Guitarist/Songwriter Listens To Polyphia For The First Time | G.O.A.T. Reaction [HOLY S***!]

Get your favorite song featured on the channel | / rockstarreacts
Join the Discord community | / discord
Check out my power metal band | www.masterswordband.com
Guitarist and songwriter Matt Farkas listens to Polyphia's song G.O.A.T. for the first time. That jaw drop is REAL, folks!!
Big thanks to my patron Jon Jantz for sharing this insanely good video with me!
Original video: • Polyphia | G.O.A.T. (O...
#polyphia #goat #reaction

[@Skybolt211]

These guys are special in that they are very technical, but also highly creative... that's sometimes a hard mix to find! I figured that as a musician, you would enjoy this. Thanks for the great reaction!

[@rhyayt2074]

@EDGAR PLACENCIABAUTI - but also highly creative as the original comment mentions. Yes, math rock involves a lot of technicality, but some people still can’t write a tune that appeals both genuine and sells well. That’s why polyphia in this context are praised in such manner. There are many more factors of course but that’s an entirely new discussion

[@MikeyDLooper]

Great suggestion for sure

[@goodtimesgivecancer1]

This. A lot of people focus so much on the technical side of things that they forget to make enjoyable music. Like wow sweep picking and shreds and shit, but your song isnt cohesive it just sounds like youre slapping together random recordigs

[@pievancl5457]

also masters of melody and Tim and Scott both have an intuitive sense of musical harmony. most technical playing misses this, and thus is often described as "soulless." i know that polyphia are sometimes also criticized in this way as well, but i find a lot of soul in their melodies. they remind me a lot of how Steve Vai blended technical prowess with more soul, which i think Steve also acknowledges in Polyphia since he decided to collab with them and figuratively 'passed the torch' in their MV together.

[@robertzantay5923]

Jimi improvised solos, these guys are more like a classical ensemble

[@lbLevii]

"I don't know who the singer is" Sir I believe that would be the guitar lmfao. Great reaction

[@danbuter]

Everyone loves the guitarist, but their drummer is amazing.

[@MattFarkas]

Oh, absolutely. They're all at the top of their game.

[@justinkim8974]

Appreciate the bass also 🙏🫡

[@carrythetorch33]

A band of virtuosos

[@calebsteinke291]

The fact that he said “Jesus Christ!” Right when Scott LePage showed up was hilarious xD

[@credibleink]

Probably one of the most genuine reactions videos of polyphia I’ve seen for a while. Kudos for not checking them out beforehand. You really looked shocked! 😀

[@MattFarkas]

It's not often that I'm completely blown away by the skill of musicians, but this is one of those times, lol.

[@andrewtrobec9182]

@@MattFarkas I loved reliving my reaction through your reaction: a mix of disbelief, intrigue, and humility. I've been listening to this song at least 5 times a day for the past 2 months and it still blows me away. My entire music collection has been transformed temporarily into the Polyphia discography. Awesome reaction man, it's great feeling appreciation through others.

[@SmokingHS]

Agree

[@fallout_patty]

Love this

[@frothyjazz7425]

It's almost like a rap formula how each member has their own verse.

[@MattFarkas]

I feel the rap/hip hop influence hard

[@TheRokkis]

They draw their influence from rap, pop and electronic music. Tim Henson, the young guitarist, describes their music something like "rap on guitar". Thei stroke me as hard as Dream Theater first time and that was 20 years ago...I became instantly a fan and first time for 10 years I begun to play and lear guitar again. I'm not aiming that high, but though their music and motivation to play they have brought me unbelievable amount of joy in my life =)

[@MattFarkas]

I can feel the influence! But they've turned it into something else entirely. This was one of the more unique things I've heard on the channel, for sure.

[@Witness089]

Well tim also has been on a goons podcast and stated he used to be in a band that played 240bpm deathcore but he wouldn't even hint at where you could find their music

[@mrwood8214]

It’s a new jazz basically.

[@hrothgarnogar]

They stroke you?!?!?!

[@homere-d-allaure]

That is exactly whait i thought after hearing this for the first time. It hit me like Dream Theater did more than 20 yeras ago. Maybe the same way people had been hit by Van Halen.

[@Heavymetalthunda3]

I’m so immensely happy that being a virtuoso is becoming popular again. Polyphia is amazing. Definitely the largest collection of talent in one band in at least a very long time

[@cirjames2540]

It sounds fresh-perfectly said. To the music world-fresh is a word we haven't heard much in the last couple decades.

[@KnuckleCuts]

If you actually breakdown the rift note by note, you’ll actually hear the chime bell melody within it, which blew my mind!

[@MattFarkas]

WTF, I didn't even notice that! 😨

[@MorteDallAlto]

Stop, WTF?! I just discovered these guys a week ago and I can't stop being amazed them.

[@SK23.]

The bell melody from the beginning actually continues through the whole song

[@worldwidestepper9880]

Came here to comment that! Lol he said there wasn’t really a melody and I was like come on man it’s the same phrase over and over and over again!! Like .. same phrase different language. Translated a hundred times.

[@drew_peabawls13]

Tim Henson is the future of rock guitar. He is the Jimi Hendrix for this time in our lives

[@erickarias3309]

Jimmy Hendrix wouldn't play that shit.

[@b.ghosty9749]

@@erickarias3309 I think you mean “couldn’t” lol

[@erickarias3309]

@@b.ghosty9749 no

[@joshuaamirose4934]

I think he’s the most original (known) guitarist in the world right now

[@lancelotvox6933]

💯

[@calwere]

“Holy shit.” “Jesus Christ.” “Oh my God.” These were also my reactions first time through.

[@nicolasbraghini8456]

Dude, check out the song O.D. by them! It's simply amazing!!!

[@WKerrick]

second OD, it gives such an amazing reaction every time

[@dcaudiomastering3570]

"why haven't i heard this before"-says everyone that hears this for the first time-awesome video

[@rasersharp9744]

"This Kid can play guitar" Pretty much what I said - but on a higher level Im learning, I play metal, and as a beginner this technical skill is mindblowing. Earporn

[@taho1684]

it feels to me that polyphia really put in a lot of work into finding their sound. they came from really hard prog metal and slowly found themselves making guitar trap/hiphop influenced music

[@themakerstoolbox9688]

With a lot of metal influence still held from back in their beginnings.

[@WKerrick]

great stuff, please dive more into polyphia for us. this song gets people into them, and every subsequent video will do your head in

[@MattFarkas]

I feel like I have to. It's rare that a huge prog rock/metal guy like myself finds a band that can wow me with technicality like they did with this song. I'm excited to hear more!

[@Marius_ae]

@@MattFarkas pretty disappointed that you never did ://

[@heathercollins4432]

@@MattFarkas - Check out "Ego Death" (Steve Vai...) Killer....

[@silly_programme5061]

This song is indeed the GOAT. I find it surprisingly beautiful and listenable for how disjointed it is melodically. Haven't really delved too deeply into the rest of their discography, but nothing else I've heard from them has impressed me as much (from a songwriting perspective; obviously their technical skill is unimpeachable).

[@New837]

Definitely check out Tim Henson's youtube channel to get a better look at their songwriting process. He doesn't upload super often, but when he does it's always a banger. A lot of the stuff on his channel is going to be on their 4th album as well.

[@Judge_Jon]

Try the song Euphoria by them.

[@suyash5436]

Try and listen, the worst

[@usuallyclueless4477]

Maybe "Euphoria" might interest you.

[@vladstepanov9767]

Bad and O.D. are really good

[@PepsiGods]

2:34 That was literally my first thought after hearing GOAT. You have absolutely no idea what's happening but you know it slaps as fuckk

[@johnc.hammersticks]

It's math rock, these guys have absolutely changed that genre to what they are. The harmonics are rediculous and how they can use dissonant tones while still sounding bright as well. They are all good but Tim is a genius and the drummer is crazy skilled.

[@themakerstoolbox9688]

It's math rock with a lot of metal influence as they were a metal band. It's also a little bit of trap music and modern electronic music. The main genre is math rock though these days.

[@jochar3216]

@@themakerstoolbox9688 I remember seeing in an interview somewhere that Tim doesn’t like to describe their music as math rock

[@DaemonJerky]

This isn't math rock whatsoever.

[@johnc.hammersticks]

@@DaemonJerky yeah nobody cares

[@johnc.hammersticks]

You want rediculous math metal rock listen to "the dillinger escape plan" they are insane.

[@EstebanBrenesPinto]

Really enjoyed your analysis and reaction summary at the end. I'm also very glad you went into it cold, made for a much more impactful reaction!

[@dantesparda4493]

4:50 THIS is exactly what I said about Polyphia too. And their styles become a melodical tune from the gods themselves

[@shawnspider1282]

Their song “nasty” is a must listen. Especially if you like metal

[@subbot8077]

This!

[@CushionBurnin]

"This kid can play guitar" Oh my sweet summer child. You have no idea.

[@JustPats]

I like watching people reacting to this song to relive the moment i heard it for the first time

[@cheezkid2689]

This song is probably one of the best indie rock songs ever, and definitely one of the best rock songs from the last few years. It's so masterfully crafted with some of the most unique and cool riffs I've heard in a long time. It's a fantastic song. Great to relax to.

[@ronfrosig5918]

LOVE THE SMILES THIS REACTION CREATED!!!

[@katinka3029]

Your personality is so delightful omg, it's so refreshing listening to you!

[@MattFarkas]

Thank you, Katinka!!! I really appreciate that. 😁 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@softpool1286]

their whole discography is phenomenal! highly recommend taking a deep dive into their stuff!

[@joepennie9329]

This band is probably my favorite, I've listened to every single album and still remember watching there first videos. I can throw them on and not skip anything. If you want another one I recommend CHON

[@mikeanon761]

Man discovers math rock "There's not really a melody" Exactly the point

[@tim.noonan]

Not math rock. Tim says as much (Henson, not me). All their stuff is in 4/4.

[@thistlewayman]

What an incredible day for me, I get to watch one of my favorite guitarist of the band I love react to another band I love for the first time!

[@MattFarkas]

Aww, thanks so much dude!! That means a lot. Glad you're enjoying my music and videos. And Polyphia rocks!

[@codyonforum509]

So so cool of you to be so genuinely stoked about this. I found this song less than a week ago and raised the views by a million lol. Such a weird band! Such a trip. The next song, “Nasty” literally gave me chills at one point. Not an easy feeling to get nowadays. Great video man!

[@Njguy36]

worth a listen to one of their albums/EP's for one of your album review sessions. its definitely a vibe, and each one has a particular theme to it. they are fantastic.

[@bowling0107]

Surprise! As soon as you called them a metal band I knew he was going to be shocked. I smiled through the whole thing at you your reaction.

[@Darjia]

Next level stuff... loved your reaction the faces you made... VERY COOL

[@maxduke3505]

With a name like "Master Sword", I have to check out your band! Update: You bands singer is awesome. Great sound all around. And virtual happy hour is so fun! 💜💖🤟🏼

[@MattFarkas]

Thanks Max!! Lily is indeed pretty amazing. Glad you're enjoying the music!

[@eivind261093]

Polyphia definitely plays metal. I'd call it a variety of progressive metal, though it clearly takes inspiration from a wide variety of different styles and genres. Don't need heavy distortion in order to be classified as metal, in my opinion!

[@MattFarkas]

I'm on the fence, myself. I can hear the metal influence in their music, and they're definitely super progressive, but it feels like a new thing entirely. At least to me.

[@autumwho]

Their sound has evolved. Their older stuff was pretty heavy.

[@reav3rtm]

It's not metal. And it's ok. Metal community appreciates this band for musicianship and creativity. We don't need to consider it metal to give ourselves permission to like it publicly :p

[@ralphmunn1685]

I don't know how ANYONE can call this "metal" - it's progressive rock with a thick slammin' bass and trap drumming. I call it Trap-Prog, with a lot of other influences creeping in as the band finds its unique lane (Flamenco and Bossa Nova in "Playing God," for example.)

[@benallard5005]

tim (one of the lead guitarists) is a core kid at heart!!!

[@thebuck1152]

I get that feeling every time I hear this. My mind has trouble comprehending what is happening when they come together after the moments of individual showcasing. Well composed piece

[@mahainfo7869]

Yes, as a musician and composer I agree very much with you. Theyre not focused on creating a tune. Rather they create a musical space where the riffs are placed in a cyclic spiral formation enforcing very particular states. As a composer I often paint pictures and moods rather than just finding a catchy tune and I see something very similar with them.

[@Peter_Aranyos_Jr]

Nightmare official music video is one of my favorite Polyphia songs and Tim Henson (main guitarist in the song you just reacted to) has a killer solo in the badass song Liftoff by Skyhaven

[@x0x0skiller2]

Love the reaction! Love that it knocked your socks off! My only suggestion would he to pause a bit more when you have input so it doesn't feel like you're talking over some of the more unique parts of the song. Other than that great, and subbed

[@kumararup188]

I have seen them live. And I know how insanely talented these 'kids' are. And that bassist. He turns into Hulk when he enters the zone.

[@karlschultz3337]

Good evening and welcome to the Guitar Tech end of year show.

[@mfbandit7930]

the dishonored stuff on the background made me like the video almost immediately. Good reaction brother

[@EzScrumptious]

This is real reaction. Like appreciating every notes and harmonics, literally a real guitarist here.

[@novessence]

Check out chon. They are probably the most similar to polyphia that ive found but they are less electronic and trap influenced

[@dilloneymard1962]

Agreed. Bubble dream or Sleepy Tea are some of my personal favorites from Chon.

[@autumwho]

Yes! Chon is awesome!

[@JG-fp7hm]

Chon is amazing but is more to lofi hiphop and polyphia is gangster rap

[@dillonsnow5589]

Another amazing one, same genre but a little different, Plini is a great band

[@edwardcheevers8340]

Yes Chon 👏

[@TobiiRheaStarr]

Polyphia are incredible! One of my fave bands for sure! Although I’m verrrrry late to this reaction, I’m subbing for more. 🖤

[@AlmostLakai94]

I just heard this song for the first time today and I genuinely can't comprehend it. Granted I never got fully into writing music but this literally is so far above my head 😂

[@danfu_2073]

I know I'm late but this seems like a controlled chaos. The melody and the harmonics and the beat and the bass feels like all over the place and yet synchronized.

[@michaelstorms47]

Sitting open mouthed for a minute! Great reaction to a fn awesome band!

[@TheRacedaz72]

Would love to see you react to some of their other songs too!

[@MattFarkas]

I'd like to! Planning on more in the future

[@borkovujnovic9797]

I clicked link above and im not power metal fan but introoooo is super good with really nice vocals! 🤘

[@MattFarkas]

Thank you!!

[@dylan.emerson__]

When he said he doesn’t know the singer I was alike your in for treat boy

[@JR-kn3rg]

I'ts so out of this world how tight they sound

[@grotwurksmekshop6607]

I dont know what it is about reactions... something about someone who knows WAY more than I do as impressed if not more than me just makes me happy. Almost like they are validating that Yes, in fact i do have a good ear for amazing things!

[@rsprodftw1]

I first heard Polyphia on an artist's Twitch stream and I've been listening to them ever since. O.D. and Nasty are my favorite.

[@wforbes87]

their 'renaissance' album is definitely worth listening to. it was before they adopted this style, really pretty

[@kevinmiller5786]

The music box from hell is the perfect intro and exit from this disturbingly great piece.I had to listen to this three times to convince myself it wasn't just Pro Tools. These guys are legit. 🙃✌🤙🤘

[@mygreatdilena1]

I'm so happy to see you enjoyed it. That genuine reaction also made me genuinely happy. This song is something unique and I'm glad you got to enjoy it the way you did.

[@MattFarkas]

Glad you liked it!! I try to keep all my reactions genuine, so I don't typically have a lot of "jaw dropping" moments, but this song is an exception. I had no idea what I was getting into. 😂

[@al3xj]

Why haven't I heard them before ... Im a year behind you brother. I'm reminded by online chess preparation in the details of planning or arrangement

[@ot7stan207]

LOL when u said jesus christ and the guitarist with the long hair stands up with the light shining behind him through the windows Im like AMEN!

[@LandoLoots]

This is literally me the first time I heard this song. Still gives me goosebumps. Such a creative song.

[@Ryutix]

40oz, od and nasty are some of my favorites

[@sparda9060]

They all are playing in the same 1, 2, 3, 4 pocket of rap scheme of the intro bell chime melody. Which is nuts.... Since it doesn't sound like it when they play unless you look at the tabs or time it with a metronome.

[@davidchettri2654]

Most amazing reactions

[@santacloud01]

Love that Corvo Attano mask!

[@MattFarkas]

Thanks! I think you're the first person to mention it in the comments section. 😮

[@paulmbylbie6065]

It's been a minute since something got my attention like polifia .... definitely unique...you were shocked as well lol 👍

[@thatone8085]

After underground music ,now we have this new sound. It's already in other planets and now we lucky to hear it.

[@mbrooke38]

These guys are super talented! Goose and L.I.T. Are two other really good tracks, Aviator ft Jason Richardson is mind melting!

[@Jimbarleyy]

3:11 “Jesus christ” was my exact reaction the first time😂

[@zaroc91]

I see those extended editions of the LotR movies back there and I respect you.

[@iri4fun]

Finally a reaction where the video doesn't get paused, ty sir :D

[@MattFarkas]

Seems to be hit or miss with some people, glad you enjoy the format!

[@GramadinGG]

Every member is fucking amazing.

[@jean-luclezede3898]

I felt the same thing first time I listened GOAT from polyphia : Waow, what's this ?? Interesting, never heard that kind of music !! Listening something really new is rare.

[@MattFarkas]

Blew my mind!

[@aldrinserrano4925]

Think i love in polyphia goat specially is that they have solo for each instrument from guitar bass and drum

[@Urululla]

This is actually a reinvention of the spirit of flamenco music.

[@mohammadtindick713]

i love how you said "Jesus Christ" on Scott's riff while he's in a church

[@christopherjunkins]

Kinda reminds me of Steve VAi but with a new "hip hop/rap" groove... and seeing that that took it's inspirations from early R&B/BLUES/ROCK but twisted it for a beat... (beat/music-wise, as it is more so derived from spoken word if I know my history?) so to speak it's kind of a natural fit.

[@huejazz_]

lil Timmy is the G.O.A.T. For our era. He’s still young as well, and Scotty too. They’re amazing and you should react to “look but don’t touch” by them.

[@Sinfullybliss97]

Also when u learn the metronome is actually the drummer keeping the entire track stable is mental

[@theartoffuckit5287]

the reason there songs are so intricate is cause he writes them song using software then the band figures out how to play them

[@BraceDeville]

That reaction was exactly my reaction when I first saw G.O.A.T.

[@danielelise7348]

Just so you know,there's no keyboards in it,it's all Tim Henson's guitar virtuosity,I strongly suggest you check out Unprocessed,if you think these guys are good,wait til you hear Manuel Gardner Fernandes,you are in for a SERIOUS shock...the tones they are a changin!!!

[@k3Ck6969]

As others have said, do Polyphia - OD next. 🔥

[@chrisp1355]

Beautiful.

[@wstone2010]

man I really enjoyed this reaction lol you might also enjoy other math rock bands, though Polyphia is definitely fairly unique in the sub-genre.

[@flomalheur7467]

Crazy musician and incredibly interesting song. Do I think the song is beautiful too? I have to listen to it more often for that. One band you haven't heard before here is Unlucky Morpheus (also a remarkable band). If you don't know them yet, give it a try with the title "Knight of Sword"

[@roygarrett1663]

Polyphia.....you either love or hate them. I LOVE them. I went to reaction crowd. Some dad, downed them and he was a musician. You, as well as I, was majorly impressed. I grew up as a bluegrass guitar player. These guys made me a fan of this unique style much like Django did in the 30's with only a thumb and two workable fingers.

[@Bellathor]

Polyphia is pretty great. If you want a super catchy melody - "Polyphia - Euphoria". Tim and the gang make some amazing riffs. I love his part from Jared Dines' shred collab. Btw. Conception's last 2 albums ("My Dark Symphony (EP)" and "State of Deception") are fantastic if you haven't checked those out. Have you heard any Plini yet? He is the modern coming of tasteful yet technical guitar playing where songwriting comes first. :D Check out Electric Sunrise (Rick Beato did a breakdown of it on his channel, if you care for that stuff :)), Selenium Forest or any other song. Other than that, Riverside has fantastic songs check 'em out.

[@xtop23]

Super dope

[@420NEWYcod]

Please do a reaction to Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope live in Colorado 2016. I'm dying for more reactions to it!

[@brucenatelee]

I think their earlier albums were djent, but "New Levels, New Devils" leans more into mathrock, though with some extra funky/trap elements.

[@silvy3047]

This is an EDM song played entirely on guitars

[@justsomeguywholosthismusta8495]

They were once Prog Metal but has since evolved into a more math rock/prog rock/trap music styled theme

[@jo-fhreycorpuz]

my ear and brains came like 10x . listening to this song, harharharhar

[@JumpUpJoe]

The fact they play this live

[@jessemace7589]

Polyphia. Aviator, nasty, champagne, James franco and euphoria. And lit. Also check out some jason richardson luke halland stuff. Hos down ,tendinitis and retrograde.