I Just Don’t Get It.

Polyphia have just released a song featuring Steve Vai, so I thought I'd give them another go. It's called "Ego Death". I find it really hard to analyse Polyphia...I'm not sure what to say about them and their music? Can you help me and comment below how you'd describe this and its appeal.
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[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

I do a lot more interactive and fun stuff over on my Patreon with my patrons every month, you can check it out here: www.patreon.com/jushawk

[@AndyRaze]

If you want to actually like it, you really have to listen to GOAT, OD and Playing God. A lot of their catalogue is just those cheesy sounding guitar licks with a similar phrase style. There's a few really nice ones but I also can't get on with the ones you've reacted to, at all. Sometimes I only even like half a song, and I'll just skip when it gets to the second 'movement' if you will *COUGH* Look But Don't Touch *COUGH*. Give those a go, I promise you'll be impressed.

[@zetsun0]

lol no

[@MyrasIR]

You missed reacting to all the good bits, the 2 main ones being Scott Lepage's full little 5 second run at 7:13 and Steve Vai's whammy bar abusement at the end of his solo which should have been after 8:52 if the clip continued. Personal pickiness aside, great analysis.

[@JanMac-so7uy]

Justin, Can your react to this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6W7gWVjaq52aKc ? The harmonica is a much maligned instrument and without doubt one of the most difficult to learn as it all happens inside the mouth so many try and fail to learn it proper but when learned and played properly it is a very versatile instrument. Anyway I thought this video and harmonica mastery would appeal to you.

[@Rockaliser]

I'd love to see a reaction video to Steven Wilson's Watchmaker Live (in Frankfurt)

[@ChrisMuzz]

I went to a Steve Vai guitar clinic around 2005, and the first thing he said when he sat down was "hey can I get a new stool? This one doesn't match my shoes." So not only is he a master of guitar, and style, but also has a legendary sense of humour

[@handenbramilton]

Considering Steve Vai started his career in Frank Zappa’s band, that certainly tracks.

[@seanbrennan5192]

@@handenbramilton For sure, you know he developed his sense of humor from Frank 😂 I love his story about the time he tried out for Zappas band, absolutely priceless

[@maJastoL]

I don't know the context but that just sounds entitled af tbh

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Vai is brilliant and fun. And plays with soul and can write a song.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

@@maJastoL The comment to which you're responding is the definition of "context".

[@TheSentry777]

This entire episode is a masterclass in taking the piss without saying a single negative comment. 10/10

[@experimetalfan8851]

This whole channel is 😅

[@CarlyonProduction]

That’s definitely the thing Justin excels at on this channel.

[@cooleddown5150]

Yup, totally agree and is what made me like this channe. It has personality all over it

[@gunayorbay]

i'm here for it

[@louielover1.1]

For real 😂😂

[@jageforthewin]

I was so thrown off by the angle change of the drums. Helping me understand that they turned the kit 90 degrees counterclockwise really helped make sense of everything going on. As always, thank you Justin for the high level analysis!

[@xPershionx]

I literally just started coughing my *ss off while laughing to this comment 😂😂😂

[@yongyea4147]

I like the light come in at 90° it eliminates all shadows on my drum heads and symbols.

[@Myriam-nk2fw]

​@@yongyea4147I hope they ain't hate symbols🤨

[@xwhite2020]

us mere mortals would have never caught the drum repositioning. Mind blown, well not really. Fiddlie diddlie dee dee.

[@nisselarson3227]

I like how it's set up on entirely flat terrain, this "roof" or whatever it's called is a great spot.

[@DavidWhispers]

"So there are nine greater guitarists than Steve Vai in the world, apparently" got me to sub. You're awesome, man. Fantastic voice and personality 👊

[@SakuraTempura]

The Darkness has a lighter side

[@poulwinther]

And we can all have our own nine! (Iommi, Yngwie, Pepe Romero..... yeah, I think it will work just fine)

[@kasper-jw2441]

who? kirk hammet?

[@clivemortimore8203]

"He's not wearing a jumper and he's outdoors" one of the best music critical sentences ever.

[@Rubenwil]

Only topped by "Steve's wearing a shirt and they're on a roof. Thats all i got."

[@JTGrimes]

@@Rubenwil I opened this to see if someone said it first... and ya did

[@jeanproctor3663]

I thought "Steve! You'll catch your death, mate! Get a jumper on!" 🤣

[@lonelydemon3520]

Hahahaha Nice Comment

[@ebmusicman84]

Like anyone should take fashion tips from a clown dressed in an open red cowboy shirt and a beret lmao.

[@ifgwelf]

I think the best thing about Polyphia is that they're pushing virtuosity and doing it with strictly instrumental music into the mainstream. Pretty cool. Whether you like their music or not.

[@Enfirnity]

Its fucking superficial and a great showcase of Narcissistic personality disorder

[@TerminatedAccount.]

Cope

[@TheRoboticFerret]

@@TerminatedAccount. what a weird thing to say this about

[@mojopin70]

It's really not.

[@ifgwelf]

@@TerminatedAccount. I never said I liked their music or even listen to them calm down buddy

[@JillyMae89]

He's turned the drumset 90° counterclockwise. THAT'S analysis. 😂😂

[@unsanitizedbabywipes6154]

Great reaction from Justin once again with how detailed his analysis is about polyphia knitwear techniques.

[@wangonguy62]

Tim has said in interviews that he tries to write his playing the same way a pop singer uses their voice. Made a lot more sense to me once I heard that. Explains why regular people find it catchy even though it's definitely guitar nerd music, just cleverly disguised as pop.

[@raoul_duke7253]

Yeah, he’s trying to create highly melodic hooks… some are extremely successful as I can’t get them out of my head lol.

[@robowenmikels]

Poorly, disguised as pop.

[@seanbrennan5192]

That’s probably why it doesn’t do it for me as much. But people love it none the less, more power to ya!

[@alexburchell1891]

@@raoul_duke7253 Crush is still one of the most catchy pieces of music I think I've ever heard.

[@supernothing77]

I think he said he writes on keyboard 🎹 then plays it on guitar

[@yanicklajoie6237]

As a metal head guy in is 50's, I dig this new generation of guitarists like Tim Henson, Manuel Gardner Fernándes, Ichika Nito, etc... They add to the music spectrum, prog, instrumental, shredders, whatever your musical tastes, period.

[@jamesfarganne528]

Loser.

[@kenny240]

I was just showing my dad this song. He made the comment about feeling a lot like old Pink Floyd, with how experimental it sounds. Songs like GOAT being rather dissonant without sounding bad. It’s great to see people from different generations appreciating newer music, because god knows there’s a shortage of good modern music.

[@bluwng]

I don’t know it sounds like chimey show off music

[@olibarrett4283]

@@bluwng That’s literally all music if you’re not shit at it lol.

[@AmritenduRana31082000]

@@bluwng they have techniques and skills to show off unlike some metal gatekeeper elitists lol

[@12ealDealOfficial]

At 34, Polyphia isn't the type of music I really find myself going back to again and again; this goes to the music of my parents' generation and sometimes of my generation. The music is too involved, but I can dive deep into those Steve Vai bends in Ego Death. His solo is tops, and Polyphia even had a hand in helping structure it, so I think it's great that this stuff exists.

[@enneff]

It’s limiting to categorise music by generation, rather than just taking each work on its own merits. There are enduring pieces from all times in the history of recorded music, much of it being made today.

[@drindy5166]

Justin, absolutely love your content. Your sense of humour is absolutely legendary and commentary is on point and super enjoyable! Subscribed and on board for more! Cheers 👊🧡👍

[@sleepymarauder4178]

I like the old blues, rock 'n roll, hardrock, metal and this too. The style change in polyphia came when Tim got into trap and hip hop. Made beats like it, learned them on guitar. He constantly takes from different styles and absorbs it. Somehow manages to make it sensible. Well I like it. It is called music taste, not music law.

[@theirishpotato6588]

Same

[@gabrielgutierrez6086]

I use to hear music very different form metal and rock. I just hear metal ocasionally and most from the 80's. Every time I hear a new metal band I lose my interest. I don't even like that much technical bands like Dream Theater (which are awesome, just don't consume their music). After many years, I just got hooked up with Polyphia because I can relate with that music. Ocasionally bass drops from hip hop and many fusions with other genres somehow made me felt like part of the sounds I hear everyday and the technical aspect is the factor that I'm kinda less interested. I think they use many catchy melodies, despite overfilling them sometimes. Plus, the marketing in general of the band is not the same new modern metal band. It's focused more on the portrayal of fresh guys enjoying music. Don't know if that's just me, just my perspective.

[@skeletonmodel]

@ghost mall You're so correct. I'm 40 years old, and I don't like listening to it myself. But that has been the case every decade when something new comes along, a lot of people that are used to other things don't like it. I respect the band's talent and just really happy that it is still possible to do something 'new'.

[@117iwhbyd7]

Preach it!

[@someguy3429]

It's impressive but it gets old super quickly to be honest.

[@johnyoung3397]

Far better musicians that me, everyone in this band. But I just can't bring myself to be interested in their music. Good for them doing so well

[@gatergates8813]

They got skills, but to my taste there's too much sauce and not enough meat on the plate

[@LordRykard9376]

Same here. Its like avant-garde experimental jazz rock. Requires a ton of talent but...its just not appealing.

[@borravnik4099]

Justin reviewing Polyphia: 40% Guitar & music 50% Clothes 10% Furniture

[@CiGambino]

I discovered this band a few days ago, specifically this song. It has latched on to my brain with a force that is unusual. It's got a lot of depth, but it also sucks you in with some dirty hooks right away. I listen to a lot of different stuff, and this appeals to me very much. I do love Spanish guitar and other genres and the fact that they're blending so much together is fascinating to me.

[@ToriKamal]

I saw them live recently and at first wasn't sure what to expect. It was truly a top-notch show. Their use of lighting that was synced to the music really helped to make for an immersive experience. After seeing them live, my respect for them shot up even higher. I don't love all of their music, but the songs I do like, I really like! Such an innovative sound. You can tell a song is by Polyphia without seeing them.

[@schneebly8485]

great to hear, there was a time where polyphias live shows were a bit of a laughing stock :)

[@ToriKamal]

@@schneebly8485 Interesting. What was the issue with their live shows originally?

[@tannerbauserman5757]

@@ToriKamal I haven't been to one but from what I have read from others in the past, they would make mistakes decently often and not really caring if the sound good, but I could be wrong.

[@raoul_duke7253]

That’s a good way to put it man… for me, I don’t like a lot of their songs… maybe most of them… but the ones I do like… I LOVE. Long term I think the hyper-producer style may not age extremely well, but… I do think it’s helping to bringing instrument driven music back into more young ears. They will pick up guitars, basses and drums and throughout their journey they’ll likely rediscover a lot of players whos pictures my walls as a teenager. I think that’s cool as hell! Regardless of what you think of them, if you’re a musician or music enthusiast who’s loathed the decline of popular music, Polyphia is good for musicians & popular music.

[@schneebly8485]

@@ToriKamal to be more specific, supposedly tim would get pretty drunk before a show and flub his parts a lot, ive heard the rest of the boys were pretty tight tho. That’s all word of mouth tho, ive never had the chance to see them live and this past year ive heard nothing but good things about their live shows

[@humanversion3163]

I can’t call myself a fan, but they have alien level talent. I hope this contributes to society celebrating extraordinary things again rather than celebrating the mundane.

[@rolsen1304]

Exactly my position as well.

[@zino67]

Contributing to one's self-indulgence perhaps

[@jamiehovis7722]

I wouldn’t consider guitar noodling extraordinary. Masturbatory maybe. It certainly isn’t Art.

[@humanversion3163]

@@jamiehovis7722 the inability to recognize talent doesn’t equate to not having it. (Did my response illicit the right response? Ugh, I’m trying to make you happy, but I could have made it more Karen-like, I’m sure that would have given your day purpose. Sorry mate, I’ll do better :/ )

[@humanversion3163]

@@zino67 Oh, this music is pretentious af and I don’t partake, but I can appreciate the skill regardless ;)

[@thenetrunner2331]

can i inquire as to which headphones you are wearing in this video good sir? many thanks

[@erichcolon7137]

Nice hearing a talented guitar player give credit where it's due.. 👏👏 that was a fun reaction video

[@jerryhill8281]

as a guitarist/musician, they make me wanna push myself a lot more on my istrument. I love when they release new music.

[@kodykindhart5644]

They make me want to work too But mostly so I don’t ever sound like a robot 🤣🤣🤣 Talented but damn I’m way over them

[@jaded9234]

Agree, It's inspiring to actually hear guitarists do more than bland Minor Pentatonic and Blues scales (and think they have "soul"). Polyphia does a great job of staying out of that wankery rut. I don't need another Slash clone.

[@maxwellblakely7952]

@@jaded9234 they do not have soul

[@chrispawlus1226]

They make me want to puke

[@maxwellblakely7952]

@@chrispawlus1226 I’m not that extreme on them. I think that they are amazing musicians. But, if I had a choice to either see Polyphia or someone like Phillip Sayce I’m choosing Sayce 10 times out of 10.

[@alexwalker67]

I'm glad that stuff like this exists. It's absolutely not for me, but if only stuff I liked existed there'd only be about 40 songs ever! Each to their own and may we not judge!

[@KBosch-xp2ut]

Well said.

[@myplan8166]

Of cause we have to judge! Just need to switch on radio. Without judging i'll be braindead.

[@jaxvanheerden]

I really hope that at least one of those songs is Party Rock Anthem? 🤞

[@noahraab2429]

Too late. I judged and I don't like it. Happens.

[@nowthen873]

His face during the trumpet solo at the end 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sethkinle2254]

Dude. This is the first video I've seen by you and I laughed so fucking hard. How do you do that Italian chefs kiss in British?

[@salmonking1960]

Jeff's kiss? 😂

[@loganmoyer1548]

I think Polyphia did a great job respecting Steve not only in his parts in the track but in the video as well, I cannot think of a more respectful way to introduce Steve in the video than have him sitting on a gorgeous throne and a soulful solo to go with it.

[@noahraab2429]

There are a bunch of interviews online: Steve was surprised when he listened to what they did to the solo he sent them. Turns out they altered it so far, Vai thought they might not have liked it. Idk, feels weird to me. Why bother asking an iconic sounding player if you're gonna make it sound like your own thing? Together with Tim's statement: "I want guitar music to die a slow and painful death", (that statement in itself doesn't make sense considering Tim is a literal guitar player) it just seems dishonest to me. Like they just wanted his name in the credits.

[@SpadaFer]

@@noahraab2429 NA, NA, NA I SAW A LIVE STREAM OF STEVE TALKING WHIT THEM ABOUT THIS TOPIC AND HE SAID LET THEM BARK IS FREE PLUBICITY

[@woodenspoon6222]

@@noahraab2429 this man still reads journalists

[@billcollector69]

@@noahraab2429 for one what Polyphia did was called “arrangement.” They didn’t “change” it, and Steve is the kind of guitar player that has negative amount of ego. They talked abt the track live before. The articles from Guitar World had the agency to “twist” the stories to get more clicks and reads. And you are one of those who bought into it. And two that “guitar music should die” statement was from so long ago, and Tim himself explained that he was drunk and also immature. The musicians do grow, and the band had certainly learned their lessons. Enjoy the music as it is. We don’t get too many guitarists of their caliber like 80s (and I’m speaking as a younger person).

[@noahraab2429]

@@billcollector69 Well, I gave enjoying their music a fair shot but it's not for me.

[@blikketty77]

I don't get it either, and at a certain point, you understand that not liking it doesn't make it bad, or good, or anything. I like prog, I like guitar, I like interesting rhythms. But this just isn't my bag no matter how many people tell me it's great. The trap beats, the fast slides, the harmonics, the "fiddly diddly dee" parts, seem to be ever present when people tell me to check out a new polyphia song. Good for those who do enjoy it, otherwise all music would sound the same.

[@TjTj74]

I agree.They are obviously very technically gifted,but it has no soul.It's all very one dimensional and bland

[@racanum379]

Emphasis on harmonics, He uses it as a crutch way too much. Ultimately to me their biggest flaw is having no vocals. I wouldn't even listen to my favourite band without their singer.

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

Two thumbs for perfect use of the phrase "fiddly diddly dee" 😃👍👍and yeah agree etc

[@Thinkforwardnow]

100% agree

[@funclampproductionsltd7109]

Fiddly diddly dee, lol - spot on!

[@MattHerrettMusic]

Hello Justin, from a fellow East Anglian (although I now live in New Zealand). If you could wipe any song from your mind just so you could have the experience of listening to again for the first time, what would it be? Love the gentle vibe of your wonderful channel. You're like the Bob Ross of reaction videos. Keep on keeping on. Matt

[@cecilcharlesofficial]

Riviera Paradise - SRV. Heard it on a snowy Christmas Eve on the radio - probably ‘97? - in the back seat of the car, on the way to family’s house, or back. I don’t remember. It was dark. I knew it was SRV (his tone is gorgeous) but I’d never heard that song before. I called the radio station to ask what it was. Been a fav ever since.

[@hellcat5music]

You're fun to watch and listen to Justin! Thanks for the videos!

[@artmonkeys]

Steve Vai’s Studious Elder Statesman Cardigan is a brilliant band name. You constantly inspire me, Justin!

[@mandanglelow1442]

Is it though?

[@floatingpointz5903]

"SVSESC" does just roll off the tongue so naturally...

[@jgrove197]

i think these kids are phenomenal on multiple levels... obviosuly their talent, but also for bringing guitar driven music to a new generation and evolving how the guitar is used as an instrument.

[@TheVideoLounge]

↑ I agree with everything that he says...and will say ↑

[@1satisfiedmind]

Agreed, I keep hearing "Guitar music is dead", then I hear new, young bands like Polyphia, and I think modern guitar music is alive and well

[@DudeMan-xs3db]

Polyphia and Machine Gun Kelly have been revolutionary for guitar music in this generation.

[@OiAvogadro]

@@DudeMan-xs3db MGK? hahahahahahahahaha

[@samtorr3947]

@@OiAvogadro I hate to say it but as a teenager who's played guitar for years the vast majority of people who pick up the guitar now are either polyphia or MGK fans.

[@MrBrut33]

I laughed so much at this clothing review. Mind you Justin I hold you responsible for the tea damage splats on my IMAC! Keep up the the great reviews.

[@markkramedoyle]

Would love to hear your thoughts on Devin Townsend - maybe his live studio performance of "Kingdom" or his newer video "Lightworker"

[@darraghwilliamson3689]

I always wondered why The Darkness had a subtle comedy undertone to them, your personality explains so much

[@JordanService]

I was thinking... oh this explains so much about the Darkness.

[@ridleysomeliana-lauer5814]

Subtle???

[@darraghwilliamson3689]

@@ridleysomeliana-lauer5814 I was never sure if it was intentional or not, because they were also great, so I don't want to offend him 😅

[@Yoshimitsu4prez]

It was also the drugs

[@rickskellig4652]

I don't think there was anything subtle about it 😅

[@tr392011]

I heard this mad guitar sound coming from my 16 year old son's room. Went and asked what it was and my son was actually playing it (mind blown!) he just says 'Math rock', apparently Tim Henson is one of the the new guitar influences on young guitarists. It's defintely a good thing, he's learned some new interesting techniques and uses it for his GCSE music performances. Currently trying to get him to guest play on our cover of I believe in a thing called love for our band. He said no the big turd!

[@OFWROL]

Show him the band named: toe. Its a math rock band from Japan. Plus a lot of mid-west emo is very math/post rock

[@DruNature]

THIS! also wtf it's insane that it's actually happening, wow!!

[@gmyersgilmer9470]

@@OFWROL I love TOE!!!!! Great to hear them mentioned, are they still together?

[@OFWROL]

@@gmyersgilmer9470 I’m pretty sure they are, their last project was released in 2021

[@gmyersgilmer9470]

@@OFWROL It’s been a while, glad they are back

[@drippinglass]

What is your acoustic? I have a ‘98 CL-20 that looks similar. 😀

[@alanling1885]

That made me laugh and smile. I very much enjoyed this video. Thank you. PS I have no idea what they are doing either.

[@ryan5529]

The ending, pure gold🤣 "Im not even going to pretend I understood what the f**k was just going on" 🤣

[@robbiepeterh]

You’re amazing at light entertainment and that sounds like an insult but it’s not - you’re just an affable, likeable, intelligent, wonderful chap.

[@brianlonjak9424]

Well said, echoed my sentiments but far more eloquently :)

[@damagednoob]

How dare you.

[@greenfly1264]

Polyphia are an inspiration to me not an aspiration, I've achieved my own style combining everything I've ever heard and wedging into Rockerbilly. I learned a couple of tricks from Tim and use them when I'm lost got cramps or to get from A to B . I'm definitely pleased with the new twist they've given me. We needed this.

[@ak8638]

Polyphia meets rockabilly? I'd love to hear that. Will you upload a track of yours to KZbin?

[@bobsmith12345]

Randomly clicked on a video about Polyphia, without even realising it was from one of the most influential musicians of my childhood! Love your music man, I'm glad to see you doing well and having fun with the community

[@Aaron-ot3uv]

Parts of it makes me feel like I am listening to a bass player on an electric guitar.

[@p4fizzle]

😂😂

[@keesketsers5866]

Ehm....thats because it is. That slap technique is something they learned from Tosin (animals as leaders) who learned it from a very good bass player and converted it to guitar. There's an interview somewhere about it.

[@justanothernguyen2334]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2jWdJ2Zbr1pn7M here's what a bassist on guitar sounds like

[@nicoscarfo4486]

Yes, exactly, when I first heard Polyphia I thought to myself "that guitarist obviously started as a bass player" their riffs are percussive staccato at times

[@EverendeverGroup]

Man, I have nothing but respect for these lads. The genius, personalized way they are bringing people back to an appreciation for musicianship and progressive music with perfect marketing ( Tim's look, hip-hop sounding beats, great videos, etc. ) Is a great thing. Anyone who can bring human music back is cool with me.

[@lx4302]

Tim's look?

[@cotopaximusic]

Tim's look is horrible

[@maasaigeordie]

Yeah, Tim's look? 😅🤣😂

[@maasaigeordie]

I have to come back to this about Tim's image. Polyphia have some genius musicians in the band, but they will never appeal to non-musicians becuase some idiot who is either a record label man, Ibanez representative, a clueless LA stylist... who knows, is giving them terrible image advice. I mean who the f*k wants a guitar god dressed up all fluffy like a teddy bear wrapped in a white woolly jumper? Come on.

[@dorriley3954]

Tim's look is the literal only thing about this band that i understand the appeal of.

[@MrKeeganimal]

Justin your home decor opinions on the video set, as well as the Sultans of Swing comment has made me have the best belly laugh in a while. Thank you so very much, friend!

[@juliejohnson6472]

Hey heay, The Darkness was one of the song choices tonight on Don't Forget The Lyrics on Fox. Didn't get chosen though. Cool to see.❤❤❤

[@nahnotsomuch2292]

All the guys in that band are very clearly, incredibly talented. I don't dislike them. That said, there isn't anything about them that makes me want to re-listen to any of their music. I get bored about halfway through most of their songs. Nothing I've heard them do sticks in my head or makes me want to come back for more. Their stuff just seems to lack feeling and a true sense of depth. I'm not sure 'soulless' is the correct or most accurate term, but it definitely trends in that direction.

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

It's the same way I used to feel about Steve Vai or Joe Satriani. I cannot deny that they're masters of guitar but I never really listened to music purely for the technical skill of the musicians. That's just a bonus. And music that lacks vocals is always going to be missing a vital emotional ingredient.

[@alexbaum2204]

I completely agree with your sentiment here. I grew up playing the drums. It’s common for new drummers who have started to build real chops to do everything they can to show them off. It gets WAY too busy. As you get more seasoned as a drummer, you’ll learn (either on your own or by other musicians telling you to shut the fuck up) that this is not a good thing. It’s a pretty bad thing. You meet people with musical wisdom who explain to you that it’s not what you play, but what you choose not to play that really makes you stand out. And you start to hear the drummers out there that you once may have thought of as boring as total geniuses. And you see that they actually do have real chops; they just use them sparingly enough to be CLASSY. I feel that way about most musical instruments at this point. Obviously a super technical guitar solo can sound amazing. But it has to be done right. Super technical drumming can still sound great, but it must be done tastefully. Vinnie is easily one of my favorite drummers. But he plays that way in the right settings. These guys (and definitely Steve Vai) are all doing as much as they possibly can. I think it sounds fucking stupid. Technically profound musicians playing utterly self indulgent music. I would not walk out of one of their concerts. I would run.

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

@@alexbaum2204 Yeah that's a good insight about dialing back the talent show and using it sparingly.

[@jaxonsavagedrums]

Hey Justin! I’m a new fan to The Darkness and I’ve gotta say I truly love your music. I’m a drummer, and listening and playing to your songs has lit a new fire in me. Thank you so much.

[@vandolmatzis8146]

Hey,Are you related to Duncan Savage,the winemaker? anyways,rock on.

[@Leaving_Orbit]

@@vandolmatzis8146 Hahaha

[@jaxonsavagedrums]

@@vandolmatzis8146 Can't say that I am but he has a sweet name!

[@adamcrawford1346]

I have had the honour to meet Steve a few times as the Evo experience. What a generous and graceful man. He has fertile creativity and just soooooo calm. The thing I remember the ,most was him telling me that his playing wasn’t easy for him at all and he worked zillions of hours to get his skill and music as another language for him. Absolutely unbelievable player and a veery decent man.

[@Stratocaster42]

Perfect review. I love that you mostly spoke about the lighting and clothing, but I mean, what else are you meant to say about a Polyphia song other than "amazing"?

[@Metalman107]

I love how you don't try to figure everything out if you know its not in your wheel house, but rather look for inspiration anywhere you can even in the set their using. You are a true artist, gentlemen and a scholar. Great reaction Justin 🤘

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

I love a good jumper and nice hair cut.

[@scottschroeder4920]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain And we love you that, and so much more! ✌️❤️🤘

[@russellzauner]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain too bad you can't literally direct the next video the onslaught of style crush would be unprecedented.

[@Bungletronics]

I just want to say that I love your name and if I ever did porn, I would call myself Nigel Letherby. My character would be some sort of a curious cigar shop owner or something.

[@sues6944]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain and a good beret too. That kid's anime hair style is pretty cool. Isn't he the one that told Rick Beato about older guitarists playing "boomer bends"?

[@leslierobertson2333]

Watching Justin try to play the intro is the most relatable thing I’ve seen from this channel

[@lucyluska]

It's 23rd od December just past 9:00am and I should be cleaning, shopping, making Christmas tree but I am still in my pj amusing myself 😂 great video Justin 🎉

[@andarchy1386]

I feel your pain literally as I have broken 2 fingers on my fretting hand so I have to get creative sometimes to make up for the lack of reach

[@tskwerl]

That basic riff that goes through it all, even down to the trumpet at the end, is really catchy. I love that part. Around 1:35 in that video, I also like the tone of those little lead pieces. It reminds me of Prince.

[@alexsherel3344]

PRINCE OMFG, it was in my head…like in Sometims it rains or maybe it rains in September

[@andybailey97]

I genuinely laughed out loud at that "It wasn't a single" line. Perfect comic timing from Justin!

[@mblum2022]

What was the instrumental song you played for your intro at OVO Wembley a couple of weeks ago ?? PS was it ABBA? PPS blind man is my fave of yours, please play it more often🤘🏻

[@CrPio167]

I really appreciate the sweater breakdown and analysis

[@Andy-th9kj]

I love your different, humorous approach to the reaction video here, Justin. Also how did I not know you were a KZbinr now? I still sing I Believe In A Thing Called love randomly all the time and that whole album is incredible. Black Shuck is one of my favorites

[@xTitor15]

For me it's just a really cool display of guitar virtuosity without devolving into absolute guitar wankery

[@codymarkley8372]

It's pretty wanky

[@Matt-nk2tp]

Still relatively musical wanking though. There decent songs have a good groove. I feel that's why they have some mainstream success

[@SpaghettiWithMeatSauce]

@@Matt-nk2tp Nice name

[@mandanglelow1442]

@@Matt-nk2tp how many of their songs could you listen to in a row?

[@mattrogers1946]

@@mandanglelow1442 Um, zero...

[@jlawson8143]

Took me a minute to realise who you were mate, I'm glad you're riding again!

[@tonytaylor5461]

"Snake Hips Vie" killed me just now

[@QuagsGaming]

that made me laugh a little more than i think i was suppose to. Love your humour , keep these coming

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks for watching!

[@QuagsGaming]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain 😮 Justin replied to me, that's my day made up 😁

[@leilak978]

You jammy goit! 😄

[@juneannerubin]

Their song Playing God is such a fusion of everything you can possibly listen to. Progressive rock , bossa, funk, jazz, classical, hip-hop??. I don't know. It's wild. They're wild.

[@jeanproctor3663]

That's the first of their pieces I heard, earlier tonight, played on a lute, then I followed the link included in the video and heard Tim Henson playing it solo, THEN followed another link to hear the full band! It's fab!

[@account-pi3nj]

@Genshin Kid no bitches, genshin impact player 🤓🤓🤓

[@PHeMoX]

It's literally 'fusion' lol. It's a progressive style of music.

[@jeromejamies3641]

It's flamenco influence - pure flamenco is the benchmark, it's the soul of music. Larry Coryell, Paco de Lucia, Al di Meola

[@lauragwillim1055]

My favorite song of theirs.

[@blackimp4987]

When watching your videos I feel a deep pain as I constantly espect you are about to play some of your songs. I was watching the older video about Polyphia and had to stop it, search for "heart explodes" and have my dose.

[@johntravena119]

😂 I just heard Polyphia for the first time this evening and I like what they do. Have always been a fan of elite virtuosity - John McLaughlin, Clifford Brown, Glenn Gould - and these guys have it. Like a lot of the things they do rhythmically & harmonically. Melodically they are more like r&b which I don’t personally like as much and maybe their music is a little repetitive - like a video game track but, hey, they’re the best from this generation & they’re damn good!

[@borntraitor289]

i'm reminded of when i was a kid listening to some jazz guitarists from my dad's music library. this is like a modern spin on that - for me. if i focus too much on the technicality, i miss the groove and the flow of the song

[@carmenc3911]

Addicting to watch, informative, funny, can't ask for a better host and KZbin channel 🤘

[@Natashahoneypot]

Made me chuckle this, thanks for cheering me up. 💕

[@cas9065]

That is Tim Henson's designed Ibanez. He explains the design process in an interview with Beato. As always, truly enjoyable to listen to you.

[@Dbdilly]

I can't stop watching videos of Tim playing and producing. Polyphia's music doesn't do much for me but the talent and innovation is awesome. Steve Vai's style has never done it for me but again appreciate he's a legend

[@XOChristianaNicole]

Ditto.

[@Glitchedx3D]

Same!

[@LarsMHansen]

Can't deny that the Polyphia people are talented musicians. It's pretty amazing to listen to, but needs to be in very small doses.

[@timmiller1]

Yes I’m sure they are just over my head. That or they might be just making random noise. No no I’m sure they are just over my head.

[@benmurphy7654]

@@timmiller1 Is it over your head for the sake of being over your head or are they just that brilliant. I'm pretty sure it's not the latter because their music has always been underwhelming for a group with the talent they have.

[@Yosser70]

About 4 bars is all I can stand! lol

[@yvonnesanders4308]

😂

[@kevinfutter]

And I thought I was the only one! Polyphia's music just does nothing for me, sadly.

[@kitchenininja]

I just wanted to say thank you. I believe in a thing called love, is one my favorite songs I've heard. You are the reason I can blast this song at people and air guitar them into the floor.

[@ryanmcnally4485]

Lol. That's who this dude is. Word. I guess I could've Google it.

[@keithcova79]

Not sure I’ve seen a channel where the host loves to hear his own voice as much as you do?

[@xenos_n.]

Justin, I think you should make a metal album. Your vocals over some motorhead or slayer type stuff would be cool. Just an idea 😌

[@progrockmorelikefrogc0ck157]

Polyphia puts me in a tough spot because theyre so good at their isntruments that I feel like im missing out on something by not listening to them but I always end up skipping their songs when theyre in my queue

[@fattymatty823]

You truly are if you enjoy tonality and clarity, but maybe you're not ready for it yet. That's not a bad thing, I'm listening to bands now that I used to not care for because I finally reached a point in my life that I understand and appreciate it for what it is.

[@progrockmorelikefrogc0ck157]

@@fattymatty823 See this attitude also turns me off from prog rock. I can fully enjoy complex music. But Prog isnt JUST complex, speed doesnt equal complexity but im also not listening to songs because theyre complex (like most prog fans do) Actually alot of times its just basic first position chords played at high tempos. I think polyphia is great at their instruments but the song writing really isnt there, and its obvious why it isnt because these guys grew up on rap and prog and they value optics over musicality

[@HpPmL]

@@progrockmorelikefrogc0ck157 It's not prog rock, it's Instagram Music.

[@Equilibrium2903]

@@fattymatty823 Imagine being that arrogant lol. I really like the band myself, but " maybe you're not ready for it yet" "I finally reached a point in my life that I understand and appreciate it"? Like what the actual fuck? You can't be seriously that full of yourself lol. Hipster attitudes like this is what makes people hate on the band and their fans. As if liking this band is something that comes with maturity of taste lol. Get the fuck over yourself.

[@mdtexeira]

Same...I love guitar music, but it just feels soulless, like math without purpose...it provokes no emotions in me at all. Maybe it's because I'm a math guy, but if I want math, I'll go lat into some group theory or topology, something that stretches. I have no use for music that only transmits mathematical information. Give me powerful lyrics like Cohen, or emotive arrangements like Radiohead.

[@irotinmyskin]

That music is as interesting as a 5 star/5 course dinner at a luxurious restaurant, where you leave still hungry and not knowing what the fuck you just ate.

[@dominuslevian9266]

Omg, you are my vocal and guitar hero, so I'm very glad of finding this channel

[@courtneyt800]

I think they are great to add to your playlist, just to mix things up a little. I also love Masayoshi Takanaka, I would love to see you do a video on him Justin.

[@PooNinja]

I had my wife listen to GOAT , she said “that didn’t have words but I know it’s gonna give me nightmares “

[@slashtrio]

Yea, talented guys no doubt, and always good to see some guitar music out there. That said it’s not my personal vibe, a little too weather channel sounding.

[@onyachamp]

HAHAHAHA had me pissing myself with the jumper change.

[@C_mao]

"Snake hips Vai" was the best description.

[@matthewwilson3202]

Ive only heard a little of this band's back catalogue, so I'm not really qualified to be casting aspersions. In the general sense this is the kinda music you get what you got a legion of kids practising complex licks and parts and posting them to social media. I kinda miss songs in the traditional sense of the world. Could be wrong but I was taught that you write the song first before you write the guitar solo, their music kinda seems like they're doing it the other way round. Also it doesn't hurt that their leader is a goodlooking dude and looks a bit like an anime character come to life, kids love that shit

[@TheVinceb100]

I may just like Polyphia less than i like Greta, i'm not sure yet.

[@diegosotomiranda4107]

Just like old farts love some Pentatonic licks from cooked assholes who said the same 3 catchphrases in every venue and are phraise for being douchebags, old people loved that shit

[@iLanFrid]

The typically most often comment about Tim Henson and Polyphia is that it's creative music but doesn't speak to most listeners. Haha. Concerts are full and t shirts sales are up. but yeah, it does nothing for me. I still prefer "Boomer Bends" over mimicking computer glitch noises.

[@TheIgnoramus]

Ya i kindof feel the same. Its awesome but doesn’t pull me the way I like ya know?

[@zemlidrakona2915]

The sliding vibrato was done at least back in the 80s by George Lynch. You can see it right at the end of the In my dreams solo in the video, and I've also seen him do it elsewhere. But I imagine someone else will come along and tell me it's been done since the 30s or some such.

[@vincestevenson9430]

Yeah gotta love the internet and someone coming along saying 'Come on ya newb, Eddie didn't invent tapping it was a Neanderthal named Buggles back in the year -256,446!' Greg Howe likes doing that slippery wiggle slide action too. I tried it back when I first saw the G. LYNCH video in question and couldn't get it to sound musical and it was too gimmicky for me. It's cool tho.

[@mikehammer1221]

Ok,, I don't think i've ever LMAO so much at 5:57am or before noon even,,, the expressions and reactions to this video are priceless,, loved it,, thanks for the laughs :D

[@rodrigod2917]

The first part of Vai is underrated, he is doing a technique of bending different strings with different fingers in different pitches in parallel

[@hugoleonardoamaral586]

I noticed that. He calls it Joint Shifting or something like that. He used it on the song Candle Power and its amazing to see it being used here in such a melodic way.

[@ftlbaby]

When I heard it my first thought was "how the fuck is he doing that?!?!??!" Now I know so thank you!

[@SpadaFer]

@@ftlbaby STILL, IS FUKING HARD 🤣🤣😂😂🥲

[@ftlbaby]

@@SpadaFer No doubt few can actually do that joint shift

[@joaot8253]

Its called "Frets are Crutches for mediocre musicianship" Frets are only tolerable if you need a barre to play chords. If you are going to shred, grow the f up.

[@phil4986]

Polyphia does a hell of a lot of timing runs in their music. Slaps ,slams , picks, finger picks, drags. That exactness of the timing is amazing . Their song Chimera features just an amazing rhythm that is just perfect. It's all speed playing with Polyphia but nothing is about distortion. They are popping every note , full speed with clarity. Young fingers and massive talent on display for sure.

[@Prophes0r]

The key is that they write the song first on a DAW, and THEN they break it out into parts and figure out how to make it human-playable. That is why their music has so many overlapping/trading parts. Because it was one part that is being dropped by one instrument and picked up by another. It's also why their drum tracks have such an electronic feel to them. Because they ARE electronic. It's just that Clay has chopped out the human-playable part for himself and left the rest in the backing track.

[@HpPmL]

The reason notes are popping is because of the amount of compression they use. This very fact makes their music unbearable for me to listen to. It's not about their playing or their composition but I think their production sounds like shit. (In fact it's a little bit because of their playing because you need a crazy amount of compression to make all those slaps, slams, picks, drags and harmonics come out)

[@Prophes0r]

@@HpPmL A. There is a difference between "compression: to limit the dynamic range of a sound" and "compression: to reduce the file size by removing data". Polyphia DOES compress their sound. Every artist does. But they don't really do it more than other similar styles of music. B. There is a HUGE difference in audio quality between the "release" version of music, and the garbage KZbin spits out. This is going to hold true for almost literally every streaming service, whether audio or video. Everyone want's to save a penny whenever they can, and people are willing to put up with it, or they just don't know any better. (The difference between a properly mastered BluRay and a Netflix stream is HUGE.) If you are listening to their music closely enough to pick out where and when they are compressing signals, then you should already know better than to base a judgement off of what KZbin is giving you. I suspect you are hearing KZbin's algorithmic mangling, rather than anything in the production/mastering process.

[@HpPmL]

@@Prophes0r what makes you think I need a lecture on compression exactly ? I'm not talking about the quality or the loudness of their master BTW. I'm talking about the amount of compression on their clean guitar tone which I find horrible. Indeed, you need compression in that style of playing otherwise all the percussive effects would sound like shit. It's a lose/lose either you don't compress and sound like shit or you compress and sound like shit. And don't even get me started on their use of the noise gate... It's ok if you like that type of sound. You might also enjoy listening to Guitar Pro files using General MIDI in that case. I don't like that sound. My taste my opinion, I'm not trying to change yours, you don't have to try to change mine.

[@justanothernguyen2334]

@@HpPmL it's a zoomer thing

[@ChimPanion]

Segovia, Satriani, and Vai always amaze me. Steve is beyond normal and too much to take sometimes cause I can't keep up. Great music and innovation making a new or renewed genre.

[@ryanmcknight9999]

that 'snake hips' comment has me giggling every time I think about it. I first watched this video earlier today and I had to come back and write this because I woke up, grabbed a drink from the fridge, it popped into my head again and I giggled. Thank you for a line that I can't wait to toss out sometime.

[@scou1597]

Man, "snake hips Vai" killed me off. I bloody love ya. You're my musical Russell brand. I don't care if you like that or not, you are OK? OK!

[@BWater-yq3jx]

Had heard OF Polyphia, but first time hearing their music. I'll be heading over to Spotify now...

[@BWater-yq3jx]

And I'm back! So I just jammed over the 1st half of 'Remember you will Die' album, and it was pretty freakin' cool. 😁 Not so much Prog Rock/Metal as Jazz Rock Fusion with some Latin & Pop flavours, especially on the vocals. Good fun!

[@christiantaylor1495]

When you typed of it got autocorrected to OF

[@oliquesnel5584]

correct @@christiantaylor1495

[@willyumloves]

I'm almost the biggest fan because of the riffs you pull off at the end of intro Your insight on context offerings equal Love you kid

[@rockonileva]

Damn! every time you sing 'Justin Hawkins Rides Again' I want to listen to you singing Queen's Lily of the Valley

[@Campzzyzx]

I feel like this is ASMR rock. Not that that is a thing but all of the fret sounds, the string spunds of moving up and down the neck, the tapping. Has a lot of the ASMR qualities.

[@alwaysrecycles365]

Underrated comment. That is a really interesting take. I hadn't thought about it like that but U make a good point.

[@Campzzyzx]

@@alwaysrecycles365 very kind of you.

[@killertofu90]

I'm not totally in the know about Polyphia either, but for anyone interested in learning about the guys more, Finn McKenty on his channel The Punk Rock MBA just very recently did a video covering a bit of their history, which helps explain their music and overall style changes as well over the years.

[@supafridge]

Tim uses his channel to teach guitar techniques but also fundamentals of musicality. They even do an a Cappella version of one of their popular songs.

[@timapple6586]

Sooo... you're saying that TH has a grasp of 'musicality', or at least someone's subjectively abstracted idea of it. Usually, we can tell the difference btn gymnastics and dance... except at the Olympic level where it just gets all weird. In that sense, Polyphia is definitely olympian. 10/10 for technical merit. 11/10 for marketing. I would personally rate the listenability as 0/10, but then again, there's a huge faction who are so hell-bent-for-leather determined to like it on principle (and fashion) that they will giddily convince themselves. Pseudo-audiophiles. You cannot 'train' an aesthetic; you can only place demands and expectations upon it.

[@DevilsAvocado69]

Best knitwear would be a Granny award not a Grammy... lol

[@Musicankane]

I have been a fan of guitar music for a long time. Steve Morse, Steve Vai, Satriani, Petrucci, etc. This music normally is totally my jam. But all those guys I mention have structure in their songs, hooks to keep the player on track. With Polyphia, it's like a weird jazz improv section where each song is just a mess of stuff, and it's all impressive stuff, but it's so hard to listen to because it never seems to go anywhere or have a point.

[@benmurphy7654]

That's the issue with most modern players if you ask me. They seem scared if they're not constantly impressive someone might not notice and they just throw their whole bag of tricks at everything they do. One of the things that makes greats great is knowing how to milk one idea to get the most out of it while still having a bunch of tricks for later.

[@grantpaterson1016]

@@benmurphy7654 Sorry, unlike old bands who did everything in 4 minutes or less?? Or everything past Bill Haley being about being impressive? It does also seem odd that your 'level' for greatness is getting one idea and battering it until it is used in a TV ad.....That idea of stretching one idea is how we get people of no substance w@nking off in solos....boring.

[@benmurphy7654]

@@grantpaterson1016 Do you really not value motivic development because you find it boring? Read the comments, I'm not the only one that can only listen for short periods of time. Why are you upset that I think they are talented but not great? Are players that use motives wanking or the guy who throws every lick he knows at everything he plays leaving no surprises for later in the show?

[@Musicankane]

@@benmurphy7654 I think it isn't exactly that. It's that they've master technique over songwriting and haven't realized that they need both. You can still play all your flashy fancy shit, but have a song idea around it first because a good tune that people grove or vibe with will make that flashy shit blow their minds because they wont expect it. If it's all flashy chaos all the time, it doesn't give the listener a chance to catch up if you get what I'm saying.

[@grantpaterson1016]

@@benmurphy7654 I also can only listen for short periods....I also think they are talented but not great....I have zero issues with Motivic development......I'm a fan of The Fall, repetition and minimalism was a 40 album 'thing' lol... I must have picked you up wrong and for that I apologise. I have always loved SOME progressive rock..but much of it is utter garbage once past the first 4 minutes and, as we have used the term, them w@nking to themselves hahahaha

[@jkkansasband7056]

Your very subtle sarcasm is fantastic.

[@amvibes9633]

This video was hilarious lmao. The extreme sarcasm laced throughout, without even speaking your face just says "Why dont I like this?". Legitimately concerned and confused