KARNIVOOL Have Mastered Songwriting! Bass Teacher REACTS to "Goliath" and Jon Stockman

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➡️ WHAT a track! I've been aware of Karnivool and their album "Sound Awake" for some time, but after a first-time critical listen to "Goliath", they have CLEARLY mastered the art of great songwriting. Their seasoned balance of both rhythmic and melodic tension, beautiful layering, and intelligent song structure took me on a journey that felt MUCH longer than this 4:33-long track actually is. In this video, I discuss Jon Stockman's thunderous Warwick bass tone and how his grooves are the foundation of the track - full stop. I'm intrigued at how this odd-meter, "swaggered" drum groove from Steve Judd began to feel so natural as the song progressed. It almost felt more like a musical "figure" than simply a groove to keep time. I also discuss their unique songwriting style, which heavily utilizes rhythmic motifs throughout the song's slow-burn build. It's really interesting how every layer began to subtly fall in line with the rhythm section, and at a few points, you sort of lose the time and are forced to "experience" each beat as it unfolds. Wait, am I getting too stoned?
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0:00 Intro
1:03 Reaction / Analysis
15:29 Final Thoughts
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Mark Michell is an internationally-touring and recording bass player known for his work with Scale the Summit, Tony MacAlpine, Tetrafusion, Watermox, and more. Michell is a published educator and author for Hal Leonard, the world's largest music publisher, and has taught bass clinics around the globe for many years. He has played on several Billboard-charting album releases and is endorsed by Jackson Basses, EMG Pickups, and Dunlop.
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👉Original Video from ‪@karnivoolaus‬: • Goliath
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📺 WATCH MORE:
▶️ Reacting to TOOL: • Bass Teacher REACTS to...
▶️ Reacting to TESSERACT: • Bass Teacher REACTS | ...
▶️ Reacting to MUDVAYNE: • First Listen to MUDVAY...
#Karnivool #Goliath #SoundAwake #JonStockman #Darkglass #DarkglassElectronics #WarwickBass #ReactionVideo #LowEndUniversity
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of music education.

[@ryanpritt4849]

One of the best records ever made.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Even from this song, I can just hear how well-thought out it all is. I didn't comment on the production much, but it had such a peanut-buttery-smoothness to it when all the layers hit toward the end. The vocal harmonies, the thickening of the guitar chords, and then how that bass tone just glued it all together. That stuff is so important!

[@ryanpritt4849]

@@LowEndUniversity absolutely. The producer is Forrest Savell who is an absolute genius and just did the most recent Tesseract record which I think is among their best. But “Sound Awake” is just such a perfect marriage of prog/catchy/innovative but inviting music. You mentioned the vocals a couple of times and Ian Kenny has a lot to do with it, but all of those guys are masters and it culminated here. It may very well be my deserted island album.

[@TheFloatingBartender]

Agreed

[@amjan]

Absolutely, I keep saying it. The level of composition and musicality is beyond anything a band like Tool has ever done.

[@delirium6109]

THE best….

[@the1khronohs40]

That whole album is just pure, PURE ear candy! ❤❤❤

[@Merkaba954]

this is one of my favorite albums of all time!!!

[@Moose_Hawkins]

Its wild to me how a 15-year old album is *STILL* making waves. Sound Awake is something truly special.

[@David-cd6ez]

Love Karnivool, wish they’d tour the states sometime! +1 for the Warwick tone!

[@1bulletaway]

They haven’t been back to the US since 2010… :cries: Luckily I got to see them twice on that tour and even opened for them at one of them.

[@LucasLow-Falstad-wl6io]

@@1bulletawayMadison Wisconsin? I saw them there at taste of Madison festival they rocked the fuck out lol

[@JustinMcVicar]

They didn't even tour Aus for years haha. Europe was huge turns out.

[@rohyo5387]

I got to see them last year with Cog, another aussie prog rock staple. They do music good.

[@cerebrix]

They toured when Sound Awake came out a little bit. They have a pretty horrendous broken vehicle story from that tour. But that tour is probably the reason they don't play here so much. I went to 4 shows from that tour and I think the biggest crowd was like 200 people in Hollywood, maybe 250. Definitely not 300. Mostly Musicians Institute nerds there that night. That San Diego show. I think MAYBE 20 people showed up. I was so embarrassed as I felt all the pressure being a fan and suddenly having to answer the question "how come nobody showed up?" Because Ian asked it, Hoss asked it, and I heard Drew mention it. They pretty much drank with everyone before the show, they played, and then came back, had another drink with us (i don't remember if it was alcohol or water. I was so completely shit faced that night, I accused Hoss of being Steve I was so drunk. There was no barrier of people between me and the booze that night. A crowd probably would have cut at least 4 drinks out of my hand that night. But I digress. That tour, they went through hell with the van. I think Steve was super sick with a virus the whole time. And on top of that, like nobody showed up to their shows. They've rarely played here since. Can't say I blame them. I'm so glad I bought a copy off the website when it first came out. It's signed and everything. One of my favorite collectables.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

The last two tracks on this album, dead man and change, are an absolutely masterful pair of tracks. I haven't seen anybody do a reaction to both of them, but it would be tremendous if you did. Dead man is written from the perspective of man on his deathbed and ends with the eulogy, which goes into change as a sort of resurrection theme. It is stunning. If that's too long for single video and you want to do a summary or a couple of videos that will still be phenomenal. Love your perspective and insight.

[@astrosurf68]

More and more are doing reactions on deadman & change 😉

[@TheFloatingBartender]

The fact that I can constantly watch people break down this band this song even years after it’s released, and I still listen to this with great admiration speaks a lot to its construct, and how good they are. I love it when they gets some love.

[@banklogtube]

They are appearing at the Download festival 2024, I really need to get a ticket to see these guys live. Awesome just awesome.

[@jaywebb0113]

According to Rick Beato video " what makes this song great" this song is 27/4 time signature

[@primusdude87]

I love Rick and his videos, but 27/4 never made sense to me. I'd say it's 3 measures of 7/4 followed by one of 6/4.

[@amjan]

@@primusdude87 Exactly. 27/4 is just nonsense.

[@stambo1983]

​@@primusdude87 I think that's just what Forrester referred to it as in the notes, probably just easier than typing it all out.

[@GillBoldberg]

He doesn’t. He says 27/4 is what Forrester had down in the Pro Tools session.

[@B0K1T0]

@@primusdude87 Lol that grouping is exactly with Beato suggests in his video. But guess what equals 7 + 7 + 7 + 6 ;)

[@SHARt_murmur]

Dunno if I have ever clicked on a vid so fast, one of my favs! :D

[@LowEndUniversity]

Aw, thanks!! Cheers! 🙏🏼

[@markdorval7844]

Sound Awake holds the #1 spot on my list of greatest albums ever. It's a sonic treat from start to finish, and it was fun to see you pick up on just a sampler pack of the great details within this LP.

[@masonmorris3997]

You need to do New Day by Karnivool. It is a great example of his creative rhythmic and melodic choices as a bass player

[@ryanmurphy4110]

I agree. I almost requested that one because it has so many different rhythmic styles within it. I hope he does more of the ‘Vool soon!

[@FilthyPucker]

Agreed, that or Shutterspeed

[@athmaid]

The "payoff" in that song is so moving

[@buckfuttler2877]

This band is just.... absolutely soul enhancement.

[@nosnitsttam]

Happy to see some love for Karnivool. I've never met anyone else who's heard of them

[@CodeNameV13]

They actually have a big following, especially in Australia.

[@ThyAsianMan]

Can’t believe you didn’t watch Jon Stockman’s playthrough of this! Such a great playthrough.

[@LowEndUniversity]

I did see the request for that! However, the past few times I've done bass play-through videos, I realize too late that the vocals are removed and I really like hearing the full picture of the composition. While focusing on the bass parts is usually top priority, I often find great players interplay with vocal intensity and melody, and just don't want to miss out on that!

[@jessysharrock5280]

Amen! It is a great playthrough but I definitely feel what you're saying

[@AmbientFellow]

Hell yeah. Incredible band, and Stockman's tone and playing are monstrous.

[@ryanmurphy4110]

Yes! Thanks for doing another one of my requests, Mark! You’re the man. You should definitely check out this album. There are a lot of other songs that really showcases Jon’s talent. Love this page and your content. Keep it up!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Thanks so much Ryan, always appreciate your comments!

[@enjoybassmusic]

Finally, you did it 🙌🙌🙌 props to Jon Stockman the responsable of the alpha omega dark glass preamp

[@RegisChapman]

I was going to say this. I mean, talk about epic tone when someone makes a pedal to emulate it.

[@LukeBass1000]

That drop to the C natural at the end 👌

[@matthiasrixen7476]

Finally Karnivool! Next time Dead Man please. This song, as they say, is a journey! The rhythm section, how they lock onto each other is just delicious. And the rest of course as well. Gave me a lot goosebumps!

[@user-qh7yz6fg1t]

Couldn’t click fast enough on this! Love your analysis and the band

[@Denbot_is_here]

Another great video, Dr Mark. Cheers!

[@LowEndUniversity]

Many thanks!

[@Pulsed101]

This was a lot of fun. Karnivool is a band I never get tired of listening to. Really hope to see more reactions with your knowledge 😄👍

[@bigchiefbc]

Love to see this. Been a fan of Karnivool for probably a decade or so, and Jon Stockman's bass tone if one of my favs. As far as this time signature, I always felt this one as 3 bars of 7, then 1 of 6.

[@toods2]

The last 45 seconds or so of this song always gives me goosebumps.

[@JordanAntus]

Thanks for reppin the vool, knew you'd appreciate it. The focus on composition is really strong with this album as a whole. There's a cool version of Change pt. 1 (closer off of their first LP) into Change pt. 2 (closer on their second LP) that would be super fun to breakdown. Especially if you're into digeridoo haha. Rock on man, keep making great content 🤘

[@Vincent_Roy]

If you like this band you should check out the song We Are. What I really like about it is that the effects on the bass are used to enhance the composition itself and not only for the tone. There is a slicer effects that is turned on and off in rythm and it is so creative. When Darkglass came out with the Alpha Omega drive pedal I wanted to get one because I liked the bass tone in Goliath so much. Later I saw a breakdown video of Jon's pedalboard before the pedal came out, and it explained how the drive tone was made with a bunch of Boss ODB-3 put in parallel. Which blew my mind because the ODB-3 was the pedal I have been already using since I was a teenager. Also, I am officially requesting a video on UneXpect and their amazing 9 strings bass player ChaotH.

[@saidoterodiseno]

Great reaction 😎and sick bass tone BTW, that Warwick sounds MASSIVE. My favorite part of this song is the outro, that half step drop caught me off guard the first time I heard the song, and I still find it genius.

[@wingnut643]

You did it! I've requested this song/band a few times and you said it was in the hopper so I was ecstatic to see this pop up in my feed. Sound Awake is my top album of all time and I know you'd enjoy the rest of the album too. Might I recommend a full album reaction? You wouldn't be disappointed.

[@daleking9439]

Was wondering when this was coming! I wish I could hear this again for the first time way in 2009

[@Dogrockdog]

Great analysis

[@JoneyJefe]

Incredible talent

[@jaketate7257]

Just have to say because i just love bassist do this type of thing, at 13:30 when the guitar is doing that melody, the bass is doubling it, and when you hear the harmony come in, it's the bass doing the harmony. I absolutely love that bit. Great videos and loving the content!

[@stevemuzak8526]

This band is incredible. You can really feel like they bend the time in this song. Feels way longer that it its. It's so unique.

[@juttaman25]

Karnivool live is an experience. The lads are so fucking good.

[@ransisua]

"Australian tool" . Man I would buy any Australian tool. Seems they make high quality tools there 😁. Good to see you enjoy the tone. Sounds absolutely massive.

[@markdeckman4110]

Yes!! Thank you for this. John has quite a few to choose from, and this is a great start. However.....2 requests: We need Fast Worms by Intronaut. Joe Lester is a fretless wizard on that song. And while we are at it, Language 1 by The Contortionist. Jordan Eberhardt is an underrated monster (as you know).

[@aliambassador]

More Karnivool please Change is one of my favourites, you would love it, too!

[@danntozer]

Been a huge 'Vool fan since forever! They're from my home town here in Perth and have had such a big influence on me musically in so many ways since I was a young teen! Just wanted to suggest another amazing Perth band called Voyager, they represented Australia at Eurovision and are just mind blowing musicians! I hope you're able to check out 'Voyager - PROMISE [Bass Studio Playthrough]' on KZbin as an example, Alex is a freaking machine! 🙌 I think you'll enjoy it! Love your videos, Keep 'em coming! 🤘

[@lucbindel6685]

Oh man, as a bassist discovering Karnivool must've been quite a treat. Hope you enjoy the rest of their repertoire. Tons of suggestions already in the comments but pretty much just throw this album on and listen to the whole thing, then every other album. I doubt there's anything you won't enjoy. I have a suggestion for a future band which is usually mentioned for the outstanding singer and drummer(s), with good reason. Leprous! As an entire band they're amazing and people really don't mention the guitar and bass work enough. Everything is amazing and works in the interest of the song. Illuminate would be a good track but really his bass work on everything is great, as is his tone. One interesting thing you'll probably notice is that as much as the bassist works with the drums, a lot of the time they'll throw in some keyboard (organ-ish sound) and bass unison or tight harmony with the drums. Not a super common thing in rock but they really pull it off well.

[@mr.pooper7615]

No surprise u reacted to them. They also have a nice cover of Sleeping satellite.

[@muckduk13]

As others have already noted - this album is progressive GOLD from beginning to end. Top 10 albums of all time for me, for sure. Also, they're AMAZING live. Mark - love how your play-along bass tone always somewhat emulates the song you're reviewing. Assume that's done in post. Great touch, man 👍

[@jeffd.3290]

Sound awake album and Themata album are both absolute masterpieces.

[@sodog44]

Themata is probably my favorite song of theirs with this one coming a close second.

[@barmetler]

yeah you gotta count 7 7 7 6, the base comes in right before the 1. What throws you off is that the riff repeats one beat earlier than you initially expect, it really keeps you on your toes. It's really fun to play too, and possible for beginners like myself

[@thebenwmusic]

I recommend "We Are" from Karnivool's third album! Love that baseline so much.

[@JiTiAr35]

The bass tone sounds like Goliath 👍

[@implayingsomebass4753]

Your reaction of hell yeah at the wide awake but still asleep section was pretty much my reaction to hearing their first album and then Sound Awake. I find them so much interesting musically than tool.

[@archangelsailo6925]

Riiight... they sound so much like Tool... and i love them. I found them through Rick Beato's video..

[@alexdunn8181]

Thanks for the analysis Mark! Would love for you to do a video on the track Vorel by Russian Circles! Cheers!

[@nickpryme]

yea man time to enter the karnivool rabbit hole. just pick a song and go you can't do wrong. literal flawless discography.

[@iwandegreef]

this drive sound was recreated(inspiration for) in the alpha omega pedal.

[@marco271185]

John Stockman used a 6 String Warwick Corvette Standard in the playthrough of this song. I heard he used lots of amps for getting that sound.

[@johnnicholson8345]

Its 3 measures of 7/4 and 1 measure of 6/4. You can call it 27/4. What throws you is Steve changes the snare hits on the 4th measure. Its 2 and 5 until the last measure, which is 2 and 6.

[@athmaid]

Karnivool and Forrester Savell man, doesn't get better than that

[@danlindberg1940]

27/4 It's a pain to learn on the drums unless you are very familiar with odd time but once you get it you can just float on that groove for days and it's amazing.

[@KDelta1986]

Have you put your HX Stomp files anywhere? I thought I remember you talking about doing that some point.

[@bradami1234]

Always bring something new to me to listen to.. they do give a bit of a tool feel to the music.. im no music major but it sound like 5/8 with a speed up to like a 7/8 and then drop back in off time.. something along that. I could be completely off here.. but a great breakdown.

[@Ramoono]

It's 27/4, weirdly accented by the snare placements and the fact the kick drum is on the up beat. Can count it as 3 groups of 7/4 and one 6/4

[@bradami1234]

@@Ramoono thanks 👍

[@dregnar85]

Also show The Butterfly Effect, COG, Dead Letter Circus some love. Bands us Aussies grew up with and are so fkn good.

[@Demifiend91]

Would love to see you do some stuff from Entheos’ Dark Future album.

[@scrubsscrubs694]

Hiiiiighly recommend Karnivool We Are live on Triple J radio

[@travis564]

Their Persona EP was heavy as balls! 2001. Another gem of a record. Get into it!

[@jaymzsutton]

Australian living in the NL. First saw then at Sydney Uni in late-ish 2005 and then down those stairs in Melbourne at the enground venue the HiFi bar in early 2006. I sat on those down sloping entrance stairs in the city without a ticket for almost an hour. Then ten minutes before they started on stage a guy inside had a spare ticket - he didn't even let me pay him for it. Seen them at least 5 or 6 times since - saw them in Cologne 9 months ago with a german mate ))

[@jaymzsutton]

enground = underground (literally under the street

[@CodeNameV13]

Awesome. Karvnivool are hometown hero's from Perth. I got to see these guys at pub gigs before Themata dropped. The only connection to Tool is the time signatures, otherwise they are totally different.

[@cinder8432]

DO ROQUEFORT NEXT the bass on that song is also absolutely amazing

[@Regant1981]

Supposedly, the time signature of that song is 27/4 which can actually be counted more easily as 3 bars of 7/4 and 1 of 6/4. Also, the kick drum is on upbeats and the one is accentuated by the hi-hat. Kind of confusing at first but you get used to the grove quite rapidly. And yeah, this is absolutely dope!

[@tommurphy3188]

New day Rocquefort Caudral lare Pretty much anything off sound awake or thier third record One of my favourite bands ever!

[@PhildoBaggins]

Good ole 27/4 timing

[@galen__]

Also maybe check out some of early Silverchair stuff, as they had lots of great musical curves and grit in their sound.

[@HarryGBass]

I bet Jon used his custom Corvette for this record. Still, the tone is amazingly good!

[@ZoneTwelveOnline]

Australia has always had really great bands from many eras. If you like Karnivool check out: Dead letter Circus The butterfly Effect Twelve Foot Ninja COG Just to name a few.

[@FrankFerret]

Highly recommend you check out "Themata" and "Roquefort" by the same band from their first album.

[@zacko4722]

Yes they mastered songwriting. Then only released three albums :(

[@LowEndUniversity]

Dude! I noticed this, I was like, wait, "Sound Awake" is their second-newest album, but from 2009? 😤

[@ryanmurphy4110]

Haha yep, been 10 years since the last album. Must be another Tool influence, haha jk. But seriously, I’m ready for the new stuff!

[@Ezzie0304]

Whilst waiting listen to Ian Kenny’s other project «Birds of Tokyo»

[@demolitionbmxd]

Good video, FWIW from memory, it's 7/4, 7/4, 7/4, 6/4.

[@scotttill3847]

The time signature is like 27/4, with some variance.

[@andygreen5565]

That tone sounds like the Darkglass Alpha Omega pedal.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Yep, their bassist created that pedal with Darkglass!

[@tjk21504]

If you haven't heard their bassline for Eidolon, it's one of Jon's best recordings.

[@abutomtom117]

I love watching sophisticated musicians hearing Goliath for the first time.

[@BeeFizzle]

Set Fire to the Hive is EASILY one of my favourite bass grooves of all time. Check it out.

[@MrSharkmissle]

I’m pretty sure it’s mostly in 13. I love Karnivool and especially this album

[@MrSharkmissle]

Or maybe just sections of 6 and 7 and not actually 13.

[@G3kk0852xbox]

It's actually 27/4, so you're kinda right.

[@RegisChapman]

Rick Beato said it was in 27/4 meter.

[@ivanbutler6079]

Rick Beato took this through once. Check that out.

[@barmetler]

I would say the border between prog rock and prog metal lies pretty closely between a perfect circle and karnivool, imo karnivool is still metal because of the time signature and heaviness.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

If Silverchair and TooL wrote an album together you could have this had to come back to this, then after the bridge had a “ISIS”. Vibe you gotta do that band too!

[@BlugubriousMusic]

Just found and subbed because Tool's The Pot... please do Karnivool We Are

[@LowEndUniversity]

Thanks for the sub! I'll add to my list!

[@kudblythe]

Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking use a tuning that I believe is unique to them. They’re both tuned half Drop B, half Standard. BF#BGBE. I think they use this on literally every song on all three studio albums. Jon doesn’t use the same tuning. I know at least for this song it is BF#BEGC.

[@Merkaba954]

All i can say i ts a damn shame you didnt go ahead in to the next song cause i feel they deserve to have both in a row

[@ML-jk3sz]

The hi hats are actually the beat, the kicks are on the 'and' or up beat count of the rhythm.

[@ryanpritt4849]

Simple Boy off that same record has one of the most ridiculous opening bass lines I’ve ever heard. Check it out.

[@thatjohnald]

This whole album is "ear candy" with multiple audio orgasms throughout!!!

[@dankarivas3395]

It's called progressive rock baby

[@duncanwright301]

Carnivoor is also kind of like Tool without MJK, which immediately makes it a lot more listenable for me.

[@nikiallenn6525]

Listen umbral, illumine, New day , change , deadman, all I know

[@coldprojectofficial]

Forrester Savell, is responsible for this.

[@Mindontcompute]

3/4

[@guillermorios3183]

Dude, don't do any more videos if you want but please check Themata, Sound Awake (not a fan of Asymmetry) and their first song in ages All It Takes and enjoy.

[@mattbetts01]

123123 12312123 x3 123456 123465 That's how I've always felt the beat.

[@gabe61willys]

Attempt five at asking to see Al Cisneros of Sleep and Om

[@mattlane4367]

I'm glad you did a KVool reaction bit you did research before hand. You know way to much instantly kinda not a real reaction when you know everything l. Prove me wrong

[@LowEndUniversity]

Nothing really worth proving, man. I’m transparent in every video I do about my knowledge of the artist/song beforehand. Some videos I know the song very well, others are a first-time listen. This was basically a first-time listen, but I might have heard it around its release. If you’re referring to me picking up the notes/chords quickly, it’s because I have perfect pitch. I talk about it extensively in other videos. Either way, glad you dig the video.

[@Denvercoder]

Someone in the band said the intro is in 1/37 time. 😂

[@LowEndUniversity]

🤯

[@Denvercoder]

@@LowEndUniversity My bad. It’s 27/4. Watch Rick Beato’s “What makes this song great?” about this song.

[@juttaman25]

Check out New Day from here.