Better than Pentatonix?! Reaction to Voiceplay - Nothing Else Matters

[@ArabManReacts]

Voiceplay or Pentatonix?

[@gregorybogart5200]

I'm with you; I hate Pentatonix! lol

[@stephaniebunn4065]

VP, always. PTX annoys me.

[@roeloftooms]

A bit of both. They both have songs I do like and dislike. And yes, Voiceplay has Geoff but Pentatonics has the good looking Kristen.

[@andreadee1567]

Home Free 😄

[@UltimateGamerCC]

Voiceplay

[@laundrygoddess4]

Voiceplay is very special. They are so terribly underrated.

[@CynicalTesuji]

VoicePlay is special, because they aren't simply skilled singers. They are arrangers, directors, camera operators, lighting engineers, video editors (including special effects and CG) and sound engineers. They build their own set pieces for their videos, they hang their own lights. They do it all, and they do it as well (or better, depending on who you ask) than the other two big, label-backed a cappella groups. Pentatonix are performers. VoicePlay are artists.

[@minaolenella869]

you forgot that PTX also makes their arrangements and writes their original songs. And PTX was not backed by a label, until they got their first Grammy. For arrangement.

[@TheBaumcm]

@@minaolenella869 PTX is a different vibe and I would argue allows for less latitude than VP, meaning VP loses members to active duty or after decades while PTX loses members who clearly felt creatively stifled. VP explores multiple genres of music and interacts with singers outside of their immediate group allowing for enrichment and range.

[@minaolenella869]

@@TheBaumcm I would say that the PTX has actually more range. I have not even heard VP to use any block harmonies. Or sing classical music or edm, or country. It is just soft rocks and theatre. And PTX has plenty of quests. Their last album had a quest singer for almost every song from all alound the world. Not to mention songs with Dolly parton, Jason Derulo, Kelly Clarkson, Manhattan Transfer, Voctave, etc.

[@joyfulyes]

@@minaolenella869 LMAO tell us you've never looked at VoicePlay's catalogue without telling us. Hall of the Mountain King, The Dragonborn Comes, Valhalla Calling, Dream On, Tennesee Whisky...None of those is "soft rocks" (lol) or theatre...Then there's their Halloween and Christmas themed stuff...and the shorts...and that's just off the top of my head. I've lost track of the numbers of guest singers they've had, from I don't know how many streams of music. Just say you like PTX better, you're allowed to.

[@TheTekaranlady]

My husband doesn't understand why I enjoy watching reaction videos, but this is a good example of why I do. There's something wonderful about watching someone discover something new and enjoy it thoroughly. I've heard some refer to the urge to infodump about or send links or memes of stuff you find interesting and/or enjoyable a neurodivergent love language often called "penguin pebbling" that's all about wanting to share the joy it brings you with someone else. It's near impossible to get folks in your everyday life to give stuff you are into a shot, and folks can get annoyed with us penguin pebblers pretty quickly even if they know why you do it. But, you can almost always find someone somewhere online reacting to something you love.

[@mityakiselev]

IKR, it's almost like having a friend

[@christinestromberg4057]

It's an a capella group of - currently - four full time members with guests appearing to make it up to five. They used to be five, but two members left in the last two years and only one has been replaced so far. The requirements are very stringent. Geoff is a walking bass guitar as well a singer. and yes that sound would be Layne the beatboxer/vocal percussionist and violinist. VP are my favourite a capella group too, they are rather special. :)

[@par500dragon7]

'If you have Geoff, you win.' I LOVE that! Got you a sub, hoping for more VoicePlay.

[@ArabManReacts]

haha Yey!

[@Wildecat10]

VoicePlay always considers themselves a quintet, although they have been down a man since J None joined the Navy. They fill in with male or female singers, whatever suits the song they are doing. And whoever is featured, the resulting sounds are terrific. This one (and the next one coming out) are special, since J None came back on leave and ‘featured’ with them. I understand the immediate fascination with Geoff, but as you react to more of their music, I think you’ll realize how special and talented each of them are. Especially Layne, the beatboxer. He does all the drum kit, synthesizer and special effects noises that you hear. Except for his violin, every sound you heard here was produced by a member of the group. And a special thank you for realizing that they have much less of a produced sound. Either Geoff or Layne do all of the editing, except for a final polish by Ed Boyer. (Who also edits for Pentatonix, Home Free and most other good acapella groups.)

[@ArabManReacts]

ahhh that's super interesting to know. Also gonna add Home Free to the list and check them out. I'll also do a bit more research on Ed Boyer, it's interesting that he's 'the' person to go to for the acapella groups. Thanks for sharing that!

[@CarBENbased]

@@ArabManReacts A great first react for Home Free is their cover of Man of Constant Sorrow. Then you should check out their cover of Ring of Fire featuring Avi Kaplan, the original bass for Pentatonix!

[@ilonadever8249]

@@CarBENbased @ArabManReacts After you react to Home Free's Man of Constant Sorrow, check out the cover of it that Geoff dropped last month!

[@laurag7295]

Layne is a very good violinist, and yes, he did play the violin for this song!😊

[@Wildecat10]

@@laurag7295 Of course he played the violin part you hear. But every other sound you hear was also made by a member of the group, with no other instruments other than their voices.

[@marshayoung9387]

Voice Play tackles what no one else can & does an amazing job.

[@CJ_536]

So the sound you couldn't figure out is human made. Layne recorded it. It is vocalizing while inhaling, like the sound boys make around eight years old when they figure out they can make noise while breathing in. Lol

[@ArabManReacts]

i've been trying to make the sound for a few hours now....not happening haha

[@joyfulyes]

sounds like a burp!

[@sudelaine8653]

I watched a reactor from Australia reviewing this song. When she heard 'the sound' she stopped the video, looked indignantly into the camera and demanded: "Who wobbed?"

[@Drakainas._.heart._.]

When it comes to inward bass, the only thing better than hearing it, is watching people's reactions to it when they've never heard it before 😂

[@Aurora-cv5to]

VoicePlay, hands down. Never, ever bored. Never stop being amazed by what they do. ... and then there's the fun, and the humor. They just released a 45 second cover of Your Man that is EVERYTHING. kzbin.infoRLvt5WF_PYo probably filmed outside of PattyCake Productions, which is Layne's (beatbox, also known as vioLayne) professional production studio. I know it's located in a mall, and I'm guessing that's where they filmed this short. Just real people making gorgeous music with a little theater thrown in for good measure. Love 'em. Their music makes me happy.

[@TheBaumcm]

PattyCake I thought was owned by Tony, a member when they did the sing off but it could be a joint venture.

[@hwyla4416]

It is co-owned by Tony & Layne

[@robbpokorny49]

Voiceplay is the best all around.

[@poodleladylady5686]

I also pick Voiceplay over everyone. For me, they are the best! That sound you heard was one of many sound effects Layne can do. Yes it was from a human named Layne.

[@carinarodebak9419]

VoicePlay, without doubt. Geoffs cover of Sound of Silence will destroy you! Earthquake warning!

[@ArabManReacts]

I can't wait to be destroyed :)

[@debrabouchez4270]

Voiceplay has new one out. Their cover of Valhalla calling me, a real treat!

[@alfredoa334]

Just imposible not to enjoy your reactions!!! Thank you very much.

[@AuntMimi-]

So glad you enjoyed VoicePlay! They are so loved by their community of followers. We love our theater boys! They are so talented, creative, kind, and so funny. They have so many amazing amazing videos, you CAN NOT pick a bad one. I hope you decide to watch more of them! The VP community love to find new reactors, share what we know about the guys, and talk about how wonderful and amazing we think they are. Welcome to the VoicePlay rabbit hole 🐇🎩 I hope you stay a while to enjoy a cup of tea ☕️! Just a heads up, the group has had a few changes to their members so if you check out some of their older videos you may see some faces you won’t recognize, they also collaborate with a large number of other very talented artists (most often the featured arts will be placed in the middle of the arrangement on the screen so it’s a little easier to spot them) but every member new, old or guest are so talented! Great reaction! I hope to see more! 💛💛💛

[@ilonadever8249]

Voiceplay is independent, no label, no manager. Before the pandemic, they toured all over the world. When the world shut down, they concentrated on their studio work. Because they are independent, they have complete artistic control over their work. They do it all. Either Layne or Geoff arranges most of their music, each one takes a month, then the other. Whoever does the arrangement plans the production, set, costume, makeup, cameras. They use outside makeup and camera crews when necessary. Eli (pronounced to rhyme with jelly), the bald tenor, does their lighting and and most of their special effects. Also, because they are independent, they do not get the publicity and exposure that the other big acapella groups get. For now, at least, they do not plan to begin touring again. They have done a few private, corporate shows since things lightened up. They have an epic piece coming out in a week or two. In the meantime, for a different flavor of Voiceplay, check out their cover of I Can't Make You Love Me. Have some tissues handy. Subscribed in anticipation of more Geoff and Voiceplay!

[@allisoncameron-dicker2737]

I'm so looking forward to them breaking Mortius with that one. 😉😄It's a masterpiece,

[@LS-vz6nk]

Don’t forget Kathy (Geoff’s wife) Production Manager

[@TheBaumcm]

One of their previous members, is the source of their filming locations. They keep it in the family.

[@allisoncameron-dicker2737]

@@LS-vz6nk definatly... She's a star in herself... Can you imagine trying to keep them all under control? Must be like dealing with a gang of naughty big kids. 🤣🤣

[@Matthewrents]

Not sure why everyone defaults to "Jelly" instead of just using "ellie" haha

[@iamsquatty]

I'm not a Metallica fan at all, that being said, i think this is one of voiceplays masterpieces. It's just so good

[@dianeschluter9995]

That sound you couldn't figure out was one of the many wonderful and weird organic sounds made by Layne Stein, the vocal percussionist and, in this one, VioLayne. He can play and beatbox at the same time, but didn't on this because it just looked to weird, lol

[@ronaldsinagra8825]

Geoff (Jeff) and Tim (of Home Free) are the real deal ... both have blown speakers during live performances. And the deep 'booms' are coming from vocal percussionist Layne Stein.

[@janetdw]

I would imagine that if the bass gang ever toured, although they would actually have to meet in person first, they blow out some speakers also. Marwan’s voice in particular I think would be a real danger to the equipment.

[@melodiemalone2317]

Great reaction My favorite a capella group is voiceplay Please react to more of them but comment also about other singer not only geoff I recommand you voiceplay hoist the colours please

[@DTA-Music]

Seconded. Hoist the Colours is tied with this one for my favorite of their covers. It's _glorious._

[@reneedevry4361]

Thank you for introducing me to this amazing group! Not sure I can choose as their sounds are so different. Need to listen to more Voiceplay so will do so tonight. 👍

[@ulinomis1]

Nice reaction.. :D I am also a Geoff-aholic.. those low notes are amazing.. The whole production of this song is. one of the best VP have done so far..

[@scotthritz6641]

Geoff is all natural and actually lower than in these videos!!! No enhancement on him. Enjoy!!! Yes the sound towards the end is a human sound produced by Layne the beat boxer.

[@OriginalLictre]

A person can have a wildly different opinion and perspective without being 'canceled'. Speak your mind without hesitation or remorse.

[@Traci2000]

*pauses almost immediately*... Already?! 😂😂 Between that and the intro on the first video of yours I watched, I had to subscribe! This is my favorite from VoicePlay! They are such an amazing group and they're totally independent. They are my absolute favorite Acapella group! There are some videos of them performing live on KZbin but the sound quality isn't the best. They did record live vocals on most of the Aca top 10 videos on their page. If you wanna hear them without the production, you can watch some of those. Their Disney Sidekicks is one of my personal favorites. Also, that weird sound you mentioned was made by Layne (the beatboxer aka VioLayne). He uses an inhale technique sometimes in his vocal percussion. He makes some crazy sound but his regular drum sounds are so freaking good. Even live on stage his snare sounds perfect!

[@allisoncameron-dicker2737]

Didn't he do that inhale thing in "We don't talk about Bruno".. I had to rewatch that so many times to work out what he was doing

[@ArabManReacts]

haha thanks for subscribing! I can't wait to go down the Voice Play rabbit hole. I know i'm really infatuated by Geoff right now but I know i'll be just as infatuated by the rest of the group once I start exploring more of their catalog. Thank you for the suggestions I will absolutely add them to the list to check out!

[@marshayoung9387]

@@ArabManReacts if you want to experience Geoff's low notes please do a reaction video to Voice Plays cover of Halo from the Halo video game. The composer of the music said it was the best cover ever. Please wait until the end when Scott Porter gives his tribute to the game & a fallen comrade of the group.

[@allisoncameron-dicker2737]

They used to travel more, but then Covid came. I believe that they prefer to be independent so they don't have to answer to the record label (like ptx) This one was arranged by Geoff, who shares the work load (costume, make up, editing etc) with Layne, (vocal percussionist and violin). Eli (Ell-ee) the bald guy, does the lighting. Cesar with the fluffy hair is the most recent member who joined after J.None left to join the military.. We are hoping that he will come back when he's finished.. Geoff's wife Kathy is the Production Manager for him and VP... I heard that when he's singing on his solo channel....he's singing directly to her.. Makes my heart warm to think of such love and dedication.... (I've been married for nearly 40 yrs so that warm feeling is usually caused by heartburn now)... Great reaction. Perhaps Dream on by Aerosmith would be a great one to try next.. Also for the Violin, it makes an appearance in Warriors by imagine dragons... Was recorded 3 years ago and is the only other time it's been used in their a cappella videos. ,

[@UltimateGamerCC]

they have been sponsored by Disney a couple times though.

[@marshayoung9387]

@@UltimateGamerCC I would double check that info. Voice Play does a lot for Disney. Voice Play did 3 arrangements for the Disney musical shows on Broadway. They are...The Villains Medley - 1. Friend Like Me 2. Thinking out Loud 3. Come Fly With Me....who better to come to for a Disney arrangement than Voice Play ? The answer is "No one."

[@janetdw]

@@UltimateGamerCC they did a commercial for the re-release of 101 dalmatians. It’s really cute. They also perform for Disney at the park quite often, especially for corporate events. They have a pretty strong relationship with Disney since most if not all of them used to perform there.

[@SeliahK]

You want a good laugh? Geoff considers himself a baritone with a bass reach. 😂🤣 (Sorry, Geoff. Love your voice, but you are a bass with a tenor reach! 😆) The man has a FIVE OCTAVE RANGE in his voice. If you take a look around his personal channel some more, he's got two little tutorials where he talks about how he sings so low. I am a female contralto (I basically sing in the male tenor range, but I have a female timbre), and this man can sing comfortably even higher than I can! LOL Like really, listening to him sing up in the atmosphere AS A BASS!! is all the motivation I've needed to keep trying to push my range up higher. 😂 I promise you, their voices (and Layne's vocal percussion) are very, very real. Yes, there's some production on their videos. They are a produced acapella group, but like you said - that's just the world we're living in today. Take a look at some of the videos of them performing live on stage. You'll find that while yes there's some production on their studio performances, the guys really CAN sing like this (including Geoff's vocal sledgehammer taking the basement floor out from under our feet) live. Layne (he played the electric violin here) is their vocal percussion. He also shares arrangement duties with Geoff (both guys are awesome arrangers!). When he sings, he's got this angelic, sweet and soft baritone. I love LOVE hearing him actually take a lead even if only briefly, because of it. His voice is just beautiful, but he's most well known for the absolute art form he's turned vocal percussion/beatboxing into. He's a master at it. He's got classical training on his violin, too. This is the second piece where his violin playing was used. (Thus the origin of "VioLayne" as a term for him.) The other piece where he played was the group's cover of Imagine Dragons "Warrior." Geoff Castellucci, well. You've been Geoff-smacked already. (It's pronounced "jeff," but he carries the older Geoff spelling.) You've heard some of his low bassy goodness. ;) He has such a broad range, though. If you're curious about his higher range, take a gander at VoicePlay's "If I Were A Rich Man/Girl." That piece is traditionally a bass vocalist showcase, obviously, but give it a good viewing, and you'll hear him soar right up to the clouds in the one. I love his higher register just as much as his earthquake rumbles (and that breathy growl technique of his is to die for!). Eli (pronounced Ell-ee), is am amazing rock tenor. (He's the bald one.) He's got a masterful grip on the rock grit in his voice. You don't know it yet, but this piece was a PERFECT demonstration of his rock timbre. He actually gave me chills in this one. Another good one for you to hear some more of his rasp/grit would be "Hoist The Colors." He's very versatile, like they all are, but his voice is definitely suited most to rock. Cesar (the guy sitting on the far right of the screen), is the most recent addition to the group. He's a sweet, fun addition and has a great sense of humor to match up to his awesome voice. He made some guest appearances with the group before officially joining them. J None used to be a regular full time group member, but left to sing with the Navy. Recently, they've had him come back and join them as a guest/feature artist in a few pieces. Take a gander at "Friends On The Other Side" for a nice showcase of his voice. Earl used to be a full time member. He left the group for undisclosed personal reasons back in 2020. He was a high tenor. You'll run across him in some of their older videos. Their "Queen In Five Minutes" medley is a great demonstration of some of his voice, but once you've heard him the first time, you'll recognize his voice instantly whenever he's in a video you're watching. He has a very unique sound and I still miss his voice. LOL Tony was another older member of the group. Take a look at VoicePlay's "Phantom of the Opera" cover to hear him. He was the Phantom in that one. He runs Patty Cake Productions with Layne nowadays (and IIRC, VP films in that studio, as does Geoff for his solo work, too). The original founding members were Earl and Tony, Geoff, Layne and I believe also Scott Porter. (Scott used to do the vocal percussion before he left. Take a look at VP's "Halo" cover, and you'll see him. Just make sure you watch that video all the way to the end. It was a tribute to a friend of theirs that passed away. The original members have been together since at least high school that I know of. Another couple of pieces for you to peruse if you're interested would be "Hide and Seek" with Lauren Paley as the guest vocalist. "Tennessee Whiskey," their "Portal" cover showed their sense of humor just perfectly. Also if you can find it, there's a live performance video on KZbin of "Road Trip" which dates back to when both Tony and Earl were in the group. That one is long, but it's basically a comedy skit/vocal performance and it's absolutely hilarious. Well worth watching all the way through! Oogie Boogie is another Geoff showcase, but it's always a fan favorite. Their cover of "When the Dragonborn Comes" might tickle your fancy if you're a big Skyrim fan. :) Also there's "My Mother Told Me" and "Daddy Sang Bass" as well. Their cover of "Mr. Grinch" was cute and funny. They do a lot of Disney covers also. Moana, Encanto and The Little Mermaid all received attention from VoicePlay. The group pretty much owns Halloween. "Grim Grinning Ghosts" is another of their Halloween pieces. They did a cover of Aerosmith's "Dream On" which is SO GOOD. Their Billie Eilish "Trapped" medley along with "Panic! Part 1" and "Panic! Part 2" are my favorites of the cinematic/storytelling style ones. They have a ton of content; i know I'm not getting everything here. 😆 Somewhere out there in the KZbin wilds is a collaboration video that VoicePlay and HomeFree did together of "Survivor." It's hilarious and musically awesome. Also : when watching a VP video, always always ALWAYS play the video until you see the patrons list scrolling. They're not done until the patrons have been scrolling for a couple seconds. Just trust me on that one. 😆 Over on Geoff's solo channel, there's "House of the Rising Sun," "Shenandoah," "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "Sound of Silence," "Way Down," "Big Bad John," "Sixteen Tons" and also "Rains of Castamere," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and "Monster Mash" among others. His solo work is NOT acapella. He also does put up audio readings of literature, too. And like I mentioned before, you can find a couple videos where he's talking about his techniques for singing really low. You'll find that his natural speaking voice is already in the basement to begin with. LOL If you've read this far, awesome! Sorry if I overloaded you with information and suggestions, but it seemed like you were new to VoicePlay and Geoff, so I wanted to try and give you some place to start in case you did like what you heard here. :) Hope you enjoy the trip down the VP rabbit hole. They're amazing at what they do, and they're just awesome human beings, too. ❤️ I hope you heal up. Herniated discs are absolutely awful! Feel better soon. =}

[@Broomrider1492]

This one just hit over a million views. This arrangement by Geoff is wonderful.

[@lschoenrank]

My favourite "subwoofers": Geoff Castellucci of Voiceplay, Tim Foust of Home Free, Avi Kaplan - formerly of Pentatonix.

[@lkayh]

“The Geoff show” Right? I’ve sometimes gotten kind of frustrated on behalf of the others because they’re all so amazing. I mean, it’s hard to ignore Geoff when he’s setting off earthquakes, but wow-everybody here crushed it.

[@laurag7295]

They didvindeed!😊

[@UltimateGamerCC]

the only editing that they do is layering, and even that is pretty rare, they use no audio distortion or anything like that. this is pure talent, pure practice, and pure expertise. Voiceplay is known as the Theater Kids of Acapella and i think that's accurate.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

It's highly edited in post-production. But nothing that's going to change the sound or range of their voices. They do use pitch correction or add some well-placed reverb in post, for example. It's nothing major... just stuff to make it sound like a mixed and mastered recording. I have heard them live, so I know they are very skilled singers.

[@mityakiselev]

They do actually add some effects every now and then, like distortion in Valhalla Calling, for example, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, nor is there anything wrong in using a violin like here. I feel like you have to master your audio a little bit if you wanna create something truly unique

[@anaestay6698]

You are so funny! loved this reaction :)

[@TacetPotentia]

"It's the Geoff-Show!" Sorry, Sir, you had me laughing so hard. Yes it is, and I absolutely LOVE anyone who's beginning to dig in the rabbit hole that's about Voiceplay and Geoff. What If you knew that Geoff can sing even lower? Check out "Halo" and "Valhalla calling", there's a geoffy B0 that's out of this world. Prepare yourself! PS: I may add that you seem to have an awesome deep singing voice too. Please sing more!

[@welshlad691]

Geoff is an outstanding bass who has a huge range, but he's paired with Layne who is an outstanding beatboxer. They fill out a surprising amount of the song, allowing the others to harmonise and build to highs by layering their voices. Visually this version was kept very basic for them, as Voiceplay normally go all out on their productions. If you want the full on Voiceplay experience consider covering their version of "the dragon born comes", or "my mother told me" if you want some more of Geoff singing like he's an alien. Voiceplay, Pentatonix and Homefree are often considered as the top acapela groups around, they each bring something different to the party. As much as I love the others I will always come back to Voiceplay, their productions are often complex and fantastic considering they often feature guest artists, as well as visually stunning.

[@TheBaumcm]

Geoff also does some of the beatboxing and they can switch off.

[@evalu3369]

The mix is their speciality. They are singing together! You said it yourself.

[@jenarutberg9323]

The joy you find in watching them is wonderful to watch. Voiceplay is amazing! If you're checking out acapella groups, don't miss Home Free specifically "man of constant sorrow" and "Folsom prison". They're equally amazing, but a very different style...and they have Tim as the bass. On tour Tim has on occasion blown out the sound system with his bass. Their beatboxer also great. Voiceplay and Home Free are, in my opinion, the best acapella groups out there.

[@CJ_536]

Oh and you are correct they do have some audio mixing and touch up with auto-tune but they do not have extensive use of it. They're very open about their production approach. Also the sound you keep hearing just make when you are amazed by how low he can go is done through a technique called subharmonics.

[@ArabManReacts]

need to do some research on that. I wonder if it is learnable or just a God given gift.

[@sheridanclaude2133]

@@ArabManReacts Geoff has a couple of videos found on his solo channel where he teaches the low-base technique (at least how he does it). It's interesting, but being a woman, I just watched them for enjoyment.

[@candidwings5609]

​@Arab Man Reacts as far as I can tell, it's somewhat learnable

[@TheBaumcm]

@@ArabManReacts you can check out David Larson, who Geoff cites, as a resource.

[@TheBaumcm]

@@sheridanclaude2133 subharmonic isn’t limited to the dudes. Just have to do it in your lower register. I’m a woman and have about a half octave sub range and really shaky 2nd

[@TheBaumcm]

I would argue VP is the best, because of their individual strengths and how they showcase them, how long they have been performing together, how each performance raises the bar, and how they interact with their fandom.

[@judithharding7350]

Thanks!

[@karenponchak5304]

Low note is the same pitch as the lowest note on a four string bass. And for the record, he can also hit the lowest note on a five string bass.

[@ArabManReacts]

😱

[@trismische5044]

That sound comes from their beatboxer Layne.

[@danchase4304]

The fact that your first voiceplay reaction was nothing else matters... on some "thick" meds... you must be the luckiest guy in the world. That must have been some trip. Love your reactions.

[@b.w.9816]

I agree that this video should have more views...but I do tend to think that about VoicePlay's videos in general. They are so talented and just plain fun to watch. I have developed a small obsession with watching people discover Geoff and VoicePlay for the first time. The reactions are so entertaining. :)

[@janetdw]

I think it’s become a hobby for a lot of us. I love going out and searching for VoicePlay & Geoff reactions and looking for names I didn’t recognize. And as soon as they drop one of their blockbusters I’m immediately on KZbin looking for my favorite reactors that 🤯.

[@christinadowdican3268]

Anyone that chooses Geoff & Voiceplay over most of the others is my kind of friend & it got you a new sub! Now it's time to dive into the rabbit holes of Voiceplay & Geoff. Thanks i love your reactions❤😊❤

[@vendulafilipovska7268]

If you want more bass, i mean BASS!!!! You have to try The Bass Gang! Four young amazing bass guys.

[@Cpperk95]

Most folks do not fully understand the depth of their talents both individually and collectively. Their music needs a layered listener there is so much going on. LOVE your understanding and reactions. They love what they are doing and it shows. They perform because it oozes out of them - Geoff growl

[@debrabouchez4270]

Voiceplays newest cover is now out! Valhalla calling me. Geoff is epic in this one, I won't spoil it anymore

[@estherreeves6445]

"If you have Geoff you win " That is a very accurate comment :) They are all amazing talents though, Laynn and Geoff share the arranging and production taking it in turns most of the time. I hope you check out some of their other tracks because they do a wide range of styles and often get into characters suitable for the story behind the song, a couple are even purely instrumental (Hall of the Mountain King and Halo)

[@mamiemartinson4649]

Geoff has a 5 octave range. He is a freak of nature, but humble about it. Some low effects are done with an inhale technique by Layne their best boxer. VioLayne we call him now.

[@scotthritz6641]

VoicePlay is world known and they have had many concerts all over the country!! The group has been around since 1997!!

[@acorrado5529]

I have really enjoyed your last two reactions to Geoff Castellucci ( pronounced "Jeff" Cast-ah-lu-chi) and Voice Play and am a new subscriber to your channel looking foward to more reactions to Voice Play and solo Geoff. Great information and song suggestions from the other wonderful, dedicated "Voice Players"(fans of Voice Play) in the comments so I will only add a little more information. They are a group from Orlando Florida and all the members and frequently featured guest have worked as performers for Universal and/or Disney theme parks. They have a musical theater approach to acapella music and do all of their own arrangements, costumes, settings, lighting and production mostly in PattyCake Productions studio owned by beatboxer, Layne (Violayne") Stein, and their former baritone singer, Tony Wakim. They are my personal favorite because I live in central Florida (home town favorite and I grew up having family that owned a theater and I love all that they put into their complete performances covering a lot of different genres of music. Pentatonix has more of a current, trendy pop style that is more managed and controlled by their SME record label/contract (Pentatonix is very good and have the best Christmas music as Voice Play has the best Halloween themed music on the internet). Home Free has more of a Country/Folk style so people have their favorite acapella groups for different reasons and preferences on styles of music they enjoy. Since you enjoyed the violin in this one, you would really enjoy Voice Play's "Warriors" which features Layne and J None playing the violin. I would also recommend Voice Play's Viking themed "My Mother Told Me" as it is amazing and kind of a prequal to a new one that Voice Play will be releasing in another week or so ("Valhalla Calling"). "Valhalla Calling" has already been released on Voice Play's Patreon channel and is so amazing it is blowing the patrons away and will probably break all the reactors when it is posted for the public.

[@ArabManReacts]

Thanks for Subbing, and thank you for all the awesome info! I really appreciate you taking the time!

[@acorrado5529]

@@ArabManReacts You are going to love that one!

[@janetdw]

They do occasionally use Rob Dietz for arrangements, especially for the minis. He did the one for We’re Good, Good 4 U, and co-arranged with Geoff for Dream On. There may be a few more but those are the ones that I have noticed. He’s good, but there’s something very special about the sound when Layne or Geoff arrange it. I didn’t realize how much of a difference it made until they did We’re Good and I went to check the arrangement. Itjust gad a different feel.

[@janetdw]

There’s a lot of talent out there in the a cappella community and the top three groups right now are PTX,Home Free and VoicePlay. Each has a little niche of their own. It’s been said that in high school PTX would’ve been the student council, VoicePlay would’ve been the theater nerds and Home Free would’ve been out in the parking lot having a party. I try not to compare them because a lot of it depends on your musical taste, and for me a lot of it depends on my mood. That being said I process visually more than I do auditorily so really enjoy the theatricality of VoicePlay as well as the musicality. They are my favorite. I enjoy some of Pentatonix and Home Free but not to the same extent. I would add Voctave to the group although it’s not my favorite because I don’t enjoy the more traditional a cappella sound as much. I also recommend that you try the Bass Gang, a quartet of four who have never met in person so everything has to be done via green screen and the Internet. Two live in different parts of the US, one lives in Egypt and one lives in the Czech Republic. They often collaborate with others. They recently collaborated with Tim Foust of Home Free for Hooked on a Feeling and it is a lot of fun. My favorite is still Yellow Flicker Beat with guest artist Colm McGuinnis. Geoff has a TikTok channel where he does a lot of live because so many people question whether or not he can really go that low. He does use editing as does the group, as does everyone who records. But those low pieces of his are real. Here’s a link showing his range for the Oogie Boogie Man which is a fan favorite. www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRcpePDd/

[@caitlinkavanagh3298]

Subscribed and looking forward to more VoicePlay reactions!

[@ArabManReacts]

Yeyyy!

[@Melisendre]

I'm not sure but I believe some of the shorts on their chanel are not edited. They also have live perfomances on their chanel like Road Trip. And Geoff has also made a lot of live videos. And of course I prefer Voiceplay. I heard PTX's version of this song and it had nothing special for me. When I heard VP's the first time I had tears in my eyes and it became one of my favorites. It's hard to recommend other videos because there soo many. I would start with My Mother Told Me. It is the prequel of song the release this or next week. Both are stunning.

[@toddmaliepaard9777]

Their Aca top 10s are all done live too

[@m.robinson97]

Same here as soon as Layne came out with the electric violin I was clapping so hard and in tears!

[@paulahardeman6103]

You can feel it in your chest

[@Maerahn]

Don't feel bad about preferring Voiceplay to Pentatonix - I'm with you on that. Don't get me wrong, I love Pentatonix too, but their target audience is commercial, popular music - they excel at it, but it's 100% What The Public Want. My heart belongs to Voiceplay because they're willing to take risks, put new twists on the music they love, regardless of whether it's 'mainstream' or not, and turn it into something that's uniquely their own. You are in for such a wild ride, discovering their stuff! I can't wait until you get around to 'Hoist The Colors' and their latest one 'Valhalla Calling!'

[@ArabManReacts]

Hey! Did Valhalla Calling! LOVED IT. Will get to Host The Colors soon. I also recorded a Geoff reaction yesterday, headed to his channel with one in mind but then I saw that he covered a song that I absolutely love, so ended up doing that one instead :P

[@sarahborzelli_Castellineicieli]

VoicePlay are great! They do everything themselves and they are very humble, likable people. Yeah - if you have Geoff, you win!

[@roeloftooms]

I told you so that you will love it.

[@ArabManReacts]

and you were correctttttt!

[@jennyg3110]

You mentioned in your Geoff reaction that you play Skyrim - you should listen to Voiceplays Version of „The dragonborn comes“…😁

[@Starrynightdiner]

Geoff has some Tiktoks out there that show he really can get that low.

[@ArabManReacts]

are you trying to convince me to get on tiktok????

[@Starrynightdiner]

@@ArabManReacts absolutely NOT! I hate tiktok. But someone always puts geoff’s tiktoks on youtube so you can find it here. There is one where he sings the end of oogie boogie that is amazing.

[@TheBaumcm]

@@ArabManReacts nope, would never but he does have videos on KZbin that demonstrate his range and hitting it IRL.

[@kerytanis4303]

I demand you to hear pentatonixs original run to you and then have an opinion.

[@bjspeck4337]

My favorite VoicePlay. Geoff is playing a nice bass guitar. Layne is playing a nice drum kit but Metallica put an instrumental solo in there so Geoff's arrangement included a solo for Layne. It earned him the name, VioLayne. Nice having J None who used to be a member but was recruited by the US Navy for his vocal skills. He comes home on leave and does videos with VoicePlay. Took the lead in Friends on the Other Side, and this one - Nothing Else Matters. You might enjoy Dream On, Dragonborn Comes Skyrim, Hoist the Colours, I Can't Make You Love Me. Try stem cell treatment for your back. My shoulder was frozen and I was looking at shoulder replacement. Didn't like the idea of surgery so they transferred me to another doctor that does stem cell. I can now raise my arm over my head without pain, do garden work. It's amazing. GOes by PRP, stem cell from your hip.

[@geraldinejavier8932]

It doesn’t matter who you choose because each group has their own unique style. I like all three of them. Some better than others but it depends on my mood that day.

[@gillgmk8578]

has to be VOICEPLAY

[@eross3140]

Yep, they have Geoff.🤣 But don't underestimate the beatboxer/violin player Layne. If you hear a weird sound, it's probably Layne. He also sings and trades off with Geoff doing the arrangements. At this level, they're not just talented, they're all extremely talented in multiple ways. More Voiceplay reactions, please.

[@jackyfriedman1963]

Voiceplay toured until covid and they had to stop. That's when Geoff started doing videos on his channel. A couple good live videos... Road Trip. Chicken Song. Both are hilarious.

[@ericturner7824]

Geoff has a 5+ Octave range.......to see the range try their cover of "Oogie Boogie Song".......>^^

[@cmdrglass5096]

Have you heard any from Avi Kaplan ? He was the base singer for Pentatonix's now doing he own thing and doing very well . Try listening to Change on the Rise by Avi Kaplan I am sure you will like it :)

[@sil0ristaken]

That was the one of best reactions for them. Please make more reactions for Voiceplay! Love u bro

[@annepinkerton6280]

Home Free has an excellent bass as well!!!! Try Man of Constant Sorrow, Brothers in Arms or any of their fantastic songs! Or you could just do more Geoff!!!! I'll never complain! Would love to see you react to Shenandoah, Ain't No Sunshine and Monster Mash! All 3 (and many more) are fantastic!!!

[@tinaferguson4965]

Try Geoff's Misty Mountain Cold for some true lows.

[@marge2548]

Pentatonix have done some great stuff, but I actually prefer both VoicePlay and Home Free nowadays - they feel much more down to earth to me right now, and I also like the kind of music they do better.

[@lindahake1666]

Dang, these guys are GOOD!

[@west_nebraska_dude4527]

Truly enjoy your reactions!

[@Xonslaught1]

Geoff does have videos on his own channel where he teaches how he does what he does

[@janeramirez8767]

I agree that this recording is "wildly special." In my opinion, it's the best thing VoicePlay has done so far, and I've followed them for a long time. Now, as to the question of which a cappella band is best, let me tell you a story. When I became a Pentaholiic (July of 2013, when I finally got a strong enough WiFi signal to watch KZbin), I went crazy over their bass, Avi Kaplan. Gradually, though, as I got to know them, I discovered that I loved all five in different ways. Now Avi's gone and new member Matt fits in so well with PTX, and I've met him and his parents at PentaCon, and I can honestly say, "My favorite member of Pentatonix is whichever one I'm looking at, listening to, or even thinking about at the moment when you ask me." What does that have to do with VoicePlay? Well, it's like this. Loving Pentatonix led me to loving Home Free, then Voctave, then VoicePlay. Which do I love most? Well, PTX, because through two PentaCons (2016 and 2018) and several concerts, I've had more contact with them. But thanks to KZbin, I'm reaching the stage where I can honestly say that, of those four bands/groups (Voctave is more like a choir than a band), the one I love the best is whichever one I just listened to. Right now, I"m really loving me some VoicePlay. Especially Eli. And Layne. And Geoff, and J. None, and Cesar Why do we have to choose? Why do we have to make it a competition?

[@GreybeardMO]

Not certain Lane is fully human, but yeah... Between Voiceplay's vocal percussionist and Home Free's Adam Rupp, never been certain which is more amazing.

[@harlemvillarta9510]

😍😍😍😍😍😍💖😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@karinwolf9639]

Just subscribed - waiting for more VoicePlay reactions. When you have heard Geoff about a hundred times hitting that low notes it won't affect you THAT much any more. It WILL hit you every time though... and you will realize what genius is living in every other unique member of this group as well. They are super talented and not known at all here in Austria. I ask the radiostation here every week to play some of their (cover)songs that I consider to be mostly of higher quality than the original. "Enemy" for example... no success so far. Won't give up... like your reaction. Do some more please!!

[@فهدالاحمد-ك5ق]

❤❤❤

[@sixfivehigh8215]

Why choose between groups? They each have their own style/signature and they are loaded with talented people. A person can simply enjoy each of them and whatever treatment they give to a song. This business of comparing/rating good, better, best, is B.S. as far as I'm concerned. Enjoy them all ---- they deserve it! And we're lucky to have them in our lives.

[@lindalegan6917]

I agree with you. Voiceplay all the way.

[@amberfuchscia709]

Voiceplay all the way!!!!! They are completely independent and so do not have to follow some corporate dude's idea of what is good or what will sell. This was a fun reaction. Sorry about your back. I had several vertebrae replaced a few years ago. (I crushed the original ones.) It is an extremely painful thing to undergo but you get through. You are in my thoughts, sorry, no prayers here.

[@ArabManReacts]

oh noooo i'm glad you've recovered. It's not the best feeling that's for sure haha

[@thisismetoday7423]

Subscribed for more Voiceplay reactions! ❤

[@ArabManReacts]

Yey!

[@gaffayu4395]

A lot of times when you hear a rumble it's his chest note in this he hit a G1 chest and E1 subharmonics his lowest chest note is F#1 in fews songs he slided to an E1 but it doesn't count as his lowest coz his confortable note is between A1 and G1 if you want to hear a F#1 chest from Geoff look these 2 songs Arcane enemy and superstition those 2 songs from voiceplay are awesome

[@WilliamRoop-xt6rp]

Good news: it IS edited and remixed... Bad news: your brain remains broken - Geoff hits those notes naturally... As does Tim Foust (Home Free) and Avi Kaplan (Pentatonix)... I'm not sure about Matt (newer Pentatonix).

[@alialalawi8795]

Voiceplay هيييي طعمرك 😎🔥🔝✨

[@Robert.Sheard]

😂 Geoff (pronounced Jeff) isn't human. We just accept and love the freak of humanity that he is. I don't even care about metal or Metallica. But I love this video. (Geoff also did the arrangement, as if he wasn't already talented enough.)

[@Robert.Sheard]

You're exactly right. They're a world treasure and the whole world needs to hear them. Loved your reaction. Subscribed. Their latest dropped today, Valhalla Calling, and it defines "epic."

[@therealEmpyre]

You stopped before the song was finished. I wouldn't say that Voiceplay is better than Pentatonix. I would say that they are different but just as good.

[@TheBaumcm]

I value VP more because they showcase the lows and the highs, the talents of all of their members. PTX rarely gives their basses room to move like VP or Home Free.

[@SteveAdelman113]

Love your reaction. Just an FYI. You're missing about 10-15 (maybe more) seconds of the song at the end. Keep up the good work!

[@FlixTraveler]

Imagine this. I build tube amplifiers myself to let this sound prevail. I construct tube amplifiers that might cost 30,000 euros on the market for a fraction of that. I prefer to do it myself for this reason.

[@lindahall8707]

Hope you feel better.

[@paulahardeman6103]

His voice is like a cat purr

[@whitevader007]

If you ever played Halo, you have to see/hear Halo of Voiceplay. But wait, don't stop when the song has ended because Voiceplay tells you why this is a tribute to one of their members...

[@mjackson780]

Would love to hear some Home Free in the mix. Try "Brothers In Arms" for a bass blast.

[@agnesray5593]

Voiceplay!!!😀

[@paulahardeman6103]

Its 5 am i haven't slept you can't be flashing food it makes me hungry.. 😮

[@kathrinewatson6321]

I love Voice Play and PTX

[@deesmith3207]

You are so right. I pick Voiceplat over all other bands.