Musical Analysis/Reaction of TOOL - Pneuma

[@JWSoundworks2]

🎵🎸Moody, atmospheric, instrumental, one-man-band prog? Right this way 👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5-6lmadlJyjp6M

[@joeblei687]

Instead of a Rubix Cube, I always describe Tool’s composition style as gears in a clock. Each moving in their own rotation, but completely locked into one another.

[@pro-v7500]

Gears with different ratios, for sure.

[@MrDuanepalmer]

Great analogy

[@andreyk9660]

What a great analogy - clockwork really explains how complicated the different meters are. Thanks!

[@steveblankenship1742]

Perfect description

[@jimmorris67]

Sometimes we all are speechless and overwhelmed especially first listen.Pneuma is a breath of life

[@WitzyZed]

That "child, wake up, child, release the light, wake up now, child, (spirit)" section juxtaposed with lyrics that come immediately after like "bound to this flesh" are so key to this experience! I get a real sense that this goes musically with Alex Grey's 'Great Turn' visionary art piece depicting this opposing motion.

[@johnwilson1794]

That was beautiful. I'm not ashamed to say tears have rolled down my cheeks many times listening to Tool. Great music should move you.

[@mikelary88]

@@johnwilson1794 👊

[@robertmiller4217]

Pneuma replaces lateralus in a way.. or it's Lat 2.0

[@rogerhadaway8957]

The drum cam for this you will love..... Danny is a master... its honestly mindblowing to watch him play this...

[@HSBRafiki]

Second this,the drum cam is amazing.He is truly a master of his craft.please do a reaction to the drum cam! The mandala pads are programmable electronic drums that Danny Carrey helped develop.

[@kevinwassledah1153]

I'm "thirding" the drum cam. Its beautiful. Peace

[@jeremyperry9021]

Vic firth pneuma

[@pawnmusic]

I really truly think he is the best drummer this world has ever seen. I understand taste and opinions differ, but technically speaking I really dont see anyone coming close. Because its not just technically, it's his expansive lexicon of world rythyms combined with technique. It's also the negative space created. In Japan there is a word I think describes, I believe is called shibui...something like "just enough" or "not too much or not too little"

[@susiepattinson3031]

same here, and that massage smile to Justin. Genius, watched multiple times.

[@andrewj3398]

“These guys are channeling something”….. why we love their music. Perfectly summarized.

[@PongGod]

That stank face says it all LOL! Trust me, you're not the only one who gets emotional listening to this masterpiece. Absolute gold! BTW, I've seen a TON of Pneuma reactions and this one is TOP SHELF! Kudos to you!

[@JWSoundworks2]

Thank you!

[@twilki3]

I was just thinking great stank face as well!

[@OroraMonroe]

You deserve way more subscriptions!!! Come on everyone this channel is great for musical analysis... We've gotten Tool, Gojira and Opeth in less than a week... Please subscribe no matter which "fandom" brought you here! Excellent content and analysis. Very glad you allowed the music to move you and speak for itself at times and still add your own technical knowledge at times.

[@sevenduster27]

I second that!!! Very underrated channel!

[@JWSoundworks2]

❤️❤️🤘🤘 Thanks guys!!

[@mendronesg]

I went to check if I was already subscribed after reading this Hahahaha I am..subscribed XD

[@kevkeisha]

AGREED! Here before dude gets famous!

[@DR.DisInfect]

New sub this channel rocks 🪨

[@nicoledavies5171]

Exactly how all music lovers feel. Life changing. ❤

[@joshuacanipe7688]

Dude, you get Tool. Your description of how it made you feel is spot on.

[@alvaritoelflaco]

"I felt like I was getting a message" fits perfect with my feeling about this song, and I didn't know how to put it into words. The first time I listened to this song I was outside in a rainy day in the nature, and I ended crying and getting very emotional without being aware of the lyrics, at all. Music is a magical and incredible language. Thanks man.

[@sevenduster27]

Cool fact “Drummer Danny Carey of Tool does not play to a click on stage or while recording, nor does Tool use any backing tracks on stage. Carey believes not using a click track during performances allows him to have a more organic quality to his drumming.”

[@Punk·Fisch]

musical understanding brought me to this video, emotional honesty got you a new subscriber ♥

[@Fartstick112]

It's Danny. It's all Danny. When you watch the live drum cam it will all come together. I was like you, a fan since day one, but took a break here and there. I'm reliving the same emotions when I first heard these songs as you are. I think will be moved more and more as you progress through this album. Keep it up. Love it.

[@moonshinin]

Their best song. Hard to place any one of them at the top, but for me, this is it.

[@MaraxisArcanist]

Don't be concerned over being speechless on this one; I think we've all been there with this masterpiece. I have to say, I literally got goosebumps watching you get completely lost in this song. That's because even a couple hundred listens later the same thing happens to me every. Single. Time. Can't wait to see you experience the drum cam version! I think you made the right choice skipping it for the first listen. I don't know if the drums are higher in the mix in that video or if your brain just makes the connection easier because your eyes are confirming what you're hearing, but either way that's what you'll be focused on.

[@chriswebb7822]

Please, please, please do more Tool on your channel!! Your insight and genuine appreciation for the band makes for fantastic content! I'd donate to see a run through their discography, in fact you'd probably gain a whole nuther level of appreciation of their music.

[@66marbor]

Outstanding review. I could feel your emotion, you can't fake that. I like that you held back on the machine gun pauses lol but do what you must. I enjoyed that. ✌️

[@grimmrepoe]

You're refreshing 😌 love the use of instruments to explain what you are hearing. Thanks for loving music as you do! Stoked to have found you.

[@JWSoundworks2]

Appreciate the kind words, dude. Thank you! 🤘

[@drubob6984]

Yeah I caught your first tool reaction video. And you hooked me with your reaction. I'm along for the journey now man. This album is pure greatness. Have an awesome day

[@DrSkeff]

Loved the stunned reaction and how much this song moved you John. The drum can video is fantastic, especially the drumming section where it was a "solo" and Danny is playing 4 different beats simultaneously. I think I need to go and get serviced myself now!

[@-TRIAD-]

How you don’t have a million subscribers is mind boggling 🤯 You sir have THE Best 🛠T⚙️⚙️L🛠 reactions on you tube! 🏆 Your thoughts and descriptions breaking down songs are just on another level. Thank you for sharing your journey with us 🙏

[@JWSoundworks2]

Thank you, dude! 😊🤘

[@FantasySportsZen]

I concur. It will happen eventually, too much talent not to.

[@matthewwilcox7484]

Again, thank you for letting me relive my first time hearing. Can’t wait for you to listen to the remainder. 🤘🏻😝

[@MrPunteroz]

To see them live last year was by far the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. TOOL are on another level beyond the stars.

[@sabarafilmes]

I get so emotional every time with this song!

[@AndreasPhilipp]

LOL, I could really see that moment when your brain started to melt 😂 Seriously, awesome reaction, reminded me of my first run of that album. I had goosebumps, open jaw and tears in my eyes. It makes me so happy to see Someone enjoy one of my favorite tracks at least as much as I do. Thanks for that.

[@pwph8361]

Nice one Irish! This song battles with 2 others from this album to be the most emotive for me. Also, can I just say, that plant behind you makes a fabulous head piece :)

[@JWSoundworks2]

I'm so pleased that someone finally commented on my headpiece!

[@scintillasparkles]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 The green really sets off his eyes, eh? ❤️

[@robertlacey4379]

Great poster, The Beyond is a top 5 horror film of mine

[@rossmitchell7050]

Appreciate your time taken on these videos. I’m a Jinjer fan but always been into older Tool stuff like you - Lateralus, Aenima. I think we are of the same generation John. Keep it up. Always interested to hear other peoples take on stuff I haven’t heard like this , Opeth - stuff I feel like I should be listening to. As my own small suggestion - quite like to hear your take on some Devin Townsend or Between the Buried and Me. Some prog always goes down well!

[@sharilynbratton6476]

You'll definitely love Danny on the drum cam for this song.

[@laurenhunterviolinchannel1123]

I would sit with you for a full album reaction after you go piece by piece. Musician to musician, it’s so cathartic to see this from you. Thank you.

[@DavidWeillPhotos]

Beautiful reaction. If it seems like the song is telling you about life, that's because it is. Pneuma refers to a person's spirit or soul. It's great writing, both musically and lyrically. And, after seeing the drum cam vid, you won't be able to listen without picturing DC in beast mode.

[@Killmaker67]

Hey John, thank you for this genuine reaction to one of the best TOOL songs ever written, in my opinion. I really appreciate your input as a musician but especially as a guitarist. Being a guitarist myself, TOOL became my number 1 band when I discovered them back in 2020 with Fear Inoculum album actually. This is not about shredding, there is nothing of this sort with TOOL. Just 4 amazingly talented artists that joined together to create the best compositions I have ever listened to (with Pink Floyd). I love that it's not about being technical but just being in sync with each member of the band. I learned how to play almost their entire discography as a guitarist. Adam Jones is just a master for finding the perfect tones and riffs. You could certainly learn the guitar part very easily and you'll see it's very simple yet so powerful when you have the right tones and synchronization. You just witnessed it with Pneuma here. Very simple track for the guitar. So powerful. Love it. I appreciate that you can pick up intricacies on the fly, whether it's for the killer bass (thanks to Justin Chancellor) or Danny said the Octopus, Maynard and his ethereal vocals here or Adam and his 1979 Les Paul that gives this epic guitar tone. As you pointed out, regarding the solo aspect in songs, with TOOL it's different. It's just that each of the 4 main instruments (Maynard vocals perceived as another instrument within the band) brings us on a journey. In Pneuma, you have Danny blasting on this amazing drum performance throughout the entire song but especially in the middle section of the song (must watch the Danny Carey drum cam to fully grasp the epicness of this song). Maybe the only song that comes to mind when talking about "real" solo is 7empest of this same album. Where Adam is going for like 4 minutes (such a bliss for guitarists). Each song on this album is phenomenal. For my, there is not one song that is better than another. The only known-by-fan saying "The best TOOL song is the one you're currently listening to" is true especially for this album. You may be have Culling Voices that I could describe as differently powerful. I love all six songs even though I have still a tiny something more for Descending (tell us about it when you listen to it). Anyway, TOOL fan speaking here as you probably noticed ahah. Keep it up with the genuine reactions of TOOL !

[@MostlyCloudy]

I had to absorb this album several times before I really got into it. It's so great. I think you'll like Invincible. :)

[@carlgalilee7339]

Just like Tool, sometimes less is more and your loss of words was just as meaningful as your detailed breakdowns. Those moments of being overwhelmingly connected to music are priceless :) Can't wait to see your stank face riff reactions for Tempest, Invincible and Descending!

[@rickeccles7893]

Great reaction. You really know your stuff, very impressive.

[@cb4me450]

The drums in the middle of Pushit Salival are awesome too. Such a great performance by them all. Seen them live 3 times and hope they come back to Australia once all this crap is over.

[@Lateralus138]

That's about the best reaction you can have; speechless...

[@atlarsenal]

All of the percussive sounds with become clear when you watch the drum cam. Yes that is a synthesizer, Adam at that particular part. Most of his synth work is on a pedal board. Danny also does synth parts in other songs.

[@Sky14318]

Great video. If Tool doesn’t make ya speechless… you’re not getting it. ♥️ A lot of people think I’m crazy but this is my #1 song to meditate to. People are CONSTANTLY sending me “proper” meditation crap and it’s super annoying. Just give me this album, this song, I’m set. Another great reaction. Spiral out! 🌀

[@ErraziBProductionS]

17:57 “I’m waitin on a guy about that. See ya shortly!” I don’t think I’ve ever LOL’d more abruptly in my life. Great one. Fan

[@greekman420]

It is so satisfying to watch an obviously immersed, talented man simply open up to this masterpiece. Watching you experience this makes me relive my first time hearing it (although every time I listen is like the first time). I'm gonna watch you, watch Danny now. Lol. Keep up the great work friend.

[@JWSoundworks2]

Appreciate the kind words, thank you!

[@Mazzini11]

Danny definitely uses a decent amount of mandala/electric pads. And never underestimate Adam Jones' guitar repertoire, so to say. The best part about Tool is that each member contributes so many different sounds. Truly a band of 4, genius musicians working together.

[@corrob]

im a TooL fan from their start (yeah im that old) the very first time i heard this song... man, it immediately became one of (if not) my fave. TooL song.

[@chrislucero1928]

My mother had relations with the bongo player frm Santana in the 70s. Thus, i grew up listening to them as well

[@immersion24]

Great reaction...and just wow that you brought in the Spanish guitar influence. As soon as u said i hear it.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

PROGRESSIVE ROCK GODS!!! 💯🔥

[@scintillasparkles]

"These guys! They're channelling something..." Sums up the Tool experience. Love your reaction videos! ❤️

[@RndngChcknDndng]

@12:35 the dude squeezes the headphones together to let the sounds hug him tighter😆

[@williamburton307]

He drums all of it live!!

[@bryansusnik3295]

Thank you for this reaction. I felt the same way when I first heard it and still do. There is something about Tool that takes the listener on an incredible journey. Thank you, again!!!!

[@matrav]

Truly great reaction. Careful, this one creeps up on ur subconscious. Cant wait to see ur reactions to every other song on this album.

[@ryanb7665]

You easily got me to subscribe. I can tell you really know your stuff, and do a great job of breaking down these tool songs. I've always found tool to be the hardest band to decipher and break down their genius.i still don't know how they do it. I don't even bother trying with the time signatures and more

[@mikeoh712]

😳….. p e r f e c t reaction. Instant follow. Instrumentation IS language. Outstanding video 🤘🏽

[@andrewj3398]

That sound before the “guitar solo” is a synth being played by a guitarist…. Which is why right after the synth melody fizzles out the guitar comes back in. It’s amazing they are able to replicate this complex song live as well as the studio version.

[@sevenduster27]

You said it brother👍

[@Mazzini11]

The best part about this song is Maynard's lyrics and injecting meaning into the instrumental. He's telling us all to embrace our inner sun, our inner creator, our creative spirit.

[@narcostarko]

This man is spiralling out.

[@beezysbeatz4924]

13:20 .... Hell yeah! 🤘

[@C.Comeaux]

OMG, I canNOT tell you how much fun that was to watch. Reaction videos like that are life, man. It was so amazing to see you remember how great Tool is. It honestly felt like I was watching my subjective experience of Tool played out on video for me (a weird, but very cool experience). It's okay that you didn't analyze much because you reminded all of us of what the experience of first hearing a song that has a profound experience on us is like. Tool has been a hugely important part of my life. I'd say I have a big three: Cocteau Twins (and I've love to see you react to them--not nearly enough reactors do, though I get they're not everyone's cup of tea), Nightwish (I found your channel through your reactions to them--they're a recent obsession), and Tool, who are probably the band that, overall, has had the biggest effect on me. They hit me squarely in my emotions every durned time. And they always have. It's one of the few bands whose songs I just never tire of, never get sick of. I've only seen them live twice, though I came close three other times (the last was when my husband bought tickets for the tour that was canceled because of the pandemic), and I'm still disappointed that I didn't get to those missed shows. The concerts I did attend were clearly synesthetic experiences for me. Profound emotional engagement like you just demonstrated. I spent most of my twenties and thirties obsessed with them. (I spent my earlier youth on British post-punk stuff--goth music.) I mean, I liked "Sober" when it came out, but they were just all right to me at the time, and the song was sadly overplayed. Then Aenima came out. I was lucky that, at the time, there was an actual alternative radio station in my small-city hometown in Louisiana. Songs from that album were on heavy rotation. I quickly bought a cassette copy. It long ago wore out, and I've replaced my copy (with the CD, then electronic format) a few times. Okay, I'll stop, but you get the drift...

[@electricbutter]

First time viewer. Loved watching your reaction and breakdown of one of my favorite Tool songs. Can't wait to see what all you have reacted to. Gained a subscriber.

[@spiknaaj]

One of the most satisfying reactions I’ve seen. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@timcooper2144]

This was an awesome experience and I was nearly beyond body and soul during this journey of Pneuma. Sorry, I had to play it twice simply because I was astonished that you shared the same hair raising loss of words for this orchestrated masterpiece. I also Love your music and I’d love to get some of your CD’s or down loads if possible. Rock on my friend.

[@ted1976hailspiralout]

You nailed this track on your first listen, impressive! I’m looking forward to the rest of the album!!!

[@MBP208]

“It doesn’t sound like he’s trying to show off” Oh, he is, and I’m here for it

[@mendronesg]

That triplet sound you're hearing with the rim shots, is actually played in a Tabla drum (acoustic)

[@RyanMovingViolationz]

Speechless by this song?!?! Nooooooo I swear I've NEVER had that reaction to this exquisite, PERFECT masterpiece!!! 😜😜😜 😂😁 Spiral out, brother!!! 🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

[@eyemoeba]

Yes, the Rubick's Tool, Stanley. eye'll get you one for Christmas JW. sit and listen my friend. your reactions are why we're here.

[@ChrisBrown-wi2qz]

I won't lie, after such a long wait I sat down with this album and when the first chorus on Fear Inoculum hit, I lost it. What a release.

[@robertjones4361]

This!!! This song is 30 years after they started......and they're still THIS Friggin good!

[@RyanMovingViolationz]

You really do gain access to a higher existential plane through this song especially and really ALL of their music from the Aenima part of their discography and literally EVERYTHING after that!!!

[@andrewj3398]

I feel like you’re really going to enjoy the song 7empest when you come around to it.

[@kevkeisha]

I'm SO HAPPY to discover this channel!

[@investsmart9032]

It’s sooooo awesome to see tool reaction by a real musician :) thanx brother!

[@solxplosion1978]

I was speechless the first time I heard it as well.

[@ajrob77]

I had a similar reaction my first time listening to Pneuma. I was SO excited about having new Tool to listen to…and I had no doubt that I would love it, but when this song came on it took me to another dimension. I was overwhelmed… in a good way 😁

[@rubennollet]

Wonderful video. It's great to see someone who's knowledgeable about things but clearly still loves the stuff.

[@susiepattinson3031]

So wonderful seeing your emotion towards this incredible song. Me too. Love your analysis, liked and subscribed

[@duanem.5738]

You're the real deal man. Really appreciate your wealth of knowledge during these reactions.

[@austinm8242]

Enjoy listening to people geek out about their passions. I can tell that’s what you’re doing here with music

[@c.davidcook3565]

Danny, Adam and Justin are just magic on their respective instruments 😍

[@shanesturgill75]

Your Twelve Foot Ninja reaction led me to your channel. I mentioned in a previous comment that Tool is one of my all time favorite bands - I've watched so many Tool reactions that I find it hard to watch when I see a new reactor to Tool - so many don't do them justice, but boy am I glad I decided to check yours out! Comparing their pieces to musical puzzles and rubik's cubes is such a great expression of the genius of Tool. Looking forward to binging the rest of this masterpiece of an album with you. Also, I'll keep recommending Punch Brothers - Familiarity because I have a feeling you would love it. If you decide to do it, do a live version - they have a few performances that were professionally shot and recorded and all of them are just as good, if not better than the studio version.

[@benjaminrider6351]

You are exactly right--the musical composition speaks directly to your soul! It matches the lyrics, too. Interlocking, seemingly clashing melodic and rhythmic lines interweave and eventually come together, creating a complex cycle. In the same way, in our lives complexity and conflict resolve into a deeper unity and harmony. "Reach out, beyond ... We are born of one breath, one word We are all one spark, sun becoming."

[@flyinganchovy5267]

Yes!

[@SietseLammers]

Damn, thank you for this man, like you i still get goosebumps especially after 24:30 after the whole crazyness before that. Playing it loud on my headphones. There's so much layers to be heard with headphones on.

[@stevenluhrs4404]

PERFECT CIRCLE. Absolute must do an episode on.

[@TeppicTheAbysswalker]

Things Tool does to you: 00:00s in - Ok, let's jump into it. 10:00s in - THE GUITAR IS SPEAKING TO ME AND IMMA DECIPHER IT 😂

[@sevenduster27]

WOW!! You’re reaction/ analyzation was amazing! Looking forward to to the drum cam version! Also what a great player you are!!! Cheers from Texas!

[@JWSoundworks2]

Cheers Dominic!

[@Andrew46_2]

Toolarmy reporting for duty. Subbed

[@erichowell8089]

New to your channel. Die hard Tool fan and I really enjoy your reactions and breakdowns. I’m here for all things Tool. Keep doing what you’re doing sir! Well done! Spiral Out! 🤘🏼🤙🏼

[@noahjanney1289]

I love seeing people discover Tool.

[@hockeylvr42]

The first time I ever heard this song was the day this album came out. I rushed to the music store right after work and snagged one of the last copies they had. I had already heard fear innoculum, because they had released it as a single, so when this song came on it was the first “new” song off the album that I’d heard. I was left, like yourself, speechless. I swear that day is why this song is so special to me

[@internetsniper8392]

It's so interesting to watch someone who really appreciates/recognizes the musical genius of Tool....

[@boddaboom77]

From 23:14 where Danny brings the thunder down to the end of the song is some of the best rock music ever recorded. It makes me feel some type of way that i cant even explain. Just great.

[@christoffsimply3179]

Love your channel. Long ago, guys like Hendrix or Eddie Van Halen sent millions or us to guitar stores. Neil Peart and others sent millions to the drum shop. Rock/Classical/Jazz/et al drove millions of us to want to learn to play instruments and love music on a whole new level. When someone steps up and impresses us (albeit elitist, arrogant purists)? It's still just SO amazing. Tool offers some pretty amazing stuff to an elitist audience and they are still above what the rest of us could do. I just love listening to Tool with other musicians and other Tool fans. Until the day I drink my last, I shall be with you guys for every Tool reaction video. Love & respect to you all.

[@Honster6]

I love how organic drums sound in this album - my favourite Dannys sound

[@crystalscolza1663]

Dont worry, you are not the first reactionary to see images in their head when they listen to a tool song.

[@Vault4ce4680]

Love, love, LOVE your reactions. I rarely feel like others are able to let music run through them the way I do, and it makes me feel crazy sometimes. Maybe I am, but then you are as well. Lol

[@asospirit]

Great reaction again bro! I'm soo with you in your journey of this fantastic album! 🎸 Gonna be a hell of a ride! As some people already said a lot will be a lot clearer when you watch the Danny Carey drum cam. Mandala pads and a korg wave drum. 7empest, descending and invincible are f*cking epic as well! Spiral out! 🌀🌀🌀

[@woundsofthecrisis]

Here we go! :)

[@xXMr.WiGGleZzXx]

Great reaction bud.

[@theig298]

Loving your knowledge, passion, humility, humour and explanations. Invincible and Descending will blow your mind. Can't wait to watch and experience it all again vicariously 🙄😎🙂

[@JWSoundworks2]

Cheers Chris. Very kind of you, mate.