor]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

The technique is cool and it's well played. But the concept doesn't hit me.

Same. I think it's got a lot of potential, though.

 

[dd12939]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

My first thought was "Sabbath trying to play Enter Sandman." I like where it's trying to go, but it doesn't quite do it for me. Too simple to be "prog-influenced" and too complicated to be "straight ahead." This is a middle-of-the-road entry for me.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Riff-Off 3.1: Last Place

The tone and coice of notes combined to set an eerie mood that I really liked. The trills were also cool (I wish I could do that!). Please enter again in March.