SO MANY great songs, done RIGHT!!! | Queen in 5 Minutes - VoicePlay | Acapella Reaction/Analysis

[@Broomrider1492]

You need to see Geoff Castellucci's new one. He's let his inner Elvis out.

[@kanelbulle59]

Some of us VP patreons has warned him in the discord 😂

[@bonniewells9208]

He sure did! And it's great!

[@LittleCubSpirit]

Eli, Layne and J None are deities of death, trying to bring Earl's soul to the afterlife. (this was recorded after a real life health scare for Earl) Geoff plays Baron, a gatekeeper of sorts, who is not convinced that Earl is ready to die yet, but the other 3 are trying to convince Earl that he is ready to die. So they are basically battling over Earl's soul. Earl ends up deciding he is not ready to die and "defeats" the deities and returns to life where his husband awaits him.

[@LittleCubSpirit]

I would also point out that at the start of the video, Nick places a metal coin or medallion around Earl's neck. Currency like this was often placed on or with the dead to ensure their passage into the afterlife. Notice that at the end of the video, "Baron" who is not only a god of death but creation and can heal (Haitian Voodoo) is the last of the gods to disappear before Earl returns to the world of the living. When he wakes, the medallion/coin is GONE, likely taken by Baron in exchange for Earl's healing. A couple more hints that Baron wants to see Earl make his own choice given his situation... he is often on the other side of Earl from the rest of the gods, almost as if keeping watch and protecting Earl while the others argue over him. And during "Under Pressure", Baron's skull cane prevents the weapons of the other gods (mostly Guardian) from making contact with Earl, giving him a chance to "break free" and "play the game", having a hand in his own destiny

[@LittleCubSpirit]

Adding another moment to this: During Earl's heartfelt rendition of "Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy" ("When I'm not with you/think of me always/I'll miss you...") where it seems like he's lost hope of seeing Nick again, the gods all come in with "It's so easy... when you know the rules... to play the game..." They're hinting that he still has a chance, IF he can figure out how to fight back and outsmart them. After a moment, he does! Hence the epic climax to Bohemian Rhapsody, followed by The Show Must Go On. In the end Baron seems almost pleased with Earl's success, taking the medallion and leaving Earl to find his way back to Nick! @Mortius sorry for my geek out!

[@Trickpants]

I loved reading every bit of that. Always take an opportunity to geek out! You might point out things that others have missed - For example, I never noticed the medallion disappeared before. That made me very excited to read!

[@shadowlynx1958]

@@LittleCubSpirit So you understand why Anubis (J None) pulled the heart from Earl's chest to place it on the scales to weigh against the Feather of Maat!

[@LittleCubSpirit]

@@shadowlynx1958 Yes! They really went all out for this one, and its amazing. All the little touches and moments that show you just how much care was taken to not only make it entertaining but respect the mythologies they wove through the story's narrative.

[@bonniewells9208]

Eli squaring off against Geoff is hilarious! Perfection! Geoff's runs are amazing, along with his range!

[@officialmortius]

Since it’s half my comments so far, yes I know there’s new Geoff, I will be recording it when I get back in state tomorrow, probably will go to patrons Thursday and public Saturday (a week from today) 😄

[@bethelliot7140]

🤣☺👍 Thank you!

[@shirleykarr560]

This is another VoicePlay video that has a story within the vocal performance. We know Earl had some kind of health scare. In the BTS, Eli comments that Earl is "down an organ." That is Earl's husband Nick (also has a cameo in Boy Bands Medley and Daddy Sang Bass) who puts a pendant around Earl's neck. The battle begins, with three gods of the underworld on one side fighting to collect Earl's soul and Geoff as Baron Samdi on the other side, who has the power to decide if Earl should live or die. Apparently Baron accepted the gift of the pendant and let him live, as Earl doesn't have the necklace when he wakes up. I love the riff where Geoff soars and then plummets followed by the head-tipped-back Evil Laugh, then he gets annoyed with Eli, who is trying to take him on despite being a good six inches shorter. Can't count how many times I've replayed just that bit. Notice the body language from J. and Eli when they do the "he's made a few" and "he could go on and on..." in the background. You can see the skull walking stick in Geoff's studio, in his tutorials and intro to some of his Patreon premieres. If you're worried Earl is going to flash us, rest assured he's covered. He was willing to go commando but the guys convinced him NOT to take one for the team. Some people think he's chunky because of his chipmunk cheeks, but he lifted the gown in the BTS to show his shorts and holy cow the dude spends time in the gym. His legs are sculpted. Mason, my "like" on the video is for you, too. Good job!

[@CapriUni]

I'm so glad this video of theirs is getting more attention. It certainly deserves it. What I love about this is how they were able to blend the songs so seamlessly, not only in terms of key changes, but also lyrically, so that the different songs relay the text of the story. They really are the theater kids of a cappella. Now, I only know this from comments left by others on other reactions to this medley, but apparently, this was inspired by a real life event when Earl had a health crisis while on tour, and so the group was inspired to make a video celebrating his survival (In this dramatization, Eli, J. None, and Layne are playing gods of Death from different pantheons, and Geoff is playing another being who decides when a soul is ready to pass on. At the end, when Earl decides that "The show must go on," he banishes them, and wakes from his coma).

[@TheKoenx]

The necklace that Earl have on is a coin. in greek mythology the dead get a coin for the ferryman of the underworld. In the ending of the song the necklace is gone mening that Geoff who is the ferryman took it as payment

[@janetdw]

@@TheKoenx Another viewer, who is more informed than I, also pointed out that the Baron also demands payment for his services in not allowing a person to die.

[@DennisKovacich]

Also, the guy visiting Earl in the hospital is Earl’s real-life partner. He’s also in their cover of “Daddy Sang Bass” when all of their families join them at the end.

[@CapriUni]

@@DennisKovacich Yes. And he also appears in "Boy Bands in 5 minutes" with the other guys' spouses; he's the one saying: "You should see the size of his wallet."

[@joymed987]

Also kinda reminded me of "All That Jazz" scenes where he is in a hospital also.

[@candilunsford2878]

Out of every single group that I've heard do medleys, VoicePlay is far and away the best at transitions. They're always so smooth and natural sounding. I also love the way Geoff will take an actual bass guitar line because it adds such depth to the song. Layne and Geoff together can make you forget there are no instruments. My favorite of them is the end of Friends On the Other Side.

[@officialmortius]

Voctave has some solid transitions too sometimes but yeah VoicePlay is amazing at it!

[@delord1619]

I haven't seen the video where he allegedly said it, but Geoff has jokingly referred to Earl's upper range as "Earl's world".

[@shirleykarr560]

I've heard him say it! I think it's in his "How I Arrange Music" video. Geoff sings each part and sends the file to the guys. For Earl's, he said, he would sing it in his own range and pitch it up to get it in Earl's world.

[@u_bogi8485]

The reason I appreciate your analysis so much because even I heard this song a thousand times this is the first time I actually "heard" what the others doing in the background during Geoff's solo.

[@DennisKovacich]

When Mortius did their cover of “Oogie Boogie’s Song,” he had already seen it before. So rather than a reaction, he did an analysis of the audio only by covering the screen so he couldn’t see the video. When Earl sings “You aren’t comprehending the position that you’re in,” Geoff also sings it really low in the background. Mortius said he’d never noticed that low part before, and I hadn’t either. But now I can’t watch or hear the song without hearing Geoff there.

[@veronicathunander4579]

Of course Earl’s character looks a little unsettled, fighting for his life while in a coma 😢. It’s so lovely when he wakes up again and reunites with his husband 😍 Did you notice how Eli and J None are kind of bullying Geoff with their body language while singing “he’s made a few” 9:09 and “he can go on and on and on and on...” 9:26? 😂

[@avrilkulbida5541]

This looks like such a fun shoot for a group of so theatrically inclined artists

[@sarahereach]

My first reaction when this popped up in my feed was, "wait, he hasn't reacted to this yet?" This is definitely one of my favorite videos Voiceplay has ever done. One VP related thought experiment I have played around with is to think, "If I wanted to show someone the range/talent of each of the Voiceplay members to someone completely unfamiliar with the group, which videos would I show them? This is the one I choose that I think really showcases Earl's talents, for many of the reasons you covered. He has amazing acting skills, and he just uses his laser beam tenor voice and makes it look *so* effortlessly awesome.

[@DravenGal]

You just got 1000 bonus points for me for the “Awww” at the end. You’re one of only a couple reactors who appreciated that!

[@Drake844221]

This is one of my favorite VoicePlay videos. They do an amazing job with the covers (as always), but more than that, the way that they use the songs and the video to tell a clearly intelligible story, with only the clarification at the start of the other four being death spirits/deities was just amazing. On top of that, it is an intensely powerful story, which I absolutely adore. I even love the little rivalry between Eli and Geoff that they have in the video. All through song and action.

[@bjspeck4337]

I'm glad you did this one again - you needed it. I see this one about once every week or two just because it is SO VERY GOOD. Did you notice that the coin his spouse gave him in the beginning to pay for the crossing of the soul is gone at the end? I think the Baron who decides who goes and who stays has it.

[@annegasko7719]

I love how they cover SO many songs in this, but you still get those classic moments to sit in the most iconic ones. Despite how packed it is, it doesn’t feel rushed. Also, this is the first song of there’s that I heard that foreshadowed Eli’s true rock god potential…so good

[@shirleykarr560]

Eli used to front a rock band. He really let it rip in Hoist the Colors.

[@lizwildcatmunro2460]

Thanks to a random KZbin recommendation THIS was the FIRST Voiceplay video I ever saw so it’s special to me and I absolutely LOVED your reaction

[@leslieholland7843]

And congrats to Earl for flashing no one during an entire video in a hospital gown!! This is a fantastic mashup, and Mortius did a great review. Super wrapping/tying of your necktie, btw. Way impressive.

[@RollingDutchmann]

Plot twist, he did and everyone was comfortable with that.

[@MiladyMacabre]

Now go back and listen to it again, focusing on individual singers throughout the video -- it's even more amazing

[@simmerplayer2747]

I really enjoyed this Mortius! It was nice to see you revisit any older classic from Voiceplay. I was wondering if you ever saw a video on Voiceplay's channel by the name of Road Trip? Its from like seven years ago back when Tony was in their group and its a live performance they did on the Sing Off tour and its part singing part skit and its just a really good time, i have to recommend it. In terms of this video, Eli, Layne and J None are deities from different religions of the underworld and they are trying to get Earl to give up and let his soul pass on. Whereas Geoff is a deity who is both a bringer of death and a giver of life and he is deciding if Earl needs to pass on or keep living so the other gods are impatient with him and trying to get him to let Earl go. So it feels like to me that Geoff's character is subtly encouraging Earl to keep fighting, it appears he has a little smirk on his face when Earl is banishing the other gods and fighting back.

[@janetdw]

I read from another (very observant) viewer, that during the “under pressure” section, Geoff’s cane is preventing the sword from touching Earl.

[@simmerplayer2747]

@@janetdw thats a really cool detail, thank you!

[@Debs_Badger]

Close. This medley had 12 songs. "Boy Bands in 5 Minutes" had 14.

[@alexwalker8440]

One of my first VP favs, and still love it!! 🔥 I hope you do Geoff's new solo soon, it's EPIC! 🤯💯

[@jtaylor119]

When they do the “Tenor Battle” they choose Earl and he can sing the highest chest note and the highest mixed note without going into falsetto. So he is just that amazing.

[@suzybailey5501]

This is one of my favourites, played very often. The transitions in this, musically and lyrically are so very smooth and the inclusion of mythology was really interesting! Geoff shocked me when he did his rock belt, I'd not heard him sing that high before! Love everything about this medley! Thank you for another wonderfully passionate and entertaining reaction! 😁👍

[@shirleykarr560]

Geoff does another super cool belt and slide down during Unfortunate Souls (as Ursula) in Little Mermaid medley.

[@suzybailey5501]

@@shirleykarr560 oh yes, that gets played often as well! I love those high notes of his just as much as his bass drops!

[@Wildecat10]

To answer your question, as of mid-May Musician Seaman Jessie Nunn III began serving with the Navy Band Northwest.

[@sarahereach]

I also was going to comment on this. Yeah, a full year after he joined the Navy, he is finally getting to perform again. I can't speak for him officially on how he is feeling, but it seems like he is doing pretty well. Anyone who is lucky enough to be in the US Pacific Northwest and is a J. None fan should look up the Navy Band Northwest tour schedule - J sings lead vocals.

[@janetdw]

@@sarahereach Hopefully we will be able to see a video of him in the vast Internet. I know I have seen a few performances by a Naval quartet , generally around Christmas.

[@sarahereach]

@@janetdw I'm hoping for that too. In the meantime, if you follow J on Instagram, he has shared a couple clips of rehearsals/sound checks in his IG stories. He sounds good and that Navy band backing him is full of awesome talent too. That, plus he is still putting out occasional EPs of his own stuff on his own time.

[@janetdw]

@@sarahereach Thank you for the reminder. I don’t check Instagram nearly as often as I used to so after this I guess that’s where I’m going.

[@bradclifton5248]

Been impressed by Geoffs variety of little runs in backing lately

[@JPTLN]

This was a fun one to watch! Another older VP cover I'd love to see a reaction for is their Billie Eilish medley.

[@SeliahK]

FWIW, Earl's final long Ah vowel is high enough that I can't even do it without feeling my throat tighten up and the note sounding obviously "way up there" for me. And I'm a female contralto! LOL. His timbre is just so unique, and he hits those upper notes as if it's nothing!

[@kimsmeltzer6083]

this is one of my favorite pieces of all time! (and this is VP so that's saying something!) everything about it is just so epic, from Earl's effortless sky-high notes to the background guitar riffs that shouldn't be humanly possible. and Geoff as the Baron, well...what can I say except Kimmy likey!

[@AzurisSheer]

honestly i'm generally glad that vp has a smaller fandom just bc of the lack of Drama, but this is the ONE TIME that i wish it was bigger because I desperately want to see an exploration of The Baron + Yama Nirvana's relationship or even just more headcanon-worldbuilding on this world they've created and there's NOTHING

[@KTBroadcasting]

It's no one singular song of Queen's being covered, this is an entire production - Voiceplay really are the 'theatre kids of Acapella'. LOL And there was a bit of art imitating life, as Earl (in the hospital johnny) had a bit of a health scare before this, and his boyfriend/husban (not sure if they're married) just needed to recall the scare to do some convincing acting by his bedside in this video (his name is Nick)! And how about that note from Geoff?! Incredible!! I love when artists show there is more in their bag of tricks than we think.

[@nerdywordyprincess8499]

I don't even really listen to Queen, but this medley was amazing. And your reactions never fail to make me smile I love how passionate you get and that you're not afraid to show it!

[@weltato]

I've just found your reactions and I'm honestly loving the analysis and the amazement as you're going into these, it's brilliant. If you loved Earl's guitar vocal here (which I can tell you were blown away by) then I recommend checking out Pentatonix's cover of Bohemian Rhapsody - Mitch does an amazing guitar vocal with a megaphone, it's glorious to listen to.

[@sebastianaugusthy5648]

This is one of my favorite voiceplay videos

[@Lapinporokoira]

Queen is my favourite band so I always enjoy seeing reactions to this. VP did a great job merging the songs together Also just today I discovered MayTree. You should really do a reaction on them too. Loads of fun.

[@bewilderedbear7690]

This is one of my favorites of theirs absolutely phenomenal. So happy to see you enjoy it so much :)

[@marymulligan3053]

Great reaction! Geoff Castellucci has a new song out, "Way down" by Elvis. A must react too!!

[@chelliespider]

Queen is my absolute favorite, and the story they made out of their work always amazes me.

[@nudgificator]

I knew they played assorted death gods in this, so I was looking for the references in their introductions. I misread Geoff/Baron's tool of choice as 'skin care' instead of skull cane.

[@creationsbychancecan]

This is medly is done so well! Thanks for your great reaction. I just went up a teir as I enjoy your reactions so much.

[@rulab]

Always love a new reaction from you! This reaction gave me SO much serotonin...thank you for the smiles! You are awesome! (Added to my special playlist...lol)

[@DravenGal]

What do you call that tie knot? It’s cool! And love your reactions!

[@vladislav44]

Great reaction as always sir! Always enjoy it. Not to mention another group as well, but yeah, I'm gonna do it. In the moment you pointed out where they sing the phrase "Whoah Bad!" behind Geoff, the harmonies and phrasing really reminded me of another acapella group I'm quite fond of. A group called Take 6. They use a lot of those type of chords. I don't know if you've listened to them, but I found them in about '93, and they have been one of my top groups ever since. No need to react to them necessarily, but I think you would enjoy giving them a listen.

[@cynthiaross9438]

J is doing very well. He did another with them when he got some leave. Check out their “Friends On The Other Side”. Warning: he’s been working out and he is a total thirst trap now. Not that he wasn’t before but…he buffed up nicely. 😁

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

great reaction I could really tell you enjoyed it but you somewhat overlooked Eli’s amazing solo just before we will rock you really kicked in ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@lkayh]

It was fun watching this with you. It’s funny-the harmonies and all the amazing riffs get a lot of attention, but I keep thinking people should realize how Eli’s and Earl’s voices were just made for this. They’re both so good here. I miss J. None and Earl both, and hope they’re doing well-I keep hoping we’ll get to see them again with Voiceplay. (This takes nothing from Cesar who has brought some amazing new elements to the group. Speaking of, if you haven’t checked out the Voiceplay Minis channel, there are several pieces there that feature Cesar and we see a lot more of what he can do-maybe you can react to them with Cesar as a guest again!).

[@chandlercarter349]

You need to go see Geoff"s new video! It is so amazing that you will be so speechless that you will throw your headphones

[@marshayoung9387]

I love your reactions to Voice Play. Please do a reaction video of Geoff Castellucci's version of Way Down. By Elvis. Geoff goes super low & his dance moves are awesome. Geoff acting like Elvis is wow !!!

[@Kelgar_]

I really wanna see your reaction/analysis to RANGE's a cappella cover of the musical Six in 6 minutes. I definitely think you would enjoy it, especially being a theater kid yourself.

[@daventunes3822]

I wonder how much editing was required in the original video to ensure that Earl didn't moon or flash the camera while wearing that hospital gown. Heh.

[@shirleykarr560]

He was wearing black running shorts. He was willing to go commando, but the guys convinced him to wear something under the gown. 🤣

[@christinamoxon]

I love Queen, so this is a favourite of mine. I would love to see them do more full length covers. But I'll take whatever VoicePlay is willing to give me ;-) Thanks for the reaction Mortius.

[@carinarodebak9419]

Yes Mortius, I already do subscribe to the Bass Gang. Both you and Peter Barber convinced me to, months ago, as well as I do to VoicePlay and Geoff. So I have many reasons to subscribe for your reactions. Which leads back to the question, with your commitment to the Bass Gangs present avtivities: When will you have time for checking out Geoffs Elvis cover? With househunting etc as well? Any luck on that? Wish you and Mortissia the House of your Dreams. See you again Monday for TBG news.🤗

[@officialmortius]

I will likely be recording the Geoff cover tomorrow, and releasing it public a week from today, but we’ll have to see how it all shakes out

[@carinarodebak9419]

Thanks you so much for your answer. Let's hope you and Mason will sort it out between you. Then I'll know what to do next Saturday as well. ⚘

[@carinarodebak9419]

A short PS. Talking about missing JNone etc.The staff with scullshead Geoff holds during his solo? It's the same one JNone holds after the transformation handshake in Friends on the Other Side. I recognized it a time ago.

[@sarahereach]

@@carinarodebak9419 that's a cool cameo that I've never noticed. Makes sense though since I know Geoff kept the staff. It lives in his office studio.

[@lkayh]

By the way I totally agree that The Bass Gang deserves a LOT more views. That is an immense amount of talent in one place, and I can’t believe people are missing it. Surely people who love Voiceplay and other acapella groups can take a minute and enjoy these guys, too. They are so different-they are not competing.

[@clarakhatergielow8400]

I love that fancy tie knot!!! Love you work too

[@jackyfriedman1963]

Hi Mortius. Good reaction.

[@davelister2]

If you want another example of body percussion and claps and stomps you should check out Home Free’s ‘Hillbilly Bone’

[@RedPanda83]

Voiceplay is such a powerful band artisticly

[@melindahancock8518]

You need to see if any of the Voice Play folks will do a break down of their songs too!

[@marlahudgins7038]

I reaslly enjoyed this

[@jessicahedman3048]

No comment- just excellent!

[@backwardstinker]

YeS yes yes finnally!!

[@AnthonyVoorhees-xw7tr]

I bet Freddy would be proud of this.❤

[@dorothyrosenberg1301]

❤❤❤

[@bjspeck4337]

They did have 14 songs in Boy Bands in 5 Minutes.

[@idcatlady]

Have you listened to Pentatonix version of Bohemian Rhapsody?

[@alexbernier6154]

I'm assuming this was filmed and edited before Geoff's new one came out yesterday. Get on it

[@officialmortius]

“Get on it” Imagine thinking you have any right to tell someone what to do like that 🙄 Be kinder, don’t make demands of people you don’t and will never know.

[@janetdw]

@@officialmortius I believe that was probably said tongue-in-cheek, at least that’s how I, as a reader, perceived it. We know you are busy and have an actual life, but many of us are eager to see what you will think of this big departure of Geoff’s and are a bit impatient🙂.

[@alexbernier6154]

@@officialmortius it's a joke. Please don't hate me

[@melodiemalone2317]

Great reaction Please can you react to voiceplay kiss (prince cover) please please

[@amyhotchkiss2256]

I enjoy your videos however I found this extremely frustrating that you stopped every 3 to 5 second's for commentary. Voice play is one of those groups where you hear something new every time you listen to them

[@kiracattan4624]

Did you cut yourself shaving? There's an interesting mark on your neck. :D Love watching your reactions.