Case Study: Don't Look Back In Anger

Observing live performances is a definite good way to case-study how sounds should be like.

What I like about this performance, is you can hear immediately what is lacking in our own sound. The richness of the Brit-Rock, distorted rhythm guitar sound. It stands out the most from all the instruments. Even the lead guitar seems to sit back as a support to the 'thickness' of the rhythm until the solo. It is a combination of the bass sound, and the rhythm sound from the beginning to the end which will give us the 'wholeness' of the song. This will be what we are going to achieve for the next jamming session. I want to be able to hear Damon's guitar more.

The volume we had last session for this song was a little weak. It is okay to go with the volume we have used for first song of the session (Holiday) in my opinion. What I propose is we after we have plugged in, set-up the effects, and done the guitar tunings, we will carry out a 10 minute sound check.

This is what I feel we can try out:

1. First, we will try out the bass and the drum together. I think Yuchao's drumming volume is quite moderate, so we will use it as a guide. I would rather not have Yuchao try to lower his volume, because drumming is more physical activity and by asking him to lower his 'volume', he will shift out of his natural playing state which will make him play softer, and also SLOWER at the same time. It happens to alot of drummers, so we should avoid doing this. Following, Alex will try out his bass together with Yuchao. At this time, maybe Damon and I can judge if they are okay.

2. Fill in rhythm guitar and vocals next. At this point I will try to see if all three of you guys are blending well.

3. Then I will knock in the leads. You guys will take-over and check to see if I am okay.

4. Getting others to sound-check for you, will relieve you the burden of trying to do too many things at a time (sound-checking while trying to remember your parts). Besides, they will be able to hear and judge better at that point because you are already concentrating on something else.

5. This method is just a try-out. We will work out what fits us the most in the next session. There will be room for changes.

Most important thing is still, vocals should ALWAYS be the LOUDEST!


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