DISCLAIMER = NOT BEING BOSSY JUST HELPFUL ;)
Yeah this was a clean piece - say some things I liked - namely the rhythm and the percs u had. However there are some things I think should be looked at man.
1. So yea intro-ing, with simple hats by them selves not always the best way to go - my suggestion would be add a nice sweep u like and the transit that sweep with those hats and go from there.
2. Also maybe add some other transitions - I mean the reverse cymbal with some flanger was cool and all, but maybe add some else after that - like a reverb kick, or even better a bass pause with a sweep - yeah.... thats pro.
3. And o yea- at 2:30 there seems some sort of fuzzy ness thats not too nice fo the ears so maybe check that one, u could buffer that with - sidechained sweep I HIGHLY recommend.
4. So that pad break u had - I heard a bit of dissonance in it - some bad vibes with the pad and the swaped stereo string of kicks ( or watever that was )- in conjunction that abrupt let up to lead was a bit - rough - maybe clean it up by makin it fade in - ya feel?
So yea - man great idea - just a little more tidying up - it happens.