FUNLINER REACTS | Bluecoats 2024

[@bickettryan]

One thing I love about this show is that none of the brass features feel like features. There's no "check out how many notes we can play in 8 bars". it all feels like it's part of a broader musical idea.

[@jakewilliams7484]

This!! Coats never sacrifice overall musicality for pointless features. Always groovin

[@chadtarver3301]

I completely agree!

[@royrogers4468]

Yup I love this show so much for that and Bluecoats always write interesting and compelling brass books. The modern day "brass feature" is something that needs to be eliminated. Sooooo boring. It's literally the same stuff everytime, random double tonguing slop.

[@Happysadboyo]

Absolutely spot on. I'm not good with words, but.this is exactly what I wanted to say ❤

[@thedude9001]

​@@royrogers4468 the crown effect

[@Richardcraniums]

I marched in the Bluecoats when we missed finals in 99 and then clawed our way back into the top 12 and into single digit placement. The 2024 version of The Bluecoats is everything we ever dreamed of for the corps someday. To see it come together is surreal. I’m so happy for them.

[@jordenpeterkin7322]

Are Malik and Alan coming back any time soon? I miss the videos with all three of you guys

[@DuhWarden]

Real

[@Username5930-m7s]

Where are they?

[@softglas]

what is really special about this show is how palpable its excellence is. it’s just as incredible and striking to a casual audience member as it is to an experienced fan. a true landmark show!

[@BluesClues2s]

I hope that's true. I can't help but feel that this show is actually a bit high brow for most non-DCI fans. I absolutely love it but I'm not sure how high on my list it will be to show to first-time viewers. Downside Up on the other hand is a lot more accessible in my opinion.

[@CaptainKylan]

@@softglas I can speak to this actually. I took my parents to the show in Allentown, and while they have been obviously supportive of me and my career in the marching arts, they don't get opportunities to see marching shows that I'm not in or teaching. After watching the first day of Allentown, they came away thinking that the Bluecoats show was on another level entirely from all shows they had seen that day. While they aren't part of the activity, they knew that it was something wholly different and remarked afterwards that they watched the whole production in slack-jawed awe. So I do think this show really connects even with people who are less engrossed in this hobby.

[@softglas]

@@BluesClues2s i feel you! but anecdotally, ive shown this show to maybe 5 people that have never seen drum corps shows and they all loved it! i think you’re right that conceptually it’s high brow, but even if people dont connect with the concept right away, they cant help but to be wowed by it. my non-dci friends would whisper “oh, coooooool” while watching it haha

[@Paiste2002Fan]

⁠@@softglasthis show is fantastic, but I don’t really see it as being too high brow for the average viewer. My bar for high brow is Star of Indiana 1993 and Blue Devils 2012. Two of my all-time favorites but I wouldn’t show those to people unfamiliar with drum corps.

[@SWilla00946]

I took my grandma to semis and although she could appreciate the work the bluecoats did ​she didn't really get the point. She was quite excited over music city,scouts and scv. @BluesClues2s

[@5hark906]

I like how it just sounds like Everett is judging on the field in live time lmaoooo. I think my favorite part of this show is that there is this social commentary that is normally directed towards the bluecoats. Its how they are the biggest innovators in this whole activity. So much change comes out of every single show that this group has done in recent years. That along with how this group can often be looked down upon for doing something "weird" or "different". This show, from its entire concept to its execution is proof that you can never look down upon them because they are normally so far ahead in the future of this activity. Lets go bloo, they went for that 2.

[@RappMike]

Bloo has made Blue Devils feel like my grandfather’s marching band. They have pushed the very edge of the activity and stood on that edge with total confidence.

[@willybeama1]

Well said!

[@LP-wd9yz]

Bloo = Leading edge for sure!

[@CaptainKylan]

I love how balanced this commentary is. You aren't afraid to gush at things you love, and at the same time you fairly critique the moments that aren't quite nailed. This sounds almost like a GE tape, I hope you continue to put out more content like this!

[@funlinerproductions7071]

Appreciate this!!!

[@tredaviousbowser7931]

10:43 I had no idea that the Mellos got on trumpets for this part until after finals. That’s how you know they completely mastered that part and instrument

[@squillz8310]

All of the baris/euphs were on trombones for that movement too!

[@unknownd965]

One of my sectional instructor who marched Bloo (18, Took off 19, 20 was covid and he was the soloist for ‘21 and marched the alumni corps) said there were about 40 trumpets on the field

[@idrk_emi]

yes ik!!!! i didnt know until i watched a mello cam

[@myersbob7517]

Baritones were on trombones to

[@senren6604]

All the mellophone players were trumpet players

[@sambelling7809]

Like you said towards the end of the video, this is going to be THE show prospective marchers are going to play on repeat until their time comes. So many awesome moments between all the different sections. Every section and every caption were exposed at various points, and they were able to showcase those points exceptionally well. The guard feature with their (foiled?) flags, the drumline with their intricate and dynamic composition, the brass with their phrasing, tonality, and ability to match pitch from end field to end field, the list goes on. Congrats to the Bluecoats, we're all ready for next year!

[@lukeeberhart3372]

Also the show that other corps designers will be studying and mimicking for years.

[@squillz8310]

​@@lukeeberhart3372exactly! This show will be a case study for designers not only in DCI but for Marching Bands across the country too!!

[@adamsmara28]

The flags are made of mylar - an incredible feat!

[@LP-wd9yz]

I agree - not unlike TILT. I was not a Bluecoats fan until 2014. TILT changed everything! The intro alone was enough for any fan of DCI and/or seasoned musician to say..."wait------what was that? I need to hear that again". I'm referring to the sampled voice of the announcer slowing down and then speeding up ( ending with the powerful announcement "THE BLUECOATS"). Of course the pitch bend in the closer was mind blowing....and the leap of faith into the arms of the guard at the end was awesome. On top of everything else it was a very clean show. Degree of difficulty also needs to be mentioned because the drill from TILT ( and all shows after ) contains rapid movement while playing some of the most difficult parts of the show compared to other corps who stand still while playing the challenging parts.

[@NifesTheCat]

Bluecoats in white uniforms and red props stay undefeated.

[@avogrid296]

You do get the feeling that this is a landmark show -- and they're working with Son Lux again in 2025, so I'm looking forward to that already!

[@user-wn6st9fc1n]

Micd soloist at 6:34 was my section leader in high school! Absolutely phenomenal player

[@ilikerabiez1830]

Goated Cameron Reed

[@mattiesteck7604]

There's so many cool things going on in this show! Every time I watch it I see new amazing stuff!

[@user-wy1ev4yq5d]

Love your work Funliner!! Please continue with your reviews if possible. We were fortunate to see this Bluecoats performance live twice this year. One word: Breathtaking! I'm in my early 70's and this was one for the ages!! Great work Bluecoats!!

[@Astro_Not_]

Loved watching this show in person, they deserved to win it this year!

[@Hughkulele]

I cannot get enough of this show. It made me cry when the ballad section started playing. The closer makes me want to jump out of my seat and gives me very Star 1993 vibes. This brought my love for DCI back, as it's been years since I've listened.

[@markGA]

This show will be for the next generation of drums corps members what Frameworks was for my generation. Bluecoats just said, "This is the future of DCI. We are literally CHANGING the game." I remember watching the Flo stream of the preview show and thinking that this show was going to become one of my favorites of all time. So different. So visually captivating. The soundscape they create and how the visuals interpret it throughout the show is just spectacular. Love it. Thanks for the video! Always appreciate your content and your perspective!

[@Paiste2002Fan]

Funny you mention Frameworks. When I saw this show, it gave me Frameworks vibes. It’s fresh and clean.

[@LP-wd9yz]

I agree. I was not a Bluecoats fan until 2014. TILT changed everything! The intro alone was enough for any fan of DCI and/or seasoned musician to say..."wait------what was that? I need to hear that again". I'm referring to the sampled voice of the announcer slowing down and then speeding up ( ending with the powerful announcement "THE BLUECOATS"). Of course the pitch bend in the closer was mind blowing....and the leap of faith into the arms of the guard at the end was awesome. On top of everything else it was a very clean show. Degree of difficulty also needs to be mentioned because the drill from TILT ( and all shows after ) contains rapid movement while playing some of the most difficult parts of the show compared to other corps who stand still while playing the challenging parts.

[@sheilaholter4489]

That ending...just...what a statement.

[@nathangarratt9091]

The sound at 12:48 deserves it's own award.

[@BluesClues2s]

Son Lux is a fantastic band. Go listen to all their stuff

[@void8422]

And we get to see more of them next year 😩 I think but I can’t remember if son lux is writing new music for next years show or not

[@yarodrazo]

​@@void8422 2 year contract with bluecoats

[@faebees5793]

​@@void8422they are indeed doing music for next year's show!

[@Upsettingtooth]

If you weren't a member of staff for BK you would make a great Brass judge.

[@BluesClues2s]

who knows, maybe a few years down the line!

[@jordenpeterkin7322]

12:36 this moment reminds me so much of the big electric counterpoint hit from kinetic noise after the sampled trumpet feature. Soaring mellophone line accompanied by Really strong low and middle harmonies.

[@paulthao240]

It's been a common "theme" in most, if not all, of their shows to have a moment like that! I look forward to hearing it every year. The hit in 2015, though, is my all time favorite.

[@LP-wd9yz]

13:00 - 13:25 reminds me of the end of TILT.

[@idrk_emi]

this makes me cry. i get so happy and emotional watching this show. it heavily speaks to me and i love it

[@carlirwinmusic]

Proud to be a Bluecoat. Absolutely! Great commentary!

[@jadonh9978]

this show was so good in atlanta, them and pr were definitely my favs this year

[@stoneren3179]

as a diehard bluecoats fan, obviously this years show is legendary but i arguably felt a lot more emotions with mynd and PR was the only one who made everyone stand up for like the last 3 minutes

[@jadonh9978]

@@stoneren3179 i totally get it. everyone was really good but phantom by FAR was the loudest and i had chills the whole show

[@rudetuesday]

I really liked the different costume transitions. At some points, I felt like everyone was color guard, which warmed my heart.

[@snail415]

Have to say that you yourself pulled-off fantastic commentary amidst this performance. I can’t imagine what the judge’s tapes sound-like. So much to absorb, catch, and feel…and say. Great rundown.

[@stevewoodrow2878]

What other corps has the nerve to open a show with Boston's Foreplay and play it with such clarity and energy? Just a total wipeout of the competition and I couldn't help but notice that a couple of the caption judges gave them perfect scores on finals night. Really strong! Bluuuuuuuue!

[@williamsanborn9195]

For what it’s worth, I think this was the best Bluecoats show since 2019.

[@lavicohutabarat7178]

08:44 is it Treshold by Sungazer or am i trippin'?

[@TrAnMu]

It is!

[@greggorynekrasovas7613]

This video cements you as a future DCI judge, especially GE. Love this show and your work (and Ghostlight)

[@Kai-nw6ej]

literally all i’m thinking is how this sounds like a great judge tape

[@turkishdelight6032]

I enjoyed the show as is, but your side-by-side analysis is so pleasurable to listen to. You are very articulate and technical, but also clearly passionate about the activity. I learn so much from your insights, and end up loving the shows you review even more Keep up the great work!

[@stuffandmusic]

I saw you at finals in the suites! I was too nervous to say hi 😬

[@funlinerproductions7071]

Say Hi next time!

[@Davis.smith.weightlifting]

Bluecoats musical writing has been my favorite for a while, but man it feels like their trumpet soloists have a curse placed on them. When was the last time there wasn’t a trumpet solo crack on finals OR a massive drill screw up by a trumpet on finals night

[@raywagmusic]

It all started at the wink! Haha #downsideup

[@LP-wd9yz]

Maybe degree of difficulty needs to taken into consideration because the drill from TILT ( and all shows after ) contains rapid movement while playing some of the most difficult parts of the show compared to other corps who stand still while playing the challenging parts.

[@coffeenerdaaron]

The moment at 8:44 gives me chills. Perihelion by Sungazer is one of my favorite songs, to hear this adaptation is insane!!

[@UnknownSpooky]

That's Threshold :O

[@coffeenerdaaron]

@@UnknownSpooky lol yes you are correct!! I miss typed, I meant to say it's one of my favorite albums!

[@UnknownSpooky]

@@coffeenerdaaron Gotcha gotcha! I need to get into Sungazer's music tbh. Was happy to see Adam Neely's music in a Bloo show!

[@antonsederquist2131]

I saw this show for the first time at Whitewater, and I don't think any drum corps show (especially the colorguard feature at 5:17) has had me as taken aback upon a first read as this one did. What an absolutely ingeniously designed show, and the more I dig into it, the more I see how poetic it was that the power went out at Perkins Stadium not even a minute after they left the field that night.

[@RappMike]

What is never mentioned about the silver flag moment is that they use the feature to distract the crowd from a total reset of the entire field. Absolutely brilliant show design.

[@antonsederquist2131]

@@RappMike they do!

[@LowkeyMG1]

From the first time I even saw the title of this show, i immediately thought of the 2016 Bluecoats. The uniform design being different from what we're used to seeing corps usually wear, along with the music selections. Then they were the fan favorite to win. It was history repeating itself in a way. And im perfectly fine with that. Go Bloo!!

[@Korvain11]

I'm interested to hear the Music Son Lux writes for them next season

[@BluesClues2s]

so so hyped

[@pghskin]

Awesome narration! I loved hearing your perspectives. You sounded just like a DCI field judge tape in a great way. You have some amazing ears to dissect the parts so well.

[@funlinerproductions7071]

Thank you!

[@greatmcnate9506]

Was their color palette choice an homage to the Cadets? I like to think so.

[@DebbieWolgemuth]

Excellent critique! Musicality and insider Corp information. One of the best reviews that I've enjoyed. - Theatre Director 35 years, Instrumentalist for Life

[@jakewilliams7484]

FUNLINER REACTS is back!! Lets go!

[@SRod54321]

This truly is a masterpiece in show design.

[@LP-wd9yz]

Great job on the recap commentary Everett. Well done! I wasn't a Bluecoats fan until 2014. TILT changed everything! The intro alone was enough for any fan of DCI and/or seasoned musician to say..."wait------what was that? I need to hear that again". I'm referring to the sampled voice of the announcer ( Brandt Crocker ) slowing down and then speeding up ( ending with the powerful announcement "THE BLUECOATS"). Of course the pitch bend in the closer was mind blowing....and the leap of faith into the arms of the guard at the end was awesome. On top of everything else it was a very clean show. Degree of difficulty also needs to be mentioned because the Bluecoats nouveau activity from 2014 to present contains rapid movement while playing some of the most difficult parts of the show compared to other corps who stand still while playing the challenging parts.

[@HiyaaGeorgie]

4:47 Yeah he’s on the move- shout outs to my buddy Gabe Espinosa!

[@idrk_emi]

bro is phenomenal. 23’, he really stood out to me

[@extremeflext]

spectacular on every level. lost for words

[@paullikesbass]

Insanely proud Bluecoats alum here!! 💙

[@user-ml2re8ek7b]

That might be one of the best shows all time

[@sawyersmith4999]

I don’t know how many people caught this, but they end the show in the same place, playing the same thing as the start.

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534]

Wow, unbelievable! How did you ever catch that??

[@RappMike]

@@sawyersmith4999 yep. They go back to the very beginning. Brilliant show design.

[@squillz8310]

I always appreciate hearing your observations on these shows since you marched DCI and have a lot of experience with the activity and music education as a whole. Hearing your takeaways and your criticisms, your reactions to details you haven't noticed before, etc. It's all really fascinating stuff to hear as a nerd. I'm really excited to see more reactions, and hopefully, Alan or Malik can tag along for some! Your guys' dynamic is so entertaining!

[@5PctJuice]

I love a show that's so clean you can see/hear exact points that are like "oh this is why they didn't get a 20 in Brass, this is why they didn't win Perc or Guard, this is where that margin got shaved off." Considering just how many isolated hits there were in this show, especially at the beginning, their brass score is really impressive.

[@ag225-ml]

Interesting because they tell the story about chaos, and in the beginning of the universe there was just 1 point e.g. the EP. Brilliantly articulated, and time was introduced, chaos ensued, and as the universe returns to form due to gravitational forces (the big crunch) chaos will end and our universe will return to form, thus the EP (e.g. the stab) at the end of the show. Brilliant!

[@myroncartwright]

I have confirmed the blue coats deserved to win cause this show was just SPECTACULAR

[@RVVDont]

Id love some more of these man!

[@hmrowland6114]

Following DCI since '74 ...hands down the most perfect show in every aspect that I have ever seen, including the superlative execution. Maybe A ball routine instead of swords during the ballad. Maybe.

[@LP-wd9yz]

Personally I'm a big fan of TILT and Downside Up. Those shows weren't as clean but had a huge impact as nouveau activity IMO.

[@HornlineOvertones]

For me this show is the new gold standard for show design. Excellence in expression of theme through the perfect interaction between music and visual. My favorite jazz chart in DCI prior to this show was '91 Blue Devils, but now I think it's Bloo's treatment of Dymaxion.

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa16534]

'91 BD? Really? That was one of their worst years, imo and Dymaxion is my least-favorite part of this show. To each their own though I'm just surprised you would say that online.

[@BANDLDR]

Only saw this show once live (prelims in Indy) but some of the sound design elements weren’t really audible where we were seated outside the 35s. Hearing the recording with headphones on make a huge difference.

[@thomasdavidson5276]

It's been suggested that if Change Is Everything that uniforms should have started as more tradition look similar to the drum major and then change into other uniform. Just a random comment. Great show.

[@OzmosisJones]

This is just flat downside up 🤣 so so fire so deserved. The sound design is elite and really sold the show

[@davewroberts]

I could be completely grabbing for straws, but the moment at 7:20 feels like a Cadets nod to the 93 In the Spring show when the drumline comes out of the back corner during the ballad to show the juxtaposition of the smooth brass and the banging drums. In my mind it’s a Cadets nod anyways!!

[@Improper_46]

I love your reaction videos, and your content, keep it up!

[@TheJapillac]

The Finest of DCI Indeed

[@yt-user03561]

This show was good and I'm super happy to see them take first again but nothing can touch Down Side Up. That was arguably their best show of all time, aside from the Alumni Corps.

[@BluesClues2s]

Yeah as much as I loved this show I still don't think it tops 2016 in terms of style and FUN factor

[@ChrisGroves]

As far as innovation and accessibility, 2016 is the GOAT. But 2016 doesn’t compare to the excellence in performance across captions and the stunning show design of 2024.

[@Bubba10211Gaming]

I absolutly LOVE Downside Up but I gotta say this show TOPS. This show is a masterpiece through and through.

[@chrisl83]

This show is excellent, but I usually skip the Dymaxion section. Corps seemed to lean into the obligatory dissonant middle section in 2024.

[@sammichquota1612]

Starting to sound like a judge lmaoo. Love it go bloo

[@tredaviousbowser7931]

12:14 the descending line was not played by the tubas but it does sound like it

[@jayrod115]

Sick thumbnail lol. Great analysis!

[@sooyster4033]

This show makes me so happy

[@aj2281ca]

Absolutely loved this show, congrats to Bluecoats! Personal favorite show of all time is Babylon, it was good to see SCV back this year 👏🏽

[@JuanJimenez-od1ho]

The closer brings me to tears.

[@idrk_emi]

twin

[@dmajorx]

This show from the Bluecoats reminds of the older Crown shows from the early to mid 2000s! They were more Crown like than Crown this year. Crown lost their identity and Bluecoats have found theirs!

[@idrk_emi]

crowns mellos were weak and it made me so sad.(i play mello)

[@LP-wd9yz]

Bluecoats found their identity in 2014 ( TILT ) IMO.

[@mattreyes79]

This show by the Bluecoats was amazing. They truly deserved the top spot.

[@TristanBurgener]

imo they had their best runs before finals week

[@bestevor]

Encore was pretty tight as well but agreed

[@darrelljourdan3687]

I find it amazing that nobody has commented on the fact that the Mello's switched to trumpets for part of the show... The depth of musicality in this show is breathtaking.

[@delfordchaffin5617]

I loved this shoe from the first time I saw it in June. Great reaction! 😊💙🍁

[@MiningSkullz36]

Let’s go! we missed Funliner reacts!!!

[@michaelgesser5970]

I absolutely adored Bloo's show this year, what a masterpiece, you shpuld totally react to phantom's show from this year!!

[@ethanol7490]

I'm a front ensemble guy, but this might be the cleanest guard they've ever had. Even I can see that.

[@connorrokoff7317]

please do more of these reactions for the other shows from this year, love the content!

[@rolandom]

Love your commentary!

[@lunarwanshot]

Red yellow and white is a recipe for a champion 😎

[@WatchDanReviews]

Couldn’t have said it better…Amazing show!

[@K-me5tq]

The show's beginning reminds me of the early 2000s Cavaliers in the way of show movement and formation.

[@XtremeSportX247]

Bro you detail shows so well... you should start judging BOA and WGI

[@icysand3962]

This sounds like a GE judge tape lmaaaoo

[@Randomname2908]

Mr. Funliner, please react to Troopers! Their show was really interesting this year!

[@jeeperalainbigal]

Nous n'avons pas ça en Europe, quel incroyable spectacle , tout simplement grandiose !

[@rocinante0293]

You should react to some texas bands that aren't absolutely massive or gold medalists. Oak Ridge HS 2022 comes to mind (not at all cause I was center marimba for that show)

[@louisech1963]

That is the kind of comments i wanted to listen to.

[@reedsong1403]

Where are Malik and Alan 🥺

[@brycegoodman8676]

I feel like I'm listening to a judge's tape listening to Everett speak about the show.

[@Romo2k24]

Watch Hebron 2023

[@breadenjoyer7986]

Blue devils next? Love to see what you and the gang thought of that sweet ballad this year

[@sammichquota1612]

2:58 the vibes start playing the ballad

[@williamroque2647]

dude when me and some friend went to SE championship the closer made my friend cry😭🤣🤣

[@kookx45]

I wish they hadn't "enhanced" the sound of the flag feature. What was cool about it, IMO, was that you were ONLY hearing the flags. ..but that's a minor quibble - I love this show!!

[@catcat1517]

Absolutely a show for the ages. BTW, here's a passage very similar to what you heard in the closer. This is a band called My Bloody Valentine, a groundbreaking band in the shoegaze movement in the early 90s. I'd love to see Bluecoats take on some of their music--truly innovative. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJmZlquZqsysfZIsi=ye5IcdPJfy0wfJRp

[@BluesClues2s]

They keep cutting back to the Trombone soloist after the full hornline comes in during the closer... but I have never heard what he's playing there. Anyone know?

[@adamsmara28]

I believe it is the base line from Lost It To Trying (The Closer) by Son Lux. If you listen to the source song you can hear it.

[@willybeama1]

I don’t know about best show of all time but it is definitely my favorite show of all time!

[@jaymaurehaywood6031]

reminiscing on pride of Cincinnati 2019 😢

[@patrickwhitfield5079]

Great show but I really appreciated the commentary. My first feedback video on drum corps.

[@joshuaholypoop]

bro has judge mic quality 😭

[@lucasz8825]

istg I thought I was the only one noticing lmao it kinda works tho, his commentary kinda sounds like he's been working a bit in judging shows