Forget Plini! They’ll never get you into this style of music. Check out Rodrigo Y Gabriella instead! *Please* 🙏🏻 (after suggesting them for about 18 months, I’m literally begging now! 😅) Also, more interior design talk please! That was thoroughly enjoyable. 🥰
Plini is definitely not super traditionally what people gravitate towards in guitar based music, but it’s something I really appreciate. Plini in particular sticks towards complex rhythm with simple melodies to make them more digestible. His songs like electric sunrise or the red fox are fantastic examples of that, and where I feel like he excels. Regardless of whether this is music you like or not, it’s good for guitar players that this exists. It pushes the boundaries of guitar and inspires new players in unexpected ways, leading to more unique music
couldn't have described his/their style better. catchy guitars over complex layers of rhythms. you can tell they put a lot of thought into the songs, and are unlike a lot of prog bands who do super technical stuff just for the sake of it. they use complex rhythmic ideas as more of tools to enhance a song.
I know that, as a musician, I am supposed to love this but, honestly stuff like this bores me to tears. I can appreciate the skill and musicianship but it does nothing for me.
I've seen both Justin and plini and they both scratch different itches for me. Justin was my inspiration to play guitar tho 😁. I also like to tell people how I "saved Justin" when he was playing in Toronto standing on the crowd barrier, losing his balance and I reached up and grabbed his hand to stabilize him. I now keep that hand hermetically sealed like the hand model from Zoolander.
The Instrumental Rock & Metal sub-genre has got a lot of traction over the years. Plini represents a gold standard for the "virtuoso" guitar player in my opinion. Tosin Abasi is another stand out player who has pushed the genre to new levels. He plays like no other human on the planet. All of this started, I think, by legends like Steve Vai & Joe Satriani in the 80's.
It has got a lot better over the years, too. Writing for the songs vs writing for the technique idolatry has definitely been the move. Imo, Jason Beckers Propetual Burn kind of set the bar early.
That vibrato technique is used in classical guitar playing playing all the time, as it works really well on nylon strings. Not sure if that's where Plini adopted it from or not though.
The gentleman certainly seems to be talented, but this is just not my cup of tea. I hear scale playing..speed playing....interesting vibrato techniques as Justin pointed out, but what I don't hear is heart and soul. I think I am looking for the word clinical. Give me some old fashioned melodic verses, a fiery solo and something I can sing along with while doing chores. I guess I am just a bumpkin throwback, but we like what we like. Hats off to Justin for keeping an open mind in regards to this style.
One of my favourite guitarists, Jeff Beck once said that compression has ruined music because it kills dynamics. He also said that he didn’t like guitars that were too easy to play. He liked to wrestle with them. What I’m hearing here is a whole lot of compression, and no wrestling. A part of my brain enjoys it a little but after I’ve heard it, I don’t remember anything and don’t really need to hear it again. When I listen to Jeff (and many others including Steve Vai, who loves Plini) it hits me somewhere lower…and I have to hear it again.
It really just depends on how you use compression, it doesn't inherently kill dynamics. For progressive rock and metal, compression is vital to creating tightness to your mix. I wonder if you've listened to a few other songs? Plini is a pretty dynamic player. The intro to Selenium Forest, Last Call outro, Papelillo has some parts that you'd appreciate if you're looking for dynamic playing. Different styles of music man, if it's not your thing that's totally fine too
i fuckin love jeff beck, but listen to "i'll tell you someday" and tell me you don't hear dynamics. plini is just more of a finesse player than a "wrestler".
I grew up on Prog and metal that lead to instrumental guitar - John McLaughlin, Steve Morse, Guthrie Govan, etc. I'm seeing Satriani and Vai in April. So this latest bunch of youngin's - Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Mateus Asato, Ichika Nito and so on - is right up my alley and Plini is one of the best. It can get soulless now and then but there's still of lot of feels there amongst the technical brilliance.
Hey Justin hyped to see you in the Burgh tomo evening! Spent yesterday going through all the studio albums chronologically as I had only heard the first two before. There's some absolute bangers on you guys newer albums!
Why the knock? Different genres. I play in a band that does your music, and it’s fun. And we have a good time when we gig. And Plini probably isn’t for my typical audience. But for my musical soul Plini is sheer nourishment. Plini is more than a dude, it’s Jake, Simon and Chris. And they’re all virtuosos. And maybe that makes us who listen snobby. But I can like more than one thing. I like glam rock. I love prog.
It isn't just the 'tech' with Plini, the feels of his music are amazing. There is lots of soaring, rushing, openness and brightness that invoke powerful life moments or great vistas, whether your own or Plini's. The tech also has a nice sound that adds nuance, like the dark specks of pepper over probably tasty but plain-looking pasta. Or something!
I can appreciated a precision tooled Swarovski crystal figurine, but give me a had crafted ceramic mug any day. To me this is a great demonstration of what can be done. It's like the picture that's put in a frame at the store before you buy it and take it home and put your own in. It's sanitary and perfect. And in no way do I mean this as a put down. It must take untold hours of practice to achieve this type of skill. It just doesn't hit me where I need music to for me to love it. I don't want to say it's soulless, because I'm sure to them, and people who love it it isn't, but to me it feels that way.
The picture in a frame is the perfect analogy of this music. It reminds me of the demonstration cassette we got with our massive Sharp duel tape boom box in the 80's. It wasn't hit music, but it showed off the units brilliant sound fantastically well.
For reference. I saw The Darkness and Plini in the same year. Love you both! 4/4 predictable rock to tap your foot? Darkness. A slightly mote immersive experience? Plini
They are talented but too damn busy for my taste….everything is subjective so I’m sure they they’ll stand or fall on their own merits. I’m just glad they are being talked about so it’s a positive for the art and form, just not for me.
Absolutely love Plini! His vibrato you are mentioning definitely is more of violin technique, totally agree!! Justin have you ever tried playing one of those Strandberg guitars? Another one of my favourite metal guitarists Per Nilsson also plays them.
Its the Art worlds' version of photorealism, or in the writing world, good grammar. Anyway, both don't really connect for me and neither does this. Love that fireplace too.
Although I'm 52 and grew up on Vai and Nuno and Satch amongst many others - I went to see Plini and Owane, with the UK's own Jack Gardiner supporting and it was a fantastic night of non self indulgent guitar - the sounds and size of the music in the room was epic - some great jams too - vids of which are on my channel - I really do like his albums but the live experience was so much better than I expected - a lot more groove than I expected! It was also a real eye opener in terms of how good the live sound was - I use a Helix but seeing a full digital backline and all of them on in-ears was pretty cool and in no way detracted from their incredible tones!
I agree that they, and mostly the guitar player, touched on a bunch of different genres and hinted at the essential guitar tone of those styles also while never leaving their home base. Definitely virtuoso playing and even the crazy, highly technical chops had a ton of feel. I've heard of them, but this is my first time hearing their music.
Observation that people can agree or disagree with. I feel like a difference between people who genuinely really enjoy music like plini, contortionist, starsytems comes to mind as one of my favourite. They're often derided for not being human like. Which to each their own. However, at least for me, i feel like im not listening for a human experience its the inhuman purely sonic experience, i can find telescope images of a nebula as beautiful as a portrait its definitely not as human and couldnt portray the same feelings but isnt less appealing to me. Thats what this music is, im not looking to feel a human connection im just purely enjoying what music sounds like and the beauty of the harmony and the sound. Idk its more abstract, i can understand why people cant enjoy it tho
I personally don’t see how people dislike plini. Like he’s one of my favourites along with Guthrie, Holdsworth and buckethead. For those that say plini has no soul or his stuff is “to clean and elevator music” I just don’t get where you’re coming from. Like truely I really want to know how you guys think that way
There's absolutely no denying the incredible musicianship here. However, it just feels and sounds almost over produced so that it's devoid of any real emotion. It's like the air between any of the notes has been sucked out and discarded like a distant and unwanted memory.
"I do like those floating fireplaces..' is about the same place I am with this style of music, lol. Kind of soul-less. Obviously very talented musicians & as long as they're happy doing what they're doing, more power to them! Just not the kind of guitar playing that gets into my soul or kicks ass or makes you want to scream out the chorus.
14 yr old Taj Farrant is a guitar player that seems one with his guitar. Watch any of his current tour videos. Some of my favorites he's playing are Gary Moore's Parisienne Walkways and The Loner, Stevie Ray Vaughn's Lenny and of course favorites like Red House and Little Wing. His own songs that were #1 on the iTunes blues charts Crossroads and Cruz are really good too. He's doing a show on the 29th from Austin Texas that is a tribute to SRV. They are making it available for live streaming. I'm not a musician but I have always been a fan of the guitar and people that play it. Brian May has been one of my all time favorites because of how he gets it to speak. Taj is someone special and so are his parents with how they have supported him. I really believe he's going to be a future guitar hero. Joe Bonamassa told him recently to stay out of helicopters.
I also went with a green buttondown today. Aside from the obvious Polyphia parallel this sounds like a sped up, heavier hitting Bump of Chicken from one of their later albums which are more meandering and experimentally Celtic with the arrangements. I can totally imagine Motoo Fujiwara's vocals over this.
I did listen to their official video to give it a fair hearing but, not for me, I don't get it, seems to be an exercise in playing as many notes as possible (for all of them).
Plini studied architecture, as for his background. And for me who studied architecture as well, seeing this video clip really brings me to my earlier dream (yes, about such glass box in a country side, mies van der rohe style) but knowing not everyone has a privilege to own such property, to design in such beautiful site, i forgot that dream years by years. But honestly, this song brought it back to me perfectly. There's a quote about architecture and music : 'Music is liquid architecture; architecture is frozen music' -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. And i think plini successfully represented it by this special song Ember. It'll be my fav from him.
On the Australian guitar vibe, a gentleman by the name of John Butler released a track back in 2012 by the name of "Ocean," a studio version of his ever reimagined track that made him a worldwide star. Have a listen on his UA-cam channel....
Electronic barn-dance is the first thing that sprung to mind for me too. Its not music - its a guitar version of the demo button on an old Casio keyboard.
Its wild how I could just look at a still image of that video with grays and beiges and lack of vibrant color and could guess how the music sounded. If thats what they are going for, they nailed it, but its not for me. Lack of color and lack of chaos, thats the opposite of what I look for in music.
Justin I would HIGHLY recommend one of Plini's first EPs, Sweet Nothings. Theres a lot of accoustic stuff in there and it sounds less polished than later stuff, might be worth a listen. I love all the tracks but the title track is an absolute banger. Also, Heart from the Other Things EP is fun.
My dad introduced me to guitar 10 years ago. With the years my own tastes have evolved. My favorite act used to be queen, but now Plini gets way more Spotify plays from me. My dad has expressed exactly the same things that you express. Amazement at the virtuosity, appreciation of saucy playing, but at times a hard time "getting it". I think we just grew up in different eras - my dad grew up with MTV. I grew up with UA-cam. Musical tastes form during the teenage years and generally don't evolve at all after about age 30. I can appreciate attitude, but too much sometimes strikes me as a bit poser-y. To me, really low strung guitars can suggest caring more about image than music. (which there is nothing wrong with, just not what I look for.) My dad greatly appreciates Plini's compositions, but anything too rhytmically unusual or non-diatonic sometimes throws him off. My point is, big hats off to you! Though it may not be your jam, you do this video with great respect. When criticising, you always present it as "your taste" rather than objective critique. You do your best to appreciate what you are listening to, even if it isn't the music that really moves you. I wish everyone were as open-minded as you!
Obviously for copywriter purposes, you’ve edited the daylights out of this song and therefore it contains no context of flow but unlike most of the modern guitar virtuosos, Plini is a master of subtlety and dynamics. He knows when to become a minimalist, in many selection of his music completely drops out and then throws a moment of tasteful shred at the listener. It’s subjective to taste but Plini’s music for me is exceptional and is often very unpredictable in that refreshing, non formula driven way. His ability to access multiple genres effortlessly is amazing and the way he can switch from prog metal to Allan Holdworth like jazz fusion is out of this world. He is complex, multilayered yet so accessible and his rhythm section freakin’ slay!
I understand that these musicians are clearly talented and the composition's arrangement is complex. However, to me parts of this sound like the "on hold music" for my bank. I expect at any moment to be interrupted by a computerized voice reminding me that "my call is important to them." This just doesn't touch me.
PLEASE PLEASE give "The Undersea" by The Moron Police a listen. It's taken from their 2019 album "A Boat On The Sea". It's an incredible album and "The Undersea" has some glorious elements of songwriting. Plini reminds me of The Moron Police. Another great episode.
I'm not a guitar player and normally I can't appreciate bands of the same ilk as plini. But plini makes me feel something... It's so magestic and beautiful. It's not flashy for the sake of it.... Everything he plays serves the music.
I love this, I have all but his latest album, and when the mood for some tasteful noodling strikes I love to put on some Plini, but I also completely understand the criticism it tends to get. I feel the same way about the house they're in that a lot of comments here do about the music they're playing: Fantastic to look at, but I couldn't live there.
Yep, he and his crowd are well versed in all the notes. Seems like a modern 'everything sounds the same' thing. This time with an overcompensation of technique and a corresponding reaction by the audience of pretending to get it, like Opera or something. Yet no matter how many notes they stuff in a measure, no matter how many chords, time signature changes, or fingers used on the fret board, it's really not very engaging, or memorable, regardless of the ability of the player.
It doesn't have much of a rock'n'roll or metal vibe, more like a prog-pop/soft rock feel.. I haven't listened to any of his other work so can't really judge.. Very melodious and proficient.
I mean, they are talented. But I couldn’t name a song they didn’t over the experience of just listening to them. No song stands out as this is the one that defines their legacy. But all the songs as a whole.
A hodge podge of styles - perhaps arranged in movements and variations but I found it tricky to find the theme or to recognise a resolution within that theme. I dunno. It’s sounds very strange to me and not awful at all but being a guitar mum I can recognise the skill and application and the unique way this piece doesn’t come together. Like each movement is fighting with the other movements in some kind of discordant cross purpose. The drums pretty amazing but hard to keep up with in relation to the lead instrument for old me. I appreciate the prowess of the musicians and the very unique composition. The guitarist plays his instrument quite effortlessly it seems and I loved some parts of his performance. Old school me is a bit lost with this genre. I’ve not heard anything quite like it for a good while. Jeff Buckley comes to mind off and on. Do I like it? Maybe I will in the future. I’ll take it for what it is and will probably have a few more listens before I can maybe figure out what is going on. You do make me laugh. You often hit nail firmly on head with your hammer and your verbal expression is funny cheeky and a wee bit adorable and witty. Thank you for a most enjoyable and thought provoking reaction. Am I past the new generation of musicians and composers? - the old fogey who says ‘where’s the melody 🎶 I can’t find it. This modern music is utter crap! In my day people knew how to write and play and improvise and you could sing along!’ Maybe 🤔 I’m old but I think it could grow on me.
There’s no harmony. It’s like a bunch of talented musicians wanking around, showing off their skills, but it’s a mess of dissonance to my ears. Do yourself a favor and listen to some Mammoth WVH music for harmony and skill. I’m seeing Wolf again on Thursday night. “I’m Alright” off the new album rocks, but almost every song from both albums rock, and include gorgeous harmonies.
First time hearing this, not sure but your reaction is same as mine. There’s good stuff in there maybe it will take time to get to want to listen again
I wonder what Justin thinks about this? (sings Cotton Eyed Joe) Hmm ok (*fast forwards a bit) (talks about the house a bunch). 😆 "The whole thing's a fuckin guitar solo. What's not to love?" bit of a journey, indeed
Mr H that’s classical vibrato. It’s not just for violinists, classical guitarists do vibrato that way too! Don’t usually see it on electric so I agree it’s a bit weird. Steve Vai seems to combine both techniques with his “circular” vibrato, which he developed purely as he thought it looked cool, nothing to do with the sound!
If only you could go a listen to his earlier work, for exampe his EP trilogy or his last 2 albums. I´m pretty sure you´ll find more to appreciate and connect to, instead of a couple of reactions. Cheers!🤙
It’s technically marvelous music, but it’s clinical and completely boring. And to watch them play it puts me to sleep and makes me hate them because they have absolutely no passion or feelings whatsoever. Especially watching the drummer hardly make any movements and not light touch. it seems like everybody’s going through the motions. Honestly, it’s just lifeless
sterile, polished, shiny, overworked, sounds like a new building in Vegas, fabulous musicianship and recording skill, but they squeezed the heart out of it, reminds me of a technical drawing
No sweat or tears or anything remotely rock like. Cannot stand it. Elevator music at best regardless of how skilled they are. Edit: Just heard the solo... It actually had something.
I'm not sure. I think you can only go so far with this stuff. Not the same as but similar resistance as I had with Ozrics, great for a mood blast but an album is out the question.
Yes, they are very good players. Being older I feel like I'm jaded. I've heard many bands in this style before but I do realize each generation needs to put their Idols on a Diaz.
It doesn't do anything for me personally. It feels a bit sterile. I immediately thought of Derek Trucks and all the warmth and life he projects from his guitar. This just feels cold to me.
It is in fact fair to call it background music. Music to listen to while doing other things. And I’m not sure they would be offended by that. Because it works extremely well in that context. But it also holds up under close listening. He is in fact a phenomenal guitar player when he wants to shred, even though he doesn’t quite go there in this one. They have found a niche that they fill extremely well.
0:07 Cartilage and bone... That's why even if say a Great White shark were to attack a guitarist (and they have), the attack would rarely be more than an exploratory bite -- the Great White typically prefering a diet of fatty foods like seals and some well known lead singers. :0)
This feels odd to say, but the best I can come up with is lumberjack metal, or would it be more like architect metal? This feels like those guys with handlebar mustaches and the cropped pants but also feels so familiar to the djent I've heard for years. Animals As Leaders if they merged with Three (I think that was the name of an acoustic metal band that got big years ago). If it weren't for that "saucy" guitar bit, I'd also say this is just like Cloudkicker (just one guy making dreamscapes)
Mm, haven't heard anyone mention Cloudkicker in a good while. It's a bit more.... introspective than Cloudkicker though. Always feels like music made for Plini than for an audience.
There is natural talent, and trained skill. The two are completely different. Not knocking either, it all depends upon the listener's taste. I am a natural talent guy. Probably because im a self taught hobbyist guitar player since i was 4yo, now 55yo, and have never had a single lesson in my life, but come from a naturally extremely artistic/musical family. This sort of stuff is great for "on-hold" music when you call customer support at a big company 😆 I still believe "on-hold" and "elevator" should be added as genres of music...
Maybe it shows my lack of technical guitar knowledge but i find is very boring, i like music to spark a reaction in my brain but not boredom. Love the channel and your reviews
🎫 Tickets for LIVE! Justin Hawkins Rides Again...for the first time! UK Tour: tinyurl.com/kneukve2
We got ours for the Beck! Looking forward to it.
Forget Plini! They’ll never get you into this style of music. Check out Rodrigo Y Gabriella instead! *Please* 🙏🏻 (after suggesting them for about 18 months, I’m literally begging now! 😅)
Also, more interior design talk please! That was thoroughly enjoyable. 🥰
“i’ll tell you someday” is pure brilliance play it
Plini is definitely not super traditionally what people gravitate towards in guitar based music, but it’s something I really appreciate. Plini in particular sticks towards complex rhythm with simple melodies to make them more digestible. His songs like electric sunrise or the red fox are fantastic examples of that, and where I feel like he excels. Regardless of whether this is music you like or not, it’s good for guitar players that this exists. It pushes the boundaries of guitar and inspires new players in unexpected ways, leading to more unique music
couldn't have described his/their style better. catchy guitars over complex layers of rhythms. you can tell they put a lot of thought into the songs, and are unlike a lot of prog bands who do super technical stuff just for the sake of it. they use complex rhythmic ideas as more of tools to enhance a song.
Haven’t even watched the full video yet, but the answer is yes. Dude is amazing.
Saw Plini live in Glasgow this year. An absolutely brilliant performance from all band members, sounded even better than they do in the studio!
It was so much more enjoyable than I expected! I love the albums by all of the guys on the bill but was really impressed with what it was like live!
@@pmacftoso good
Dull
@@manaledo we don’t find it dull
@@SonofZug9 thats actually sad
I know that, as a musician, I am supposed to love this but, honestly stuff like this bores me to tears. I can appreciate the skill and musicianship but it does nothing for me.
Same. It’s lacking melody.
I've seen both Justin and plini and they both scratch different itches for me. Justin was my inspiration to play guitar tho 😁. I also like to tell people how I "saved Justin" when he was playing in Toronto standing on the crowd barrier, losing his balance and I reached up and grabbed his hand to stabilize him. I now keep that hand hermetically sealed like the hand model from Zoolander.
Thanks for saving our treasure!
The star of the video is whoever did the cleaning up, the place is spotless!
The Instrumental Rock & Metal sub-genre has got a lot of traction over the years. Plini represents a gold standard for the "virtuoso" guitar player in my opinion. Tosin Abasi is another stand out player who has pushed the genre to new levels. He plays like no other human on the planet. All of this started, I think, by legends like Steve Vai & Joe Satriani in the 80's.
Traction = lucky if it gets added to music library collections and earns almost nothing.
It has got a lot better over the years, too. Writing for the songs vs writing for the technique idolatry has definitely been the move. Imo, Jason Beckers Propetual Burn kind of set the bar early.
That vibrato technique is used in classical guitar playing playing all the time, as it works really well on nylon strings. Not sure if that's where Plini adopted it from or not though.
I can imagine a magician having this as background music whilst they are doing a trick, trying to escape from a fish tank or something.
The gentleman certainly seems to be talented, but this is just not my cup of tea. I hear scale playing..speed playing....interesting vibrato techniques as Justin pointed out, but what I don't hear is heart and soul. I think I am looking for the word clinical. Give me some old fashioned melodic verses, a fiery solo and something I can sing along with while doing chores. I guess I am just a bumpkin throwback, but we like what we like. Hats off to Justin for keeping an open mind in regards to this style.
All very talented, doesn’t make me feel anything, though. Happy for anyone that does.
One of my favourite guitarists, Jeff Beck once said that compression has ruined music because it kills dynamics. He also said that he didn’t like guitars that were too easy to play. He liked to wrestle with them. What I’m hearing here is a whole lot of compression, and no wrestling. A part of my brain enjoys it a little but after I’ve heard it, I don’t remember anything and don’t really need to hear it again. When I listen to Jeff (and many others including Steve Vai, who loves Plini) it hits me somewhere lower…and I have to hear it again.
It really just depends on how you use compression, it doesn't inherently kill dynamics. For progressive rock and metal, compression is vital to creating tightness to your mix. I wonder if you've listened to a few other songs? Plini is a pretty dynamic player. The intro to Selenium Forest, Last Call outro, Papelillo has some parts that you'd appreciate if you're looking for dynamic playing.
Different styles of music man, if it's not your thing that's totally fine too
Jeff Beck!!!! OMFG I just creamed my pants at the very mention of the two godlike words Jeff Beck!!!! Ha ha just kidding. Jeff Beck sucks.
@@joosttencate If we're talking about Plini and dynamics, I'd recommend you check out Umi - Violet ft. Plini.
@@matiask7633 I did know the song, thanks tho ;)
i fuckin love jeff beck, but listen to "i'll tell you someday" and tell me you don't hear dynamics. plini is just more of a finesse player than a "wrestler".
I grew up on Prog and metal that lead to instrumental guitar - John McLaughlin, Steve Morse, Guthrie Govan, etc. I'm seeing Satriani and Vai in April. So this latest bunch of youngin's - Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Mateus Asato, Ichika Nito and so on - is right up my alley and Plini is one of the best. It can get soulless now and then but there's still of lot of feels there amongst the technical brilliance.
Hey Justin hyped to see you in the Burgh tomo evening! Spent yesterday going through all the studio albums chronologically as I had only heard the first two before. There's some absolute bangers on you guys newer albums!
Why the knock? Different genres. I play in a band that does your music, and it’s fun. And we have a good time when we gig. And Plini probably isn’t for my typical audience. But for my musical soul Plini is sheer nourishment. Plini is more than a dude, it’s Jake, Simon and Chris. And they’re all virtuosos. And maybe that makes us who listen snobby. But I can like more than one thing. I like glam rock. I love prog.
It isn't just the 'tech' with Plini, the feels of his music are amazing. There is lots of soaring, rushing, openness and brightness that invoke powerful life moments or great vistas, whether your own or Plini's. The tech also has a nice sound that adds nuance, like the dark specks of pepper over probably tasty but plain-looking pasta. Or something!
I can appreciated a precision tooled Swarovski crystal figurine, but give me a had crafted ceramic mug any day. To me this is a great demonstration of what can be done. It's like the picture that's put in a frame at the store before you buy it and take it home and put your own in. It's sanitary and perfect. And in no way do I mean this as a put down. It must take untold hours of practice to achieve this type of skill. It just doesn't hit me where I need music to for me to love it. I don't want to say it's soulless, because I'm sure to them, and people who love it it isn't, but to me it feels that way.
Sometimes music just doesn't resonate. It can't be helped. This stuff does nothing for me at all.
The picture in a frame is the perfect analogy of this music.
It reminds me of the demonstration cassette we got with our massive Sharp duel tape boom box in the 80's. It wasn't hit music, but it showed off the units brilliant sound fantastically well.
I keep expecting Michael Flatley to come on with his Riverdance.
I love that you Britished "if it hadn't been for cotton-eyed Joe" into "were it not for cotton-eyed Joe"
For reference. I saw The Darkness and Plini in the same year. Love you both!
4/4 predictable rock to tap your foot? Darkness.
A slightly mote immersive experience? Plini
They are talented but too damn busy for my taste….everything is subjective so I’m sure they they’ll stand or fall on their own merits. I’m just glad they are being talked about so it’s a positive for the art and form, just not for me.
Too organized if you ask me. Theres no chaos at all. Like you said they have talent its just so boring and Im a shred guitar player.
@@sole__doubt,
That countrified/twangy bit was dissonant and jarring. The rest just bored me.
Absolutely love Plini! His vibrato you are mentioning definitely is more of violin technique, totally agree!! Justin have you ever tried playing one of those Strandberg guitars? Another one of my favourite metal guitarists Per Nilsson also plays them.
Its the Art worlds' version of photorealism, or in the writing world, good grammar. Anyway, both don't really connect for me and neither does this. Love that fireplace too.
I do agree that this song had me a bit lost but that was until I heard the callback to an earlier song of theirs called Salt+Charcoal
Plini loves a callback
Although I'm 52 and grew up on Vai and Nuno and Satch amongst many others - I went to see Plini and Owane, with the UK's own Jack Gardiner supporting and it was a fantastic night of non self indulgent guitar - the sounds and size of the music in the room was epic - some great jams too - vids of which are on my channel - I really do like his albums but the live experience was so much better than I expected - a lot more groove than I expected!
It was also a real eye opener in terms of how good the live sound was - I use a Helix but seeing a full digital backline and all of them on in-ears was pretty cool and in no way detracted from their incredible tones!
Cold noodle soup. I understand some people like it, but it's not for me. They haven't even got fancy jumpers!
I agree that they, and mostly the guitar player, touched on a bunch of different genres and hinted at the essential guitar tone of those styles also while never leaving their home base. Definitely virtuoso playing and even the crazy, highly technical chops had a ton of feel. I've heard of them, but this is my first time hearing their music.
I LOVE guitar.....but too much lead can be all icing and very little cake.
"Flatley my dear I don't Riverdance...."
Observation that people can agree or disagree with. I feel like a difference between people who genuinely really enjoy music like plini, contortionist, starsytems comes to mind as one of my favourite. They're often derided for not being human like. Which to each their own. However, at least for me, i feel like im not listening for a human experience its the inhuman purely sonic experience, i can find telescope images of a nebula as beautiful as a portrait its definitely not as human and couldnt portray the same feelings but isnt less appealing to me. Thats what this music is, im not looking to feel a human connection im just purely enjoying what music sounds like and the beauty of the harmony and the sound. Idk its more abstract, i can understand why people cant enjoy it tho
This is the video where he “got” Plini! Love to see it!
I personally don’t see how people dislike plini. Like he’s one of my favourites along with Guthrie, Holdsworth and buckethead. For those that say plini has no soul or his stuff is “to clean and elevator music” I just don’t get where you’re coming from. Like truely I really want to know how you guys think that way
There's absolutely no denying the incredible musicianship here. However, it just feels and sounds almost over produced so that it's devoid of any real emotion. It's like the air between any of the notes has been sucked out and discarded like a distant and unwanted memory.
"I do like those floating fireplaces..' is about the same place I am with this style of music, lol. Kind of soul-less. Obviously very talented musicians & as long as they're happy doing what they're doing, more power to them! Just not the kind of guitar playing that gets into my soul or kicks ass or makes you want to scream out the chorus.
14 yr old Taj Farrant is a guitar player that seems one with his guitar. Watch any of his current tour videos. Some of my favorites he's playing are Gary Moore's Parisienne Walkways and The Loner, Stevie Ray Vaughn's Lenny and of course favorites like Red House and Little Wing. His own songs that were #1 on the iTunes blues charts Crossroads and Cruz are really good too. He's doing a show on the 29th from Austin Texas that is a tribute to SRV. They are making it available for live streaming. I'm not a musician but I have always been a fan of the guitar and people that play it. Brian May has been one of my all time favorites because of how he gets it to speak. Taj is someone special and so are his parents with how they have supported him. I really believe he's going to be a future guitar hero. Joe Bonamassa told him recently to stay out of helicopters.
The soul is in the notes that don't land on target
Lol love how you stay appreciative through the whole ordeal😂 beautiful solo at 08.30 though!
I also went with a green buttondown today. Aside from the obvious Polyphia parallel this sounds like a sped up, heavier hitting Bump of Chicken from one of their later albums which are more meandering and experimentally Celtic with the arrangements. I can totally imagine Motoo Fujiwara's vocals over this.
I did listen to their official video to give it a fair hearing but, not for me, I don't get it, seems to be an exercise in playing as many notes as possible (for all of them).
Plini studied architecture, as for his background. And for me who studied architecture as well, seeing this video clip really brings me to my earlier dream (yes, about such glass box in a country side, mies van der rohe style) but knowing not everyone has a privilege to own such property, to design in such beautiful site, i forgot that dream years by years.
But honestly, this song brought it back to me perfectly. There's a quote about architecture and music :
'Music is liquid architecture; architecture is frozen music' -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
And i think plini successfully represented it by this special song Ember. It'll be my fav from him.
On the Australian guitar vibe, a gentleman by the name of John Butler released a track back in 2012 by the name of "Ocean," a studio version of his ever reimagined track that made him a worldwide star. Have a listen on his UA-cam channel....
You could always tell when justin is not impressed 😅😅😅
...the alien periscope distraction... 😀
That’s the old Justin, just talk about the fireplace & st00l, because the music is a stool ….fucking hilarious, good for you…
Electronic barn-dance is the first thing that sprung to mind for me too. Its not music - its a guitar version of the demo button on an old Casio keyboard.
Does Plini do soft furnishings as well?
Its wild how I could just look at a still image of that video with grays and beiges and lack of vibrant color and could guess how the music sounded. If thats what they are going for, they nailed it, but its not for me. Lack of color and lack of chaos, thats the opposite of what I look for in music.
Justin I would HIGHLY recommend one of Plini's first EPs, Sweet Nothings. Theres a lot of accoustic stuff in there and it sounds less polished than later stuff, might be worth a listen. I love all the tracks but the title track is an absolute banger. Also, Heart from the Other Things EP is fun.
That alien periscope is not ever gonna heat that glass box. That's the problem with glass boxes. Well, that and the stone throwing limitations.
My dad introduced me to guitar 10 years ago.
With the years my own tastes have evolved. My favorite act used to be queen, but now Plini gets way more Spotify plays from me. My dad has expressed exactly the same things that you express. Amazement at the virtuosity, appreciation of saucy playing, but at times a hard time "getting it".
I think we just grew up in different eras - my dad grew up with MTV. I grew up with UA-cam. Musical tastes form during the teenage years and generally don't evolve at all after about age 30. I can appreciate attitude, but too much sometimes strikes me as a bit poser-y. To me, really low strung guitars can suggest caring more about image than music. (which there is nothing wrong with, just not what I look for.) My dad greatly appreciates Plini's compositions, but anything too rhytmically unusual or non-diatonic sometimes throws him off.
My point is, big hats off to you! Though it may not be your jam, you do this video with great respect. When criticising, you always present it as "your taste" rather than objective critique. You do your best to appreciate what you are listening to, even if it isn't the music that really moves you. I wish everyone were as open-minded as you!
The gateway track to modern progressive guitar rock is from plini first EP Other Things
Obviously for copywriter purposes, you’ve edited the daylights out of this song and therefore it contains no context of flow but unlike most of the modern guitar virtuosos, Plini is a master of subtlety and dynamics. He knows when to become a minimalist, in many selection of his music completely drops out and then throws a moment of tasteful shred at the listener. It’s subjective to taste but Plini’s music for me is exceptional and is often very unpredictable in that refreshing, non formula driven way. His ability to access multiple genres effortlessly is amazing and the way he can switch from prog metal to Allan Holdworth like jazz fusion is out of this world. He is complex, multilayered yet so accessible and his rhythm section freakin’ slay!
I understand that these musicians are clearly talented and the composition's arrangement is complex. However, to me parts of this sound like the "on hold music" for my bank. I expect at any moment to be interrupted by a computerized voice reminding me that "my call is important to them." This just doesn't touch me.
Cool story bro
Spot on. 💯%
Tempered frets. Cool to play but really expensive
PLEASE PLEASE give "The Undersea" by The Moron Police a listen. It's taken from their 2019 album "A Boat On The Sea". It's an incredible album and "The Undersea" has some glorious elements of songwriting. Plini reminds me of The Moron Police. Another great episode.
I really like his “wholesome” sound. It’s like Steve Vai but more major chords.
Fantastic accomodation review. Would rent again.
I'm not a guitar player and normally I can't appreciate bands of the same ilk as plini. But plini makes me feel something... It's so magestic and beautiful. It's not flashy for the sake of it.... Everything he plays serves the music.
Bought Welcome to the Darkness today going to watch it before we see you guys live on Thursday night
I love this, I have all but his latest album, and when the mood for some tasteful noodling strikes I love to put on some Plini, but I also completely understand the criticism it tends to get. I feel the same way about the house they're in that a lot of comments here do about the music they're playing: Fantastic to look at, but I couldn't live there.
I feel like you'd need to call in Poirot to check for corpses in locked rooms before you moved into a house like that
Barn dance is the perfect genre description.
Yep, he and his crowd are well versed in all the notes. Seems like a modern 'everything sounds the same' thing. This time with an overcompensation of technique and a corresponding reaction by the audience of pretending to get it, like Opera or something. Yet no matter how many notes they stuff in a measure, no matter how many chords, time signature changes, or fingers used on the fret board, it's really not very engaging, or memorable, regardless of the ability of the player.
I agree.
I disagree entirely but I guess that’s the beauty of music. Everyone has their own tastes
Go West & Hue and Cry - what great bands! I take it from the interior decor chat JH wasn’t that impressed 😂
It doesn't have much of a rock'n'roll or metal vibe, more like a prog-pop/soft rock feel.. I haven't listened to any of his other work so can't really judge.. Very melodious and proficient.
Theres the Ramones, then theres this. Ramones for me please.
I watched your raction to live version of "Cascade". Guessing by your comments on that, 80's would have been the place for you.
Plini is easy listening background music for when I’m creating ‘stuff’. I couldn’t go to a gig, though. Would fall asleep!
I watched this whole thing and all I could think of was, man I want that green flannel shirt. Looks comfy as hell.
he knows his scales, can't make me feel anything other than bored but he does know his scales
Commenting the hanging fireplaces…
Brilliant! 😂
4:22 love the fact that the music takes precedence 😂
I know it's clever, but it leaves me cold.
I mean, they are talented. But I couldn’t name a song they didn’t over the experience of just listening to them. No song stands out as this is the one that defines their legacy. But all the songs as a whole.
A hodge podge of styles - perhaps arranged in movements and variations but I found it tricky to find the theme or to recognise a resolution within that theme.
I dunno. It’s sounds very strange to me and not awful at all but being a guitar mum I can recognise the skill and application and the unique way this piece doesn’t come together.
Like each movement is fighting with the other movements in some kind of discordant cross purpose.
The drums pretty amazing but hard to keep up with in relation to the lead instrument for old me. I appreciate the prowess of the musicians and the very unique composition.
The guitarist plays his instrument quite effortlessly it seems and I loved some parts of his performance. Old school me is a bit lost with this genre. I’ve not heard anything quite like it for a good while. Jeff Buckley comes to mind off and on.
Do I like it? Maybe I will in the future. I’ll take it for what it is and will probably have a few more listens before I can maybe figure out what is going on.
You do make me laugh. You often hit nail firmly on head with your hammer and your verbal expression is funny cheeky and a wee bit adorable and witty.
Thank you for a most enjoyable and thought provoking reaction.
Am I past the new generation of musicians and composers? - the old fogey who says ‘where’s the melody 🎶 I can’t find it. This modern music is utter crap! In my day people knew how to write and play and improvise and you could sing along!’
Maybe 🤔 I’m old but I think it could grow on me.
There’s no harmony. It’s like a bunch of talented musicians wanking around, showing off their skills, but it’s a mess of dissonance to my ears.
Do yourself a favor and listen to some Mammoth WVH music for harmony and skill. I’m seeing Wolf again on Thursday night. “I’m Alright” off the new album rocks, but almost every song from both albums rock, and include gorgeous harmonies.
@@SuziQ.
Dissonance… yep
First time hearing this, not sure but your reaction is same as mine. There’s good stuff in there maybe it will take time to get to want to listen again
The distraction with the architecture and location early on made me laugh out loud.
It's the same house as Sunset.
Sunset is a cool tune
I wonder what Justin thinks about this? (sings Cotton Eyed Joe) Hmm ok (*fast forwards a bit) (talks about the house a bunch). 😆 "The whole thing's a fuckin guitar solo. What's not to love?" bit of a journey, indeed
Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn!!!🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶
Mr H that’s classical vibrato. It’s not just for violinists, classical guitarists do vibrato that way too! Don’t usually see it on electric so I agree it’s a bit weird. Steve Vai seems to combine both techniques with his “circular” vibrato, which he developed purely as he thought it looked cool, nothing to do with the sound!
If only you could go a listen to his earlier work, for exampe his EP trilogy or his last 2 albums. I´m pretty sure you´ll find more to appreciate and connect to, instead of a couple of reactions. Cheers!🤙
I think that selenium forest from him is still his best tune to date. The vive is incredible!
It’s technically marvelous music, but it’s clinical and completely boring. And to watch them play it puts me to sleep and makes me hate them because they have absolutely no passion or feelings whatsoever. Especially watching the drummer hardly make any movements and not light touch. it seems like everybody’s going through the motions.
Honestly, it’s just lifeless
you almost talked more about architecture... plini is tasty. now go buy his plugin for your next intro fiddle!
sterile, polished, shiny, overworked, sounds like a new building in Vegas, fabulous musicianship and recording skill, but they squeezed the heart out of it, reminds me of a technical drawing
Right on! This is the opposite of everything I like about the guitar as an instrument. I'ma go back to listening to Sonny Sharrock.
No sweat or tears or anything remotely rock like. Cannot stand it. Elevator music at best regardless of how skilled they are. Edit: Just heard the solo... It actually had something.
Well said!
It's like when Beyonce sings ALL of the notes, when you're so good at something it becomes so annoying.
I’m reporting this comment for being too accurate.
I'm not sure. I think you can only go so far with this stuff. Not the same as but similar resistance as I had with Ozrics, great for a mood blast but an album is out the question.
This is 'on-hold' music when you call the rock 'n roll hotline
😂
Yes, they are very good players. Being older I feel like I'm jaded. I've heard many bands in this style before but I do realize each generation needs to put their Idols on a Diaz.
*Dais*
Yes, you are right. My bad.
Technically excellent musicians but I think I would prefer the winter depression.
It doesn't do anything for me personally. It feels a bit sterile. I immediately thought of Derek Trucks and all the warmth and life he projects from his guitar. This just feels cold to me.
I love Plini!
It is in fact fair to call it background music. Music to listen to while doing other things. And I’m not sure they would be offended by that. Because it works extremely well in that context. But it also holds up under close listening. He is in fact a phenomenal guitar player when he wants to shred, even though he doesn’t quite go there in this one. They have found a niche that they fill extremely well.
0:07 Cartilage and bone... That's why even if say a Great White shark were to attack a guitarist (and they have), the attack would rarely be more than an exploratory bite -- the Great White typically prefering a diet of fatty foods like seals and some well known lead singers. :0)
Seen the darkness last night in dublin….holy hell they were amazing!!!
This feels odd to say, but the best I can come up with is lumberjack metal, or would it be more like architect metal? This feels like those guys with handlebar mustaches and the cropped pants but also feels so familiar to the djent I've heard for years. Animals As Leaders if they merged with Three (I think that was the name of an acoustic metal band that got big years ago). If it weren't for that "saucy" guitar bit, I'd also say this is just like Cloudkicker (just one guy making dreamscapes)
"architect metal". Lol, that seems fitting. 😅
Mm, haven't heard anyone mention Cloudkicker in a good while. It's a bit more.... introspective than Cloudkicker though. Always feels like music made for Plini than for an audience.
@@R3TR0R4V3 I'd go closer to Real Estate Flipper Metal. Music to listen to while you plan out what properties to buy and which to flip.
personally i love his track Handmade Cities
There is natural talent,
and trained skill.
The two are completely different.
Not knocking either, it all depends upon the listener's taste.
I am a natural talent guy.
Probably because im a self taught hobbyist guitar player since i was 4yo, now 55yo, and have never had a single lesson in my life,
but come from a naturally extremely artistic/musical family.
This sort of stuff is great for "on-hold" music when you call customer support at a big company 😆
I still believe "on-hold" and "elevator" should be added as genres of music...
I laughed my fucking ass of when Justin just kept talking about fireplaces
Maybe it shows my lack of technical guitar knowledge but i find is very boring, i like music to spark a reaction in my brain but not boredom.
Love the channel and your reviews