LOL - I thought when I released it everyone would be sleeping and the vid would get a slow jump into the sub-sphere 🤘I'm fix'n to have my hot chocolate and crumpets before I hit the sack 💤💤💤💤😴
This band really is special I think. The symbolism in the video is powerful. The new gods working their way up to meeting the old gods (climbing the levels in the building until they reach the roof). Building on the original simple chords in the building. Eventually reaching the pinacle Everyone putting aside their egos and acknowledging each other. The boys paying tribute to their elder and Steve welcoming them to the place where he is at. Everyone coming together to make something beautiful. At least that is my interpretation. You can tell that there is a lot of mutual respect between the boys and Steve.
They actually gifted steve a signed nylon and it’s signed “to our guitar hero” from Scott and Tim. You can really tell how this moment was really what they worked for their entire lives
I love Vai’s solo, because there were so many notes in the rhythm guitar, bass, and drums, and he used his solo to “sing” over top of all of the fast stuff. Using that sustainiac pickup and whammy bar for like a hyper-legato style was such a good contrast. So god damn cool.
He's also doing that chord-bend thing he's been mastering the last few years which sounds so damn sick. edit: on second watch im not sure he is. the bends are just so sick sounding
@@dezmodium I agree it definitely sounded like it. It didn't look like it in the video but maybe either he didn't mime it in the vid or he has found other techniques to get the same sound
@@dezmodium Im not particularly familiar with his work, certainly not his recent stuff, but i know what you mean. Not sure if he’s bending chords or it’s just the layering/effects used, but it sounds rad 😂
This might be my favorite song from them now and I've been listening to them for years. It's just so beautiful, especially the last section on the roof.
The thing you say about Polyphia opening doors is absolutely true. Tim literally will show people how he comes up with ideas at his desk with Ableton on his channel. I think a lot of composers often keep those things a little closer to the vest. Like, I can't imagine anyone else saying they lifted a structure from Taylor Swift, especially in a progressive rock/metal band.
The rock or metal bands that don't cite influences outside of rock or metal usually don't get asked because they aren't really that compelling to begin with. Tony Iommi's influences are Django Reinhardt and Doris Day, for example.
Tim does a lot of the production himself actually, hes done a couple videos showing how he produces and comes up with ideas for a lot of his songs already. He did a production video on playing god and he said hes likely doing a vid for all the songs on the new album, so we get to see what production stuff he used on these songs
It seems to me they created movements on this piece, and Steve worked with them to create/craft the 3rd movement, if you want to call it that. I think the restraint was that he served the song and writing rather than it serving him.
Its one of those things when Vai "slows down" & keeps the number of notes down as well. & Being in the climax of the song's arrangement, all im thinking after the 10x i've played it is - Tim really nailed this really good & with Steve in mind. Carrying the song with hidden synths & still phenomenal guitar playing with Scott finally in hero guitar duty as well. Damn... how do you follow up from this.
The thing I loved about Steve's solo is the first part : you can see he listened to polythia, saw their use of natural harmonics to create melody, and took inspiration from this concept to incorporate this in his vocabulary. Not that he couldn't or didn't use natural harmonics before, but I think I never heard him take it to that extend. If anything, rather than showing off, he took more of an humble "homage" approach and added his own style with big bends and vibrato use.
The Vai part gave me goosebumps juxtaposed to the super new school polyphia mechanical style… the vai feel just hit even harder. like two gens appreciating each other, but staying true to their sound harmoniously.
I'm still here 😊 Geeze this song and video blew my damn socks off... Absolutely loved Scotty shredding his part to pieces with that super peaceful expression he always has 😌
I love Polyphia and this song took me the second time around to truly appreciate it, there is soooooo much in it it's overwhelming at first but after you listen to it again you start to appreciate it for the song not the skill
Hadn't really considered their impact on music before because they're so young but there are bands out there now that are getting better because of Polyphia. They get blown away by something and either they up their game in response or they're inspired or they learn a technique they can apply to their own thing but it's crazy to think a band can be so talented that they elevate their entire generation's music at such a young age. These dudes aren't even out of their 20s yet and they're consistently raising the bar.
@@noswearingacc He said in an interview he is already a fan of this young band. I think artists like him are proud of the new generation of rock musicians and happy if they hold the genre alive.
I’ve seen a lot of people criticize Steve’s part and say that he underplayed/should’ve done more/etc. I think it’s clear that he chose a more restrained, and dare I say- tasteful, piece for what that moment in the song required. It certainly contributes to the song’s feel of a parlay between the young upstarts and the elder statesman. Building on something that you said, I think that following the first half’s “angular” staccato technical playing from Tim & co. with something more “singsong” and fluidly melodic is satisfying and grounding to the listener. You mentioned looking for that moment in the song, and Steve delivered it. These instrumental guest feature songs often run the risk of turning into “show me your moves” songs where the guest and host musicians just take turns whanging around and one-upping each other. In the year 2022 Steve Vai doesn’t have to prove his chops to anybody anymore, and I appreciate that he’s willing to step back and really fold into the song, and serve the song, rather than overshadow it or make himself the main attraction.
I think people criticize it because people call it a "changing of the guard" video but it doesnt show at all what Vai is fully capable of. I'm not a fan of "shredding". but when it comes to that style, Vai is still far beyond the Polyphia guys, and this video does not show that.
I'm still here! I get what you're saying about building up to Steve Vai's part, but I also think there is a strong melodic element here, but it's just delivered in a more intricate manner without many sustained notes. It's a reason I think they are able to craft memorable songs and push the boundries like this
The first time (couple times even) I listened to it I gotta be honest, łał I could follow was the chord progression and a few parts of Steve's solo in that I just couldn't find the melody, there was too much happening, but man, listening to it now for the fifth or so time...getting some goosebumps. When you hear the melody sing through it all, it's really cool. I mean Steve's still takes it for me, for a fairly simple melody, man does he come at it from a million ways. So creative. And of course, that little pick stop before the drop gets me every time 🥺🥺🥺 listen to it a couple more times, you'll find the melody and it'll all fall together really well. I can imagine I'm now hearing what the band hears more or less, and it just goes to show you they're just having fun and making it for themselves too. Very cool. Oh and IM STILL HERE ❤️🤟
Great analysis! Really enjoy your perspective as someone who has clearly spent a lot of time making music. Most of the people reacting to Polyphia just want to gush about the technique, but your more mature POV is really valuable. And I agree that I'd like to hear Polyphia try something different next time.
Already slapped that like. Let's watch now... Edit after watching: Love that you noticed how they built up to Father Steve's moment. It really felt like a loving tribute to the greatness of Vai and his respect for the new generation of greats.
I think where this band's strength is and always has been is in their ability to take a simple chord progression and turn that into a riff and then turn that riff into countless other little micro-motifs. I think the production value is where this band, and in fact most of the prog bands now pushes forward - This is the same kind of effect Hendrix had on the production level of his time, using effects and production to make Ernie Isley type rock sound like an entirely different thing altogether. I hear a LOT of Buckethead, Criss Oliva, Shawn Lane, Steve Vai (obviously) and the guys that came before them like Dick Dale in this, along with a lot of influences that have fuckall to do with rock or metal.
This song means a lot to me specifically because I have for the longest time been obsessed with Steve Vai's technique with guitar playing and had never really had any other player intrigue me as much as he did....until Polyphia came along. So to have both artists together in the same song is so awesome!
Steve Vai is the only musician who has made me feel things through instrumentation. Seeing these three guitarists duet (triet?) in an aptly named song and hearing Steve make that guitar song made me tear up yet again.
I love this because it just picks you up, and you don't realize it does until it sets you down. That feeling when you're biting down but don't know you're doing it until you, for whatever reason, stop.
Out of the reactions and comments I've seen, this has been the most accurate to what I felt the first time listening. Couldn't have described it more beautifully.
@@williamphillipsthethird it's what I love about the likes of Polyphia and Berried Alive. I don't care how produced it is, at the end of the day, it just leaves you feeling "some kinda way". Sometimes it's a "oh shit", some times its a "wow...", sometimes its a "let me try that one, one more time". To me this one took 2 listens. On the second one I had that thought because when the last 10s hit my jaw relaxed.
A while back Tim Henson caught alot of flack for what he called the "boomer bends" in a conversation with Rick Beato. Then he collabs with Steve Vai who bends everything like a damn question mark 🤣 I love how much fun Polyphia has, everything is so complex yet incredibly lighthearted
I waited to watch this one with you Geebz, and WOW did they blow me back in my chair when Vai came in.... He turned their sound into something absolutely _magical_ ...glad to share it 1st time with ya😁
That youngster who opened, playing the acoustic guitar, is definatly going places. Then the video switched to him playing electric guitar, which he made the guitar sound like a slap bass. Bad Ass playing. Very unique style. Aloha from Hawaii.
Love how your question in the first pause is answered in the second half. "Where can polyphia go from here" well they can collaborate with incredible legends and talented individuals to create masterpieces like this that transcend genres.
This is a dream come true for me musically. From playing For the Love of God on guitar hero and finding Polyphia, this is a combination I didn’t know I needed. Thank you!
your eyes are such a tell of the music. Truly shows just how keen your ear is to the music. very rare especially from the reactions i've seen of this. I dont know much about music but my god your eyes tell such a tale whilst listening to this.
I'm still here! I haven't had a song bring out this kind of emotion in me in a very long time. I absolutely love what they're doing. Best band in the world in my opinion.
Your point about them opening new doors for other people is a really great one. I've watched several reaction videos now with experienced and accomplished guitarists who have pointed out an interesting technique here or there thst they've been inspired to learn from watching Polyphia. And when musicians can have more tools and options at their disposal, everyone wins.
Technique is only necessary to convey what you are trying to express. These guy are not just flexing, they know how use intricate difficult Technique to express at a new level.
You're right on with the Vai note choices. It's almost as if he's sent this rhythm complex craziness, and he just thought, 'gonna bring the slinky calm'. Perfect choices.
I appreciate that they have vibe going with their last two tracks in Playing God and Ego Death, the band implementing the Ibanez nylon-string acoustic guitar sound is what I imagine this album will be centered around...which is great because it does actually feel like a breath of fresh air from their older tracks like GOAT.
You missed that all three guitarists shared the throne throughout the video. Then at the end they all stand shoulder to shoulder. Very cool. Vai is the man!
I really love Polyphia I think these guys have made instrumental guitar music Cool again. It is awesome to see Steve Vai who is one of the Godfathers of instrumental Guitar Music colab with these kids almost like he approves and is passing the torch onto the new generation.
So on point Geebz, polypia are the freshest most jaw dropping band and I love this slew of recent releases. This track is stunning in that there is no mistaking polypia, but Steve's arrival on the throne had me setup up for a schoolboy guitar battle but instead he just poured pure VAI all over them without drowning them, the chirps were puuurrrrfec that solo sublime and then the trumpet at the end with its little "imjust chillin here" vibe... i cant even
An absolute masterpiece. I think I've heard that they do a collab with that trumpet player on the album. I liked the outro a lot. Clash of generations. 🤘🏻
Thank you uncle (you remind me of my uncle lmao) for your incredible breakdowns of the technical aspects of my favorite band. Greetings from the future Hawaii
In one of the UA-cam reactions on Polyphia i saw on UA-cam one reactor said "I felt like the song isn`t going anywhere". I agree, but I guess that is what defines Polyphia personal style of music and performance. They take a music "phrase". Usually it is played by some other (then guitar) instrument. It may be Whistling. It may be Horn. It maybe a MusicBox. And they start arranging a whole Sound kaleidoscope around that particular phrase. So what they do is not a journey in a classical way of going from point A to point B and then to C and etc. Their idea of musical journey is going in circles around one point. I am not a huge fan pf such approach but they make it a legit form of musical entity due to their masterful and innovative approach to the Notes and Sounds they "extract" from their instruments.
love the reaction. i agree i dont see it as a changing of the guard i see it as a bunch of kids getting to play with their heros i love that they took a back stage and made steve the center almost felt like a bow to the great one!
It took me a second listen to hear it, but I really enjoy the leitmotif they've got running through the song- first played by Tim on the acoustic, then again by Scott when they initially transition to the warehouse(?), and once again when they transition to the rooftop. It's like they're saying "here is our running theme, now each guitarist gets their turn to shine"
I loved your reaction, I liked that you enjoyed and appreciated the song, and listened to it till the very end with no annoying interruptions. Great stuff!!!
of course I'm still here, I couldn't be more excited about hearing you "blablabla" about this track hahaha the stevie section give me goosebumps from the beginning to the end, the melody, the layers, the places he brings us in the journey and how the rest of the band join him, oh god is really magical
With each generation of music and musicians there are those that create something revolutionary, whether it is something fully new or a rethinking on how music can be approached by blending separate things together. What makes those innovators so special is what they inspire from those who come next, how they shape and influence the next generation of music. It is really cool to look forward to what comes from musicians who grow up hearing all the innovators before them, including Polyphia and see where that inspiration takes their art.
So much talent and creativity on one piece of music. I have been a fan of Vai since the 90s and Polyphia tick a lot fo the same boxes for me. Interesting and creative.
Great comments! There are som many incredible comments that touch on a lot of the details which of course is amazing. It doesn’t leave much for anyone else to add new comments on something bit already previously mentioned. This of course is a huge statement and response to what they are doing with their new music. I love their creativity and not settling on walking a similar path regarding how something is done. Instead, looking at what they play in the most interesting way. They build their music on a simple foundation so it’s something relatable and you can follow them then add the craziest technical playing that just kind of melts your brain, lol! I love this sound they have to their music right now. Adding nylon strings was a brilliant creative decision that just helps bring something that feels new as well. You have to remember, guitar playing has been around for a long time. Like so many other things, it’s not easy creating something that feels new and fresh while not completely abandoning good sounding music. It feels like a different classification or genre that they have created. Overly simplifying it I know, but it’s just a very groovy rock type vibe and feel!
The triplet run at 6:21 is what did it for me leading into Steve's introduction. Amazing sound as usual from these guys. Keep up the great work, really love your videos. Have you looked into any of the videos that Tim puts out that break down the writing/engineering of their videos and songs? I'm still here by the way!
I think that Geebz may have missed ABC which definitely pushed in a different direction for Polyphia. In fact, every single song they've released off their upcoming album has sounded different from the one preceding it which has me very excited for when their new album drops because it's likely going to be an adventure.
This is easily song of the year. The last act of the song gave me such chills it's insane. Feels like Steve Vai passing the torch to a new generation of virtuosos
Lu L.T. 0 seconds ago I agree with you wholeheartedly. Steve’s solo was a masterpiece in the k.i.s.s principle. While at the same time doing some very advanced stuff that I never heard him do exactly that way. Like how he entered the solo with distinct melodic lines that overlapped a as they bent and slid, but didn’t quite clump into just harmonic patterns, which was super clever and made him seem like he had a couple extra fingers there? Wow. And then how speed wasn’t the issue (possibly also due to injury?) but he didn’t shy away from some impressive, fast runs with precise and surprising cut-offs… there’s too much to say about it! One thing that you got me thinking was from your question (paraphrasing) “where will they push the envelope towards the cutting edge?” But it’s hard to ask that when they are the cutting edge isn’t it? And I’m not a mega fan of theirs, I appreciate their music but I’m not following. Just that the massive quantities of genre-bending and fusion happening in their sounds, from some metal core, djent, some prog rock and elements of math rock- but not quite, and EDM ideas of dubstep or similarities with some of the music by Aphex Twin… not to mention your accurate recognition of Latin music progressions. When something so new exists, how to know the directions it can go? What I expect is more of the same, cool things, until they’re really pressed For novelty. Then we’ll see
8:20 - This moment, the three guitar gods fused into one Elder God, is the moment of "Ego Death" for me. It's the transition into Gestalt where the newly formed whole is more than the sum of its parts.
Ahhh, the analysis I was waiting to see!! I always love your takes. Thank you for your insight! One thing that I love so much about this track is the production of the samples, etc. This track really gave me Ronald Jenkees vibes in terms of the use of those and the straight funkiness of the tune. If you haven't heard of Ronald Jenkees, I recommend looking him up. Specifically, Throwing Fire or Guitar Sounds.
Glad I found your second channel! I love hearing your insight on different tracks, and as a musician it helps me grow a lot. Thank you for what you do! Do you have a Patreon? I'd love to support you and the work you do!
Thank you , I really appreciate your comment and your support. Yes there is a Patriot link in the description Box of all my UA-cam videos if you want to drop by. Aloha
In terms of where these guys can stretch, to your point about 'where they go' I think it will really be about breaking away from those familiar shapes and patterns that start to make everything start to sound samey, and yeah also focusing on those unique melodies and song structures. A lot of technically awesome bands tend to go in this trajectory, starting out shreddy and then gradually stripping away the flashy playing with a focus on melody & composition as they mature. So I look forward to watching that happen as these guys evolve for sure
I think Vai ties the song together and gives the song some recognizable melodic structure. I also really loved that Scott got some time to shine in this one.
It's so interesting how with the immediate juxtaposition with Vai, the much higher musicality of his parts is just undeniable. Not to say they aren't musical, but the weedeling does sometimes takeover a bit.
Haha, loved that comment about Steve Via being Obe Wan Kanobi. When you get a chance, check out Pluton by Soen! Underrated band imo and this song is a hidden gem out of their discography. Hope you're having a great day, and catchin some gnarly waves 🤙
LOL - I thought when I released it everyone would be sleeping and the vid would get a slow jump into the sub-sphere 🤘I'm fix'n to have my hot chocolate and crumpets before I hit the sack 💤💤💤💤😴
Sleep well!
Sweet dreams!
8am here! Really nice start to my morning, cheers Geebz.
345am in Florida. I'm here for you geebz
Could you watch the acapella version?
This band really is special I think.
The symbolism in the video is powerful. The new gods working their way up to meeting the old gods (climbing the levels in the building until they reach the roof). Building on the original simple chords in the building.
Eventually reaching the pinacle
Everyone putting aside their egos and acknowledging each other. The boys paying tribute to their elder and Steve welcoming them to the place where he is at. Everyone coming together to make something beautiful.
At least that is my interpretation.
You can tell that there is a lot of mutual respect between the boys and Steve.
i think you're bang on man, that's really good and i totally see how it works out.
stop on man
Steve Vai on this collab "I don't care what it is, I'm playing on it"
Wonderful interpretation!!
They actually gifted steve a signed nylon and it’s signed “to our guitar hero” from Scott and Tim. You can really tell how this moment was really what they worked for their entire lives
I love Vai’s solo, because there were so many notes in the rhythm guitar, bass, and drums, and he used his solo to “sing” over top of all of the fast stuff. Using that sustainiac pickup and whammy bar for like a hyper-legato style was such a good contrast. So god damn cool.
100%!
He's also doing that chord-bend thing he's been mastering the last few years which sounds so damn sick.
edit: on second watch im not sure he is. the bends are just so sick sounding
@@dezmodium I agree it definitely sounded like it. It didn't look like it in the video but maybe either he didn't mime it in the vid or he has found other techniques to get the same sound
@@dezmodium Im not particularly familiar with his work, certainly not his recent stuff, but i know what you mean. Not sure if he’s bending chords or it’s just the layering/effects used, but it sounds rad 😂
singing is how I thought of it, so impressive that the boys were able to play so much but give Steve the space to work
This might be my favorite song from them now and I've been listening to them for years. It's just so beautiful, especially the last section on the roof.
Steve's entry is one of the best things I have ever screen on a digital screen
I’m the same, my favorite song up till now is probably The Worst
I love how they all rotated the throne.
For real, the end of this song literally brings tears to my eyes. It's just incredible.
I couldn’t agree more. Clush has always been my favorite song, but this one takes the cake. It’s a masterpiece.
The thing you say about Polyphia opening doors is absolutely true. Tim literally will show people how he comes up with ideas at his desk with Ableton on his channel. I think a lot of composers often keep those things a little closer to the vest.
Like, I can't imagine anyone else saying they lifted a structure from Taylor Swift, especially in a progressive rock/metal band.
The rock or metal bands that don't cite influences outside of rock or metal usually don't get asked because they aren't really that compelling to begin with. Tony Iommi's influences are Django Reinhardt and Doris Day, for example.
@@neilpatrickhairless Django Reinhardt is definitely a huge influence on a lot of people. Yeah, he's a banjo guy, but he was incredible
Tim does a lot of the production himself actually, hes done a couple videos showing how he produces and comes up with ideas for a lot of his songs already. He did a production video on playing god and he said hes likely doing a vid for all the songs on the new album, so we get to see what production stuff he used on these songs
Yes, he said he did most of the producing on this song and Scottie did the rest
@@BrittanyNgo01 I'd love to see Scott make a video of his approach to production!
Vai plays with restraint. He knows how to emphasize notes and phrases. The guy is a legend for a reason.
Honestly it sounds like restraint but he’s also using homemade techniques to make one guitar sound like a thousand
It seems to me they created movements on this piece, and Steve worked with them to create/craft the 3rd movement, if you want to call it that. I think the restraint was that he served the song and writing rather than it serving him.
funny enough im pretty sure steve's final part is a remixed version of what he initially sent them for the song
Its one of those things when Vai "slows down" & keeps the number of notes down as well. & Being in the climax of the song's arrangement, all im thinking after the 10x i've played it is - Tim really nailed this really good & with Steve in mind. Carrying the song with hidden synths & still phenomenal guitar playing with Scott finally in hero guitar duty as well. Damn... how do you follow up from this.
I like seeing Scott take some well-deserved space, really seems like he was channeling his own inner Steve
The thing I loved about Steve's solo is the first part : you can see he listened to polythia, saw their use of natural harmonics to create melody, and took inspiration from this concept to incorporate this in his vocabulary. Not that he couldn't or didn't use natural harmonics before, but I think I never heard him take it to that extend. If anything, rather than showing off, he took more of an humble "homage" approach and added his own style with big bends and vibrato use.
That Trem action for the beat drop that Steve did, literal goosebumps.
The Melody of Vai is 🔥🔥🔥reminds me Sean Kingston beautiful girl 😂😂😂😂
I have no business being awake right now but suddenly I'm glad I am LOL
I feel ya :)
Same bro
Lmao same
The Vai part gave me goosebumps juxtaposed to the super new school polyphia mechanical style… the vai feel just hit even harder. like two gens appreciating each other, but staying true to their sound harmoniously.
My thoughts also
4:00 i was thinking the same thing, but those last 3 or so minutes of the song gave me my answer.
I'm still here 😊
Geeze this song and video blew my damn socks off... Absolutely loved Scotty shredding his part to pieces with that super peaceful expression he always has 😌
I loved how them grooving spawned a trumpet player out of thin air
BRASSTRACKS
By far my favorite part of the song. It was like "YES, THIS IS THE CORRECT MOVE" as soon as I heard it.
He shoulda been in the whole damn song
@@aarondavis4067 Its a backing track for quite a bit on the roof(starts when Vai is standing up)
I love Polyphia and this song took me the second time around to truly appreciate it, there is soooooo much in it it's overwhelming at first but after you listen to it again you start to appreciate it for the song not the skill
Hadn't really considered their impact on music before because they're so young but there are bands out there now that are getting better because of Polyphia. They get blown away by something and either they up their game in response or they're inspired or they learn a technique they can apply to their own thing but it's crazy to think a band can be so talented that they elevate their entire generation's music at such a young age. These dudes aren't even out of their 20s yet and they're consistently raising the bar.
If you get steve to jam with you, you know you are on top. Absolute mindblowing tune. Listen'nd to it almost 10 times now. Instant classic.
easy to get him to "jam" with you when you pay him large sums of money
@@noswearingacc He said in an interview he is already a fan of this young band. I think artists like him are proud of the new generation of rock musicians and happy if they hold the genre alive.
I’ve seen a lot of people criticize Steve’s part and say that he underplayed/should’ve done more/etc. I think it’s clear that he chose a more restrained, and dare I say- tasteful, piece for what that moment in the song required. It certainly contributes to the song’s feel of a parlay between the young upstarts and the elder statesman.
Building on something that you said, I think that following the first half’s “angular” staccato technical playing from Tim & co. with something more “singsong” and fluidly melodic is satisfying and grounding to the listener. You mentioned looking for that moment in the song, and Steve delivered it.
These instrumental guest feature songs often run the risk of turning into “show me your moves” songs where the guest and host musicians just take turns whanging around and one-upping each other. In the year 2022 Steve Vai doesn’t have to prove his chops to anybody anymore, and I appreciate that he’s willing to step back and really fold into the song, and serve the song, rather than overshadow it or make himself the main attraction.
I think people criticize it because people call it a "changing of the guard" video but it doesnt show at all what Vai is fully capable of. I'm not a fan of "shredding". but when it comes to that style, Vai is still far beyond the Polyphia guys, and this video does not show that.
I'm still here!
I get what you're saying about building up to Steve Vai's part, but I also think there is a strong melodic element here, but it's just delivered in a more intricate manner without many sustained notes. It's a reason I think they are able to craft memorable songs and push the boundries like this
The first time (couple times even) I listened to it I gotta be honest, łał I could follow was the chord progression and a few parts of Steve's solo in that I just couldn't find the melody, there was too much happening, but man, listening to it now for the fifth or so time...getting some goosebumps. When you hear the melody sing through it all, it's really cool. I mean Steve's still takes it for me, for a fairly simple melody, man does he come at it from a million ways. So creative. And of course, that little pick stop before the drop gets me every time 🥺🥺🥺 listen to it a couple more times, you'll find the melody and it'll all fall together really well. I can imagine I'm now hearing what the band hears more or less, and it just goes to show you they're just having fun and making it for themselves too. Very cool. Oh and IM STILL HERE ❤️🤟
Great analysis! Really enjoy your perspective as someone who has clearly spent a lot of time making music. Most of the people reacting to Polyphia just want to gush about the technique, but your more mature POV is really valuable. And I agree that I'd like to hear Polyphia try something different next time.
Already slapped that like. Let's watch now...
Edit after watching: Love that you noticed how they built up to Father Steve's moment. It really felt like a loving tribute to the greatness of Vai and his respect for the new generation of greats.
I think where this band's strength is and always has been is in their ability to take a simple chord progression and turn that into a riff and then turn that riff into countless other little micro-motifs. I think the production value is where this band, and in fact most of the prog bands now pushes forward - This is the same kind of effect Hendrix had on the production level of his time, using effects and production to make Ernie Isley type rock sound like an entirely different thing altogether. I hear a LOT of Buckethead, Criss Oliva, Shawn Lane, Steve Vai (obviously) and the guys that came before them like Dick Dale in this, along with a lot of influences that have fuckall to do with rock or metal.
This song means a lot to me specifically because I have for the longest time been obsessed with Steve Vai's technique with guitar playing and had never really had any other player intrigue me as much as he did....until Polyphia came along. So to have both artists together in the same song is so awesome!
Steve Vai is the only musician who has made me feel things through instrumentation. Seeing these three guitarists duet (triet?) in an aptly named song and hearing Steve make that guitar song made me tear up yet again.
I love this because it just picks you up, and you don't realize it does until it sets you down. That feeling when you're biting down but don't know you're doing it until you, for whatever reason, stop.
Out of the reactions and comments I've seen, this has been the most accurate to what I felt the first time listening. Couldn't have described it more beautifully.
@@williamphillipsthethird it's what I love about the likes of Polyphia and Berried Alive. I don't care how produced it is, at the end of the day, it just leaves you feeling "some kinda way". Sometimes it's a "oh shit", some times its a "wow...", sometimes its a "let me try that one, one more time". To me this one took 2 listens. On the second one I had that thought because when the last 10s hit my jaw relaxed.
You are so wholesome ☺️ I come to your channel when I'm feeling really down and I need some warmth in my heart. Thank you ❤️
A while back Tim Henson caught alot of flack for what he called the "boomer bends" in a conversation with Rick Beato. Then he collabs with Steve Vai who bends everything like a damn question mark 🤣 I love how much fun Polyphia has, everything is so complex yet incredibly lighthearted
Yeah this is the “see I actually think boomer bends are sick guys” video
I think I have listen to this song now overall for about 30-40 times and it can still give me goosebumps on that climax.
I waited to watch this one with you Geebz, and WOW did they blow me back in my chair when Vai came in.... He turned their sound into something absolutely _magical_ ...glad to share it 1st time with ya😁
That youngster who opened, playing the acoustic guitar, is definatly going places. Then the video switched to him playing electric guitar, which he made the guitar sound like a slap bass. Bad Ass playing. Very unique style. Aloha from Hawaii.
I loved the Obi Wan Kenobi reference - so apt - and your “opening new doors” conclusion is spot on IMO.
Thanks Geebz, you’re a diamond.
Love how your question in the first pause is answered in the second half. "Where can polyphia go from here" well they can collaborate with incredible legends and talented individuals to create masterpieces like this that transcend genres.
This is a dream come true for me musically. From playing For the Love of God on guitar hero and finding Polyphia, this is a combination I didn’t know I needed. Thank you!
your eyes are such a tell of the music. Truly shows just how keen your ear is to the music. very rare especially from the reactions i've seen of this. I dont know much about music but my god your eyes tell such a tale whilst listening to this.
I'm still here! I haven't had a song bring out this kind of emotion in me in a very long time. I absolutely love what they're doing. Best band in the world in my opinion.
Your point about them opening new doors for other people is a really great one. I've watched several reaction videos now with experienced and accomplished guitarists who have pointed out an interesting technique here or there thst they've been inspired to learn from watching Polyphia. And when musicians can have more tools and options at their disposal, everyone wins.
When Steve comes in, it sounds as if they almost bow down and make way sonically. Since he is on a throne it seems fitting, loving it!
Even though Steve's solo was the most simple Polyhia solo, it is easily the best on so far. I got chills.
Technique is only necessary to convey what you are trying to express. These guy are not just flexing, they know how use intricate difficult Technique to express at a new level.
You're right on with the Vai note choices. It's almost as if he's sent this rhythm complex craziness, and he just thought, 'gonna bring the slinky calm'. Perfect choices.
I'm still here
FYI, the trumpet player at the very end is Ivan Jackson. They are part of the hiphop/edm duo Brasstracks. Talented brass player!!
I appreciate that they have vibe going with their last two tracks in Playing God and Ego Death, the band implementing the Ibanez nylon-string acoustic guitar sound is what I imagine this album will be centered around...which is great because it does actually feel like a breath of fresh air from their older tracks like GOAT.
You missed that all three guitarists shared the throne throughout the video. Then at the end they all stand shoulder to shoulder. Very cool. Vai is the man!
I'm still here. And still loving these videos!
I really love Polyphia I think these guys have made instrumental guitar music Cool again. It is awesome to see Steve Vai who is one of the Godfathers of instrumental Guitar Music colab with these kids almost like he approves and is passing the torch onto the new generation.
When you are so early even the music/audio hasnt loaded in yet..
Vai's part just blows my mind every time lol that little harmonic whammy scrape thing especially lol EEP EEP
So on point Geebz, polypia are the freshest most jaw dropping band and I love this slew of recent releases. This track is stunning in that there is no mistaking polypia, but Steve's arrival on the throne had me setup up for a schoolboy guitar battle but instead he just poured pure VAI all over them without drowning them, the chirps were puuurrrrfec that solo sublime and then the trumpet at the end with its little "imjust chillin here" vibe... i cant even
Steve Vai is so awesome! Remember that he played Ralph Macchio’s part in the Movie “Crossroads“.
An absolute masterpiece. I think I've heard that they do a collab with that trumpet player on the album. I liked the outro a lot. Clash of generations. 🤘🏻
Thank you uncle (you remind me of my uncle lmao) for your incredible breakdowns of the technical aspects of my favorite band. Greetings from the future Hawaii
In one of the UA-cam reactions on Polyphia i saw on UA-cam one reactor said "I felt like the song isn`t going anywhere". I agree, but I guess that is what defines Polyphia personal style of music and performance. They take a music "phrase". Usually it is played by some other (then guitar) instrument. It may be Whistling. It may be Horn. It maybe a MusicBox. And they start arranging a whole Sound kaleidoscope around that particular phrase. So what they do is not a journey in a classical way of going from point A to point B and then to C and etc. Their idea of musical journey is going in circles around one point. I am not a huge fan pf such approach but they make it a legit form of musical entity due to their masterful and innovative approach to the Notes and Sounds they "extract" from their instruments.
Still here, great reaction... yes, loved Steve Vai's part in this...
love the reaction. i agree i dont see it as a changing of the guard i see it as a bunch of kids getting to play with their heros i love that they took a back stage and made steve the center almost felt like a bow to the great one!
It took me a second listen to hear it, but I really enjoy the leitmotif they've got running through the song- first played by Tim on the acoustic, then again by Scott when they initially transition to the warehouse(?), and once again when they transition to the rooftop. It's like they're saying "here is our running theme, now each guitarist gets their turn to shine"
The way tim is shaking his head during steve solo, thats how i was in the library when it came out
I loved your reaction, I liked that you enjoyed and appreciated the song, and listened to it till the very end with no annoying interruptions. Great stuff!!!
of course I'm still here, I couldn't be more excited about hearing you "blablabla" about this track hahaha
the stevie section give me goosebumps from the beginning to the end, the melody, the layers, the places he brings us in the journey and how the rest of the band join him, oh god is really magical
Still here, love polyphia, Vai and your videos!
I’M STILL HERE AND I AM HAVING AN ACCEPTABLY ENJOYABLE TIME
With each generation of music and musicians there are those that create something revolutionary, whether it is something fully new or a rethinking on how music can be approached by blending separate things together.
What makes those innovators so special is what they inspire from those who come next, how they shape and influence the next generation of music.
It is really cool to look forward to what comes from musicians who grow up hearing all the innovators before them, including Polyphia and see where that inspiration takes their art.
It's 12am in my city, I didn't expect to see you upload the video today. But I'm satisfied xD
So much talent and creativity on one piece of music. I have been a fan of Vai since the 90s and Polyphia tick a lot fo the same boxes for me. Interesting and creative.
scott, tim, clay, the whole band ripping, but steve gave me the goosebumps.
dont forget Clay, lol
I love that there was a thought at some point during the writing process “you know what this song needs… and smooth trumpet outro”
I'm still here. Loved this track and the nice surprise of Brasstracks trumpet at the end.
Great comments! There are som many incredible comments that touch on a lot of the details which of course is amazing. It doesn’t leave much for anyone else to add new comments on something bit already previously mentioned. This of course is a huge statement and response to what they are doing with their new music. I love their creativity and not settling on walking a similar path regarding how something is done. Instead, looking at what they play in the most interesting way. They build their music on a simple foundation so it’s something relatable and you can follow them then add the craziest technical playing that just kind of melts your brain, lol! I love this sound they have to their music right now. Adding nylon strings was a brilliant creative decision that just helps bring something that feels new as well. You have to remember, guitar playing has been around for a long time. Like so many other things, it’s not easy creating something that feels new and fresh while not completely abandoning good sounding music. It feels like a different classification or genre that they have created. Overly simplifying it I know, but it’s just a very groovy rock type vibe and feel!
The triplet run at 6:21 is what did it for me leading into Steve's introduction. Amazing sound as usual from these guys. Keep up the great work, really love your videos. Have you looked into any of the videos that Tim puts out that break down the writing/engineering of their videos and songs? I'm still here by the way!
I'm still here! :D Love you're still at this, Geebz. I may take breaks, but I'll always come back.
i never catch your live but im always drinking a cup of coffee in your honor. Cant wait to watch more of your content. Love your reactions
There is some really great Symbolism in this track. The throne chair alone being a character is pretty neat.
Steve's guitar sound is amazing.
I was waiting for the man himself to weigh in! Great vid again Geebz
I'm still here, I always stick around till the end of a VAI review! 😅
When the GOAT comes along you have to pay rapt attention!!
Well, if nothing else, Polyphia and Steve Vai just made the best Ibanez commercial I can think of ;)
Watching musicians react to this with absolute glee is almost as good as the song itself. 😊
I think that Geebz may have missed ABC which definitely pushed in a different direction for Polyphia. In fact, every single song they've released off their upcoming album has sounded different from the one preceding it which has me very excited for when their new album drops because it's likely going to be an adventure.
Geebz most definitely reacted to ABC 2 weeks ago, and it was an excellent take.
@@19gazelle ok now i need to see that because that song is catchy and fun!
One of the best of them so far
This is easily song of the year. The last act of the song gave me such chills it's insane. Feels like Steve Vai passing the torch to a new generation of virtuosos
"virtuosos" that create music that has no flavor or blooz. nice band that plays the guitar like theyre typing on a fucking typewriter
Your channel has become my favorite reaction channel, no bullshit just producer's reaction.
"These are not the guitar players you're looking for" 🤣🤣🤣 I love it geebs!!
Lu L.T.
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I agree with you wholeheartedly. Steve’s solo was a masterpiece in the k.i.s.s principle. While at the same time doing some very advanced stuff that I never heard him do exactly that way. Like how he entered the solo with distinct melodic lines that overlapped a as they bent and slid, but didn’t quite clump into just harmonic patterns, which was super clever and made him seem like he had a couple extra fingers there? Wow. And then how speed wasn’t the issue (possibly also due to injury?) but he didn’t shy away from some impressive, fast runs with precise and surprising cut-offs… there’s too much to say about it!
One thing that you got me thinking was from your question (paraphrasing) “where will they push the envelope towards the cutting edge?” But it’s hard to ask that when they are the cutting edge isn’t it? And I’m not a mega fan of theirs, I appreciate their music but I’m not following. Just that the massive quantities of genre-bending and fusion happening in their sounds, from some metal core, djent, some prog rock and elements of math rock- but not quite, and EDM ideas of dubstep or similarities with some of the music by Aphex Twin… not to mention your accurate recognition of Latin music progressions. When something so new exists, how to know the directions it can go? What I expect is more of the same, cool things, until they’re really pressed For novelty. Then we’ll see
8:20 - This moment, the three guitar gods fused into one Elder God, is the moment of "Ego Death" for me. It's the transition into Gestalt where the newly formed whole is more than the sum of its parts.
Im so addicted to this song already
I'm definitely still here. Thanks for doing what you do. Steve Vai was the reason I took up guitar, Polyphia is the reason I put it back down...
I've been binging react channels and going straight to the sweep screech screech part. It's just so damn cool.
Ahhh, the analysis I was waiting to see!! I always love your takes. Thank you for your insight!
One thing that I love so much about this track is the production of the samples, etc. This track really gave me Ronald Jenkees vibes in terms of the use of those and the straight funkiness of the tune. If you haven't heard of Ronald Jenkees, I recommend looking him up. Specifically, Throwing Fire or Guitar Sounds.
I can’t help thinking that the song is so expressive. I love it
Glad I found your second channel! I love hearing your insight on different tracks, and as a musician it helps me grow a lot. Thank you for what you do!
Do you have a Patreon? I'd love to support you and the work you do!
Thank you , I really appreciate your comment and your support. Yes there is a Patriot link in the description Box of all my UA-cam videos if you want to drop by. Aloha
In terms of where these guys can stretch, to your point about 'where they go' I think it will really be about breaking away from those familiar shapes and patterns that start to make everything start to sound samey, and yeah also focusing on those unique melodies and song structures. A lot of technically awesome bands tend to go in this trajectory, starting out shreddy and then gradually stripping away the flashy playing with a focus on melody & composition as they mature. So I look forward to watching that happen as these guys evolve for sure
I'm still here 😉 Great reaction, love your production insight.
I can only imagine the effort put into this one video.
Wow!
I think Vai ties the song together and gives the song some recognizable melodic structure. I also really loved that Scott got some time to shine in this one.
It's so interesting how with the immediate juxtaposition with Vai, the much higher musicality of his parts is just undeniable. Not to say they aren't musical, but the weedeling does sometimes takeover a bit.
Haha, loved that comment about Steve Via being Obe Wan Kanobi. When you get a chance, check out Pluton by Soen! Underrated band imo and this song is a hidden gem out of their discography.
Hope you're having a great day, and catchin some gnarly waves 🤙
Goosebumps during vais solo
Love this channel! And the music video gives me chills for the 2nd time now