MUSIC DIRECTOR REACTS | Polyphia - Playing God (Drum Playthrough) Clay Aeschliman

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

⏩Video Question: Which drummer would you compare Clay to for similar playing styles? For live content catch me on Twitch. www.twitch.tv/drumrolltony

[@Simon_Mars]

Vlad from jinjer is technical as f*ck too would love to see them 2 battle :) hhahaha

[@Obomb83]

Spencer Prewitt from Archspire. Vlad from Jinjer is a good call too

[@nondescriptcat5620]

for reproducing sampled/glitched/electronic grooves on live drums, Company Laser from Squarepusher's band Shobaleader One: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYmcgnhshKeppbs for playing stuff that doesn't even seem possible while perfectly matching what the guitars are doing, Shiyu and Shoto from Sokoninaru: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXqzg3x7opWmfas

[@mk001]

Hmm, tough comparison but maybe (although not so much metal and/ or rock but comparable talentwise) LOUIS COLE ...?

[@chancecherry6055]

Jay Weinberg only cause he looks like em

[@teion.]

This is like the champagne of reaction channels -- genuine emotion immediately followed by informed & well-communicated analysis. Everyone else uploading Bud Light in comparison.

[@AldogContentNetwork]

Agree. I'm not a drummer but the technical insight is fascinating

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

That is a nice comment. Thanks!

[@lasagnahog7695]

Clay going 5 years or so without touching the drums is one of the more inspiring things I've read. I usually think of virtuosos as more or less shut ins dedicated to their instrument. I know that isn't totally true but for as good as Clay is I would have guessed he's been at it constantly since his youth.

[@zackmash851]

the drums are locked into EVERY OTHER PLAYER in this band so well. he hits those splash cymbals along with scottie's harmonic accents, pushes the beat on the hi-hat with tim's 16th note onslaught, all while the kick is locked in perfectly with clay's long bass notes. you hear it perfectly in the last part of the song

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Very cool playing

[@justinswartz2162]

It's his ability to know when not to play that's crazy, often leaving off even at the END of his runs and phrases to make room for the guitars and bass to really cut through. He doesn't just hold the rhythm down he accents the entire piece.

[@wellingtonjames5965]

The fact this his playing can actually pull my focus away from the guitar is crazy!

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

100%

[@jordanlarson6488]

Clay's cymbal work is some of my favorite I've seen from any drummer.

[@jlog1c]

The way this man uses space is just insane.

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Yea he is perfecto

[@TheANDROIDDAB]

OMG, what you said about drummers adding a ton of notes and muddying up a section is EXACTLY how I felt about their previous drummer, Brandon! He’s a great drummer, and very technically proficient, but he never felt like he wanted to be in a band and MIX his playing with the music! Clay is the exact opposite! Everything he writes seems to compliment everything going on around him, with him getting tasty pockets to showcase his skills, making them STANDOUT in such a beautiful way! Also, you recognizing that just gained you a subscriber, as I appreciate your insight and this reaction as a whole! 😁

[@sjolson68]

I just found Polyphia a few weeks ago and I've been blown away, as so many people are. Clay is my favorite drummer since Mike Portnoy and has captured me just like MP did. Wow. I found Dream Theater thanks to a guy working in Guitar Center on Oahu in '92 right after Images and Words was released - I was just getting strings and noodling on some ESP and he heard my NY accent and asked if I ever heard of DT. The rest, as they say, is history.

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

That's a sweet story 🤟

[@SwedeSpeeder]

Feb 93 for me, but I was smokin' a doob on my buddy's couch when he side-eyed me and said, "You're gonna like this.". I remained highly skeptical because he was listening to Jackal a lot (and I hated them). He played Pull me Under and I've been a fan ever since. Even have their new album on vinyl. ;)

[@Nicksizzle77]

Finally someone who has musical knowledge (even moreso with drumline) who can react and appreciate the tastiness of Clay. I recommend checking out Christ Turner. Both "40 Roll" and "Triggered". I guarantee you'll love it.

[@pascal6077]

Yes please also react to Chris turner Juice ! I love how he has music knowledge and can comment on techniques and stuff👏

[@ZacharyRodriguez]

Love all the little things you point out, like when the drums and guitar line up. I've watched Clay's play throughs, but I inevitably overlook something. Definitely boosts my appreciation of the music.

[@adruiddrummer8841]

Seeing videos like this where the drummer has the kit set up in their house and the other parts are only coming in thru their headphones makes me think of neighbors' perceptions. Some of us have had musicians for neighbors who practice their parts and a drum part has a lot of power so it can come thru walls really easily, and some folks would hear a drum kit being played and just consider it noise. But... If this was your neighbor and you got to hear this artist doing what he does? I don't even think that your typical grumpy-ass neighbor would hear something like this and not enjoy it. It's so busy, but intricate and clean, and it's not repetitive or boring. I just don't see how anyone could NOT love this. 🔥🔥🔥❤❤❤

[@notcompletelynormal]

I was once neighbors with a professional musician and it was also kind of the worst, even though it was mostly beautiful. We had super thin walls and he was an opera singer. The problem with living next to incredibly good musicians, is that they rarely do entire play throughs. They start that way, then hit the parts they’re having trouble with, then start to just repeat that one part again and again and *again* until they’ve got it. Which is incredibly admirable, but also incredibly annoying when it 2am on a Thursday. You don’t really have the opportunity appreciate or get into a song, you just hear the same 20 second bits over and over and it’s the ones where it’s still not quite there yet.

[@sillyredsheep2421]

I knew the first time I heard him play that he had drumline experience. You can really hear a lot of the influence that drumline has on his kit playing.

[@BrianKapellusch]

That series of fills starting at 9:59 is just insane

[@Keoki666]

Thank you so much for your awesome breakdown of this song. I just found Playing God and I'm on the trip down the rabbit hole and now I'm stuck on your reactions and it's so awesome and your comments are so interesting and your going back was so intense. Thanks again for this! New fan my man!🔥🔥🔥

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Nice to meet you Shane. Thanks for the nice comment

[@Keoki666]

@@DrumRollTonyReacts you are so welcome! It's just been an intense journey through this Polyphia's rabbit hole! Being 7th on the trending KZbin Is just so mind-blowing that I've fell into with your comments and breakdown coming from a drummers perspective I looked forward to your breakdown of Playing God drumming.

[@animalach9142]

You have a great personality and I love the way you break down his playing. Even though a lot of what you're saying is flying right over my head I still love listening to it. Love the vids. Keep it up!

[@kc_jones_gaming]

He puts all that cool voicing on the symbols. He reserves it on the skins when it will add flavor. It’s all very meticulously written and I think only Clay can perform it solid every time. Good stuff

[@buzzpsy]

Sir first of all, love your awesome reactions, secondly I followed you on twitch and it's so cool you do a different content there, very few does the same, this band is super killer and really enjoying their music ❣️

[@jordanashford7521]

"Oh look I can play flam drags and.." "Noone gives a shit." Best reaction video I've seen in a while.

[@hazard_209]

OD should definitely be your next Polyphia song followed by Clay's drum play through on the Meinl Cymbals KZbin channel.

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Oooo I am def gonna react to his Meinl video

[@gustavomeireles9758]

@@DrumRollTonyReacts Im hyped and still waiting pls 😁

[@joelmorningstar3645]

Really enjoyed this video, excited to see you continue with Polyphia and Snarky Puppy reactions. I love your vibe man, I'm gonna have to hop into your stream sometime.

[@CEOofCEOs]

Didn’t realize Modern Drummer was still up, the Drummer for an old band, Mantys, who happened to be my landlord in Brooklyn, was an editor someone high up in Modern Drummer

[@barefootalien]

Holy damn, that snare sound is amazing! It almost reminds me of a snare+quad drum line hit.

[@Simon_Mars]

Loved it nice job as usual :)

[@Absurd000]

The Tom beat was so sick. Feels so good

[@gameknight5879]

Incredible reaction and insightful!

[@ThaBeatConductor]

Out of all the members of Polyphia, I think Aeschliman has the most talent. And that's saying a lot.

[@derpderpin1568]

It wouldn't really be objectively correct though, and it is measurable. Tim has pushed guitar further than Clay has drums and it's not even really close. It doesn't matter if people are sick of hearing Tim praise.

[@ThaBeatConductor]

@@derpderpin1568 Expanding techniques =/= talent.

[@Hearstbane]

@@derpderpin1568 Mmmmm I wouldn't be so sure about that for either you or the OP honestly. Tim HAS had more of an influence on guitar as far as pop culture is concerned and is a master level 40,000 guitarist. However as far as how we drummers measure talent, as least as far as composing something to fit in so well with the rest of the instruments, the perfection, technique, etc, Clay is up there with the greats no doubt. Far and above in talent compared to most modern drummers. Just as Tim and Scottie are up there with the greats as well. I'd say this band wouldn't be same without any of them. Never could even try to say if one is better than the other tbh

[@zackmash851]

@@Hearstbane yeah this is just it. neither tim nor clay would be as good as they are if it wasnt for each other. clay frames tim so perfectly and tim writes such perfect riffs for clay to flex his tasteful playing on.

[@ethanjto]

I can 100% tell what drummers marched on a (good) line when they play on a kit. The triplet grids and liberal use of diddles gives it away. Luke Holland does some similar stuff and also marched in high school. Most rock drummers play very straight rhythms and strict alternate sticking, maybe simple paradiddles.

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Yea pros and cons of that for sure. Here we see someone that has drumline background but expanded and augmented it. I have seen a lot of drumline folks that sound very limited on a kit.

[@ManiacTobi]

Great stuff! :)

[@MMMTTTTT452]

You gotta give Chris Turner from Oceans Ate Alaska a listen. He has some solo stuffs. ~4 minutes of just pure drumming goodness.

[@TheOneSoulMate_]

Definitely got to check his play through on G.O.A.T. That is absolutely ridiculous!

[@plantdesigns7889]

You should check out Between The Buried And Me and more importantly their drummer Blake Richardson. The drum playthrough of Voice Of Trespass is a fun one.

[@ZedsDeadBaby117]

Definitely should check O.D. by polyphia

[@RedSinter]

He reminds me of Stewart Copeland he is fast and time specific like Copeland. Who to is one of the all time Drummers.

[@reudevad]

i cant play drums or guitar, but i love these kinds of polyphia reactions

[@mk001]

oooh and not to forget Aron Mellergårdh from the swedish band Dirty Loops!

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Outstanding musician

[@Rushnzl16]

now we just need the bass playthrough

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

And the other guitar. I think I'll do them all. Loving this band

[@Rushnzl16]

@@DrumRollTonyReacts they have the two guitar parts out atm

[@ricardokassanda5973]

I want to see Larnell Lewis play this so bad!

[@xTrolx]

I like this better than the studio version. That natural acoustic kick sounds better to me. That dub/trap/electronic sounding kick just drowns out too much of the rest of the kit.

[@coles19960]

Great video! You should check out Trivium and their drummer Alex Bent! His playing is amazing and they are a crazy talented band, great stuff

[@Marc-lu2vo]

Please check out the drum playthroughs that Braan Dailor (the drummer of Mastodon) did with meinl playing Mastodon songs (my personal favorites are Ancient Kingdom, Precious Stones, Ghost of Keralia, and Ember City...however all the playthroughs he did with them in that same session are good)

[@thomasmims7850]

Tony! Would love to see you react to Polyphia's old drummer, his name is Brandon Burkhalter. He was supposedly fired for something I don't know. I do know he was the only person in the band to be accepted into Berkeley!

[@sammotel8510]

Polyphia leap into stardom since Clay join in

[@NotFlame]

You should definitely give O.D Polyphia a listen! Another bangerr

[@andrewcooper4827]

He is gonna freak when he starts Chris Turner reactions....

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Do you have a video link that should be the first one? 👀

[@andrewcooper4827]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3XJfoyKa9J-nrM Here ya go! It will blow your mind.

[@MikeKobb]

@@DrumRollTonyReacts People are going to suggest "40 Roll", which is amazing. I personally like "Escapist", because I feel like it has more textural variation and some very definite "gear shifts" in the song that are cool. Can't go wrong with either, though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6bNoaqcbpKCesk

[@mkennedy319]

I feel like you will love Luke Holland if you haven't heard of him. He and Jason Richardson tear it up as a guitar/drum duo. Glad I found your channel. Later dude!

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Good to meet ya

[@prasadsatpute1294]

Edit: Had commented before the video was premiered, Good job bro for researching about the drummer before the video...very few people know about Clay's playing..let alone him being in drumline Yep he was definitely in drumline..he revealed on instagram that he was in drumline during his school after which he had completely changed into a corporate job. But after sometime he was frustrated and felt burnout from the monotonous work and decided to rekindle his past hobby and got a drum kit to practice...and after some time got better and eventually played for some local bands before joining Polyphia, replacing Brandon Bukhalter

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

I will have to check out Brandon Bukhalter at some point to see what his playing is like for reference.

[@prasadsatpute1294]

@@DrumRollTonyReacts yeah he was a great drummer as well...the thing was that Brandon was extremely technically proficient..so he was perfect for thier earlier fast metal, tech metal sound which they had from 2010-2015 ish ..then Polyphia decided to change thier sound which meant inclusion of trap drum elements and drum style which Brandon didn't like..so due to these creative differences, Brandon left to be replaced by Clay Aeschliman, who isn't that technical or fast as Brandon, but fits thier new style of playing perfectly and above that is a brilliant composer for drum parts

[@Dricksus]

would absolutely love for you to take a look at Baard Kolstad. SO. talented.

[@shardy0]

Just ran across your channel, have you ever reacted to Dirty Loops? Their drummer Aron Mellergardh is sick!

[@shinyv4991]

Hey Tony Love your reactions especially to Polyphia, thats why I subscribed, because one can tell that you have great knowledge and taste. Do you know of the drummer Jojo Mayer? I feel like you should react to some of his stuff! Cheers from a new subscriber :-)

[@standaman93]

Love the reaction! You should check out the recent drum playthroughs by Chris Turner and II of Sleep Token.

[@Flashblackyc4]

Hey mate, if you love your Jazz, ya gotta react to Dirty Loops. 3 Swedish guys who went to music school together and absolutely murder jazz jazz/fusion. Snarky Puppy level musicians but they actually have great songs to sing to. Recommendations: ‘Work Shit Out’ is a killer track if you really love your jazz progressions. ‘Rock You’ if you just wanna dance. ‘Next To You’ if you wanna transcend to out of space 😊😊 love your reaction, subscribed.

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

That's one of my favorite bands. I got to see them live. Mind exploded. Lol. Work shit out is a great song. I should still do it even tho it wouldn't be a first time listening. The drum solo in it.....shhheeeesssh

[@Flashblackyc4]

@@DrumRollTonyReacts lol that’s all good, it’s all up to you. Whatever you watch I’ll watch mate :-)

[@Plutus612]

We need an analysis of Wintersun and Dir en Grey

[@whoalookout8578]

dude, if you haven't already heard of him, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Chris Turner's '40 Roll' that shit will blow your mind and you will not be disappointed.

[@Ultra-Collector]

What main splash is that,Size ,model? It looks like a 14-15”hats,12” main splash and a 13” or 14” splash under the 16” crash,right?

[@cammneto.1]

You could check some Leprous out, great band, really great drummer. :D

[@russellward4624]

Clay drums joined in 2016.

[@malchionmajere]

Drummer to check out if your not already familiar, George Kollias - Shall Rise Shall Be Dead :)

[@themorbidsymphony]

Check out shamless by Vrsty I have a feeling that guy as well did drumline Also the whole band is phenomenal

[@chrisgalloway721]

Check out saucey from polyphia and the drumming from clay is crazy there too

[@TobiiRheaStarr]

🔥🔥🔥

[@codynorton5800]

Unearth | Never Cease | Drum cam This guy has a very unorthadox style of playing for metal (according to me, a never drummer) and still hits the same with both hands I feel. It's weird watching him play...to me

[@zVask]

If you haven’t already, you need to check out Luke Hollands cover of cinema by Skrillex from 2017

[@DieguitoTLV47442]

Check OD pls

[@t0ph3rm4c]

Suggestion: Bridear - Determination

[@paulliu1398]

Time for you to react to Tim Henson's (Feat. Cory wong & Plini) Sunset

[@oleksiikartamyshev3919]

@DrumRollTony Reacts, we need reaction to Mick Grodon - BFG Division and The Only Thing They Fear Is You )

[@vhaarr]

BFG Division first, and make sure to pick the correct mix of Fear!

[@flovin123]

Pink floyd reactions 🙏🏻 You wont regret it

[@RandallMorris222]

I have forgotten. Have you reacted to Danny Carey's Drum Cam for Tool's Pnuema? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKTWhn-EfLiNf6M I think you would enjoy it.

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Not yet but I want to put that in the mix

[@RandallMorris222]

I look forward to hearing what you have to say about it.

[@basic-classess]

Please react to 'kukuha drum cover by Nishant Hagjer' too, it will mesmeraise you. Please try this.

[@prabufashion1100]

Next Alip_ba_ta Reaction, he a fingerstyle from Indonesia is the best in the world, you can try reacts to hem

[@gabrielmares4151]

Please look at her

[@Opticsrespecter]

Rudimentary

[@ben2808]

Jesus Christ loves you

[@yolandria]

I'm surprised you havn't done a drum playthrough with Jinjer's Vlad. The guy is an absolute beast. You can find several on the Jinjer channel.

[@DrumRollTonyReacts]

Coming soon for sure