Jupiter's Incense (Acoustic Alternative Prog)

[Fuzzy]

http://www.myspace.com/jupitersincense

In the beginning, there was little. To say that there was nothing would be untrue; there must be an initial something for there to be subsequent somethings. The planets, stars, solar systems, and galaxies, and the beings that inhabit them all came from somewhere. But where? I sing a tale of good and evil, of religious metaphors and a different take on reality and the known unknown...

Jupiter's Incense is more than a music project. Based out of Bedford, Virginia and conceived into reality in the summer of 2006, Jupiter's Incense would evolve from a time-consumer side-project to a fully fledged musical endeavor of William Gardner. Fascinated by both fantasy and sci-fi (and the telling of both through a musical medium), Jupiter's always centered around conceptual styling and storytelling. William, writing and recording all material out of a spare bedroom in his home, is nearing completion of the The Act and Art of Breathing. This home-recorded full-length record will catapult the above-mentioned story into motion.

Sounds like - Acoustic/Electric Alternative (with a touch of Progressive)

[Happy_Squirrel]

From Remembrance

Cool. You do a good job of creating a lot with a little. Awesome job of building up as the song progresses. I think it could use some more percussion during the "choruses", perhaps a full-fledged drum kit, programmed or real. Also, it seemed like the overall volume level of the song reached critical mass at a few points and there may have been a bit of clipping, but then it could've just sounded like it since I was listening through the ****-sounding myspace player. But those minor points aside, I think it's a great song.

Moral

Hmmmmm...Well, to be honest I just didn't like this one until it got to the chorus. That part was pretty strong. I didn't like the first verse or the intro. Also, the entire song seemed really trebly and harsh. I would try doing some eq work and try to round off those highs. Again, I think this song would do well with some percussion, maybe some light snare/brush work. If I were you, I'd try to find an experienced drummer who could at least program some percussion for you. My $.02.

Spyglass

Great tune. My favorite so far. No major complaints, except I think it could've used some more percussion near the end to help it build. I like how you use your electric guitar for percussion with the muted stabs at around a minute and half, that was smart.

Of Knife Fights and Hypocrites

Hmm...well, this song didn't really do it for me. It seems like your odd numbered tunes are my preference.

Hawk eye

Interesting song. Started listening and didn't like it, but it grew on me as I kept listening. I think the vocals are a bit too loud and/or up front in the mix. Also, this song did seem pretty similar to the others in terms of arrangement and rhythm. I think some other instrumentation would help to differentiate it from the other tunes.

Would you mind checking out my new one?

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=543851

[Fuzzy]

Thank you for your most interesting points! I can see where you are coming from and I will definately take your advice!

Guitar is actually my second instrument, and I've only been actively playing and perusing it for about a year and a half now. I've actually been playing drums for six years! I've contemplated adding drums to this project and seeing how the songs would sound. Perhaps I'll try it with some songs here and there.

Of Knife Fights - Going to re-record the vocals with a higher harmonizing part (which is actually what I sing when I play this song live, which really keeps it from sounding so dull and muddy.)

Moral- It is pretty harsh on the upper end. I'll adjust some things.

Hawk Eye is an older song of my now-defunct rock band, November's Requiem. I'm phasing it out in order to make room for new songs!

Again thank you very much for your review! That helped me quite a bit! Just to clarify - all of these songs are rough and not the final mixes. Thank you!

Edit: I've taken down the highs in the overall instrumental mix of Moral. I'm also going to be re-recording some vocal bits in some songs. I'll experiment with micing and recording drum parts to some of the songs and I'll see how they turn out. Nothing new is posted in the myspace yet, though!

[Happy_Squirrel]

Hey, I'm glad I could help and thanks for critiquing my piece. I probably kept railing about the drums/percussion so much because I'm also a drummer/guitarer. I know that recording drums can be a pain in the *** (I just got through playing/recording an album's worth of drums for my band). You might think about using a drum program on some of you tracks, at least for the rough arrangements. I've found that it helps me a lot (a good free program is leaf drums, http://www.leafdigital.com/software/leafdrums/). BTW, you're pretty damn good for someone who's only been playing guitar for 1-1/2 years.

[Fuzzy]

Recording drums shouldn't be much of a problem for me, it's just the EQing that I'm going to spend some time on. I just have to get the right sound for this project, you know? I've got all the equipment and mics needed to record a full band, so I'm set.

Thank you very much for your kind words and awesome reviews! I'm recording some more and finishing up a newer song this week, as well as fixing up some oldies!

[einzweiveirfunf]

I know this going to sound a bit lame, but i wrote a review and just before i pressed "post quick reply" I lost connection. Anyways, it's cool. The bass and accoustic guitars go well together, and you got a good rhythm going despite the lack of drums. A bit on and off, some songs i enjoyed a lot more than others, but it was coo.

[Fuzzy]

Thank you very much! I'm almost through recording a new one that is a bit of a step in a different direction for me. I am also pretty sure I'll add some drums in here soon =)

[Fuzzy]

The Dawnstar Heat I: Pylons

Is now in the player! Check it out!

http://www.myspace.com/jupitersincense

[Melting And Yes About TIT]

Ford died bringing red. All furious all.

[Happy_Squirrel]

DawnStar Heat I:

I dig it. This might be my favorite so far. My only suggestion would be to do something to thicken up the sound of the lead guitar, it sounds rather thin and weak. You might try using some reverbe and/or chorus. Also, you might try copying that guitar line to another track and moving the second track a few milliseconds ahead or behind the original to fatten it up. Of course, it'll sound much better and move better with drums, but I know you're planning on adding that, so I'll say no more. Good ****.

So is this going to be followed by Dawnstar II, III, etc.? I'm a pretty big fan of long, pretentious multi-part titles myself, as anyone who's been to my music site can attest. I look forward to the continuation of this epic tragedy or victory or comedy or whatever it shall be.

[Fuzzy]

Ford died bringing red. All furious all.
o_O What?! Sounds cool though.

DawnStar Heat I:

I dig it. This might be my favorite so far. My only suggestion would be to do something to thicken up the sound of the lead guitar, it sounds rather thin and weak. You might try using some reverbe and/or chorus. Also, you might try copying that guitar line to another track and moving the second track a few milliseconds ahead or behind the original to fatten it up. Of course, it'll sound much better and move better with drums, but I know you're planning on adding that, so I'll say no more. Good ****.

So is this going to be followed by Dawnstar II, III, etc.? I'm a pretty big fan of long, pretentious multi-part titles myself, as anyone who's been to my music site can attest. I look forward to the continuation of this epic tragedy or victory or comedy or whatever it shall be.
Yes, it is being proceeded by The Dawnstar Heat II: Larksong. Perhaps another as well, I've not gotten that far yet. It's funny you'd suggest that lead guitar trick, as it is one that I often use! Funny stuff there dude. I actually lowered the volume of the lead guitar in an attempt to make it blend more (First chorus). I'll try what you said though =)

Thank you for your awesome reviews and polite criticisms! I've learned some useful stuff!

[indietrashrock]

"The Dawnstar Heat I Pylon"
this is good. the harmonies are excellent. both the vocal harmonies and the guitar harmonies. especially the acoustic/clean guitar harmonies. the electric guitar drowns somewhat in the pool of voices and acoustic/clean guitars. I actually quite like that. I've never been one for guitar solos or one instrument really dominating the sound picture over the others. I really think your mix is fantastic. I read Richard felt it'd sound and move better with drums, but personally I am actually not as eager on adding drums to this. maybe when the distorted electric guitar strikes in. drums kicking in at the same time as the growl would be nice. but before that, I really dig it without drums. it allows me to focus on all the other instruments. if you add drums as well I am worried you'll kill the song by going over the top. but drums from the growl and on would be cool, as it would make the track progress/evolve more interestingly. either way I like the track a lot as it is now as well. the distorted part obviously sound awkward without drums, but the rest of the track sounds nice. so the only reason I'd see to add any elements to it would be making it punchier with drums at the distorted part, then keep the drums all the way to the end just to make it less repetitive. anyway - I enjoyed this track.

"Of Knife Fights and Hypocrites"
as mentioned on beforehand - I like your voice. the higher pitched vocal tracks harmonizing with thelower pitched ones are nice. I like how they don't come in at once - but rather in the latter half, as this makes the track not only less predictable but perhaps even more easy on the ear. and it really is easy on the ear. I like it a lot.

"Spyglass"
the guitar is just awesome. so are the vocals. and I feel like I'm repeating myself to much. I'm sorry, but I can't really complain. I like it too much. a tambourine at the end would be nice though? not a real dominating one, but perhaps slightly in the background at that last chorus - striking in at "called me a liar"? could be really cool.

"Moral"
I'd like some lower chords. it's too high pitched. at least I feel so. doesn't work out on the verses. on the intro it's cool enough. the chorus is real cool as well. but that lead thing on the verses is a bit too high pitched to my taste. I like the overall structure of the song though. when the electric guitar strikes in, it's pretty awesome. I'd like some heavy distorted guitars in the background though, to create a wall of sound, as it sounds a bit awkward with only the acoustic guitar(s) backing up the solo parts. I'd replace it with a (loud) electric guitar. and I really don't like fade outs. I'd say you should try to make it end "properly" if possible. but as mentioned, I generally like this track - even though it might sound like I'm being really hostile towards it haha.

"Hawk Eye":
can't believe you're phasing this out! the chorus is fantastic. and the verses are definitely summat. I really like this track. flows nicely. I am terribly sorry I'm such a bad critic. I'm usually not this bad. it's just that I really love your stuff.

"From Remembrance"
another just... really good track. great chord progression. fantastic vocal harmonies. it's just really good. the electric guitar is very nicely worked in. the other (louder) acoustic guitar kicks in just at the right time, and it's just.. right. everything in this song is just that - right. it's a bloody wonderful song. I definitely dig. can't say much else. don't 'ave to. it's just brilliant. awesome.


so to sum it up: I love you. favourite tracks: "The Dawnstar Heat I Pylon" & "From Remembrance". I am adding you as a friend for sure. oh, and btw - could you ship me a copy of your EP to Norway when you're done?

[Fuzzy]

This GLORIOUS Review *Cut*
You made my frigging WEEK man. The review was excellent, it really inspires me to know that I can make music people out of my COUNTRY can listen to and enjoy! HELL YEAH!

Oh, and did I mention it's a concept album? =)

Great review, I'll take to heart some things you said. Major props. Thank you!!!

Oh, and I may keep Hawk Eye. I just have to see if I can work it into the story line. If not it'll be put out on a CD as a bonus track or be a live song.

[Fuzzy]

Dawnstar Heat I now has drums over it. See if ya like it?

[indietrashrock]

I don't. it starts out very nice. but... okay, lemme break it down yo.

they are not bad. not bad at all. but I would _prefer_ if they were more subtle during the chorus-ish part (from 1:00 and on). you kind of go all-in at once. I like how you do the verses, starting out real subtle at first then being more upbeat on the second verse. the bridge is pretty good, but I'd like some more noisier cymbals, just to make it more intense. not necessarily crashes, but you should at least make it louder. I love how you just completely switch everything around after the bridge. masterfully done.

okay, after reading this I've concluded with that I actually _do_ like them quite a lot. _but_, I'd still prefer more subtle work on the chorus-ish as well as a noisier bridge.

[ten minutes later]
.... oh yeah, I didn't hit "post". so I might as well add that the chorus-ish is growing on me (third listen now) and it isn't as bad as I first thought. but still... I liked the laid back feel I got when I listened to the track before it got the drums. I guess I'll just have to accept that the track has evolved to become a pretty different track, and try to embrace it.

[ten minutes later again]
okay so no I deliberately didn't hit post in case it would grow on me some more. and I'm too lazy to edit this, so instead I'll just add another paragraph to my "Captain's Log". this will perhaps even give you more of an insight as to how I feel about the track. and how do I feel? well... I like it. never mind what I said about the chorus-ish part. I love it. and I'm sure many others will. it was just a bit hard to accept it at first, 'cos I've heard a rather different version of the song with a different atmosphere and nerve to it. now, that I've fully embraced the new version - I love it. BUT, my point 'bout a heavier and noisier bridge still stands.

EDIT:
I think that like half of your "plays today" are by me lol

[Fuzzy]

Bwaha! Straight up hilarious and insightful. That was quite interesting to read, to see the evolution of a song growing on someone. I quite liked that =)

Thank you sir! I think I'll add some layed back drums to some other songs (Moral, From Remembrance). Nothing too stirred up usually, the reasons the chorus and bridge are like that is because they signify violent/large upheavals in the story line. Bombastic is a great word for this.

[indietrashrock]

yeah Moral really needs drums.
From Remembrance? meh... I'd like to see some percussion. tambourine and stuff like that. not too keen on drums. 'course, you might surprise me for all I know.

[Fuzzy]

From Remembrance will have interesting drums, very much played back (Think like Ballad-esque)
Moral will have upbeat drums =)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mIpPH8tDTm4

There's the Hawk Eye (November's Requiem [my old band] cut) drums, if you're bored.

[Fuzzy]

Lots of new things.

The Dawnstar Heat II: Larksong is up, drums, guitars, bass, vocals and all!

Moral now has drums

From Remembrance now has some percussion!!

[indietrashrock]

typing whilst listening:


"The Dawnstar Heat II: Larksong":
the drums sound very good. so does the guitar, as usual. and the vocals are mixed very good. not too loud nor too quiet. I like when it picks up speed. very well executed. the breakdown fits nicely, and the solo is extraordinary. the post-solo bit of the track is very energetic and intense. I like it quite a lot. what can I say? you've done it again. marvellous stuff. the intensity is nicely kept in check by the changes in not only tempo, but overall style. it never goes over the top. this track is an outstanding achievement from start to finish. also, I like how you manage to make the bass line stand out, and not just drown itself by playing the same thing as the guitar all the way through the song. it's cool you managed to write such a long yet awesome song.

percussion on "From Remembrance":
this is nice. not over the top at all. just very atmospheric. it works out great, not having a full drum set on this track imo. especially the cymbals. the toms work too, because they make the song progress more obviously for the listener. and at the end, with the cymbal.. it's just huge. I'm not a fan of fade-outs though, I must admit.

drums on "Moral":
the track definitely sounds heaps better. the guitar doesn't get all in your face like it's going to bite it off, like it somewhat did before it had summat (i.d. drums) to keep its punchy picking company. the drums also work nice on the chorus. it's more upbeat and more catchy. but it's in the verses their contribution is most apparent. the song is really nice. but once again - fade outs aren't my thing.

drums on "Hawk Eye":
sufficed to say: perfection.

if I now could get my Tambourine on Spyglass :p

[Fuzzy]

I'm hoping to receive one for Christmas just for you ;) (That and I really want one, bwahahah!)

Thank you for your review! More music on the way, most likely!

[Fuzzy]

Bump..
Oh, and I think I may do some videos of me actually playing/singing the songs!

[indietrashrock]

you should dedicate Dawnstar I to Alexander from Norway

[Fuzzy]

Lmfao. I'll do some videos once I get some practice in. I've only played the two dawnstars all the way through (singing/playing simultaneously) about twice each, so I want to get them down better before I put 'em on display.

[Happy_Squirrel]

From Remembrance will have interesting drums, very much played back (Think like Ballad-esque)
Moral will have upbeat drums =)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mIpPH8tDTm4

There's the Hawk Eye (November's Requiem [my old band] cut) drums, if you're bored.

Dude, that's some sick tight drumming. Puts my **** drumming skills to shame. :thumb:

I don't have time at the moment, but I'll try to remmeber to check out dawnstar II & the new drums for your other tunes tomorrow.

[Happy_Squirrel]

OK, I couldn't wait until tomorrow.

Dawnstar II: Good stuff. I think the first half is pretty good, but it really starts kicking after the change at 2:15 or so. The next change at 3:50 was also unexpected adn really cool. I think this is the most creative & eclectic part of the song. Excellent & tasteful drumming throughout.

This song is definitely epic and I can hear the Co & Ca influence more in this song than any of the others, but it doesn't sound derivative or unoriginal. The only thing that I can think to complain about is that I think some of the vocals (specifically at the beginning & end of the song) could be a bit more "out front". But overall, an excellent piece of music.

Moral (V2.0): Nice work on the trap kit. I especially liked the syncopated bass drum work early in the song.

From Remembrance: Was that water part in the beginning there before? Well, either way I like it. Nice use of bell rides & crescendos & toms (?) during the song. I probably would've added full kit patterns to the song, but I think the more spartan route you chose is probably the wisest for this composition. Nice job of not overplaying, you struck a really good balance.

Well, that's all. I'll stop sucking your dick for now.

[Fuzzy]

Ahahahah Thank you so much, I take everything you say to heart and don't let any compliments get to my head. I'm out to make good music, not egotistical compositions ;)

Vocals in the beginning of Dawnstar II - They are supposed to be ambient, barely audible (due to the character speaking.) The last vocal bit has a high pass filter on it and is quite quiet for a reason; I didn't want it to take away from the music. My voice is just another instrument and I like to blend it in more in some parts than others. Also notice the beginning riff (that is repeated at the end) is in 3/4, and then switches to 4/4 at the end. Kind of natural little change.

From Remembrance did not have the water intro before (I constructed that myself out of many different water samples, from streams to rain to individual drips), I added it recently. It REALLY goes with both the metaphor in the lyrics and the story itself.

[Fuzzy]

Bump: New music in the player!! "Across the Downs".

Really chill, relaxed southern-ish tune. Nice and straightforward. It's an interlude piece to the Dawnstars (goes in between them.)

[indietrashrock]

"Across the Downs":

it definitely fits between them. it's kind of liquid, if you get what I mean. not solid. very easy on the ears. the lyrics are really nice. I'm pretty into emo, so this was a treat lol. the dynamics remind me a bit of "Creep" by Radiohead, you know that bridge following the chorus. it goes «what the hell am I doin' here?/I don't belong here/ohhhh ohhhh» into «she's running out the door/she run run run» and so on. it's got that special nerve. very emotional. I like it a lot.

I don't really know what else to say man. but I can tell you this - if someone called you a musical genius, I don't think many would disagree.

[Fuzzy]

That is probably the nicest and most inspiring thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you.

[Fuzzy]

http://www.youtube.com/jupitersincense

First proper gig, first time in front of a crowd I didn't know, first time using that guitar and amp (Christmas gifts!) Turned out OK I think! I sing a bit flat at times but I do have a pretty nasty cold! </excuse>

Edit: The Myspace has a few new pictures in the "Live!" album as well. Cheers!

[Teh Fuzzy]

Brand new song!!

"b. Light-Fingered Contempt"

It's the second part in a 2 part album closer; the last track on the CD. Check it out.

[Happy_Squirrel]

WTF happened? Why'd you get banned?

On to the song:

Dude, I don't even know what to say. This ****ing destroys all life on far away planets. I love everything about it.

Is your album going to be available for purchase online? I'm definitely interested.

[Teh Fuzzy]

Banned over "spamming" a Problem Reporting Thread, in which I was trying to break up an argument. It was stupid but it doesn't matter! I'll be back on the 17th under my normal user name.

Thank you for listening! I'd like to get my album up online, probably thru iTunes or whatever else allows you to sell your music (made downloadable and whatnot.)

[Happy_Squirrel]

Cool. Are there going to be any physical cd copies available?

[Teh Fuzzy]

At shows and possibly through mail order? o_O; I dunno, I'd like to get on Smartpunk/Merchnow/other distribution sites. I guess I'd have to get a label first =( That'll be hard

[Fuzzy]

a. The Light Fantastic
Is in the player. And, with that done, my album is finished. Enjoy!

[indietrashrock]

Light Fingered Contempt:
the production isn't as clean as on the rest of the tracks. it sounds a bit messy. I dunno if it's done though. and either way, the MySpace player definitely has ****ed it up a bit. it always does. but anyway. I like the structure and progression. the breakdown before the clean ending, as well as the clean ending itself rocks.

The Light Fantastic:
hypnotizing lyrics and vocals combined with mesmerizing strumming equals good stuff. and when it kicks off, it doesn't lose its nerve and atmosphere. that impressed me. you really f'ucking know how to drum bro. and that real heavy part with the amazing lead guitar and epic vox kills man. it kills.

if I'm not getting a CD or vinyl of this, I'm kicking yer arse.

[Fuzzy]

The Myspace player cuts all of my songs to hell x_x! They all sound like they clip! And are all bleh. It's so obnoxious. None of them do in my players (both Audacity when I mix them and Winamp/Windows Media when I listen to them!

Thank you for your kind reviews, they have been helpful and inspiring throughout the production of this record!

It'll be on iTunes, Rhapsody, and AmazonMP3 in February, as well as physical copies in person (or if I mail 'em o_O).

-Will-

[Happy_Squirrel]

I've got no problem paying a premium for shipping if you're willing to ship a disc to me. MP3s are cool, but I think there are quite a few of us on here who are still disc whores.

[Fuzzy]

At the moment it'd probably be a burned CD-R with high quality songs on it and custom disc artwork ;P

I mean, if I shipped it to you or anyone I'd be sure that it was unique in some way, before I get it pressed later this year!

[Happy_Squirrel]

At the moment it'd probably be a burned CD-R with high quality songs on it and custom disc artwork ;P

I mean, if I shipped it to you or anyone I'd be sure that it was unique in some way, before I get it pressed later this year!

I just meant I'd be willing to buy one after you've done your run of disc pressings. I wasn't trying to get the tunes before you officially release it or whatever. I may be a whore, but I'm willing to wait. :chug:

[Fuzzy]

Ah man, the downside to that is I don't know when I'll be able to professionally press the CDs! That is a very expensive (for an indie musician) process. I'm releasing it on the internet and in CD-R version on the 15th of February, yes, but the disc pressings will come when I have money to do 'em! Sorry about that =\

[Happy_Squirrel]

No problem, I think I was just confused. I can't imagine why, though. My Mom always said I was "special".

[Fuzzy]

Album drops officially on the 1st of March, and online whenever it processes properly.

[Fuzzy]

Oh Yeah http://youtube.com/watch?v=WQ1Uu0Em4Pc

[Fuzzy]

http://www.myspace.com/jupitersincense

Some smaller new items on there. Bump because this project is for serious!

[peaveyrules]

Your stuff is awesome, hands down. I won't go in depth reviewing each song, just letting you know I enjoy all of it! Interesting stuff, I'd love to get my hands on a CD when you release them, let us know whats going down;)

[Fuzzy]

They should be available worldwide within a few weeks via the world wide web! =) Thank you very much sir.

[Fuzzy]

http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/entertainment/local/article/one_man_show/4038/ - Interview with a local Magazine and Paper

http://www.amazon.com/Act-Art-Breathing/dp/B0017QOE5I/ref=dm_ap_alb1?ie=UTF8&qid=1208623979&sr=101-1
Album on AmazonMP3

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=278427325&s=143441
Album on iTunes

Small problem on both websites (Amazon/iTunes) "The Dawnstar Heat II: Pylons" (track 7) is incorrectly labeled as "Pylons" once again. This is an error made by my Distributor, hopefully will be rectified soon. Just rename that MP3 if you end up liking the stuff enough to snag it.