The Creative Complex ‘26

JUDGES' BREAKDOWN

1. LEX the Lexicon Artist

   8.33/10 score · rank #5 of 23
   VOCALS 8

   PRODUCTION 8

   CHALLENGE 9

   Thing 1 being compared to Thing 2 Society / Capitalism = A Cannibal or Killer. But it goes further, “The body only knows bodies Only sees others as bodies to add Bodies of people, water, Of course they take Bodies of land” “The Body” here referring to the “system” and those in power taking whatever they want, and “take enough bodies” referring to… literally kiling people. genius. I got insane full body chills from the layering of vocals and the production meshing together. 1:50 - AAAAAAAAAAAAA (DEMENTED SCREECHING) Excellent incorporation of the singing layers + the “ee-ee” sample. Eerie. The prod is a bit muddy overall and could use some EQ although I think part of this is intentional. The deep soothing voice of the vocalist and the lofi sound of the track enhances the creepiness Really like the various uses of the syllables “body” in different words and contexts Not sure how you captured the visceral horror of a man eating zombie in the composition and arrangement of the song. But it works exceptionally well and I was scared shitless. I don’t think I could listen to this at midnight.

2. Ben Tarkus

   5.67/10 score · rank #22 of 23
   VOCALS 5

   PRODUCTION 5

   CHALLENGE 7

   I think the challenge here was met in full force, but I struggled with the beat and vocals at times here. The droning works for the challenge itself but I think against the overall song delivery.

3. Richie Branson

   6.33/10 score · rank #19 of 23
   VOCALS 6

   PRODUCTION 6

   CHALLENGE 7

   I feel like I can be somebody. Hook is strangely catchy at times. I feel like the overall structure of the song might roam a bit too wildly. Beat is delightfully creepy. Vocal mix is kind of all over the place. Needs to be tighter.

4. Mark Cooper

   7.00/10 score · rank #19 of 23
   VOCALS 7

   PRODUCTION 6

   CHALLENGE 8

   First thing, I could say for sure that I embodied the entire song! Haha. This was such a clever way of using one word and making it a metaphor to string along with common phrases in the verse. Well done. Only issue would be the transitions of the verses to the hooks were a little rough volume level wise and it was very noticeable. I feel the vocal harmonies throughout could be tucked more in the back with a saturation or filter to make it more ambient and less distracting throughout the mix. Other than that good work. ● Production: love the use of the vocal portion for the drum/ snare combination. Very simple and minimal. As a producer I would recommend throwing a little more compression on the kick so it pops out more and gives the vocalist more support throughout the track. Solid track!

5. Klopfenpop

   7.00/10 score · rank #14 of 23
   VOCALS 8

   PRODUCTION 5

   CHALLENGE 8

   OnlyOneRonin's flow is hypnotic in a good way. the vocals are a bit pitchy in spots, but most of that could have come down to part selection and blending in the mix. But I do really love the intentional pitch drift on "bodies bodies bodies". I love that the imagery of the metaphor paints a vivid picture itself. I can see the piles of bodies. This is a really insightful angle on the way capitalist forces can eat through entire communities of people. The body-based production was a perfect choice--I love a good meta. This beat would fit right in on an episode of Doug. This mix is real rough though. It takes a lot of careful treatment to make all body sound really fill out a mix. On the beat and the vocals, I'm hearing mostly midrange. They could also use some treatment like compression and EQ to clean it up a bit.