FUNLINER REACTS | The Bluecoats 2022 | Riffs & Revelations

What do you guys think about the Bluecoats' 2022 production Riffs & Revelations? Was it your favorite show of 2022? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Instagram: funlinerproductions

[@12agproductions62]

I had this goofy ahh dream

[@magoosalazar7840]

I’ve said this stupid shit at least once a day since seeing that POV😂😂

[@trieutan5931]

@@magoosalazar7840 ooo which cam

[@12agproductions62]

@@trieutan5931 jacob elgass cam

[@HyperHe4rt_]

A very goofy dream

[@macerunner4674]

Hey can yall be quiet?

[@breadenjoyer7986]

The bluecoats have been the corps to bring a crazy idea, and make it work in the end, what a great show this year

[@Mattyfear]

It really seemed like they were in a 4th place island for a majority of the year but they add so many things throughout the season

[@Mattyfear]

The snareline had 4 21 year olds but also 3 18 year olds so it was def a good mix of experience and youth in there

[@tredaviousbowser7931]

*COVID*

[@sebastianmarsol]

yup! average age was 19.78!

[@TheRandomMichael]

@@sebastianmarsol so I guess drum corp is like gymnastics in a way, you age out quite fast into adulthood?

[@ChrisTofuWang]

One thing I wanted to add from a Bluecoats member side is that there were many moments in the season that were demoralizing, but we always kept on pushing. The first instance was in Kent (when we first met Crown). It was our home show, and we were still on the field when they announced Crown ahead of us. In Murfreesboro, the morale was at an all time high before getting shattered the next day in Atlanta. Even going into Championship weekend, Derek Gipson pulled brass and told us that were we shooting for a medal, and that if we were to do so, it would probably have to come from a brass achievement standpoint. Leading up to Prelims, we had a string of really great rehearsal days, and I think that's what solidified us.

[@alvinshuh7449]

totally irrelevant lol but I know another Chris Wang who marched BD this past summer

[@cedricorton-urbina5192]

@@alvinshuh7449 Hey me too. Hi Alvin lol, PC gang

[@henryyoho1742]

I can confirm as a performer we did unfortunately have some weird mic issues/stick outs this run, but hey at least the keytar worked

[@paulblichmann2791]

Flo notoriously gets too much speaker...y'all trying to amplify EVERYTHING, aren't you.

[@henryyoho1742]

@@paulblichmann2791 the way we use amplification is we pick people in the hornline who sound the best on their given part, (usually about 2 per split in each section) and they are turned on to go thru the speakers during select parts of a show to control ensemble balance. I don’t know 100% what happened this run but it sounds like one of the lead trumpets (especially in the opener) got turned up way too high (or might have been on when it wasn’t supposed to be) and it sounded like someone overplaying. (And obviously flo mics our speakers which made it worse probably)

[@hardcorehistorybuff5230]

@@henryyoho1742 thats such a bad idea lmao

[@tyswift9128]

@@hardcorehistorybuff5230 confirmation bias

[@danrvt2001]

At the end of the ballad when the mello’s held the sustained note after the big chord, we did play at fff and then drop down to mf when everyone cut off

[@funlinerproductions7071]

Was it right ON the downbeat or before?

[@kristeneck6472]

On the downbeat.

[@isaiahcolon363]

Yup on the downbeat.

[@kevinstone9638]

The cars are representative of the Cadillac's along Route 66 in the desert. Love to see you guys review the alumni corps, or tell us what you thought. Love being a Bluecoat even though it was many, many, many years ago. Thank you guys for your insightful videos and love that you guys show all corps the love of being DCI. Keep these videos coming.

[@goldenpooper4326]

Damn I have seen you on seemingly every Bluecoat video on youtube, I hope you had an amazing time with the Alumni corps. Yall were easily one of the best performances this year

[@squillz8310]

I remember listening to all of the source music the day of the Premier show. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed all of it, and how well all of the music works together. I think this show takes the cake for my absolute favorite source material of any show. I like the uniforms. I agree that at a distance they look a lot better than up close, but man those ending "pissleg" uniforms I love even more. The tie-in they have with the story, and the fact they're basically a 180 of the regular uniforms (minimalistic with only 2 colors). I love them. I was really surprised at how warm and full of a sound the Keytar had when I got to see this show live. It always sounds shallow and overbearing on video but in person it blended with the hornline so well, it was truly amazing. I think i had my jaw dropped for that entire section in person. I think it's fine to not like the voiceover, there is a lot of talking during this show and I understand why it can be really distracting. Personally, I really enjoy it because of the Source music. The way they designed this entire show on that first line, "I had this trippy dream..." I feel like the final version of this show does an incredible job at storytelling. And the way they use "Momento Magico" as the climax of the trippy dream, with the Keytar feature. Then moving in the "Revelations" side of the show. I also agree that their ballad is too short to be truly memorable. I really really like the ballad a lot, but it does seem like they used it as a transitional moment, rather than its own significant moment. But hey, gotta cut some corners when it comes to getting all of the ambitions on the field lol. Great reaction from you guys. Long comment from me because this is my favorite show of the season, but I love hearing your guys' observations and opinions especially given your backgrounds in DCI. Can't wait to see what's next!

[@vapidfox]

I agree with this whole comment

[@squillz8310]

@@vapidfox thanks for being willing to read all of it, lol

[@danmakthefirst]

It’s a little funny that this group of BD19 vets doesn’t like the yellow on this uniform 😂 love you guys, great insight as always!

[@bengibbs8992]

It was definitely my favorite show of the season. When I first saw them come out in those uniforms in Atlanta, I was skeptical - but I quickly fell in love with the music and the overall feel of the show. Great storytelling and overall visuals, and the vibe is just really joyful and fun. Can’t wait to see where they continue to go.

[@johnnymitchellcollier]

i really don't know how i feel about y'all calling the pit feature "filler"

[@M0on1c]

Almost screamed not going to lie

[@alessandrodicostanzo7359]

Fr, that’s literally one of the coolest parts of the show.

[@RealJoey]

Not y'all not mentioning our front ensemble moment during the uniform change 😳

[@M0on1c]

Bro called it filler😢

[@alessandrodicostanzo7359]

😫 fav part of the show

[@willieburke1334]

Describing a Sanford-winning front ensemble's feature moment as "boring" and "filler" is pretty funny tbh

[@ko_kopuff7561]

as someone who is in front it kinda hurt my feelings :,)

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534]

It's pathetic is what it is. They're just a bunch of BD honks so I wouldn't take anything they say too seriously.

[@malikneille]

Guys we can’t put a disclaimer over everything we say and we can’t talk over the entire show. I was speaking purely from a ensemble momentum standpoint. The Bluecoats are the best at building momentum and intensity from moment to moment. In my experience marching with them, they are incredibly calculated with that stuff. Generating emotion is their strength. I just felt like the moment felt like 5-10 seconds too long. Like because the costume change was happening they couldn’t afford to make it shorter. Obviously the front ensemble was incredible and so was the guard. Just pointing out that the momentum was dipping a little going into the closer. Gotta look at things from other perspectives sometimes.

[@malikneille]

@@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534 what is a honk?

[@willieburke1334]

@@malikneille except the thing about that moment being the length it was, is that it had nothing to do with the costume change. Tom Rarick talked on a podcast about how that section was supposed to be the opening of the 2020 show, and it was written way before the concept of Riffs and Revelations was even introduced, let alone the costume change idea. Also, if you listen to the writing during that moment, it does build momentum, from a dynamic standpoint, a density standpoint, and a keyboard coverage standpoint, all things that people with advanced percussion sensibilities are going to pick up on. Gotta look at things from other perspectives sometimes :)

[@jerrysink424]

You guys are showing how young you are. That mellophone fade was very common in the 80’s and 90’s. It’s cool to see it back

[@Tenorboy29307]

My favorite show of the season. Truly was rooting for Boston, but I wondered if they were going to pass them on finals night. It’s just a gorgeous, thought-provoking show. I love who they have become.

[@onlyjxshh8431]

I think the pajamas could've been better if they had a multi color gradient like pink, orange, and yellow like a sunset

[@benjiii7943]

Car props are based on Cadillac Ranch a tourist destination on Route 66

[@sploffle274]

I am living for these reviews!!! Keep them coming! ❤️

[@benstone4616]

React to the Phantom Regiment's "No Walk Too Far"!!!!! I'm the Euphonium Soloist and would love to hear what y'all have to say about the program! :)

[@benjaminli188]

This show went from my least favorite at the beginning of the season to my favorite by the end. I can't put into words why exactly, but I'm a big fan. Can't wait to see what they can put on the field next year.

[@theoparlin8068]

I really like the last couple of minutes, so much energy

[@dscholz7954]

The cars are representing Cadillac ranch here in Amarillo Texas. They are such a fun past time where we will go and just spray paint them and have fun

[@ethanhowells4920]

The goated trio upload again, I'm hyped

[@thegeigs1]

Great stuff, i feel like you guys greatly under appreciate the pit

[@whisperingflowers]

The ballad thing makes a lot of sense, because this is a good ballad but they made the second movement so very memorable. no matter how great the last movement ballad was, you’re still thinking. MAN that keytar. because of its uniqueness

[@onlyjxshh8431]

I've been waiting for thissss

[@Splooie010]

Ok, wasn't gonna comment it again at first, but cause it is now the Bluecoats vid... Crossing my fingers for the alumni performance! Soon, even considering one of you are alumni and some of your show music is even featured? For the nostalgia guys!

[@loisglenn]

Respectfully, I feel like you need someone associated with guard on your reaction team because I didn't see much reaction to the guard aspect of the show :/

[@lukesardinia9449]

Saw the show live at DCI Annapolis. Sitting on the side one 30ish, and was disapointed that during the impact at 12:03 I heard more hornline sound from the speaker than the actual hornline. The side to side distance from them to the speaker made it really noticable too. Edit: typo Edit: I know many corps use amplification, I marched Jersey Surf in 2019 and we needed some extra help in the lower voices with how small and unbalanced that hornline was. But, if you have a hornline filled with some of the best performers in the world and more sound is coming from the speakers, something seems off. No dislike or hatred is directed at the members. Everyone works hard in this activity and deserves respect.

[@Egosquid]

It’s kinda sad that they had to fake how loud they were

[@mbmaccin555555]

This

[@1johncabs]

Low-end synth has been ridiculous in DCI for many years now. I miss the true sound of contras and euphoniums at impact points when the sound operator dials up the goo. BD, Madison, Cadets have had numerous years where it was overwhelming.

[@henryyoho1742]

If you’re on the side 1 30 I’m not surprised considering you’re 1. Right in front of a speaker and 2. The entire hornline aside from me and maybe 2 other tubas are entirely on side 2 around the 40.

[@Ray-km8zp]

I agree I was there as well and most of the sound I hear came from the speakers

[@kylegoodman3820]

I think it’s hypocritical for them to nail the coats over lots of narration when the blue devils consistently struggle to get the point of their shows across to audiences without the use of narration. 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022 use lots of narration and three of those shows won. They are good shows but without duration people would have no idea what the shows are about. Heck even with narration it’s hard to understand what’s going on

[@Rocamurderface187]

I’m not a fan of all the amplification and use of electronics but Bluecoats definitely killed it with this production. I marched back in the 90’s when was literally just brass, percussion and color guard.

[@thedefectivememe]

I really loved the ambition and style of this show, I really wish they could have won but I never took time to step back and give it a more analytical listen, which this video gave me an opportunity to do so. Although not the best executed show, this is one of the few shows that gives me goosebumps countless times throughout. Also, am I the only one who gets “fear and loathing in Las Vegas” vibes from this show?

[@sb33doeznugget32]

F to Malik's camera. I'm pretty sure it was focused on the wall behind him the whole time 💀

[@MiningSkullz36]

its time for y'all to watch TROOPERS!!!

[@theyakel1]

The trumpet screamer that held over is supposed to be there I’m pretty sure

[@malikneille]

First

[@malikneille]

Dang it. Second.

[@Rocamurderface187]

Even in the 90’s, despite the bitter physical rivalry between the Bluecoats and my Corp I marched with, Bluecoats was at that level in 90’s, but it was insanely political back then. If you were not a top 6 Corp director favorite, highest you ever got if you made finals was 7th. Much of that corruption was because of George Hopkins who was the director of the Cadets back then.

[@ItsJustLUiS]

3:17 It might be, i remember watching and they were having trouble with the other mics being delayed.

[@AlexWells02]

My dad made the point that the colors on the pants line up to make a road

[@whiterice3566]

great insight

[@DoubleJmtz]

The props i think are suppose to represent cadillac ranch in amarillo TX, the cars are literally stuck in the ground the same way

[@shariqarain]

3:12 it's very much so the mics. I was sitting in the first section in front of the 25 on the left side, the mics do not give any justice to any of the corps' cleanliness. I think its the mixing of both mics on both sides, the far mic is picking up the slightest delay I believe.

[@KevinGamin]

The car props in the back are a take on the Cadillac Ranch.

[@KonaNthusiast]

Are you all going to be doing a reaction to SCV? I’m curious to see your thoughts on what could have been better and why their percussion fell off in finals

[@mux3044]

this is great and all... but will we see a reaction to the alumni performance?

[@lokineverfolds]

The Bluecoats Ballad in 2019 was also really short, Both are amazing to me, just wish they would’ve extended it :/

[@ginocalipo]

man i love bloo

[@erinzearfoss5564]

You should do the Bluecoats alumni corps ;-)

[@SamuelmMorales]

Calling the front feature boring and filler is an L take

[@rygregory]

I wasn’t a fan of this show at the beginning either but I did like it very much towards the end of the season. I still couldn’t get on board with the keytar. And this is coming from someone who plays keyboards for a living. Unlike Everett, I didn’t particularly like the choice of lead sound. I also usually don’t mind narration. But I do find it annoying when narration is happening over some intense moments where it just starts to become too busy from a consumption standpoint.

[@dank8074]

I actually don't think it's a hero trumpet that is playing. I noticed live during finals that it sounded like 1 of the trumpets was mic'd the entire show, not sure if it was by accident or not, but it definitely stuck out to me live as well.

[@henryyoho1742]

Was definitely an accident, happens sometimes unfortunately. looking back I think it was accidentally on for most of the show considering we turn the mics on/off a lot.

[@henryyoho1742]

Was definitely an accident, happens sometimes unfortunately. looking back I think it was accidentally on for most of the show considering we turn the mics on/off a lot.

[@betaomega04]

Y'all should react to the Bluecoats Alumni Corps

[@davepeep]

you guys should react to hebron high school 2021 or 2022 that would be cool to see

[@baadach3752]

lmao hell naw that shits cringe

[@theyakel1]

@@baadach3752nah

[@whereharveyat7235]

Thoughts about some open class corps reactions?

[@Rocamurderface187]

I know the girl snare drummer was either a rook out or second year age out because I didn’t see her in any of the 2023 videos

[@beneej]

I'm just echoing everyone else when I say this show really grew on me to be my second favorite of the season. I only wish Crown had improved this much! I will also be very happy if narration falls out of vogue; it's just not for me.

[@prod.AV_]

You guys should react to BD 2017 or Bluecoats 2017.

[@theangrycows]

They did bd 2017

[@Wolverine699]

Cars represent the Cadillac Ranch.

[@anthonyparisi3368]

Thank god someone else called out the pee pee pants!

[@KevinGamin]

You're doing the alumni corps, right? RIGHT???

[@paulblichmann2791]

Me: why doesn't the brass PLAY SOMETHING. Brass: dut Dah dut Dah dut Dah dut... Me: okay that's enough from you.

[@Wolverine699]

6Words!!!

[@unwakelogan1795]

7:20 they’re meant to hold over

[@ziyair2998]

i wonder why that is. it just makes it sound a bit dirty/unintentional imo and i'm not doubting you, i've seen them hold the note in other performances. i just find it weird from a design standpoint

[@malikneille]

They cracked the note. We know they meant to hold over.

[@Nigelrathbone1]

Is that poster image Frank Zappa?

[@the_marksman3396]

BASS BONE MENTIONED ⁉️⁉️

[@davidmartinez6204]

I cant believe I thought the mistakes were actually part of the music.

[@MrDavegiven0330]

Wasn't my favorite Bluecoats show, but well done nonetheless. I'm still puzzled as to who is the mustached man with the hat prop and the revelance to the show.

[@jimbailey6822]

Dennis Hopper from Easy Rider

[@MrDavegiven0330]

@@jimbailey6822 Ahh. Makes sense. Thanks for responding.

[@lesliegompf7163]

But we'll just call him Lou now ...

[@danielk6856]

do phantom 2022

[@JayJ_]

Can’t believe they let cats drive sportscars

[@80BDBL]

FUNLINER? that was the drum bus back in the day.

[@masonrhue5693]

It still is, there’s a few hornline peeps as well to fill it up

[@AustinUnknown]

don't you mean the OTHER silver medalist?

[@jordenpeterkin7322]

at the 12:04 mark, I really think that bass guitar line in the front ensemble would have been great for the tubas to play at that moment instead of just sustaining the chords

[@levett379]

React to blue coats 2017

[@bensonhimmy-eu2uu]

Can you guys react to troopers 2022

[@tredaviousbowser7931]

Funny how they critique the sht out of other shows but meatride BD when they also had clear mistakes lol

[@noaaahhhhhh9420]

They marched bluecoats

[@Lacheddar1990]

Blue Devils Next!!!!

[@leightonlewis3167]

Alright here me out…..BLOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@lolshark99b49]

damn those euphoniums are huge

[@paulblichmann2791]

I rewinded 10x to hear "early trumpet" and I couldn't hear it. Guess that's what voiceovers are for, to help hide your tics.

[@paulblichmann2791]

However very true about having a stick out. Not worthy of their tier, they are overrated and overscored.

[@malikneille]

It was there. In the editing, Everett’s audio was slightly ahead and it covered up the entrance of the trumpets

[@ethanvess08]

Please please react to Broken Arrow

[@baadach3752]

Lmao for what

[@akplaystrumpet]

wayy less ageouts than bd lmfao

[@ethan_scartelli]

True that hahaha, drumline had 19 people total, 4 snare ageouts, 1 quad ageouts, 2 bass ageouts, so only 7 total

[@milescumminski8077]

I liked Bluecoats show, but I did not go crazy for it like a lot of people. I hated the uniforms, but I can appreciate what they were going for. I liked Boston better than Coats. I think Bluecoats would have benefited from less narration and less or no keytar. On the other hand I have to admit they know how to excite the crowd, and that is always nice. I always feel a bit bad for SCV and BD because Finals crowds are always full of more people from the east and mid west than the western part of the US. It is just a much farther trip for us here in CA. I go to Finals every couple years, but to go every year is just too much money to spend. I loved when Finals were in Pasadena, CA. I was there and got to witness BD finally getting to have a home crowd going crazy during, and after their show, as well as when they were announced in first place during retreat. I wish they could bring Finals out west every 5 years or so, but with the deal DCI has with Indy that will not happen anytime soon!

[@mikethere]

Ok so I’m fine with the mics and all that stuff but why does any horn line but especially the bluecoats need to have sooooo much synthesizer to the point where the horn line doesn’t sound like much at all. They’re all some of the most talented musicians in the world and are more then capable of putting out the sound to match the excitement. Let them do it!!

[@rolandom]

Agree with the ballad. Bluecoats ballads are always the best but this year they lacked 😭

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534]

Funliner reacts: AKA: Blue Devils honks trash other shows that aren't BD. The first thing you had to say was something about a trumpet sticking out. Seriously? And "that didn't sound good"? Really? Well, they beat your precious Blue Devils so I guess they sounded alright to the judges. This show should have won. WAY better than BD's boring, pretentious show. This is, of course, just my opinion. Let's hope that more corps have good shows next year. The only great shows this year were Phantom and Bluecoats.

[@malikneille]

Why are you so mad

[@BagChatters10]

But BD is perfect, right? Same old shit different day.

[@malikneille]

We’ve never thought that, bud. We cant keep getting so offended by stating the fact that there are hairs that maybe out of place. Every corps has them including BD and we’re just reacting to them. It is purely how I view shows. The effect for me is in the achievement. I’m not trashing anyone, just sharing how I watch shows. You honestly don’t need to watch if the little errors we catch heats you up so much. If you watch the whole vid, we also give the corps their much deserved flowers. No one pays attention to the positive anymore.

[@aidanpark7705]

Guy in the middle needs to talk less

[@RappMike]

It’s his show, so… I respect their opinions, I really do. But not everyone compares themselves with Blue Devils.

[@jesuspectre9883]

Remember, your job is not to tell us whether you like something, but rather to fully understand the designer’s intention with each element. The uniforms for example are an optical illusion, similar to that of a hallucination.

[@funlinerproductions7071]

We are not judges. We are just three friends talking about drum corps and sharing our opinions. It is not our "job" to do anything but that.

[@jesuspectre9883]

​@@funlinerproductions7071 Maybe do some homework before commenting. It might help your information and make it more high stakes. Good luck!

[@funlinerproductions7071]

Always great to hear some advice from an expert. Maybe we will watch some of your videos to help us learn more about drum corps!

[@jesuspectre9883]

@@funlinerproductions7071 It's great to have support from such bright, open-minded fans whose comments go beyond, "how clean their feet are" and "how tight the drum line is." And my favorite "I really liked it."

[@funlinerproductions7071]

@@jesuspectre9883 With all that expertise and knowledge that fan surely must have marched DCI at the highest level.

[@Leafy597]

I love these videos, but man you need to remove the midroll ads. They completely ruin the vibe of your commentary and the music. I don't want to go from DCI to watching crappy mobile game ad with no warning. I will stop watching these videos

[@paulblichmann2791]

When your show makes me wish COLTS would come back and play again...you've hit rock bottom Bloo. Be Better in 2023!

[@Brockstar]

On the upside: there are a few nice harmonic moments (complex, moving changes) in the show which represent what I'd love to see more of, and they're spirited performers. Otherwise: I think overall this show represents the worst possible direction for the activity to go: shows based on gimmicks. Take out the (pointless) props and dialog passages and there's no story. It's almost erratic, the music. And I can appreciate erratic, but then just take out the distractions that add nothing to the show and simply do a show! And to early points made in the commentary, from the POV of someone who was there (section 141, row 15), the drumline was indeed cleaner than was portrayed in this video. They were definitely clean. That said, the writing was also tepid and most certainly not deserving of the win. BD or Boston were robbed.

[@lesliegompf7163]

The narrative was the show so, sure, if you take it out, there is no story. FWIW, I thought Crown was nothing but gimmicks. I could never figure out how the props had anything to do with the theme. At least Bluecoats' props were unquestionably part of the story (once you figured out what they were.) Perhaps listen to Taming the Dragon so you know the story, then watch this show again. Of course that shouldn't be necessary, but, hey, I had to Google how some of Boston's imagery fit with the story. We can't all know everything.

[@mbmaccin555555]

First