ANIMALS AS LEADERS The Brain Dance Composer Reaction and Dissection

[@kaykramer9045]

Please don‘t forget Javier Reyes. He’s also a big part of the AAL sound and it seems, that everyone forgets him. But listen to the nice counterpoint figures, that he plays against the acoustic guitar. I love it, especially in this song here! (And his „bass“ parts as well)

[@ClementOchunStudio]

Yes and Javier actually records real bass on every AAL songs for the albums

[@complexdevice]

His solo stuff is amazing.

[@ClementOchunStudio]

@@complexdevice I love it too yes! I saw him live with his band Mestis, so perfect

[@kaykramer9045]

@@ClementOchunStudio Sure about the bass thing? I am not… as far as I know, he only play the guitar, but you may prove me wrong

[@FrozenSparky]

Good point. A lot of the latin sounding stuff in this song is actually Javier's work! Including classical guitar

[@melaniethetruckdriver]

I got to see Animals As Leaders open for Periphery once, I have never seen such a motionless crowd just all doing this 😲

[@chaosoul-seanleeriggs369]

That show had to be just simply phenomenal to behold live!!! 💖✨

[@goodbye.moonman]

2017 tour?

[@Hellion6325]

yooo I think I caught a show in that tour! I was excited af to see Tosin live, then got my mind absolutely blown away by Matt instead, especially when they played Arithmophobia haha

[@terminalspines]

Old Tobin, the finest guitarist in the Southfarthing

[@nat2r]

Tobin La Basse

[@Jardefendi]

I appreciate this comment.

[@AntExe-ey5my]

Tobin the Sassy

[@spracketskooch]

In the Northfarthing even.

[@jwallace6913]

Lmao

[@TheTaylorBarrett]

The Djent community absolutely loves you dude. Progressive metal fans love watching someone accept their music with open arms, and seeing someone as educated and wholesome as you do it is an absolute treat. Thank you dude.

[@sjsphotog]

Amen

[@dtryanBO]

x2

[@quillplays]

Absolutely true.

[@Gusramosferreira]

My brain always dances while I listen to AAL! They're beasts at what they do! Love your videos, thanks for humbly sharing your humble knowledge, I learn a lot from what you say!

[@pickthestickup]

One of the best shows I ever went to was Devin Townsend Project, Animals As Leaders, and Monuments.

[@NEH85]

@Nick Altemeyer Devin makes any lineup stacked. Even if it's just him.

[@themightymcb7310]

I saw Tosin with Steve Vai on his Generation Axe tour and I was supposed to see AAL open for Dance Gavin Dance, but they dropped out due to covid. Got replaced by Polyphia though so I couldn't be too upset about it. Still gotta catch AAL live though.

[@Dr_Norp]

Holy crap, when and where was that show?

[@zzzzzz69]

I saw that show in Detroit

[@TyronTention]

Saw that in MD. What a night.

[@jordanfrank3406]

The woven web is incredible! I have a feeling you've done that song, but if you haven't... PLEASE do this song from ANIMALS AS LEADERS.

[@frodowatt4272]

Yes Brain dance and woven web are my two favorite songs by aal

[@youtubecommenter2527]

Ka$cade as well.

[@fubar1217]

I'd say do live versions as well cause its fun watching them actually play this stuff! Maybe Physical Education as well since that's the only song where Tosin and Javier use the extended range 8 strings (do they call those 0 and -1 frets?)

[@nmularoni1]

I just imagined you screaming ANIMALS AS LEADERS at the end 😂

[@jangofett8210]

Matt in that song is nuts. I love AAL. Been listening since 2015 2016. Somewhere around there

[@rcjd7834]

First time I heard this, it wasn't an emotional breakdown. It just left me absolutely dumbfounded and staring blankly at a wall while feeling completely relaxed by it. Just like a wave of peace and bewilderment. Such an amazing song.

[@adammichener987]

You'd probably be really entertained just watching different Tosin Abasi interviews and such where he's talking about his technique

[@JungleScene]

yea hes such a chill guy too. super humble and really open and willing to talk about guitar with anybody who wants to talk to him. Tosin Abasi and Rick Beato always makes for great videos.

[@alexanderfortier5488]

Brain Dance is just a fantastic song. Glad you finally covered it. The first listen of it really blew me away. All the little things when listening with a headset and the way you feel the music move across your head. The song name is just very apt in that respect.

[@Haughaus]

I’m still here, and this is the first time hearing this. Will definitely check it out again! I love CAFO as well! Such talent! Awwwright!!🤙

[@sillylung]

There is an amazing live video of this song

[@JaySay]

Was super excited when he mentioned CAFO. That was the first single from them that I heard!

[@turingmachine7905]

The change from Tosin’s ostinato and Javier’s chunky riffing to the slower repeat of the opening chords is *masterful*.

[@michaelhubbard5013]

The other guitarist in AAL, Javier has two solo albums of his own. His solo work is under the name of MESTIS, I'd suggested the track "Media Noche"

[@ninjaprime82]

Mestis is amazing!

[@Dutchman536]

This man has high IQ music brains , welcome in my music choice , thank you .

[@arcedaccess1261]

Matt and Javier make that band what it is, tosin has said many times with out them he's just a guy playing to his own multi tracked recordings on a laptop, and that they've helped him shape the whole sound of the band with the raw percussive interpretations and the task to complement not copy something as elaborate as tosin abasi's writing style is to me is phenomenal, all of them are on that god level in different ways, I rly love everything AAL has done.

[@nicholascrockettfilms]

I'm still here, and my reaction was similar to yours. Just completely swept away by this track. I love the way Tosin's acoustic guitar interacts sonically with the electric 8-string and Matt's drumming. It still gives me chicken skin with every listen.

[@lazydada1062]

Still here ;) I saw them play this live a few years ago in Cleveland. It blew my mind. The whole set was amazing, but seeing Tosin work a nylon string guitar was the highlight for me. Glad you enjoyed!

[@noelvaldez96]

This is my favorite song from them! It’s such a journey musically. I’m not lying when I say I teared up the first time listening to it!

[@CoriniansSaySalame]

I love to see your reactions to the time changes and just amazement in the musicianship, its always the same parts that I reacted to in this song the first time I heard it. AAL are beyond, an astonishing band

[@anomalyLG]

Good to see another souls fan here. Stoked on Elden Ring!

[@CoriniansSaySalame]

@@anomalyLG hell yeah buddy! February 25th can't come soon enough

[@joshphelps307]

One of my favorite parts in this track is when Tosin switches to electric for that solo after the soft break, he snuck in bits and pieces of several well known jazz lines. Really made it fit within the context of what they’re doing. The last track on this album, Apeirophobia, is really interesting and different from the typical AAL direction. I am certain you would love jt

[@qgloafhun]

Mclaughlin, Al di Meola, Paco de Lucia, right? Javier Reyes' playing has just enough flamenco flair in it to remind me of that trio too

[@ThePierre61]

Al Di Meola expecially... from a 'sound' P.O.V...

[@Osiris_24]

Mediterranean Sundance

[@scosstard3542]

It was beautiful to see your face and reaction during the transitions. Your reactions are so genuine and that's what I love about this channel. Take care man!

[@xpym1337]

I feel like every time you ask people not to smoke you in the comments you give recognition to those that do. I love your content, thank you for what you do!

[@iancampbell5493]

My god, you and I shared the same facial expressions when hearing the first 30 seconds. Immediate intrigue, mild confusion, brief understanding, then a nervous smile when we realized we had absolutely no idea what we were about to hear but loving it haha 👊🏾

[@kylehynes2888]

I'm still here! My brain went on a transcendant journey I'm crying and everything. What an experience. Love your work so much geebz!

[@itsjustb3n]

I'm still here Geebz... wow, what a video. That's the kind of genuine reaction I love to see! Really cool to watch you nerd out about AAL. Good luck with all the medical stuff, can't wait to see what you dive into next.

[@CALL0US.]

This song was my very 1st introduction to AAL and every time I put a friend on to this song they melt. For me personally feels like an outta body experience. Good luck on the surgery and have a speedy recovery 🙏🏼

[@FashionablyUnemployed]

Some people write music. Some people create works of art. Not many know the difference.

[@tamhewitt-baker5602]

Your unkle played with Erkine and Haden? Now that is a special thing. I have been in love with Hadens playing especially since I heard Magico with Garbarek and Gismonti.

[@1dudecrush]

Yesssss I’ve been waiting for this one! The quality and crispness of this song blew me away the first time I heard it. There’s one note around 1:17 in the song I believe, that makes me tear up, seriously. It just hits this spot in my soul.

[@1dudecrush]

Damn he does his first pause right before it drops 😂

[@JohnathanLaFey]

man that’s so cool your uncle was in caldera, love all their work, would be awesome to hear your take on jorge strunz and ardeshir farah’s stuff

[@rafanj824]

WOW!!! Man, it's genius level, no words to describe this. Insanely beautiful!!!

[@thomasmarliere2505]

16:10 Mmm Geebs, I’m pretty sure every guitar has multiple strings… Just kidding ! 😆 Thanks for the discovery and have a great day !

[@Kabz8]

Ive never gotten tired of this song. Geebz is consistently making amazing picks to react to.

[@thatanti-egoguy]

Love the way you talk about this song and Tosin. Very spiritual. Love your stuff

[@nikelodeon6852]

Imo over the 2 years I've listened to this track its one of the greatest instrumental/ guitar pieces I've heard.

[@Neisan2112]

This is one that's SUPER worth checking out the live version! Its so beautiful to see. This is definitely my favorite song of theirs.

[@kaliqoquinn]

I'm still here! I love Animals as Leaders, but this was my first time hearing this track. I will have to take another listen for sure!

[@gerarddaley6211]

This is absolutely one of my top ten songs of my life. Keep crushing it!

[@drekked6760]

I completely adore this band, seen them play live twice. I requested the live version of this, but hell, studio recording sounds just fine. Thank you, Geebz!

[@parkpatt]

Still here at the end. I was so excited to see this video pop up! Loved your thoughts about this track and the players, as well as your choice to leave it partially "undissected." It's really special to see you moved by the music that moves me, and to have my own enjoyment enhanced by the perspective that you bring. Thank you! 🤘🤙

[@99bajakid]

I'm still here - I hope your shoulder heals well from surgery. Much love

[@elnightwolf]

Craziest thing is that feels like the song is too short when it ends 😂

[@jonathantaylor3074]

Were you referring to The Rite of Strings(Al Di Meola, Jean Luc Ponty, and Stanley Clarke)? I saw them perform with Stanley Jordan as the opener. When I first heard AAL, it reminded me of those guys. Truth be told Tosin and AAL(Matt and Javier have there influences in jazz. So great!

[@revb14n]

Great song! Oh and also... 🙏THE PACKAGE - A PERFECT CIRCLE 🙏

[@vanilla_milkshake]

*SECONDED* This APC's best song

[@warspyder7406]

Do the entirety of The Thirteenth Step

[@chrysippus2]

Those hammer throws into the snare mixed in with the deft shuffles is truly impressive

[@mick-ericboettge8683]

I'm still here and I love this track and record. AAL is one of those bands I lose sight off and rediscover and obsess over annually. Discovered this album living in Tasmania for a year and listened to it a lot walking my dog at the time along the river. Always takes me back :)

[@Suene91]

I highly recommend you to watch the Dunlop live session version of this song to see how they can play this beauty.

[@Easy_Skanking]

I'm still here! I love me some AAL. I like that as they have matured musically, they don't have to djent the hell out of every song. I like the jazz, classical, and mood changes that they have been bringing in. It's nice to hear them stretch their musicianship into different difficult directions. I hope your shoulder surgery takes care of your pain. That shit sucks.

[@LusidDreaming]

It was Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin as "The Guitar Trio" that he refers to, and it is one of my top five favorite instrumental albums of all time.

[@ЛевХорошилов]

I'm still here, I love your reactions. AAL are a bop. All the love from Ukraine.

[@saughs]

I can definitely hear the Al Di Meola... I actually saw them play this live in Chicago (with Plini) a few years ago and it was great.

[@nathandiefenbach1274]

Still here, and love your reaction to these guys!

[@The_Kiosk]

I would love to hear your take on Private Visions of the World, off of this same album. Nine string guitar and some funky heavy stuff.

[@KingHookJ]

I'm still here! Another song by Animals As Leaders that blows my mind is The Woven Web, I was a fan of AAL before that album came out and I still remember listening to it over and over again. Enjoy your time off and good luck with the surgery

[@Artunen]

I'm still here. Thank you for making our day Geebz!

[@David.rivas.alexis]

In 2006, I was about 13-14 when I first heard AAL. Best discovery I ever had to this day.

[@halftrip1494]

Geebz! I love your decompositions, I'd love to see you do between the buried and me - swim to the moon or ants of the sky. Both are long songs but there's so much to take in!

[@EndoEDM]

I'm still here! Brain Dance absolutely blew my mind the first time I heard it. It quickly became my favorite AAL song. You have to check out the live video of it sometime. It's incredible. The solo in that version is a little different, and I think I prefer it over the album version. Would love to see you check out something from the new Sleep Token album!

[@engineeringtehmetals]

🤣🤣🤣 Hilariously close, Tosin Abasi! Also, Javier Reyes (the other guitarist) is also amazing!

[@damiengraulvehus8836]

since i had discovered your channel you never stop to impress me on the knowledge you have and this is amazing about how many different style you like to listen and to discover ! love your videos continue this way ! (proud of your 1k like for no dislike it's an amazing proof of your good and pleasant work !)

[@pb34r46]

Best reaction channel in existence

[@terminalspines]

I always love how he brings that arpeggiated part back at the end, it just comes seemingly out of nowhere and you really feel the full weight of how well composed this track is.

[@rasslebaby]

I love this song so so much. It really opened my mind to how listenable unique meters and note groupings can be when applied in a fun and engaging way. That’s a quintuplet shuffle!!

[@eldon.finck511]

I just shared this song with my dad earlier today, what a good reminder that we're loved :)

[@sheilamorris2338]

Still here, really enjoyed this song and your reaction, and your comparisons with jazz. Very jazz to my ear. Thanks for another great band to dive into.

[@taylorgerlitz1390]

if you ever get the chance to see these guys live, do it. SO GOOD!

[@ian2]

Appreciate that you did the studio version! Everyone usually watches the live version, which is fine but I personally think the solo is played with more emotion here than in live versions. Don't always like listening to AAL but this song is gorgeous, great album as a whole.

[@honk1419]

late but im glad to see you think this way the solo is so damn meaningful to me and it being the one thing that the live changes disappoints me for the most part

[@dparker6169]

Vocab for the day: Extended Range Guitar. Love seeing the growth of your channel. Keep rockin! I would love to see your reaction to A Perfect Circle, The Package. I'm still here.

[@Kydabra]

I think I've been waiting for you to do this song more than any other. Love this beautiful master track from these guys.

[@austinhayman7023]

This is the song that got me into Animals As Leaders. Will always have the greatest respect for them because of this song.

[@jgalla5549]

that electric guitar solo makes me feel things.

[@BarberMidnight]

quite honestly, no matter the track, no matter the genere, Geebz provides the most insight. The best reaction and breakdown channel on youtube in my humble opinion.

[@Rufeorufeo]

Thank you so much for covering this song and wish you the absolute best on your surgery. Will be anxiously anticipating your return!

[@stanislawrybinski]

your uncle played with Erskine?! wowzers, that's mega cool!

[@itzterra9510]

Finally! Seems like our requests never get done but you chose a goody. Thanks man.

[@siuleopouesi5794]

Wow! Been listening to live version for so long o forgot how beautiful the guitar solo was on the actual recording!🥺 such a beautiful piece, truly one of their most melodic songs. This is the product of yrs of Jazz, fusion and contemporary music

[@rajatbalraj7954]

I'm still here! When I heard this track, like you I was enamoured by it! I did not expect such a track from AAL tbh. This is currently my favourite AAL song!

[@nathanielbg]

Seeing this live is a must, it changed my life lol

[@ansoul2470]

This is a good one to watch the live version of, there is a really good quality video around. It really made me appreciate how good Javier was, sometimes its easy to forget he's an incredible player when he's sharing the stage with Tosin.

[@herethesphere306]

Hope you do more of these guys, they're absolutely incredible. Their new album "Parrhesia" is one of the best I've heard in a really long time.

[@MeOwZeYeZ]

I am still here. Through and through. I've said before, I don't usually like "Reaction" videos and the like. I appreciate your take in particular, however. I have loved this band from the moment they were introduced to me. It honestly took me a few listens to appreciate this song the way I do now. I'm 34, and have been playing music since I was 12. I have been in several bands nobody has ever heard of and have written hundreds of songs nobody will likely ever hear. I get composition and study it hard, though. The short of the long is, I am here to learn from someone I feel I can relate to. Perhaps, if I do not have what it takes to make a band work or the passion to move one forward, I may be able to help others on their journey in the future. Being a composer myself, you make me feel comfortable in the idea of actually doing something inspiring with music. Thanks again Geebz!

[@PinkMyr]

Loooove AAL! so great live, Tosin and the gang are absolute legendsss This bands whole body of work is mindblowing id be remiss to not mention to check out Dillinger Escape plan - Farewell, mona lisa ;)

[@Spectral_eater]

Have a listen Intronaut. They are one of my all time favourite bands. I would recommend either Milk Leg or The direction of last things. Love the content by the way. Hello from Australia.

[@derrickc6125]

I know your coming up on your surgery. I had a rotator cuff injury as well and wearing a sling up to my surgery and after helped a lot. Also hope you have a nice recliner as I couldn't sleep for 2 months after in a bed after the surgery. Have been enjoying these extra posts but don't push yourself too hard!

[@APieceOfLiquid]

I'm still here at the end haha. I immediately took to Animals As Leaders when I first listened to them this year. I was mad at myself for never knowing about them until now. I'm nearly 30 ha. I'm so glad I've had the privilege to be alive now with bands like this.

[@tjbay13]

Yeah it's just an utterly amazing song. Unreal. Your reaction pretty much reflects most people's reaction on the first listen. And every subsequent listen. I'm a drummer for 30+ years. a guitar player for 25+, and a vocalist 20+ years. I always hear music as a musician. I never hear it as the casual listener anymore. This tends to be music for musicians. When people say music is next level, this is next next next level. Tosin, Matt and Javier are in the stratosphere of creativity and technical ability. And yes the drums are unbelievable. Matt Garstka is a top-five modern drummer.

[@justcnorell]

I've never heard of them before seeing this video, they are really good!

[@blok_a_]

was hoping that you would watch the live Dunlop Session performance of this but any listen is always a treat. Thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you!

[@Psych21]

Wow, my thoughts on this song are pretty cool... IMO. I had the chance to break in a new pair of headphones (ATH-M50X) with Brain Dance, and it was an experience. I played it lying down on the couch with my eyes closed excited to hear it, knowing Animals as Leaders would deliver, but I had no idea to what extent. What a beautiful piece of music and one of my favorite memories. I think about that everytime I hear this song.

[@parkpatt]

That's awesome, thanks for sharing. 🤘

[@alexburchell1891]

The M50Xs are great headphones for this kind of stuff.

[@Cyanideslurpee]

Longtime watcher, and your breakdowns of these songs mean so much to me. Can you link one of your favorite examples of your uncles Latin jazz music?

[@VlexisXII]

The first time I heard this song was during a live performance, and I was in awe. Just hearing this song is incredible enough, but seeing them play it was such a richly enthralling experience. I don't usually pay close attention to the playing of instruments at shows, but I was so mesmerized by the way they played that I couldn't not watch their movements. I remember thinking that Tosin's fingers looked like dancing spiders.

[@SchedulePotus]

The drum cam video for animals as leaders "tooth and claw" is pretty epic too

[@andigkow]

AAL: doing their thing. Me: sitting, hanging, jumping, melting, handstand on my sofa.

[@TheErazar]

The best AAL song i've listened to yet. Just great

[@Thecrooms]

My father years ago introduced me to Leo Kottke and I feel in love, I happily introduced him to AAL years later.

[@JorgenMatsi]

Synesthesia? Experiencing one modal sense through or as another e.g. music as colours. The song is one of my very timelessly favorite songs ever. One of underrated groups to blend somewhat similar types of atmospherics (all trained jazz musicians) were Dredg on their concept album El Cielo. (Do Baba Yaga by Slaughter to Prevail :)

[@FrozenSparky]

Glad you loved it so much! Always a great experience for me to relisten too

[@biorythmicshifter]

Such a creative piece of music. These guys are definitely one of the few bands really pushing music to its limits. Quite exhilarating to listen to them in my opinion…and that’s Paco DeLucia, John McLaughlin and Al DiMeola guitar trio. My favorite acoustic group, good call…

[@stephenwatson7730]

Definitely one of my favorite tracks off this album. Whenever you come back to them you need to check out backpfeifengesicht (hopefully I spelled that right). Another killer track.