2 Bitter + a packet of crisps danke

[Mark M.O.T.D.]

Hi Mark - You have some really cool sounds happening here!

I'm really digging the drum sounds in particular. It's been a really interesting exercise to hear how many completely different drum sounds different mixers are getting out of the same set of multi-tracks. Your drum sounds have a particular quality that is in some of my favorite drum sounds. It's pretty hard to describe, but has to do with the way the compression envelope "flexes" in sympathy with the drum hits and creates this really compelling mixture of clear transient attack and soft, "pillowy" sustain that match in level so that neither dominate in a way that takes you out of the moment of the song. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing there is a fair bit of compression at work on the drum buss and on the room mics.

That said, I'm hearing a bit of compression pumping causing different hihat and cymbal hits to "jump out" a bit unnaturally as the compression envelope opens and closes on the kick and snare hits. Another very minor point: The cymbals and hihats also take on a very slightly crunchy, lo-fi "tearing paper" texture. I guess it would be pretty hard to get the aggressive sounding drums without the heavy processing, but there might be a way around it by perhaps keeping the overheads in a cleaner signal path, or at least the top end of the overheads.

The instrumental part of the mix in general sounds really good - it has a really good, lively feel to it, that compliments the energetic nature of the tempo and song down to a tee.

The other area that needs work (IMO) is the lead vocal. Overall it is a bit buried and a little muddy and indistinct sounding. For example, around 3:20, the word "comfortable" is almost inaudible.
I'd suggest pulling out some boxiness and mud in the lead vocal and getting it to cut through more in the top end. Some more leveling through automation/compression would help it stay more up front in the mix too.

Overall, pretty cool. Thanks for coming to the party and bringing a nice little gift!

Many thanks for your kind and very astute comments, You're absolutely right about the vocals and hi-hats, I shall do my best
to try and remedy the situation, again thanks for taking the time to listen and offer such helpful and perceptive comments. A.T.B. Mark