VIKINGS! Double Reaction & Analysis - My Mother Told Me and Valhalla Calling covers by VoicePlay
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- Опубліковано 4 сер 2024
- This is my reaction to and analysis of the covers of "My Mother Told Me" and "Valhalla Calling" by VoicePlay. The original words for MMTM were written by Egil Skallagrímsson, and this translation was used in the TV series "Vikings". VC written by Miracle of Sound.
Original MMTM: • My Mother Told Me | Vo...
Original VC: • Valhalla Calling - Mir...
VoicePlay channel: @Thevoiceplay
Miracle of Sound's VC: • VALHALLA CALLING by Mi...
Bindrune detail: store.alrun.is/pages/music-to...
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00:00 Intro
MMTM reaction: 08:51
VC reaction: 13:09
MMTM analysis: 20:24
VC analysis: 54:45
You can't a cappella rock - VoicePlay, we did!
You can't a cappella metal - VoicePlay, we did that as well!
You can't have rap in a cappella - VoicePlay, um, guess what we just did?!
These guys are nuts, and by that I mean AWESOME, in their creativity and talent of course! As for Geoff the dragon breath/war horn. Mind blowing enough hitting a B0, but to have such good control over his voice to sustain it so smoothly??? 🤯😱🤯😱 Glad you enjoyed these and I love that you ended just as brain melty as many of us did. A wonderfully entertaining reaction and analysis, thanks David! 🙂👍
Thank you very much - glad you enjoyed it. Absolutely - they seem determined to push every boundary, and I am 100% here for it! They certainly have the talent to support that process, that's for sure!
The rune that is on J's forehead is the tónlist rune, which is the Viking rune for music, and it appears on everyone in MMTM. You spotted J's and Jose's, Layne's was on his hand, and Eli's and Geoff's were on their arms. It returned on J's forehead and on Eli's arm again in Valhalla Calling. And the other element from their merch, the runes that spell out VoicePlay, was on everyone in Valhalla Calling - it was on Geoff's arm, Layne's hand, Cesar's face, and on J's and Eli's arms as well. The last element from the merch that didn't appear in any of the videos was each of the guys' names in runes - Eli, Cesar and J on the left side, and Layne and Geoff on the right. They're arranged into the vocals section and the rhythm section left to right, highest to lowest voices top to bottom. I designed the Valhalla Calling merch for VoicePlay, so I have looked more into those symbols than probably anyone else. Except for maybe Rick, their makeup artist. He always does such cool makeup for the guys!
This is amazing! Thank you! ❤
Thank you for all the info! I found the link to the Tónlist rune, but I love all the extra detail that they put in, and your addition of the names to the merch is fantastic. (And yes, absolutely agreed re Rick.)
@@davidkreactsalso, Cesar was wearing the hooded cape that José wore in MMTM.
I learned something the other day that FLOORED me. Apparently, at the very beginning, Layne was "just" the baritone. GEOFF taught him to beat-box. There exist videos of Geoff doing the beatboxing.
Scott Porter (who guests on Halo) was the original vocal percussionist. But yes, Geoff has done a lot of it and he taught Layne!! Talk about the student becoming the master.
True! If you want to see a relatively recent video of Geoff beatboxing, watch Death of A Bachelor. It's Earl on vocals and Geoff doing the bass and beatboxing.
Check out the examples of Geoff beatboxing AND singing bass at the same time when he was in the barbershop quartet for disney. 🤯
Responding to this thread as a whole, this is awesome! Definitely going to look up a video of Geoff beatboxing at some point.
I’m going to go hew some foe men…….or…….feed the cat. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Both endeavors entail a fair amount of risk.
😂LOL! 🤣
I would definitely have been hewn myself had I not fed him - I made the right choice...! ;-)
@@davidkreacts ok now i’m trying to conjugate the verb hew. Ugh 😑
I don't know where I read this, so I can't give credit, but one commenter noted that MMTM is written from the perspective of a boy or a young man who has not yet gone a-viking, so is depending on his mother's "someday" stories. VCM is from the perspective of bloodied warrors.
That also makes complete sense.
I just love watching your mind melt on Geoff's B0. Great reaction and break down as always!
Thank you! It takes a lot to surprise me to my core quite the way that did - that was truly a moment I won't forget in a hurry.
"My Mother Told Me" was filmed during quarantine. Almost three and a half minutes of singing and it is only two lines of lyric. They made each repetition so different that it simply doesn't register that so few lyrics are involved. Jose is a musical theater professional who has appeared in Hamilton. I think of J. None as the watchman on the shore who sees the enemy boats arriving. Geoff holds that first B0 for 15 seconds. 15 seconds at that level. Layne did the door sounds. That blows my mind. How does a human voice sound like a creaky/slamming door? it was a great idea to view and analyze the two together. Loved it.
Thank you!
MMTM is a masterclass in arranging - they did an incredible job there. I realise that I never actually mentioned how few words there were in the reaction, but you're quite right, it's not easy to make so little into so much.
I am amazed by what VP's voices can do. They are such impressive performers.
Me: Sees David posts epic VoicePlay double feature reaction.....okay, okay.....
*grabs drink, grabs snack*
Let's do this.
-Awesom mic.
-I didn't realize My Mother Told Me had been around that long. Very cool.
-You're the second reactor I've watched to point out that Viking was a job or an action, not the people, but I had always heard the word viking was used interchangably as a verb and a noun. Is that just something modern day people decided was the case? 😆
-Keep the "bad" jokes coming. 🤣
-My Mother Told Me, the backgrounds were created by Eli in Unreal Engine, yes the same software used to create video game environments. and they guys were in front of a green screen. When it came to Valhalla Calling, the guys thought wouldn't it be cool if we could feel more like we're inside the virtual environments instead of just on top of them. Eli again created the environments but then used Vu Studios space to project those environments and utilize their special camera to record them and it looks like they are in a meeting hall or outside on a cliff overlooking the ocean. None of it is green screen. The only real items are the tables/benches they are sitting on in the hall plus a few handheld props. And dang, I'm already out of snacks and you haven't even watched the videos yet. 🤣
-It is the same makeup looks in both videos, but I think Rick just bumped it up 10 notches. Like the guys amping everything up, I think Rick was like, ya know what, last time it was cool, but I think we can make it even cooler.
-I like the subtlety of the environment sounds in the beginning of MMTM. They match the environment each guy is in.
-I also get a blacksmith vibe from Geoff in MMTM.
-Waiting to see if you realize Cesar is wearing Jose's cloak in VC. 😁
-Your aural skills never cease to amaze me.
-In the bts for MMTM they are all together. It might have been the idea that they were all different characters in different landscapes that guided the separated feel of the video.
-Through the first part of MMTM, I believe a lot, if not all of the percussion is body percussion like stomps and claps, leaving Layne freed up to sing before he comes in with the full beatboxing.
-Yes, we were all fanning ourselves at that B0. 🤣
-Geoff said Layne doesn't think about what's possible just what sounds good and he spent hours in the recording booth wrecking his throat for this recording. Thank you, Layne? 😆
-That rune that means music, on the merch, in the main long center line in runes they spelled out VoicePlay, and each of the arms or branches has each of their names in runes.
-Evocative, obfuscation....I am very appreciative of your vocabulary.
-Lately I have been taking notice of the breath sounds that Layne adds into his beatboxing. I agree, they are so effective.
-No hidden instruments, it's all effects on their voices.
-I swear, pause on Eli at any point in this video, and he is the most menacing person you've ever seen in your life. 😂
-Apparently the runes on the side of Cesar's face spell VoicePlay....if I remember what other people said correctly.
-Your "go away adverts" reminded me of a short before shorts were a thing I think that VoicePlay did of this...um....song by Laura Clery called Stay Away Shark. I think that if you look it up, you won't be disappointed. 🤣🤣🤣
-But these go to 11. 😆
Another great reaction and analysis. 😁
One small comment on one costume. The coat that Layne is wearing is very distinctive and yet VoicePlay & Geoff have managed to use it several times without it seeming my boring. Eli wears it in “Hall of the Mountain King” and one of the Geoff’s wears it in “Misty Mountains”. And a different Geoff (in the same song) wears Layne’s ‘leather’ top (with the rings). It is to their credit that they can reuse such, but change it all up enough that it is hard to notice.
That's very cool. I absolutely didn't catch that from Mountain King - I'll keep an eye out when I get to Misty Mountains.
@@davidkreacts Yeah - I only noticed because I liked it so much in Misty Mountains that I then noticed it in MMTM
Awesome reaction David.
The runes on Caesar's face and Geoff's arm says Voiceplay.
Thank you!
In My Mother i was yelling at the screen when you were trying to remember who Jose reminded you of, “DUNE DUNE DUNE” and then you said Stilgar and i cheered. YES!
Haha! I'm surprised it took me as long as it did to think of. :-)
Please never apologize for too many VoicePlay reactions! There can never be enough! XD If you are interested in more reactions that feature more than one video, try VoicePlay's kidnapping series. There is the Billie Eilish medley called "Trapped". Then there is "Panic in 4 minutes" which is a Panic at the disco medley divided into two parts, but it would make sense to cover them in one reaction anyway. And then there is "Mission: Jingle Bells" which is a medley of Mission Impossible and Jingle Bells. Trapped is the prequel, Jingle Bells is the middle part and Panic is the escape. The whole series is from when Earl and J.None were members at the same time. The videos are hilarious and great to analyse, too!
Speaking of which, the reason why you've rushed to become my favourite reactor by far (besides the fact that you make super long in-depth videos) is the fact you also cover the videos and storytelling. I had been specifically looking for someone who would do this and then you were recommended to me. Especially with VoicePlay there is so much more than just the vocals and the arrangements. I think their visual storytelling is an integral part to their artistry! It really started with "Phantom of the opera", I think. By the way, barely any reaction youtuber covers this one, so i would be happy if you would make a video about it. It's super old and features Tony as a phenomenal soloist.
Anyway, your personal background is super unique in that you can talk both about the music and the videos in a qualified way and I very, very much appreciate this! So because I watched "Hoist the colours" yesterday where you asked what other kind of content we would be interested in, I would appreciate any video and visual storytelling analysises.
Another thing I want to point out is that you talk about everyone. Most reactors are super obsessed with Geoff and then kinda forget about the existence of everyone else. So I'm glad you're giving in-depth analysises for everyone. That being said, I really enjoyed your reaction to Geoff's B0. XD
Lastly, I really like the way you include the original audio into your videos. I'm noise-hypersensitive and most reactors play the music much, much louder than their talking. I therefore end up constantly adjusting the volume. At the same time, you're the only one who manages to include the audio in such a way that I can actually hear Geoff. I don't know what setup and programmes you use, but don't change them!
VC is one of my absolute favorites in the Voiceplay catalog right now, and your reactions to the B0 were better than I could have hoped! Loved the analysis too - you always manage to find things that I (and other reactors I watch) have missed!
I'm now having time to enjoy this analysis reaction. There are so many sonic nuggets I missed that you pointed out.
So, thank you for melting my mind.
The background is not greenscreen in VC, the background was projected live behind them I believe, all designed by Eli
This was the best use of an hour and a half of my time! Your reaction was pure joy, and your high pitch giggle at the B0 was a delight
not sure how it was made, but the BTS video shows that there was this big room with large screens on the walls and they stand in the middle of it. so yeah, probably projected on the screens. also, David, note that Eli worked with the same software for both videos, and allegedly even used some of the same landscapes in both. :)
Thank you!
Yes, I should have dug more into Vū - I keep forgetting about the new LED screen technology. It's SO cool!
Love that you did them together, very cool! Great reactions, as always. ❤
Thank you very much!
Amazing reaction!! Loved how you reacted to them back-to-back. Miracle of Sound gave this cover 10 out of 10 raised ale horns. Geoff's 1st B0 was held for 15 seconds. Eli has become the Asgardian God of Rock, and Layne is of course amazing with his beatboxing. Cesar became a berserker in this one and J None has proven that rap belongs in an Acapella Viking song...lol.
Thank you! Super impressed with all of this.
Loved these reactions to some of my very favorite VP song covers! Thank you for melting... just like I did and still do!
Oh, I also love the touch of adding a clip of the song at the very very end of your video. Gives a really nice touch!! Love your reactions, 100% worth the time, I believe you are now the reactor I learn the most from and I actually understand what you are teaching/pointing out. Great job! 🎉
Haha - honestly it was more because I wanted to put the B0 in again, but I might do that occasionally.
Thank you for the kind words - I'm glad that you enjoy and get something out of my reactions. :-)
The Norsemen going into battle would create poetry to hype themselves up. Rap fits that criterion nicely.
If you notice the wrap worn in the first one by Jose is worn by Cesar in the second.
I had missed that, but it's a cool detail!
Something I find visually very cool in VC is the way the ships move closer to that light and rise into the sky. I find that a great play on the idea of the burning pyre of a boat for a funeral.
I do find that I am undecided as to whether our guys have passed on and J joins them in the mead hall of Valhalla or they are singing their fellow warriors on the ships off to the afterlife.
Really. Never saw it that way. I always thought these ships are coming to attack and they are waiting for them to arrive. It feels, for me, that they’re preparing for battle and fight a glorious fight and die, because on the ships are much more warriors than they are. this is the only way to get to Valhalla. And this is why Valhalla IS calling. But maybe you are right 🤔
By the way: great reaction David 😊
@@katrinfrank6114 I thought so too, until I watched on the laptop and finally noticed the ships rising up (after I have no idea how many times of watching on my phone)!
Oh, interesting! I thought it was just that the water in the background was a little hazy, in the vein of a mirage, but now that I look at it, I see what you're seeing. I love the options of interpretation this throws out there.
Also, thank you!
On this song: Geoff slides down to the B0 during that rap as well! Surprised you didn't catch that.
Also, when My Mother Told me was filmed, the lineup was Geoff, Layne, J None and Eli. Jose Rosario Jr. was filling in the vacant position left by Earl.
As a bit of history, J-None had joined back in 2018 after Tony had quit over a year earlier to focus on Pattycake (kind of a fun video to watch, where they announced J None as joining). He had collaborated with them a few times going back to the Beautiful & Low Mashup back in Feb 2017.
Though the Geoff/Eli/Layne/J.None/Earl era, VP had been pretty stable. For a date reference, J. None had joined in March 2018 through April of 2020. I don't remember any guests during that time, (that was the time I really started checking back every month for a new song, right after J None joined) but I do know that Earl's last songs had been Just Sing (May 15 2020)., I Will Survive (April of 2020) & Warriors (March of 2020) . To be honest, this is the era that I really feel defined VP's format and I think J. None had a huge influence on this (this is very IMO, hadn't really seen that opinion of it before). Prior to this era I'd only really seen two Voiceplay songs: J.None Featured in VP's version of Something Just Like This, and when a friend sent me a link to Phantom of the Opera after I'd seen a show of it for the first time a few years earlier.
When Earl left there wasn't really an announcement video or anything, it was just posted as a text statement. Part of it was a letter from Geoff expressing his praise of Earl, and that he was a private soul and asked to leave it as such. Mind you this was in the thick of the pandemic, which I'm sure had been a piece of it.
Side Note: If you ever watch Just SIng, which is Earl's last song he was in, make sure to have on the Subtitles: They go over who each person in the collab is and on what songs.
So fast forward back to My Mother Told Me. VP had kept guests since Earl Left. Emoni Wilkens, Rob Lundquist (from Home Free), Rachel Potter x2, both Cardona's (EJ and Omar), Adriana Arellano, Deejay Young, Jose Rosario, etc.Then right after MMTM drops, it's announced J.None was leaving.
So 5 that was was 4 was now 3.
J None leaving was announced May 8th 2021, which was two weeks after My Mother Told Me came out. My Best Friend and then Man in the Mirror came out as the last two songs with J.None, and they both came out really quickly after the announcement, all three happening in May of 2021., Both featured Deejay Young (the songs Best Friend & Man in the Mirror).
Cesar premiered with Voiceplay on We're Good (ft. Adriana Arellano & Cesar De La Rosa). They then released a bunch of minis and then another ft. Deejay & Cesar (Butter). Then they announced Cesar was joining in July 2021 right before If I Were A Rich Man/Girl. Now the group of 3 was now 4!
Right after that, Hoist the Colors and Halo were released, which showed Cesar's blending with the group was going to be seamless....
Rounding out the year they released Fieinds On the Other Side, Wicked and The Greatest Showman. Three amazing songs!
I honestly don't know if Cesar technically replaced J. None or Earl as normal lineup. While it seems lto me that most would say J. None if asked that question, I say that position that was replaced was Earl's. Since Cesar Joined, J.None has been featured 3x: Friends on the Other Side, Nothing Else Matters & Valhalla Calling. When I think about those three songs, I think it's just VP, no features., just Voiceplay.
In fact, J. None I as far as I can recollect was the only Feature that was NOT front and center during a song's video, on Nothing Else Matters, where Eli was center stage instead as if he was the lead singer (gotta love the belting grit he brings!).
Usually Guests are always center on video lineup. So in my head-canon J.None is still a member. Other ft. spots are just covering for him while he's busy. :D Especially with how utterly complete the group sounds with that lineup.
The sound is much better!
The idea to react to both parts in one video is really good!
I like your analysis and reactions. You really see details and know what about you're talking. What music education did you go through?
Also I find you very sympathetic. A nice guy which loves humour, laughing and music ❤
Thank you for the kind words - I'm very flattered. :-)
I will actually be posting a response video to some Ask Me Anything questions in the next few days, and that will have a proper response to your question about musical education, but the short answer is a lot of varied bits and pieces here and there.
@@davidkreacts I look forward to your response video
Feedback
Your reactions are so spot on! You made me hear things I'd missed even though I've listened to these covers so many times. I always learn so much from you! Thank you, David!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and glad I still bring you new things to consider. :-)
Layne is an incredible beatboxer...ALL of this is vocal, including beats. When Geoff holds that B-0 under the in the first verse it's really him holding it. MIND-BLOWING! Eli up in the stratosphere is phenomenal Ceasar's intensity and J None spittin' is freaking amazing!!! And when you hear the harmonics as it drops off at the end, it's astonishing...It's like you can hear the 5th harmonic above Eli's high note, and I'm not sure if it was actually sung or we're hearing the harmonic that creates!
Have I ever told you how much I LOVE watching you lose your marbles when something blows you away? Well, I do! Also, I feel like "My Mother Told Me", "Hoist The Colours", and "Valhalla Calling" could be a three-act story - maybe not visually as far as the videos for them go, but in terms of lyrics. I'm putting them together in a playlist now to test this theory!
And OF COURSE you end this react with that B1. OF COURSE YOU DO!
Awesome react! Definitely one of my favourites. And, yes, that B1 from Geoff is sub-thing else. (Yes, I can hear you groaning from here. You're welcome.)
Hehehe! Glad you enjoyed. :-) That's true actually, there is a world where HTC fits in here. How did that theory work out?
Thanks for the kind words, and no thanks whatsoever for the sub-par joke. (See what I did there?)
...
I'll see myself out...
It works quite well as a 3 act structure! I may have to add their other sea shanties to this playlist and see if a plot comes out of it.@@davidkreacts
Oooh! I've been waiting for this. Just knew you were going to love them both, and would have lots of pithy insights to share. You didn't disappoint. Always a welcome gift in my UA-cam feed to have a new reaction from you.
Every time I see these two videos, and also "Hoist the Colors", I think the same thing: who knew Eli could look so evil and scary?!
Thank you very much for the kind words! Yes, I totally agree - and Cesar too! You just don't expect it. :-P
Your insights really added to my enjoyment of these songs, and I already loved them❤😂❤
I really love this one. Both of these songs were just... out of this world... almost literally. I'm certain that they used distortion on their voices in this one - it isn't unheard of for them to do that. It is still their voices making the fundamental sound, but they do synthesize that sound as an added layer to the song. But yeah, I'm not _huge_ on rap, but I LOVE how the rap breakdown in this one plays out. It carries the energy of it so powerfully!
Also, the time at the end of the video was 2:03 pm ;) close, but not quite
Absolutely agreed. A little distortion seems fair, given the direction they went with the general tone and quality of this. I'm with you on the rap too - I like it when I like it, if that makes sense, and this was great.
Darn it - I'll get someone one of these days. ;-)
Voiceplay also did a cover of Friend's Pn The Other Side , from the princess and the frog. Super good!
I have that on my list - looking forward to it.
Voiceplay has a cover out now of Seven Nation Army. Superb!
Indeed - I'll be getting to more of their work soon - not quite sure what order, given the number of songs I've got to catch up on, but I'll get there!
Love your reactions. As someone else said, this isn’t green screen. Vu Studios, where they filmed this, has giant LED screens that displayed the backgrounds.
Thank you! I had completely forgotten about the giant LED screen approach - great use of it here.
@@davidkreacts I was rather curious how they handled the performer's lighting in darkness epsecially on a green screen. Usually you have to be much better lit from all angles to proprly overly a green screen, to the detriment of MMTM to be honest, as brightly they had to be lit to get a clean cut in front of the green screen, it's very apparent, and a stark contrast to Valhalla Calling where the dark, broody torchlight approach made the lighting tell a story in itself... don't think that can be done as brilliantly as it was done here on green screen.
Voicepkay has a Halo cover as well. Awesome!
On my list for a video game month for sure!
Oh, I have been WAITING for this! Worth the wait, sir!
Thank you! ^_^
As usual, stellar analysis and a fun reaction.
Your comments about MtG may actually have a basis. Eli is a big gamer and he is the one who designed the backgrounds. I really like that it shows that they’re coming from five different regions. I also think that it may allude to the five elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Aether (the breath or the life force of the gods). Geoff is obviously 🔥 Fire!
At the end, the way they turn theirs back to us is so dismissive, as though they have nothing to fear from us.
I really like that J came in partway like he was returning home to his family of VoicePlay. It’s especially appropriate since he is currently serving in the (our, not the Viking🤣!) Navy.
I loved your reaction to the B0!! And he holds it so long!!!
Thank you very much!
I can see the elements being another very logical conclusion for the backgrounds, yes. Ooh - I like the dismissive read - that's cool.
Agreed re J None - it made a lot of sense for him to play that character (though I believe it was also partly due to travel delays getting back?).
I'm still taking that B0 in - it's a force of nature!
Geoff held that B0 for 16 seconds!
And so smoothly too.
Beautiful reaction, David! Thank you so much!
You are very welcome - thank you for watching!
Thank you so much for analyzing both in one, you coudn't have it done better. So many information to details, I never got somewhere else. That's also wonderful in so many ways!
B0 brain melt! XD Also, I think you'll really love the behind the scenes on this one. Vū Orlando is a studio with massive LED screens for filming.
Still ongoing as I type! I just upgraded to the BTS tier, so going to go hunt a bunch of those out once I'm back from vacation!
Maybe you know this from the BTS by now, but all the backgrounds in Valhalla Calling are virtual, including most of the interior. They used a really cool technique where the virtual background (on a huge screen behind them) follows the movements of the camera to get the perspective right, so it doesn't look flat. I'm not sure what it's called, but I saw a video about it once.
I haven't actually seen the BTS for this, but a few folks have mentioned it. I also cannot currently bring the name to mind, but I've seen clips about that technique being used in movies - it's astonishingly effective.
Now that you've seen the video I highly recommend checking out the BTS for Valhalla Calling. All of the scenery is part of Eli's Unreal Engine creation and no green screen. It's really interesting how they filmed it.
I will definitely check that out. I've seen a few videos about the LED screen tech, and would be interested to watch how they implemented it for this.
OHH i was so much waiting for your reaction.. I was just of to bed ( midnight in Denmark) but then i saw your notification and i just had to se it :D what a treat :D
Sorry for keeping you up, but I hope you enjoyed it!
Extra History did an excellent series on Vikings if you are interested in the historical aspects. It covers, among other things, the origins of Normandy and of Kiev.
Depending on context, the straight horizontal line over a letter can be interpreted as various things, circumflex and macron being the most common in linguistic contexts. It also has far too many uses to list in math and science. (No idea what, if anything, it means in the context of Vū.)
Jose looks more like Paul Atreides (from the mini-series), than any version of Stilgar I'm familiar with.
In the Fairy Voice Mother's analysis of this song, she takes the clip of Eli singing that high section ("... Odin's Halls ...") and plays it back-to-back-to-back with several clips of prominent high notes in well-known pop songs by female vocalists, that are hitting the same notes Eli is hitting. It's... impressive. Starts around 7:12 in her video.
Ooh - thanks for the heads up. Will definitely watch that.
Macron is the word I was thinking of - thank you. I didn't realise it had more than one interpretation though.
I can see mini-series Paul also - I think that's the version I've seen the least, so it didn't come to mind so much.
I haven't seen FVM's video yet - appreciate the heads-up.
They do not use any green screen is the newest video. They are using large LED screens in the background that the Unreal Engine renderings are projected through. They are getting so great with their backgrounds (already awesome with everything else as well).
I still haven't learned to recognise that tech, especially since green screening got so good, but that makes complete sense. I love that they did that for these ones - it looks so good.
Love your reaction! These guys are fabulous with all the high & low notes.
Thank you! Yes, they really are.
This was so much fun to watch. I always enjoy the full breakdowns, especially of VP. I think you would love the cover of Creep by Post Modern Jukebox feat. Haley Reinhart and would love to hear you break it down.
I'm glad that you enjoyed it! That would be an interesting cover to look at - I couldn't react, as I've listened to it a fair few times and seen it live on one occasion, but it's a very cool arrangement.
At this point, I feel Vikings are a people the same way farmers are a people. It is not an ethnicity, but there is a shared culture, and broad strokes similarities.
It seems like there are a lot of different definitions, but that makes sense, yes.
LOVE the Magic coment i love that game your content is so fun and i feel happy becas i larn a grate bit
Thank you so much! I'm really glad I am able to bring you some new ideas about the videos. :-)
I've been looking forward to your reactions to these 😊
I hope they lived up to your expectations! :-)
@@davidkreacts oh most certainly 😊
Great reaction!
Thank you!
Great reaction! I think it was a really good choice to react to/analyze both videos together. Really enjoyed your surprise/astonishment over that B0!
Thank you very much. :-)
You seem like you needed a nap after this. Don’t worry, I think we all did lol. Always love your Voiceplay reactions. Can’t wait to see the next one
Oh, absolutely! Glad you enjoyed. More coming before long, for sure.
Great idea to do a joint reaction. And good job! Love both of these, but Valhalla is so intense, it never fails to hold my attention.
Thank you. Yeah, they're both enthralling for different reasons. MMTM draws you in and then shakes you up, where VC goes for something more in the realm of shock and awe tactics! :-P
I have been looking forward to your reaction to these!! I wasn't expecting a double reaction to both MMTM and VC but I'm glad that it happened. It is honestly hard for me to pick a favorite out of the two too, because both of them are amazing in their own ways. I feel like MMTM is more "calm", I put that in quotations because that isn't necessarily a trait of the song but I feel like it isn't as striking (which isn't a bad thing at all). While VC is very just in your face and very explosive. But both of them are so epic, the arrangements are perfect and I just love everything about them. I also love that they all (excluding Cesar since he wasn't in MMTM) have the same makeup and costumes. I just love how they kept that consistent in both. Thank you for the great reaction and analysis as always David❤
Thank you! :-)
I know what you're getting at with that. MMTM is less bombastic than VC, but that doesn't make it any less impactful - it's just subtler about it.
I completely agree with the consistency too - it brings the two together into such a powerful pairing, and I absolutely love that they decided to present them this way.
I love watching your videos, even more when you react to VoicePlay! 🔥🤯
Viking songs are not my thing, but VP makes them worth listening to. Epic!
Thank you very much!
Yeah, I'm pretty sure they could sing the phone book and keep me interested!
I love that you did these together, hoping eventually we have another sequel to these! My Mother Told Me is the song that introduced me to the guys and sent me down many a rabbit hole. One of them being leather working. And what is my aim? Viking costumes for the whole family. (12 people) I had the first intent of having them for last Halloween... yeah, still working on it!
I don't know if I could take a third one! (But also yes please?) Oh wow - that's an intense intro, for sure. Ooh - leatherworking is a fascinating thing to have taken up. How's it all going?
yes wow indeed! ❤🏴
Stil wow! ;-)
love the little aside at the end hew foremen or feed the cat! tough choice! ❤
I think I made the right one. I would have been hewn by Timmy if I hadn't fed him. ;-)
Now that you've done a My Mother Told Me, you should try some others, such as Alina Gingertail's rendition
I will be looking at others in due course - though as with any songs like that, I'll give it a bit before the next one so that I'm not influenced by the last version.
Loving the double reaction and so pleased you enjoyed both. If you’d got time and access the making of Valhalla Calling is an interesting watch that I think you’d enjoy on your own time. 🙂
Thank you! I don't have access yet, but planning to upgrade in the near future. Looking forward to it.
This. Was. Great. 🙂
Thank you!
David, you can't publish that kind of video minutes before I want to go to bed. Do you even know how much willpower it took to wait until today and not stay up until 2 am to watch it immediately?😂
Loved the analysis and especially the visual descriptions, since I'm severely visually disabled. I can see the broad strokes, so to speak, but the daily take too long to process with faster paced video. Comments on cool visual details are always welcome.
Next challenge: Ayreon Universe, the whole concert. With this level of analysis you'll just need half a day. And I would absolutely watch it! Even more if you did The Electric Castle Live And Other Tales. There is even story to analyse.😝
Seriously, though: The Day That The World Breaks Down soon?
Sorry! Time zones are a pain for scheduling!
Thank you for the comments, and I'm glad that the visual comments are a particular benefit to you. I love geeking out about stuff that looks cool, so you'll get plenty of that from me!
Haha! That sounds like a challenge, but sadly not one I have time to actually physically do, or I would definitely take you up on it! I am hoping to get to ...Breaks Down soon, yes.
😂 at Magic The Gathering Commanders….dude….if it makes you feel better, my head went there too. But I didn’t see Jose as Dune. I was thinking he belonged in Star Wars.
Also: Layne has been grabbing a line in pretty much every one they’ve done this year. There may have been some comments during one of their live patreon chats where some patrons 😇 fussed about never hearing his pretty voice at all and they even specified “at least a line or two!” and that’s what they’ve done. Pay attention and you’ll see it in all the recent ones. Find their version of “True Colors” to react to sometime - It’s quite a bit older than any you’ve done. I think the marked difference in production complexity will really hit. But Layne is very prominent in that one as a singer.
And when you made a comment on MMTM about Geoff’s low note, I was like “oh buckle up buttercup”…..’cause I knew about that B0 in VC. And it’s held like 15 seconds the first time he does it too.
You mentioned the “kill the witch” from Wicked. I don’t recall you’re reaction to it - did you catch Geoff throwing him an “excuse you?” expression? There’s a fan theory that it was a nod to Geoff’s role as the sea witch Ursula.
Glad I'm not alone! I can also see Jose in Star Wars - I came to Dune first, so I think I default to that in cases like this.
I'm glad to hear more Layne - his beatboxing is stellar, but I'm glad not to overlook his singing ability as well. I have True Colors on the (very long) list, so will get to it at some point for sure.
Hahaha - that's perfectly fair. Watching this back, I love how impressed I am in MMTM not knowing what's coming!
I did indeed catch that expression, though I hadn't seen TLM so I read it as him acting feeling like Cesar had gone a little bit too far, but I can get behind the fan theory.
Your face when you realized that's B0 was priceless!! I am surprised this one is "only" 1 hour and half. Ha!! Wonderful analysis as always.
Thank you very much! Haha - honestly, that face still comes out occasionally. Honestly, I could have made it longer, but I have limited reaction time so couldn't keep going.
Ooooh, you sound MUCH better. :)
Thank you! This new mic is awesome.
The first B0 from Geoff, I believe goes B0-D1-B0-E1-F#1 before he cuts to the solo.
Also, with the door in VC, when you watch the original video (not the Peyton Parrish one), you will get a better understanding of why they chose that.
Noted - I don't think I realised Peyton's wasn't the original - I'll have to hunt that out.
Also, I *think* he goes up to the F# rather than the D, but I could be mistaken - I'm responding to this while away from home, and don't have my good headphones.
Really enjoyed your reaction and analysis! And I *think* the runic writing down the side of Cesar's face is actually "Cesar" but I could be wrong. I think I saw someone else say that somewhere 😂
The runes on Cesar's face and Geoff's arm mean "VoicePlay." Their website has shirts and mugs, etc., with the design.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. :-)
I'm pretty sure the Unreal Engine was used in both videos. In My Mother Told me they used green screen, and in Valhalla Calling the graphics were rendered live on LED Walls behind/around them.
Gotcha. The LED screen tech is so cool - they made great use of it here.
It is 12:30am where I live and I want to wake up at 6:30am. Hmm, are 4 hours of sleep enough? :)) I need to watch this reaction :D
Yeah and VC doesn’t exactly mellow the listener out and settle us for nighty nights either.
I can’t get halfway in before I want a sword and something to bash with it.
I hope you got enough sleep (but also hope you enjoyed the reaction!).
This is definitely not gentle ASMR, that's for sure!
Jeff actually sings A B1 sub and the first of the song and then does it three more times throughout. My brother was an orchestra and band conductor for a major university for over 30 years and couldn't believe how low this man could go
You mean the B0? Geoff doesn’t need subs for a B1; he can do that in chest voice.
His voice is truly astonishing.
All backgrounds in both videos were designed by Eli using Unreal Engine. For VC, they filmed in Vu Studios where they projected the backgrounds behind a live set on huge LED screens. No green screen! And the AC had broken in the studio that day so it was very miserable for them to film in those costumes. 😬
Oh my goodness, no A/C in that getup must have been awful!
Love the use of Unreal, and it's so engaging to see the group gradually adding more and more skills to their very impressive arsenal.
I appreciate your detailed reactions, David. also, I just discovered your channel, so I have a lot of VoicePlay reactions to watch
Also to follow on straight after Trapped and Panic is Queen in 5 minutes
@@lizwildcatmunro2460 how so?
Thank you so much! Pardon my delayed reply - it's been a crazy few weeks. I hope you're enjoying all my VP reactions. I have the trio on my list to get to at some point, and yes, more Geoff coming (next week, actually). I'm not at SoS yet, but I'll get there. Thanks for watching!
@@davidkreacts no worries, time works on different speeds for different people online and that's ok ^_^
You should take a look at Voiceplay and Kurt Schneider’s Twenty One Pilots!
Added to the list.
J None had to do his separately because he was not able to be there do to his currently being in the Navy. So, he did his part and the group added it to the video during production.
No, he was there in person. He flew in for the day to do it. His plane was 3 hours late though, which gave them a bit of a panic.
Yikes - that cannot have been a good feeling!
This was done individually during covid.
Makes sense.
I don't know how they got that synth-like sound that you mention at ~ 1:10:30, but in their cover E.LO.'s "Mr. Blue Sky" (my own introduction to VoicePlay, back in 2020), Eli, J., and Earl recreate the original song's computer-filtered vocals through extremely precise harmonies. So I wouldn't put it past them... [Edited to fix a couple of typos in the time stamp]
I did NOT know they had done that - must check that one out. I love Mr. Blue Sky. Will be curious to see how that harmonising works out.
The rap segment was written especially for J.
A perfect addition, though I know from comments that it's a little polarising for some.
I need a Geoff commander precon stat 😂
You and me both!
Like thunder! Great job. Geoff pushes his bass limits. We will see where the final limit will be. He is very hardworking and persistent. I know Tim Storms holds the record for lowest pitch. And I think few come close to that.
I am so impressed by Geoff's continued experimentation and boundary pushing. I've heard Tim's name, but haven't heard him yet - will have to check him out some time.
Same tatts and makeup, similar clothing, and the hooded cloak Jose wore is the same one Cesar wore in #2.
Definitely missed the matching cloak. Love the consistency - it adds so much to these as a pairing.
Geoff was much prettier in My Mother Told Me, they dirtied him up quite a bit and nastied up his hair.
MMTM was done on green screen, they all recorded in their home studios because of Covid restrictions.
Layne was singing through quite a bit of it, but also recorded his beat boxing which ran at the same time.
VC was done on giant LED screens designed by Eli and executed by Vu.
Layne is brilliant, as usual, but I have to remind myself every time that J is not crashing through an old, wooden, creaky door. That's all Layne!
I understand the instiinct to suggest ways that they could have done it different/better. In MMTM, I still am not thrilled with the doo-doo-doo-doo that Eli does. But I wasn't the arranger and I wasn't making the artistic decisions, so not my call.
The rune on Cesar's face and Geoff's right arm (inside) says Voiceplay. Go figure.
Cesar is wearing the cloak that Jose wore, most of the other costumes are the same or similar. The makeup is also the same or similar.
Be sure you get to Geoff's Man of Sorrow!
I completely forgot about the concept of OLED screens - it's such a cool invention, and they did a great job using it.
Thank you for the info - much appreciated.
Will be getting to Geoff's MoCS soon, for sure.
if you want to try something new listen and compare Voiceplay and Base Gang covering Hide and Seek with both groups featuring Lauren Pailey
same song but totally different
I concur to that.
Ooh - I knew they'd both done it, but didn't realise it was the same guest. That will be very interesting.
Would you consider checking out Forestella?
They are on my list, actually - just haven't got there yet.
I'll go ahead and appoligise now. This comment's going to be kind of a long one, but it sort of needs to be.
You're right about Viking not being a people, a national description, or a "place origin", so to speak. Viking was a job, or activity, a profession, if you will. More akin to pirate than anything else. In Norse society one could be convicted of Viking, for example, as it was illegal. Those who had gone "a Viking" were criminals.
Side note about the age of Viking: There were a total of four raids of any significance during this period, which spanned a total of 200 years. So, aprox one raid every 50 years, or so. And those few scared the victims so much the Norsemen who were responsible were considered the boogeymen of their age.
The costumes, for me: Geoff, the blacksmith, the creator. Layne, the trader, the wander, the deal maker. JNon, the hunter, the trapper, the wandering warrior. Eli, the sage, the druid, the mystic. And Ej, the diplomat, wander of far off lands. Then, in his turn, Cesar, the berserker, the untamed warrior, passion incarnate.
By the time they get to Valhalla Calling none of that matters, though. Geoff, Layne, Eli, and Cesar all IN Valhalla looking out at the world...waiting for the next warrior to join them. THEY don't find him. HE comes to them. He doesn't ask, " Am I worthy? " He TELLS them, " I am worthy! " The warrior doesn't knock at the gate of Valhalla, he simply walks through the gate to join those already there, as though he's always belonged, because he has.
The rap? That is the warrior's ode, his story, the retelling of WHY he's there. " I feel like a king, more like a God; Feeling eternal, like I'll never die..." and now he won't. Ever.
The level of respect for a culture, the beliefs, is impressive. The attention to detail in their story...my goodness. I don't believe anyone but Voice Play could pull something like this off and be believed. But, they can, will, have, and do.
Lie the new mic, by the way, David. You're settings are really nice. Well done! Perfectly clear, no peaking, smooth transitions between highs and lows. Good find, that.
No need to apologise - sorry it took me a while to get to it.
Thank you for the clarifications and information. I don't think I realised the major raids numbered so few. I knew media misrepresented Vikings, but didn't know how much.
Ooh - I like your character descriptions - I can agree with all of those. Also all of your descriptions too - you have a great way with words, and I cannot but agree.
I absolutely agree with the dedication to history. I think Sabaton is the only other band I've encountered so far that can claim the same.
I'm really happy the new mic is working out. Unfortunately I do discover it's limitations a little in a couple of upcoming reactions, but I think I've figured that all out now.
1 The clothes is mostly the same. Cesar obviously wearing the robe José was using. Many reactors have placed José on planet Tattoine, considering the background and the robe. Some furs was also used in Misty Mountain.
2 The returning rune in the make-up says VoicePlay.
3 Vikings could be described as a profession or trade. Origins to the word very unclear. Verb? Noun?Adjective?Scholars debate still.The same people were also traders/merchants, skilled craftsmen, sailors,fishermen, farmers and colonists. Great opportunists.
4 History, specifically viking history was an interest me and my late husband shared, as a swede and a dane. Thus our children were given viking names. Common roots for us. Middle child hated hers and changed Hervor to Sofia but now wavers, being proud of some of the deeds described in the Hervara Saga.
5 Yes, filmed during restrictions for MMTM
6 The old nordic folks admired a warrior but also their poets. Eigil Skallagrim was famous for being both. To improvise verses and use their language skills was hihhly valued. There were sometimes arranged ritual duels in 'insulting' your opponent taking place at the halls of the chieftains. Called 'flyting' and thus makes rapping quite natural in this setting. The author of this rap Alfredo Austin wrote a rap for JNone in Superstition as well, sorry small spoiler.
7 Filming in VU studio before wallsize Led screens and the AC broke. A long hot day in furs. Dedication. As you said, Miracle of Sounds gave them 10 alehorns out 10. The guys kind of hinted they could do with the ale after that day in the studio in their reply to him.
8 VP has recently done a couple of new minis with Omar. All are not released yet, but open to patreons. There we first get a hint of a latent aggressiveness in Cesar, previously not shown, and which we now see fullblown. In the BTS for Valhalla we hear Geoff humming that agressive part of Cesar from that specific mini, foreshadowing the ferocity that's coming here. Thus I conclude that this yet unreleased mini was recorded before this video. I've always felt Cesar showing either vulnerability or sass, even in Hoist. The ferocity he projects here was kind of new for me from Cesar.
9 Fairy voicemother released her reaction earlier tonight. You'll want to see that one.
10 So much better with the new mic. Well spent money. We still get some of the boiler fan, but not too intruding.
Only missing an appearance of Timmy. Son and I have seriously discussed getting new feline company. It's empty after 20 years of fur friends.
Thank you for all the comments! Responding in kind:
1 - Love the idea of a Tatooine Viking! Makes sense though. Looking forward to Misty Mountain when I can get to it.
2 - Yes, I've since learned that - such a lovely touch.
3 - That kind of fits with my understanding and why I was so cagey about going into detail - there doesn't seem to be a consensus.
4 - That's a rich history to dig into, and whether or not she changes back, it's nice that she's begun to understand the source of the name.
5 - Makes sense.
6 - I feel like it would be amazing to be a fly on the wall to flyting, or what I would call a Viking roast battle. That's awesome that J None has someone write these for him specifically.
7 - It does sound like a very arduous shoot - I'm glad it came out so well.
8 - Agreed - I got a hint of it in Hoist, but it was nothing like the conviction of Eli - in this one he really is fierce.
9 - I would love to see that and will head over to watch.
10 - I'm glad you think so - thank you again for your generosity in helping towards it. I don't think I'll be able to ditch the furnace fan until I can move somewhere else other than the basement, but I'm glad it's toned down.
Yes, I was surprised Timmy didn't come down for this one. He's absent for a couple more in the future too. I can understand the wish for more fur babies - they are such a wonderful comfort and excellent company.
I think "Viking" is a verb rather than a noun
I have a feeling it could be both, but also very willing to defer to those who know better than me.
These can be seen as connected being, both about Vikings, and they wear the same costumes and makeup, with Cesar replacing Jose in the second one. In a similar way their Dream on can be seen as a sequel to Warriors, as they both apocalyptic. They like this idea I think of linking videos/songs. The word Viking was a verb, it was what they did when they went raiding. Yes the people, Norsemen, were also great traders, across all of Europe and beyond. With a name like mine I have had some interest in the subject. :) Incidentally the runes on Cesar's face say VoicePlay. VoicePlay just keep getting better and better. Where next? I can't comment on the gaming aspect, not being a gamer myself, but I know the guys are definitely into gaming. Can't comment about the filming of MMTM but for Valhalla Calling J.None was possibly filned seperately for part of it as his plane was three hours late bringing him to be with the group. And yes Geoff does that B0 twice. Once held for 14/15 seconds, the second time for ten seconds.
I appreciate the through lines as well - it's not what you'd necessarily expect from a group, but it fits perfectly for the theatre kids of a capella! Thanks for the info too. I cannot agree more that they just keep improving - their older videos are amazing, but somehow they keep outdoing themselves.
Sorry I can't watch. I don't have over 90 minutes to invest in this 😢
Perfectly fair. The reactions are at the beginning if you just want to see those (timecoded out). If you ever find you have the time, you are welcome to come back.