Dunlop Sessions: Animals As Leaders

[@someguy8281]

I left this video playing while I made a sandwich and when I came back my math homework was done

[@JerryT21]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheSh0rtKid1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@VodkaSelekta]

If you play this recording Tosin Abasi actually comes to your house whilst you're not looking and does your homework for you and gets you an A.

[@daniell.raharitahiana5727]

Bruh that was the best joke I've heard in a long time Edit: that wasn't sarcasm I really mean it

[@fxcast4057]

Stew pit

[@TheArtofGuitar]

I really hope people talk about the drummer of this band as much as they talk about Tosin. Holy crap it's hard to lock onto a sequenced track that hard.

[@Samesama]

I thought exactly the same. In the very first perfectly synced beat I was: "wow, that alone is SO difficult to do".

[@theflymo]

Yeah, us drummers talk about him. Mostly in hushed voices. After we’ve scraped our jaws off the floor.

[@hddrummer8838]

Matt is probably the best modern drummer right now.

[@hagimusicproductions3176]

don't worry , many people love the drummer, highly regarded

[@eclipsespilce]

Tosin is such a sweet guy, and I've not heard a word from the other guys. They are all technical monsters. Did NOT expect Matt to have such a childish, easy voice.

[@akshitjha6251]

It's a lot of notes to remember. - Javier Reyes (2017)

[@Phrgyian]

"But don't worry, I got this." - Also Javier Reyes (2017)

[@andrewlucas2325]

lol!!!

[@chicanochops]

Lmfao

[@TheSithking]

Poor thing...

[@Mureirsa]

@@Phrgyian Aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@SFUPodcast]

As a drummer I’m consistently baffled by how good Gartska is. Watching Tosin’s fretting hand, his fingers move so effortlessly that it’s hypnotic. Javier’s precision is next level. These guys are aliens or machines, I can’t tell which.

[@AnthonyBowman]

Both? Both. Both. Both is good.

[@AnwayPramanik]

Alien Machines

[@guitarlaughs2620]

I heard click tracks practice to Matt Garstka to improve their timing

[@dcQ23]

What are you talking about? His fills are behind sometimes. On purpose? im not sure.

[@McBignLargeBJ64]

Chris Ostapovitch they are though lol. hes still amazing

[@RockRadioBlog]

No he's not behind

[@DavidRockbandDrummer]

dcQ23 on purpose brev, point of polyrhythms is to play with the human ear but it makes in its analytics

[@DavidRockbandDrummer]

*makes sense in its analytics

[@hfreed24]

Every time a prog-metal artist says "ebb and flow", an angel gets it's 8-string.

[@theders8590]

Lol and even the prog metal band “The Contortionist” has a song called Ebb and Flow.

[@billyperry3059]

8-wing.

[@bogodarov]

Russian prog-metal artist says "ebb tvoyu mat' SUKA! BLYAT'!" Sorry, this is 'difficult to translate' play of words)))

[@alexlevesque9687]

*laugh in contortionist*

[@Randolph287]

The Contortionist - ebb and flow

[@Broken-Flesh]

I feel like I get smarter the more I listen to these guys.

[@ladinark1672]

You do because such kind of music develops the brain, which is 100% true fact!

[@JoeDubspit24]

Facts

[@dronepro7316]

Definitely. I felt the same way. My IQ goes up when I study Animals as Leaders.

[@musanetesakupwanya1050]

I'm a jazz singer and this is my favourite band!

[@ltaug1178]

maybe you can sing for them one day

[@unsanitizedbabywipes6154]

@@ltaug1178 tosin abasi said on an interview that they try to achieve complex emotions through instruments. I doubt they will collab with a singer in the future but who knows

[@dignouhagstromdegilead29]

@@unsanitizedbabywipes6154 SO right, no singer please !

[@jacobwright4653]

I’m an electrician, and this is one of my favorite bands.

[@joellarsson6573]

As a fish, this is my favourite band

[@UdobiMusic]

I may not be a great father to my kids, but I'm a great son to my father Tosin

[@danielhorton9929]

DobesPlace hahahah

[@fleagalisyourdaddy]

DobesPlace Daddy Tosin

[@englandcity2549]

Dobes Place 😂😂😂

[@deweytucker5413]

Dude, that’s pure comedy! 😂😂

[@kyleperkins2596]

Haha...Uncle Matt...

[@Rock-mo3ry]

I'm a guitarist but, that feakin drummer. He's just as awesome as the other's

[@hugorezende199]

Rock1 none of them are from earth

[@lordofloneliness2069]

Matt garstka my friend

[@andyham6094]

They are all at the top. All world class musicians. That’s why this band will always be my favorite. Not only that but they also write very good music. As a musician it’s easy to understand their compositions are great. For other people it may sound like noise and just showing off but it’s far from that. Obviously they are an instrumental band so they have the freedom to add whatever they want as well.

[@bravepart]

As a Drummer who struggles with odd time Sig's (never played to a click) what stands out most to me is his vocabulary. He never overplays, always perfectly compliments the track and dominates the groove. Some day I'll hopefully find a tune of theirs to learn. I feel I'll learn a lot just listening to this band regularly

[@wackosaco7369]

@nick donzanti I mean I enjoy Rudinger, but hes nowhere near one of the best.

[@EOS44]

This live performance made me realize how big and important Javier is for AAL.

[@rookd1137]

dude right. I love his solo stuff Mestis. Sick stuff

[@FartsTasteDelicious]

Javier writes quite a bit of their music too. He is insanely good.

[@stefanandrews5098]

You don't have a successful 3 piece without everyone pulling their weight

[@thegermantomoeser]

I just realized how damn hard i suck on guitar.

[@EntryLevelLuxury]

That’s the thing, no one seems better than anyone else, they are all absolutely stellar

[@KadeKalka]

There's nothing better than seeing them play "The Brain Dance" live.

[@thetranz13nt52]

I was mesmerized

[@Ravejet]

Touching real vagina goes close.

[@jasperalmoore]

One does not simply play an Animals as Leaders video in the background and manage to get any work done.

[@BrianGivensYtube]

Jasper Moore Listening is the work!

[@SuperLucasRay]

Yo I agree with that statement on a spiritual level.

[@OpiumMonkey]

dude i was trying to do the dishes.. fk

[@davidchoi33]

When I do my engineering and data visualization work, I would say it helps, especially songs like Lippincott off of The Joy of Motion.

[@unsanitizedbabywipes6154]

@@davidchoi33 yeah its pretty nice for ambient and makes the time pass by and releasing the stress from work.

[@AbsoluteSkycaptain]

Matt Garstka is the key to manipulating the flow of time.

[@ryanhoole4227]

why is this not the top comment.

[@lvrbass]

someone fire up my DeLorean, we're going back to 9/8

[@yamalaich1287]

Yeah Matt Was mos Def on point 4:50 reminded me of moby.

[@unsanitizedbabywipes6154]

too bad einstein didnt get to study the force of matt changing the flow time.

[@anthonyjones3835]

Way better then the old drummer moore 💯💯💯🔥

[@Heinrick192]

Holy shit, that tone is MASSIVE! Especially on Nephele

[@2bitanalyst39]

Heinrick192 I must have it

[@ranrjbneztnarf8932]

Its muddy if you ask me, but its not exactly the easiest task to capture their sound live as you hear it on their records.

[@malesmandi]

yeah it is! the beauty of axe fx ii lol

[@marspl]

Nephele is so beautiful

[@chicken6111]

I am a guitarist and I LOVE Tosin and Javier, they're the reasons I started listening to AAL. But for fuck's sake, even as a guitarist, Matt is so god damn incredible to watch. He's almost the reason I keep listening now lol.

[@SelcraigClimbs]

chicken6111 I'm in the exact same fucking position hahahaha

[@LONGname46]

Yeah Matt and Chris Turner imo are the most enjoyable prog drummers to watch honestly

[@tearsonurcheektsc1433]

@@LONGname46 One of my favorites is Baard Kolstad. Both his work with Leprous, and his pre-band street drummer videos here on KZbin.

[@drummer265]

I didn't realize how many of the lead parts are actually Javier playing. They're all so good.

[@KhanalSush]

glad too see Javier getting more exposure

[@martialmusicman]

Tosin has improved a lot with his virbrato and feel on solos since I first heard him! He was already god-tier at everything else.

[@SlitSys]

I remember him saying he intended to practice improv and vibe a lot more, it’s kind of weird to hear him improv tho????!

[@marcobullsfan8279]

sonic slaughter he plays with tremendous feel now

[@francescofrigo1355]

I love how Tosin just smiles while playing. I love how Javier really focuses on his guitar. I love how Matt is really into it. I love these guys.

[@SteveJAbraham]

Just realised that I'd never heard Matt speak before. And damn! I did not expect that voice 😅 The band was tight as always 😄

[@m45ed]

Look up " Dirty D - Ratchet " , if you weren't expecting is voice to be like that, you won't know what you are looking at when the video plays haha such an amazing drummer though!

[@ramrod924]

Matt, also did a tour of his house once. I'm sure that you can find the video on KZbin if you search

[@SteveJAbraham]

Ramiro Rodriguez I'd seen it on the suggested videos but never checked it out 😅

[@citylights2765]

eyy bro!! random find xd

[@hiro6406]

😒😒👺👺👺😛😛😃😃😭👍🔫❤️😭💦❤️😂❤️😝🎌😃

[@andyp123456]

I think is my new favourite video on KZbin. Such an amazing performance, and it's fantastic getting to see them play up close so clearly - especially Javier, who doesn't get nearly as much attention as Tosin or Matt, despite also being an incredible musician. I'm just glad they are all in the same band making such fucking awesome music together.

[@tomkruze1304]

Andrew Palmer you should check out the Javier videos for Ortega Guitars. He is insanely talented, wish he got more exposure.

[@albert2524]

i think i probably love javier more than tosin. Ever since i discovered mestis shortly after AAL, as well as getting the privelege to meet him in person, Javier is one of the best examples of genre fusion, with his sexy blend of classical, latin music and metal

[@adammtroutman]

I agree. He's very talented. Have you seen his classical guitar work? Impressive to say the least, but yeah he was holding the fort down on brain dance in the grooving flowing section, it sounded inspired by Evan brewer

[@GuruGuru3]

Andrew Palmer I´m sorry but, I cannot take my attention off "that" all. May you have to try listening other not known players. Good music is good music. This fuel is played by mother earth my dear brother.

[@stephenowen3383]

yeah Javier is someone I am not totally knowledgeable on outside of AAL (who I am fairly new to) but yeah he is great as well. A bit more subtle than Tosin but his work on songs like Brain Dance is insane.

[@sirefromtheshire]

Javier's guitar is heavier than a Meshuggah album. I picked that thing up at NAMM and almost broke my back. Tosin's new guitar is sweet and actually very comfortable.

[@arthurdayne8029]

I had the pleasure of seeing them play live in Italy. The whole crowd was silent, I mean, like church silent. It was brilliant. i was right at the feet of the stage, Javier was playing literally above us🤣 The guy looked like he had twelve fingers (on one hand). Both guitarists could do whatever they wanted with those guitars. Loved them.

[@eduardolicona6126]

Javier is Awesome

[@ant2537]

man its always been the javier reyes show aye. the king

[@Vintagenegro]

sure it has.

[@karlgwaps67]

3 years later and this set is still motivational af. Tosin's words are so nice to hear when you think you've hit a slump in playing.

[@MissHayleyKendal]

I got home after a night out.. drunk as hell.. taking off my make up.. i stick this video on... i sit down and start air drumming in an attempt to copy Matts drumming... sometimes i give up from my aching arms and just watch in awe and amazement for this band. How three guys can create such music is astounding. Theyre so friggin talented and god-like. How they got to this point i have no idea, but i really hope i can see them live one day... christ.

[@ClaireBear8686]

19:06 that look. He knows how hard this shit grooves

[@locoman3498]

Gremlin Matt

[@jnarnoob]

Goblin mode

[@CalebDiT]

This is what you get when artists play musical instruments. What a pleasure to listen to.

[@stephen0793]

Now that's what I'm talking about! I like the new Tosin Abasi, much less dissonant and atonal, much less heavy distortion for no reason, much more harmony, interesting techniques to spare. Hell yeah

[@alejandrocisneros7442]

Shit gets tiring playing the same licks. Guys like Tosin and Javier are always constantly challenging themselves.

[@joshbrenneman]

I've listened to that clean part of Nephele a thousand times before I swear, but I still learned something new from it during this performance. This band is so surreal, it's amazing

[@tylerrowe6131]

The interludes in brain dance and nephele are some of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

The finest in as many years as I've been listening. I listened to the Brecker Bros, Mahavishnu, RTF, Brand X et all in the late 70's. There was not much else but God bless em shredders [Including and begotten by EVH] in the 80's. it seemed to go back to Jazz with Sco, Metheny and many others for so long. But this new brand arrests me in a new way. I got excited with their debut and hoped it wasn't a fluke. Some years on now and they continue to thrill me with innovations to the absurd. The Jazz/Metal thing is just one of their many things. Trying to quantify it is nearly like trying to explain how I felt after hearing "Eruption" for the first time, or perhaps Medeival Overture or Country Joy when I heard them initially. These are songs of a life for me. I can hear them anytime, at any place and i am rewarded with bliss and a deep smile within me of happiness for the hearing. I am a happy listener and I jam over them when I have opportunity and it's always a mess of right and wrong for me. I have some chops so it always keeps me on my toes, and for that I am forever grateful. Play on brothers.

[@stevekindler]

oh fuck.. give the wurld a fucking break. Comparing this tripe to any of the original fusion jazz is an insult to intelligence. What, were you born yesterday?? Compare this drivel to Ramstein.. compare it to Cradle of Filth.. but likening this digital offal extruded from the corporate bowel o anything analog shows an udder lack. Yeah, these guys are like Byron and Shelly!

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

@@stevekindler You are entitled to your opinion, as wrong as it is. I have shelves of Mahavishnu, Brecker Bros, Brand X and the like. I know jazz and good music when I hear it.

[@worldpaz7300]

Listening to Tosin talk about the addiction of trying to improve your guitar playing really resonates with me. One of the cool parts of music to me is taking a look at a task which seems impossible, but with practice become reality.

[@Laloyz118]

This only proves that music is the most omnipotent thing in the hole universe and this band is the living proof of it

[@Anthonybrother]

I never realized how sick this band's drummer was

[@eddrumer]

Saving this file to the Earth 2.0.

[@Pierreyveslong]

yeah, good idea, better than any kinda of bible IMO...

[@hugodelgadogomez8388]

These guys are one of the most amazing bands ever, they are other level... The Brain dance is sick a real real work of art, this music is from space their band name should be ALIENS AS HUMANS.

[@lucasborges543]

07:44 - "The Brain Dance" just blowed my mind! What a song, guys! What a song...

[@xMONOCHROMEx]

I've watched this video so many times throughout the last few years that I've finally been compelled to comment.. These guys deserve their flowers. Completely underrated, and better than a huge lot of the household names IMO. Damn near masters at what they do.

[@angelbast3rd133]

Many people are intimidated by genius lol. This band was the nail in the coffin for me to quit drumming :b

[@GETaYOTA]

Damn that intro fill to nephele is SICK!!

[@MrEdude100]

19:06 Matt's face is meme worthy!

[@antonis958]

MrEdude100 when you are at the graveyard at your fathers funeral and realise mum is not horny for you

[@KIKETMASTERMX]

Pink Guy vibes, aight?

[@ryanaiden]

@@KIKETMASTERMX spot on

[@Fay65]

This video is not long enough.

[@MGA_83]

I had to watch it 2x.

[@yyguuyg]

+atheism Only 2 times? I'm on like 20.

[@IAMSAPER]

Farahin65 ye this vid is too short

[@LONGname46]

Idk, this vid like 2 AaL songs long

[@PAD___]

These guys are innovators and carry on the traditions set by miles Davis, the mahavishnu orchestra, any many others that drive pure creation.

[@freshpansen6313]

Paul DeStefano right i thought the same thing

[@williamchristian8705]

P D MO was the mother of all these bands. I’m from that time. Birds of Fire made me question all music at that time. I thought these guys are light years beyond everyone else. Deep down I think MO must be smiling and winking listening to them, CHON,Polyphia ...........

[@jayreyes828]

Thank you Dunlop and AAL

[@rgt2358]

Awesome performance ASL! Tosin looks like he teleported back in time from the planet Zorg B206G.

[@burgoon69]

My brain cannot process this but enjoys it very much.

[@dimetime0]

Brain dance is such an amazing track, blows my mind every time

[@welltrev]

Nephele is such a great song! Great video!

[@DanGarGuitar]

19:40 I need this riff to be my ring tone

[@ShortP1089]

to be honest, im really amazed by the drummer. i know the guitars, since i listen to AAL for quite a while. but i really felt the drums in this session. quite astounding synergy those guys have going on. very nice video @Donlup Sessions :)

[@abanomex9038]

he is truly gifted.

[@lucasvillaquiroz]

Donlup lol

[@kopoflakes6009]

I wanted to do my work listening to this, I couldn't because I was amazed looking at the video from start to finish

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

I can hear a lot of Allan Holdsworth influences in a lot of Metal these days from Playing style to Writing style which is great because I like Allan Holdsworth and Metal hahaha. RIP Allan Holdsworth, on of the biggest influences of jazzy metal and people's playing style.

[@hazardeur]

yeah, it all goes back to him. The real OG

[@xisotopex]

to me all of this is just updated jazz fusion.

[@dkelley9661]

You said that right

[@DangerousGuitarist]

Gartska's pocket and sense of time is disgusting... Amazing across the board too - so awesome to see these dudes blossom!

[@Nathani3l1]

Presented correctly, The Brain Dance can bring me to tears. Fuck

[@2bitanalyst39]

Nathani3l1 There's something so ethereal & poignant about it. Like a call to the deepest level of your spirit. Music makes me believe in god

[@clayunderearth1884]

+Sawyer Fulks AAL actually drew me closer to Christ.

[@philosophy5134]

Masters such as this either inspire me to excel....or give up trying.

[@MO-vs3dg]

What I like about the music they create is the fact that it isn't easy to listen to off of initial hearing. Like how Tosin, Javier, and Matt challenge themselves to try to write crazier licks and add new techniques we kind of have to understand that it is almost as challenging to listen to it as it is to create it. Ultimately we are all rewarded because we all overcome our challenges.

[@johnhowlett9829]

This trio of virtuosos live in the rarefied atmosphere of genius showcasing brilliance almost beyond comprehension.

[@andreisevastre3659]

Plini should definitely come to Dunlop Sessions!

[@matthope3392]

The Brain Dance is such a profoundly beautiful piece of music

[@BrandonofRedemption]

You win the Internet for today!!!!!

[@davidcissell5405]

This has to be the most impressive drumming I've ever seen in my life oh my god

[@shampoobanana944]

This is the best version of BrainDance I've heard.

[@Val_kyriee]

The brain dance is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever listened to.

[@6idangle]

6:05 yep, its the same feeling i get when learning a new skateboard trick after years of trying I learned a new chon lick that was real hard and same feeling its like a mindboner.

[@sujesdvguitar]

"Javi: A lotta notes to remember" THANK GOD FOR THAT!

[@travenator16]

What an inspiring Performance. Very well produced video and audio as well, would've liked a bit more Garstka in the video though :)

[@SanguinarySun]

Jonathan Hevendehl Glad it wasn't just me feeling like the drums were a bit low. Those snare hits add so much to the guitars that I feel like they miss notes when the snare hits aren't there.

[@MirkoFustinoni]

The snare sounds way too 'boxy' for my taste; it often seems like they forgot to add the mic on top lol

[@wastedninjadude]

Yeah snare and bass drum weren't mixed appropriately for this music but I still think the overall mix is pretty good.

[@Izreal55]

Agreed, this snare sound is so fucking awful, but AAL is amazing in anyway, absolutely nice vid

[@zacharymoore9596]

yea, they probably didn't mic the drums right from the beginning

[@tantivymuckermaffikk]

This is utter beauty . When I think there’s no chance for humanity, I see something like this and find there’s still hope.

[@mikefuchsdrums]

The bands appreciation for matts playing is nice to see. Sick video

[@marcio1745]

Isn't it ?

[@michaelellis2656]

god damn it's almost scary how well these guys sync with eachother after watching them play nephele

[@WillCtheMechDrummer]

This video has become a part of my daily routine... Listen to it while at my desk.

[@Phooie]

I know that yours musical prowess is unsurpassed but it's a gift to have experienced your music within my time

[@kewlbug]

You sure that drummer doesn't sing? He's got one of those "I breath helium daily" voices all good singers have

[@iangillies711]

Kewlbug with the amount of time that Matt spends drumming idk if he’d have time to sing 😂😂

[@JDeloggia]

LOL

[@monkeytorres2285]

Totally thought the same thing!

[@stefanandrews5098]

I guess I'll take my slightly deeper voice far away from any microphone then I guess. All good singers have that voice.

[@norlanderduwallis9074]

@@stefanandrews5098 Ouch, huh?

[@Nicmccu]

That circular picking motion at 4:03 is mesmerizing, goddamn

[@maxnewellmz8025656]

matt at 19:06 he is down to djent and chill

[@Noosphericallyl33t]

Dude im fucking dead

[@alexmills168]

Max Newell holy shit ahaha

[@MrBunglesButthole]

lmfao

[@tylercrews9025]

HIS FUCKING FACE OMG XD

[@Pendarr]

I can't watch that part without laughing now 😂

[@ryanhill9570]

Amazing stuff. My band Galaxy Crusher played a festival w/ u guys in Long Beach, ca like 15 years ago and u guys were on fire as usual. Time fly's keep up the good work 👍

[@spacegaiden]

You guys expand the ENTIRE musical consciousness not just your own. Thank you so much for pursuing your pursuits and sharing them with us all. YOU GUYS RULE!!!!!

[@jjohnson9009]

I'll always appreciate this band. The originality and contrast between them is beyond noteworthy.

[@sashankr799]

this brain dance improvisation is epic , a masterpiece ! \m/

[@fauxmosmexual]

wish the madness of many sounded as good as this

[@thomasoring]

Matt has such good taste in cymbals and in the way he plays. He's very inspiring.

[@12qwertyuiop90]

Craftsmanship out of this world, respect 👋👋👋

[@NamelessNorwegian]

Never clicked a video so fast.

[@aldimeorla8363]

Never listened anything so original, so pure like this band can offers! What a outstanding talents they are

[@jamma246]

Never has a click track gone so fast.

[@kennyd8747]

13:08 that little sweep picking phrase Tosin plays is so great

[@jacobdalton1884]

Just. Mesmerizing. No words can explain how talented each of them are as a musician. I hope they never get a vocalist.

[@deltatranslation7288]

Javier’s tone, from the first note he plays, is soooo gnarly!!!

[@QuibusLicet]

This is a new genre in the making and maturing before our eyes, as distinct as gypsy jazz after Django.

[@ancmusic2562]

And they can play this live all day long, every day. Incredibly talented trio.

[@michaelrichards2524]

Sweet mother of mercy, they’re all ridiculously amazing at what they do.

[@westmount8873]

For me you Guys are the best band on the planet right now, I love the way that there is no set format with your pieces it just flows and is a real journey.

[@raulabusabal3049]

Thanks for this! Been waiting! Thanks dunlop for inviting Matt as well and not make it all about the guitar despite the fact that you guys are all about guitars kinda :D

[@trevnevit123]

I love the second glance Tosin gives to Matt at 4:38 he’s like: “owww he’s gone into overdrive” and then just stops to let him play.

[@TheSimonScowl]

The man is both an intellectual and a philosopher. Never underestimate the power of person in music.

[@TheSimonScowl]

07:21 And if I'd waited another minute, Tosen would have explained this himself!

[@mickbuffalo]

It’s got a flamenco feel at times like the drums are the heels of the dancer syncopating with the guitars. Guitar music never fails to progress to new heights!

[@mariusofadown]

Shit, what can't these dudes do? Absolutely phenomenal

[@christinebugliabrocious322]

The brain dance is my absolute favorite! It’s a beautiful thing!!! 💕❤️

[@bornbybeans]

I come back to this video at least once every few days to see Matt's face at 19:05.

[@Cptidris]

i am actually amazed how can they put these notes and riffs together . Reminds me of King Crimson and Camel

[@obliqueapplications8881]

Those interludes HAVE to be on upcoming albums

[@sullyluther5519]

I saw Tosin on tour with Vai and Yngwie. His set was my fav from that show!