Firstly what I would say again is listen to some reference tracks and drop them into your DAW and look at their arrangement and match it. You're looking in general for a change or variation of some kind every 8 bars. That can be a new element of percussion coming in, a new lead/synth/filter change in an existing element but something to keep the listener interested. That's not really happening with this track.

Intro-wise that doesnt really work either - start the hipass kick from the first beat always to help mixing if thats what you're aiming for them remove it completely after 16 bars or without a filter too is fine just keep adding a few elements before the first short mini drop which should be at 32 bars which can be something as simple as a small riser and a hipass of the kick for 4 beats or something. This tells the listener - right NOW we are off! This is also the key place where most DJs will cut the bass of the track being mixed out so its at this point you can whack in the start of your acid line.

About 1/3 of my currently released commercial label tracks and remixes are acid techno so I'm in a reasonable position to give pointers

Some other comments:
1. Definitely needs more hihats and rides - again listen to reference tracks for comparision. These add drive and groove to the track where used properly. Listen to a similar acid number from A*S*Y*S for example and you'll notice the groove in the hihats. Variations in velocity are the key to creating that groove in a 1/16bar hihat pattern check out some vids on YouTube.

2. More fx/whooshes etc. - downlifters/risers are essential into/out of specific sections like the breakdown and back into the drop to build tension. The whole point of a riser is to tell the listener 'get ready something exciting is about to happen next'

3. I also don't think that reedy thin synth lead works here - it sounds way too basic and simple sounding (plus it's almost dry as well)

4. Stuff in general is very dry apart from your clap (which is way underused) and needs more reverb and delay - the acid line should have some more delay on for starters

 

Last edited: Oct 19, 2020