This feels like the best season of drumcorps in a while. Everyone in world class feels competitive. The only people dropping are only dropping cause another group has improved more. Truly an amazing season, constant competition and entertainment from 1-21
I’m having a much different experience. I don’t really like any of the shows or books this year from the top 5 groups. I like crowns drum book but that’s about it. 🤷🏾♂️
@@truthteller8504 2022 saw like 7 groups drop significantly, I agree that there was a drop off in the average quality over Covid, but I feel like we’re back now. Maybe percussion is still a little behind, but the fact that every group is pushing scores, the least contentious spot right now is 6-7 and there are like 5 groups who have a reasonable shot at 12th place I think is gonna make this a pretty historical season.
@@DeeboComing I am talking about the overall shows and scores not just perc, but I think this perc season is pretty good, bloo pit 11/10, bluestars have some of the best writing I’ve seen for a 7-12 corps (other than last year cavies) in a while, and all around there is a lot of back and forth in the percussion scores.
Your point resonates with me about melody, I've had this beef with DCI the last few years, even with WGI...too many licks back to back and not enough musicality of melody and harmonies.
totally agree. It was my big problem with Crown last year. I love Crown, but... I feel like they had 30 seconds of melody in '23. This year's opener is great, but it kind of falls off after that.
I really like the Crossmen show. It’s so interesting. It weirdly sounds like an old BD show. I’m not the only one I’ve seen with that take. I think if they continue this design trajectory, they may be on the move up soon.
Recency bias may be influencing this take, but this season imo is the most interesting in terms of percussion groups we've had in a long time. It seems like a "changing of the guard" with the expected typical placements is happening in real time-even more-so when you look at corps' as a whole.
When the season started I said to my partner “it feels very 2019esque in the way the percussion seems to be much more forward and emphasized this year”
It’s like you gentleman said, you can hear every note of every drum that Boston plays at every dynamic level they choose, at any position the battery section is located on the field. That’s because they are playing that cleanly and that articulately. This is The strongest group of drummers I’ve seen in any ensemble in my life and I’ve been watching this activity for a long time. I love what they’re doing.
I'll jump in on the conversation about the Bluecoats placing higher in percussion. I do think a big factor is that the staging of their show creates what seems to be a lot of challenging listening environments, especially for the front ensemble and they are near perfection in their timing from front to back and side to side. Their front writing is really musical and complimentary. I think they are getting lots of credit for that.
I enjoy listening to you guys because you have an ear for how technically proficient the drums actually sound. And you have good takes even when I don't entirely agree! Very enjoyable!
I want to see the first group that plays check patterns all show long and then dedicates 8 months to perfecting the 3 best drum breaks ever conceived by man and winning drums.
Perfect comment about show design feeling individual parts of the activity as opposed to a cohesive show. Here's my brass, here is our indoor guard and here is our indoor percussion.
Highlights - Jersey Surf/Seattle Cascades/Spirit of Atlanta/Bluecoats/Madison Scouts/phantom Edit - would anyone else agree that the cascades is also an example of a show that sounds like a drum corps show? Disappointments - Cascade's last place neighborhood scoring (I think they should be higher), Cavaliers percussion and overall design, Colts placing below what I think are inferior shows (Blue Stars and Cavaliers), Troopers show/sound/pacing is a far cry from last year.
You guys are spot on with show length often being too long. Some sections of shows tend to meander without clear intention and have too many words/sentences to a musical phrase.
For the 2022 Sanford, bloo got 2nd the first two nights and won percussion on finals night. SCV got f***ed prelims night and had no shot at the Sanford despite winning semis and getting 2nd at finals only .05 behind bloo. BD was leading the average into finals night after getting first on prelims and 3rd on semis. It was a crazy year, going into finals, all bloo had to do to win was beat BD by .05 and not loose to scv by more than .25
Well Boston appears at this time to have the best percussion of course time will tell after Atlanta, Allentown etc but as of San Antonio they are the group to beat. So overall it’s Bluecoats 1, Blue Devils 2, and 3, Boston Crusaders nipping at BD’s heels!
A friend of mine and I were JUST discussing the SAME thing that you mentioned at the 29 minute mark...the fact that it's SO hard to distinguish between "real" instruments, and a synthesizer any more. I'm afraid that if a group were to Remove the synth, they would probably sound completely empty. It makes the crowds go Nuts....but in reality, it's just a kid pressing a single note on a keyboard. ....and I accept the fact that I've become the "Get off my lawn, kid" guy...but one of the two of you NAILED it -- we have an Indoor color guard feature, followed by an indoor Drumline feature, followed by an indoor brass feature....and then they sorta put it all together. It's changed a LOT, fellas.... ....a Whole lot.
I hope they get those judges on the field again. I’m just gonna blame Hopkins for the situation we are in. There is a rules voting thing this next year. Gotta get the word out there to revoke the no judges on the field thing.
Once you're clean (SCV) you can always improve musicality and sensitivity. You've covered a lot of my issues in the modern performance - 'You can't sing it', yep. It's just segments that aren't tied together by anything other than an electronic sound effect or dance piece. I want the full package back. I think my biggest gripe is that a lot of bass is coming from one person pressing a button in the pit and grooving like it really takes expression....
Seconding the opinion about Phantom's show being something you can actually show your friends. I'm not heavy in to the whole "Back in my day!" thing, but some of the stuff that gets put out on the field can be pretty weird. Phantom's show is transferrable to the real world.
True, there is something to be said for being marketable. In an activity that grows increasingly more expensive, I’m not sure growing increasing more niche is, “good for business”. Drum corps being on ESPN In the past was relatable to someone casually flipping through channels. Now someone would probably wonder what the heck is going on. Haha
It's not that shows are too long... It's how they are constructed. Most of them are generally cookie cutter in general construction, ideas are not given an opportunity to really develop, instead we have lots of licks, technical passages, etc. And when you have this show after show, it's very easy to disengage. It's exactly the same thing with a movie.... have you ever sat through a 3-hour long movie and told yourself wow that really went by fast? That's because it was constructed, edited and told effectively. It was paced to hold your interest. By the same token, there are movies that are so badly put together have you've checked out after 15 minutes. This whole issue is on the designers, and the designers are only responding to what gets judged positively in the modern activity.
I just want the drumlines to play more groovy instead of licky, a lot of good points about show length and design too. I can't stand crowns drumline tho I marched there so its just meh, I wouldn't say they play groove based they play more motif based which is boring.
I agree with Evan about shows feeling too segmented, and I'm going to call out BD the most here. I don't think I've enjoyed a BD show the way I used to since 2018 - all their shows since then feel like a bunch of very small chunks that don't add up to a strong or terribly cohesive whole. I think back to my favorite BD shows (2003, 2004, 2011) and they all had such strong melodies and such strong musical identities. Bluecoats have been scratching that itch for me (especially 2022). Nothing compares to early 00s Cavaliers though - Frameworks and Spin Cycle are never ever going to leave my brain.
The state of judging is so silly to me right now. Boston is currently being ranked 1st in achievement, but only plays for 5 minutes and 30 seconds in their show… (seriously, time it!) That’s just simply not enough playing to be winning drums in the entire activity. AND they are arguably not the cleanest line out there.
This feels like the best season of drumcorps in a while. Everyone in world class feels competitive. The only people dropping are only dropping cause another group has improved more. Truly an amazing season, constant competition and entertainment from 1-21
Hmm actually drumcorps quality has been down pretty badly 2023 and 2024 talent wise as a whole compared to 2022 and pre-covid
I’m having a much different experience. I don’t really like any of the shows or books this year from the top 5 groups. I like crowns drum book but that’s about it. 🤷🏾♂️
@@truthteller8504 2022 saw like 7 groups drop significantly, I agree that there was a drop off in the average quality over Covid, but I feel like we’re back now. Maybe percussion is still a little behind, but the fact that every group is pushing scores, the least contentious spot right now is 6-7 and there are like 5 groups who have a reasonable shot at 12th place I think is gonna make this a pretty historical season.
@@DeeboComing I am talking about the overall shows and scores not just perc, but I think this perc season is pretty good, bloo pit 11/10, bluestars have some of the best writing I’ve seen for a 7-12 corps (other than last year cavies) in a while, and all around there is a lot of back and forth in the percussion scores.
Speaking of judges, it was nice seeing Jeff Prosperie back with his son aging out.
Where is he marching?
@@BagChatters10 He's not. He's back judging again because his son is no longer marching. He was marching Phantom Regiment but aged out last year.
Your point resonates with me about melody, I've had this beef with DCI the last few years, even with WGI...too many licks back to back and not enough musicality of melody and harmonies.
I agree too, I always say I should be able to listen to a whole show while driving as a baseline of musicality
totally agree. It was my big problem with Crown last year. I love Crown, but... I feel like they had 30 seconds of melody in '23. This year's opener is great, but it kind of falls off after that.
Boston is in fact undefeated in drums rn 👍
oh yeah
Bluecoats beat them?
@@JasonTella_Drums not in drums I believe?
@@SS2Balls bluecoats beat them
@@JasonTella_Drums wowza
I really like the Crossmen show. It’s so interesting. It weirdly sounds like an old BD show. I’m not the only one I’ve seen with that take. I think if they continue this design trajectory, they may be on the move up soon.
Recency bias may be influencing this take, but this season imo is the most interesting in terms of percussion groups we've had in a long time. It seems like a "changing of the guard" with the expected typical placements is happening in real time-even more-so when you look at corps' as a whole.
It’s certainly been entertaining.
When the season started I said to my partner “it feels very 2019esque in the way the percussion seems to be much more forward and emphasized this year”
It’s like you gentleman said, you can hear every note of every drum that Boston plays at every dynamic level they choose, at any position the battery section is located on the field. That’s because they are playing that cleanly and that articulately. This is The strongest group of drummers I’ve seen in any ensemble in my life and I’ve been watching this activity for a long time. I love what they’re doing.
I'll jump in on the conversation about the Bluecoats placing higher in percussion. I do think a big factor is that the staging of their show creates what seems to be a lot of challenging listening environments, especially for the front ensemble and they are near perfection in their timing from front to back and side to side. Their front writing is really musical and complimentary. I think they are getting lots of credit for that.
I enjoy listening to you guys because you have an ear for how technically proficient the drums actually sound. And you have good takes even when I don't entirely agree! Very enjoyable!
Best part of the day pt 5
21:49 more spot on commentary-young groups will do whatever you ask of them and trust you will take them to the mountaintop!
I want to see the first group that plays check patterns all show long and then dedicates 8 months to perfecting the 3 best drum breaks ever conceived by man and winning drums.
Perfect comment about show design feeling individual parts of the activity as opposed to a cohesive show. Here's my brass, here is our indoor guard and here is our indoor percussion.
Highlights - Jersey Surf/Seattle Cascades/Spirit of Atlanta/Bluecoats/Madison Scouts/phantom
Edit - would anyone else agree that the cascades is also an example of a show that sounds like a drum corps show?
Disappointments - Cascade's last place neighborhood scoring (I think they should be higher), Cavaliers percussion and overall design, Colts placing below what I think are inferior shows (Blue Stars and Cavaliers), Troopers show/sound/pacing is a far cry from last year.
You guys are spot on with show length often being too long. Some sections of shows tend to meander without clear intention and have too many words/sentences to a musical phrase.
I agree with Fantini Phantom definitely has the best tuning in DCI!!! I’ve always loved Pearl! Loved Yamaha in the 80’s!
Phantom Regiment is definitely a player this year! Phenomenal show! SCV IS STRONG!!! NO PROPS YEAH!!!!
Also, if any dci heads see this ..bring drum judges back to field please 🙏🏻
For the 2022 Sanford, bloo got 2nd the first two nights and won percussion on finals night. SCV got f***ed prelims night and had no shot at the Sanford despite winning semis and getting 2nd at finals only .05 behind bloo. BD was leading the average into finals night after getting first on prelims and 3rd on semis. It was a crazy year, going into finals, all bloo had to do to win was beat BD by .05 and not loose to scv by more than .25
was wondering when this would come out 🫡
This might be one of the most competitive dci seasons yet
Not having the judge out on the field is skewing what the actual results should be.
I think to an extent, yes. Probably not huge changes. Been definitely some place swapping. -Evan
Absolutely
@@agedoutpodcast Drum judge was out of position for a lot of the feature for SCV at San Antonio.
Filler content is what I see in so much of what BD puts out. Some of their drum transitions come out of nowhere.
Let's add drone video for judging instead.
Damn I miss hearing you guys talk about The Cadets.
We also miss the cadets.
SCV percussion is the most consistent group by far right now. So musical as well.
Well Boston appears at this time to have the best percussion of course time will tell after Atlanta, Allentown etc but as of San Antonio they are the group to beat. So overall it’s Bluecoats 1, Blue Devils 2, and 3, Boston Crusaders nipping at BD’s heels!
Make DCI great again! Bring judges back on the field. Not that it isn’t great this year but that would be huge if they made the switch back.
19:16 HELL YES, GENTLEMEN. #missingmelody
Bluecoats are doing a lot less shows so will have more time to clean ? :-) so not many lot shows ?
A friend of mine and I were JUST discussing the SAME thing that you mentioned at the 29 minute mark...the fact that it's SO hard to distinguish between "real" instruments, and a synthesizer any more. I'm afraid that if a group were to Remove the synth, they would probably sound completely empty. It makes the crowds go Nuts....but in reality, it's just a kid pressing a single note on a keyboard.
....and I accept the fact that I've become the "Get off my lawn, kid" guy...but one of the two of you NAILED it -- we have an Indoor color guard feature, followed by an indoor Drumline feature, followed by an indoor brass feature....and then they sorta put it all together.
It's changed a LOT, fellas....
....a Whole lot.
It would be interesting to hear every group with no electronics…
Boston percussions is in fact undefeated.
I hope they get those judges on the field again. I’m just gonna blame Hopkins for the situation we are in. There is a rules voting thing this next year. Gotta get the word out there to revoke the no judges on the field thing.
@@erroneous3493 Actually it was Kevin Shah who proposed the rule
@@mrnicknick02 oh interesting. No hate on him btw. I just miss the tapes lol
@@erroneous3493 Same dude
Once you're clean (SCV) you can always improve musicality and sensitivity. You've covered a lot of my issues in the modern performance - 'You can't sing it', yep. It's just segments that aren't tied together by anything other than an electronic sound effect or dance piece. I want the full package back. I think my biggest gripe is that a lot of bass is coming from one person pressing a button in the pit and grooving like it really takes expression....
Music City’s props do just sit there like an Aquarium??? Fish???
insider baseball: BD isn't moving as well as previous years. Don't get me wrong they are still moving fantastically, just not as good as other years.
Boston is the best battery in dci right now imo
Seconding the opinion about Phantom's show being something you can actually show your friends. I'm not heavy in to the whole "Back in my day!" thing, but some of the stuff that gets put out on the field can be pretty weird.
Phantom's show is transferrable to the real world.
True, there is something to be said for being marketable. In an activity that grows increasingly more expensive, I’m not sure growing increasing more niche is, “good for business”. Drum corps being on ESPN In the past was relatable to someone casually flipping through channels. Now someone would probably wonder what the heck is going on. Haha
It's not that shows are too long... It's how they are constructed. Most of them are generally cookie cutter in general construction, ideas are not given an opportunity to really develop, instead we have lots of licks, technical passages, etc. And when you have this show after show, it's very easy to disengage. It's exactly the same thing with a movie.... have you ever sat through a 3-hour long movie and told yourself wow that really went by fast? That's because it was constructed, edited and told effectively. It was paced to hold your interest. By the same token, there are movies that are so badly put together have you've checked out after 15 minutes. This whole issue is on the designers, and the designers are only responding to what gets judged positively in the modern activity.
40:41 yep. Get drum judges back out there.
For the algorithm. ✊
Y'all got room on that hill? I couldn't agree more about getting the judges back on the field. Let's see how this season finishes up. Could be wild.
We could probably build a castle on top of that hill lol
@@agedoutpodcast I fully support this and will defend the hill lol.
A comment for the code!
The Cavaliers have amazingly dropped off…hangover from last year’s success! The percussion can get Clean but PISS CLEAN????🤨🧐🤨🧐🤨🧐 I’m not convinced!
I just want the drumlines to play more groovy instead of licky, a lot of good points about show length and design too. I can't stand crowns drumline tho I marched there so its just meh, I wouldn't say they play groove based they play more motif based which is boring.
I agree with Evan with the capes being a muddled look. But the show is strange and has really odd moments. Not my favorite BD show by a long shot!
What was said about bostons front?
Fucking turtles in time. ❤
I agree with Evan about shows feeling too segmented, and I'm going to call out BD the most here. I don't think I've enjoyed a BD show the way I used to since 2018 - all their shows since then feel like a bunch of very small chunks that don't add up to a strong or terribly cohesive whole. I think back to my favorite BD shows (2003, 2004, 2011) and they all had such strong melodies and such strong musical identities. Bluecoats have been scratching that itch for me (especially 2022). Nothing compares to early 00s Cavaliers though - Frameworks and Spin Cycle are never ever going to leave my brain.
Yeah shows are way to long!!!
Hear me out… Ninja Turtles show…
One day hoping that Crown will get a Sanford under Jackson and Shah’s writing and arranging 🙏🏻
what’s the context for what they didn’t want to talk about with the cavies?
My guess is the rumor that Mike McIntosh getting let go mid season
@@mrnicknick02 oh wow, thank you, i thought i just saw him post something about cavies on twitter a few days ago?
The state of judging is so silly to me right now. Boston is currently being ranked 1st in achievement, but only plays for 5 minutes and 30 seconds in their show… (seriously, time it!) That’s just simply not enough playing to be winning drums in the entire activity. AND they are arguably not the cleanest line out there.
Just timed Vanguards battery, they play for 3 minutes and 45 second LONGER than Boston. Someone needs to explain this to me