Old Composer REACTS to POLYPHIA O.D. | A Composers Point of View

[@JAYWAH66]

Tim Henson started doing a "making of" series showing exactly how he came up with these songs. I think you'd totally dig these videos

[@OffLeatherWings]

^ I second this. You gotta react to the Tim Henson breakdown to this song.

[@kanwebbda3265]

3rd this one check these out. It's actually really cool

[@mikiro90]

Just saw the videos too. Highly recommend!!

[@AAIVE]

i definitely recommend! they were actually quite insightful and it sort of helped me appreciate polyphia’s perspective on their own music, which made me just appreciate it all as one piece with all of the lenses in mind if that makes sense?

[@noahfisher1584]

Beat me to it lol

[@Zurickgm]

The drummer is just a God of the high hat. Like. He can play rap beats live with perfect 32nd notes and floor beats it's amazing actually. He should get as much credit as Tim Watch them live.

[@pitpride1220]

Yes, Clay is the best thing about their live performance

[@yzScott]

I came across this band just a few days ago and digested "New Levels New Devils" over the weekend. (I've heard a small smattering of earlier stuff) Regardless of how amazing any of the other players are, it strikes me right away that the strength of their drumming is THE key to keeping performances like GOAT together. (well, all of their performances really) I see so many parallels to John Bonham. They live in very different sonic landscape than Led Zeppelin, but amazing drumming is the foundation of everything. The broken up rhythms and poly-rhythms and mixed time signatures required to get Kashmire, Black Dog, or even Good Times requires Buddy-Rich type chops. They also seem to share a love of the triplet and really employ it in similar ways. You expect the drummer to get in with the bass player (and he does), but probably the biggest similarity is the way Clay and Bonham both get in with the guitar riff. That is just killer. I also think right away of Death Grips. They are led by legendary math rock drummer, Zach Hill. Zach's drumming is so key to what Death Drips do and it grabs me very similarly to elements of Clay's work. So, I've been totally geeking out over the drumming. (and all of it, they're just damn amazing)

[@iDrraaaK]

Their songs are mostly composed like this : Tim Henson has an idea, or quite litterally rips off small tiny notes or chords progressions from a pop/rap song he likes, then messes with it, compose his own progression for left hand then for right hand on a midi keyboard, then finds a way to play all the notes together on guitar while trying to flex his hardest and to add extreme technicallity. He also adds on the track trap beats to sound heavier, also setting a baseline for percusiv part (this is the one sounding less organic). Then he sends that to the others members, Scott (the other guitarist) finds a way to play the riff tim sends but generally in a much different way so both together would make a richer sound, then he composes a part too. Once this is done basist and drummer work together to make this extremly rhythmically rich (while the bassist mostly doesnt slap, he uses a lot of different unusual percusiv technics) so they are constantly answering or complementing each other. I hope this helps breaking down how they achieve that.

[@gabriel_3379]

So basically a dream team or a dream band

[@sawyerharrislive]

Someone watched Tims's new Making of O.D video. haha

[@iDrraaaK]

​@@sawyerharrislive I posted that before the OD video tim posted. He's been saying that's how he composes polyphia's musics for years weither it's on inta stream or posts, or more recently in twitch livestreams. That's still amazing that he's making this videos to cleanly break those down.

[@Heazytoohot]

An utterly genius idea

[@DarkSentencer]

See how easy it is to change a comment?

[@Joan_Ameijeiras]

The drummer does play all the drum hits, there are a few live recordings of him. He's as amazing as everyone else

[@Panyc333]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnaypXigibVll8k

[@adamswarbrick8791]

Don't apologize for going long when talking, we have all heard the song we are watching for your thoughts on it. Good video hope you keep having fun with them.

[@ThomasVaillancourt]

Honestly one of the best reaction channels. No BS opinions & genuine musical expertise. Props to you, man. Keep the good stuff goin’ 🤘🏻

[@sentientcardboarddumpster7900]

This guy and Michael Palmisano

[@stephenvenables3179]

Great stuff sir. I'm just a music listener from England. I'm enjoying your stuff. Check out a band called magazine. Post punk.

[@AltezzaDrifter]

I will say it's very notable that you started so recently and have grown so quickly. 20k subscribers, with tens of thousands of video views is pretty incredible and should show how your content is received by the community. I hope you keep enjoying it so we can keep getting content!

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Thank you so much!

[@dkronk426]

Short time you've been doing this, you've become one of my favorite reaction channels, keep up the good work my dude.

[@NobodyAwsum]

This is my second video, and i already love the reactions.

[@Viralityoflife]

Same here. I love the breakdown he gives. Gives me more appreciation for the songs I like already

[@MocharaidThree]

Honestly, every track on 'New Levels, New Devils' by Polyphia is amazing.

[@LYLEWOLD]

the one with the vocals is a bit sweet, but overall, yeah. but you could say that about their other albums, too. rock on friend.

[@thatpersonthatexists7851]

And resonance

[@abuventertainment2856]

@@LYLEWOLD the riffs in that tune go crazy tho

[@LYLEWOLD]

@@abuventertainment2856 true.

[@origionalbrand]

Inspire EP is my shit. Not a fan of new level, or most hated. But they’re still amazing musicians.

[@DanTheMan0921]

The drummer, Clay A, has a live playthrough of this track on Meinl's channel. You should check it out.

[@Panyc333]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnaypXigibVll8k

[@macjohn8963]

Why didn't I know about this! Awesome find, thanks!

[@jxckrabbit]

Dude is an actual god

[@charredolive]

@@Panyc333 I had to go watch this before the actual video lmao

[@Mucha_Hawlucha]

I don't normally like reaction channels but you look at music from such a different perspective and you've been helping me appreciate my favourite music in a whole different way. Keep it up.

[@stagedgames5195]

Geebz, I just gotta say that listening to you talk about music brings back memories of working backstage and with professional musicians, I can definitely tell you know what you're talking about and have a strong rhythmic background. So from a younger guy to a geezer, thanks for bringing up the good memories.

[@Dizzzy101]

I think you need to have a look at Intervals if you like Polyphia

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Yea, they just made the short list :)

[@stevepiotrowski-musician6908]

Intervals is like happy Polyphia. I love the shit out of both btw

[@icipher6730]

@@stevepiotrowski-musician6908 Considering that Intervals tour together with Plini a lot, they are more like "always 100% happy and a bit more aggressive Plini".

[@matthew9867]

I don't know if they've been suggested here or not but Animals As Leaders is another great one down that rabbit hole

[@xNohitter21]

Feel like in the same vein he would like The Human Abstract

[@cedricproper5256]

@2:41 I felt every note your facial expressions indicated and more. Subscribed to someone who understands and takes music seriously as a language. God blessed me to find you.

[@kyvss]

Man your face, and your hand just covering your mouth gave me some chills like I was listening to this for the first time myself! Great video, very genuine person! Loved it!

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Wow, thank you!

[@adamhenton6221]

Thank you for giving a long-winded explanation. a lot of that really helps with understanding all the different meter changes in the complexity of it all. I'm not a musician but I do enjoy a challenging piece of music trying to find where the rhythm starts and ends. It's not always easy

[@kenb6870]

Polyphia’ s virtuous nature is awesome, and watching Tim Henson’s breakdown of the song shows there is genius in the melody and overall composing

[@mikegutschow8384]

I love your explanation of how their time signatures make you feel. That anticipation and leaning forward waiting for the drop. I grew up playing metalcore and djent and that’s kind of our bread and butter and we pull a lot from jazz and hip hop and strive to take something in 4 and fuck it up to where it’s still there but it’s delayed a step or ahead a step. When ghost notes started getting included it made it even more fun because now a lot of the drummers just have a metronome in their ear and and can just have a time signature clinic without throwing off the band.

[@The123randomtime]

I appreciate your point of view man, well thought out with an educated background but still open to exploring new ideas/approaches. easily the best react channel rn

[@marcfischer5235]

I'm a Cook, we love to de-compose classical receipes to get back to the root & flavor of every ingredient ! Same job ! 😂 Love what your doing! 😉

[@sardjentpepper8897]

keep it up! And never apologize for the length of the video because you aren't drawing it out you're going in depth

[@HoopyFroodood]

9:14 Wow. For your first listen, that was incredible. I have played that back, and will continue. You have an ear on you my dude.

[@grantlease2058]

These videos are getting me through the pandemic. Your analysis and charm is the best. Personally, I'd watch a version of these that's twice as long and twice as in-depth. People watch these videos for your reactions!!

[@Robzilluh]

Your reactions are amongst the best on youtube across all categories. You provide a significant value with your views and opinions. Also you seem like a cool dude. Thanks for the content.

[@briantorsell]

"Our mothers' hearts are 4/4." Beautiful.

[@rwat37]

You've gotta check out Yas by Polyphia. Stunning videography and the song is super tight. Brings in 2 members of Chon who are killer guitarists as well

[@rwat37]

@elchema that’s a good one too

[@purehell5010]

Keep doing Polyphia.... you could go through their whole discography and I wouldn’t get tired of it :) love hearing your knowledge also. Very glad I found your channel

[@cseguin]

The Mars Volta - anything from _De-Loused in the Comatorium_ . . . yep.

[@Panyc333]

So much yes!

[@leviathanlives5016]

Inertiac esp is an amazing song! I love volta!

[@ruks345]

Absolutely.

[@sendtodevnull1269]

What a great album.

[@Duplicitousthoughtformentity]

Great suggestion, here’s hoping he’ll do deloused. There’s so much to unpack tho!!

[@gudiwithahoodie8174]

These reactions feel very authentic and technically in depth without sounding too precocious and snobby. I love watching them ❤️ thank you so much

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Thank you Akash 🤙🤙

[@LaDeCR]

I LOVE THIS! This is sooooooo good - thank you for reacting to this, Geebz!

[@ajadeleye4970]

These are great. We love it when you go long, so keep up the good work! Thank you 🤙

[@stack12190]

Love your videos. You’ve got a real positive energy about you and love hearing your insights. Keep it up!

[@joaonabo1026]

Hey uncle Gee! I've got to say I've become addicted to your reactions. Not only do they feel organic and honest, but they also help me, or us even, to listen to stuff that we've listened to 10 000 times under a different light. Feels great having someone's guidance through the "why do I like this so much?!". Anyhow, would you react to some Leprous? I feel like you'd be delighted by getting to know their work as well. Musical greetings from Portugal!

[@KeyOfGeebz]

I appreciate that Joao :) I'll check out your suggestion. ALOHA

[@iggward5472]

Very happy to have found your channel, as a young musician who is also a fan of most of the bands you've reacted to I am absolutely fascinated by your commentary and enjoy experiencing your point of view as a composer. I'm learning a lot from your videos coupled with extensive research. Would love to see you react to some Deftones. Keep it up (:

[@firezemissiles5731]

Absolutely love your energy man! Keep it going.

[@pagewagley4743]

Between the Buried and Me - Extremophile Elite. Great band, great musicians.

[@Danpool13]

Why you gotta do that to him? Lol. We're not trying to actually blow his mind.

[@Panyc333]

Good one. Also like Selkies the Endless Obsession off of Alaska

[@bobwarren4707]

I just found you the other day and I've watched a bunch of these videos now. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and knowledge. Would you be willing to give some of us other decomposing musicians out here some tutorial on how to count some of these polyrhythms and weirdness? Your ease of explaining some things has been real helpful and I've yet to watch anything that explains what is going on in as simple to understand as your explanations.

[@BearBronson]

Man, I just stumbled upon this channel, and it's honestly the best, most in depth and Knowledgeable reaction channel I've come across. ... Now for a request: Into the Moat: "Prologue..." :)

[@thedan7]

A reaction to “The Czar” by Mastodon would be extra fun!

[@Swollen_Goat]

One if my favorite mastodon songs ever.

[@Growlizing]

Hell yeah, that would be neat!

[@greeksdorok]

Love mastodon and the czar is a nice lengthy song with multiple sections. Cool!

[@RaphaRox]

OH YEAH! Bring in mastodon to this channel!

[@firedragon311]

The solo in this song hits hard

[@joed9020]

Love what you are doing here, I have watched all of your polyphia videos multiple time. Keep it up :)

[@Ninjabob568]

I am impressed at the analysis of their music. Alot of people call it noise, they're technically amazing and so clever with their engineering. They're wizards.

[@justdoum]

Concerning music I am a noob but I really like the way you talk about it and you made me discover something I am really interrested in. I like your vibe and I think that is a good start to my 2021 year. Happy new year everybody and be safe!

[@mtsi21]

I would love to hear you interview Tim Henson. He's a crazy intelligent person but it seems like a lot of the people he talks to don't know how to get that side out of him--I definitely think you could! You should should reach out to him and ask if he would talk with you. Loved this video, I will subscribe and tune in again. Keep up the amazing work, brother.

[@robbiegiesken9237]

I'm sure you get plenty of recommendations for reactions, but Animals as Leaders has some amazing stuff. Love to see it broken down from a composer's point of view

[@Vapid_Idiot]

I'm glad I'm finding more and more reaction channels of people that are knowledgeable in some aspect of the subject and not just full of "that was awesome"s and surprised faces. You should check out some of Unprocessed's music, Polyphia collaborated with one of their songs and Unprocessed by themselves have similar vibes. Thanks for the videos!

[@kenid1087]

When you said "our lives are 4 4" it made so much sense what a fantastic saying .

[@christopherwarren8500]

So before your video played, there was a "Folgers" commercial, and as soon as it ended, you are taking a sip of your mug there. I laughed pretty hard lol.

[@spike32887]

I didn’t know I needed this genre in my life until I heard it the first time and now I can’t go a day without it!

[@jables9976]

Heyo how'sit! loving your breakdowns. In a similar vein to Plini and Porcupine Tree(both of which have opened for this prog powerhouse,) I would love to recommend to you Opeth! Ghost of Perdition and Reverie/Harlequin Forest are two excellent songs by them. Though both are long, the composition is excellent! Happy listening!

[@steveanderson8289]

Great video, thank you! That bass player was definitely tearing it up. Gave me some Primus vibes at times. Thanks again!

[@williamtorbenson5240]

The mark of a good musician is how they induce feeling in their work. I still can’t help but smile when I hear this track.

[@apachekid91]

Absolutely love your take on music. Knowledge,interest,excitement and a kind compassionate heart. Ps. I’m all for the energetic stuff as well! Like us being wired to 4/4 from our mothers heart beat 💗

[@AgainstTheeWickedlyMusic]

Always love Polyphia reactions, and this was great. What a song honestly, that main riff is so addictive. I guess O.D. is an appropriate name hahah. Also, as for suggestions, I'd love to see you take on Den Helige Anden - Vildhjarta, it's mindblowing, I couldn't even do it justice with words. Also, your take on something from the new Ulcerate album "Stare Into Death and Be Still" would be very cool! These videos have been great, and thanks for looking at all our crazy suggestions with an open mind!

[@ihsannabil5172]

I love how deep you get into your reactions. You sound so enthusiastic and passionate in all your videos and that energy has really allowed me to appreciate music on a deeper level. I would love it if you were to react to Kanden by Kenshi Yonezu, he's one of Japan's biggest names in music right now (I think) and he does everything pretty much all by himself. I would love to see your take on Japanese music from a Western pov. I love your vids and you inspire me to be more passionate with the things I appreciate

[@psycheros19]

The arrangement is tasteful indeed. Love how you analyze it!

[@vitalepitts]

So Tim actually typically will create a beat that he then writes around for their later stuff, including this one. Likely that part at the end came before any other part in the writing process, he does a series on his youtube called "How to write a riff" just short little minute long videos where he starts by midi-ing out the beat and the guitar part and then at the end plays it with the beat. Pretty cool stuff.

[@megatryn]

12:56 Was that a sneaky Shaft reference? (Peoples Hernandes, played by Jeffrey Wright)

[@protoolsfanatic7276]

i could never get in to this band or TOOL ect but have a great appreciation for great musicians and these guys are unbelievable.

[@fnargler]

You should check out Artificial Language, and The Human Abstract. Artificial language has a lot of jazz influence and some really interesting piano parts. The Human Abstract composes their songs like classical pieces and transposes it to metal. From Artificial Language I recommend "The Grand Skeptic", "There is no bottom to this" or "Keep Yourself hidden". From The Human Abstract I recommend "Antebellum", "Horizon to Zenith", "Nocturne", and "Mea Culpa".

[@sirbiggithbrian]

Excellent call! Artificial Language would be amazing.

[@dimitriid]

Interesting side not to this one: I believe Tim Henson said that the inspiration for this video and this song was a time when he basically had a really bad trip while using certain mind enhancing substances, thought you might get a kick out of that tidbit hehe

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Ah yes, The HEROIC DOSE trip 💫

[@no_one563]

also interesting fact: Tim henson based this song from a chord progression from a song, then applied an arpeggio plugin and that is how he made this masterpiece.

[@smarshington]

@@no_one563 Believe it was Kanye West - Champion that he based the progression on. Augmented the chords slightly and then ran it through an arpeggiator and tinkered with the results.

[@alexr4273]

@@KeyOfGeebz what's that, like 5 grams or more of the magic ones?? 😄

[@Arazmithin]

Yep, he said that's why it has an "overdose" of notes for everyone involved. Haha.

[@seaniker.]

Your goat video is what got me hooked on your channel. That plus tool. Please look into the mars volta

[@chriswooldridge1301]

Absolutely, the most engaging and insightful reactions on KZbin.

[@weakpotatosauce2370]

dude, I gotta have a laugh, the amount of facial expressions you make is fantastic. Love this channel by the way

[@Loctorak]

Hey just commenting to say nice work, I like this format - I think its really interesting to hear a composer's take on songs like this, and I like your style/casual energy (or whatever you'd call it haha). Keep it up! List of suggestions off the top of my head (please bear with me, there's some really good songs in there!): Periphery: Rainbow Gravity, Froggin Bullfish, Buttersnips, Prayer Position, Alpha/Omega, Ragnarok, Reptile or Racecar; Polyphia: Look but don't touch; Porcupine Tree: Anaesthetise; Tool: Vicarious, Forty-six and Two, whatever... its tool, its all good stuff; Devin Townsend: Wrong Side; Dream Theater: anything. Glass Prison trilogy, Erotomania, Change of Seasons or just make a video about 6hrs long breaking down the entire Scenes from a Memory album, im honestly not fussed 😛; Tesseract: anything from Concealing Fate; Opeth: Blackwater Park, Deliverance, Isolation Years; ------ Bonus backflip of genre ------ Savant: anything from the album Vario, more specifically perhaps Thunderstorm (I think its called), F*** Nexus... sorry I don't know the names of these songs cause I always listen to the whole album, its that good); Skrillex: again im bad with the names of his songs, but whatever is popular cause that'll get more views; and Knife Party: same again. I obviously don't bother to learn names of dubstep songs. I know them by their beats, I guess. Ok, thanks for reading. All the best! 😁

[@parallelearthstudio8385]

Reminds me of : ANIMALS AS LEADERS

[@kanagawakenji7]

Tim learned a lot from Tosin, including the wild rhythms in 4/4 time and thumping techniques. He talks about it from time to time

[@fark3119]

i love listening to the explanations and understanding everything you’re saying, and i love visibly seeing your brain explode while you listen to these

[@helvynn]

Wanted to say, loving the content on your channel so far! Also, Tim Henson posted a video on his channel today talking about how he composed G.O.A.T. and it's something I think you'd be interested in watching as a composer.

[@acmemeatsmoke4865]

"The other guitarist..." Lol. Poor Scottie.

[@theodorsonfors1391]

Man i wish this was my grandpa, feels like he would always be there giving you valuable life advise :)

[@vudacris7783]

"BASS PLAYER IS KILLIN' IT!" definitely my favorite line of this video!

[@RTSRAZORBACK]

When you said about gravitating towards non-4/4 time signature songs, that absolutely resonated with me. Tool, Tesseract and Opeth first got me into this stuff!

[@mikey5234]

Man I’m so happy I came across your channel. You deserve so many more subs! Would love for you to react to the band Car Bomb they are like Meshuggah on turbo. Keep up the great content bro! Love from Australia

[@ratmforthewin]

Great stuff as always Geebz! Please do "Saucy" next!

[@wolandisdead]

You should do CHON “Pitch Dark” or “Ghost” or “Peace” - incredible musicianship

[@szchietzmane6436]

Yess! Chon is really good too!

[@blehm_7403]

Pitch dark is absolutely my favorite of theirs

[@DarkDanteM4]

Waterslide/perfect pillow for me .. or maybe bubble dream for dem harmonics. Or book for Garstka on the drums 😁

[@ZedsDeadBaby117]

@@DarkDanteM4 bubble dream for sureeee

[@joejohnson974]

the entire chon discography is incredible.

[@trevordavis9817]

I love what you are doing. Keep up the great work.

[@clo7245]

your one of a kind sir, super positive and into the modern stuff

[@JohannesPPunkt]

Please stick to those long breaks and keep going into all of the details! Loved this video!

[@UbiDoobyBanooby]

Hey thanks for getting me into these guys! Gotta do Tool’s Pushit from Salival for sure! And my all time favorite and under rated band Toy Matinee, Last Plane Out

[@fozzgeorge]

Mannn this was a great video, nice insight with some real chill vibes

[@Triqkshot]

The drummer is playing all those notes he is a monster. Even the notes that sound like 808s is his drum set.

[@michaelkerr662]

Yo! Your reviews on Polyphia are DOPE!!

[@g0hl]

hey Key, Tim Henson actually posted on youtube not too long ago about how he wrote GOAT as well as OD.... should be a fun analysis for you to watch while he composes it :). Loving the videos, keep it up!

[@thetalantonx]

I've been binge watching your stuff all day, and I feel it's been a good investment. :D

[@adammorris2516]

Just found this content and love it, such a cool take on things

[@JoeDaveycrockettsoundlabs]

Solid breakdown man. A bass student came to me wanting to learn G.O.A.T. and I was like, "soooooo, this will take some work...." We never got there together, but I secretly kept working on it myself and became a huge fan over the last two years.

[@xPandaaaah]

Dude amazing video. Glad I came about this channel. By the way you have this thing about you, you seem very genuine and good hearted. Bet I'm right about that. New subscriber!

[@christiandecker1939]

Thanks for doing this song. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@subliminalcastillo2126]

Dig your channel man, subscribed. I remember Henson when he was just a little lad in a letterman jacket.

[@brandonflinchum12]

I absolutely love your enthusiasm. Nerd out my dude!

[@gabriel_3379]

He’s like a proud granddad who watches his grandsons perform on a school show

[@mtgguiltfeeder4111]

Tim Henson actually made a few YT videos showing how he writes and composes. I highly recommend checking them out (if not for reactions sake, just for yourself) as well as some of his other short music compositions on his channel (Blood moon is amazing). So glad you got to these guys early, they have been one of my go to choices through this pandemic. As a former guitarist, their skill, technique and tones just blow my mind!!! As always thank you for doing what you do!! 🤘🤙

[@ethcuine7030]

Polyphia has been my favorite for 5 years now. Glad to see you review it

[@LeDerpChris]

"That sucked!" Me: O F F E N D E D

[@marshingo5262]

He was talking about the ad lmao

[@kaisermittenburg1640]

This is a great one from POLYPHIA. Would love to see you return to another Periphery tune!

[@MP-yh7jv]

The Odyssey is a phenomenal song...a little but longer but takes you on quite the journey. Singing is amazing and the guitar work is incredible. Lot of classical elements.

[@corygumminger6349]

Symphony X?

[@MP-yh7jv]

Yes. Of course.

[@odintradez4]

Their music touches me the way it does because it keeps me in a place to grow. It keeps you off balnce and outside of a rooted comfort zone. Some smart people believe that this is where creativity and expression LIVE. I;m just a guy.

[@elijiah4631]

If you plan on doing more polyphia (which you should, it's nice to hear a composer talk about them) there are 3 in particular that I would recommend. Goose Yas Look But Don't Touch Great video man 👍

[@clavaery9069]

Hey just want to say I love your videos man!

[@GroundDwellerCam]

This is my first time watching one of your videos. I was asking myself, what does he mean by D.E. Composer? Once you paused to explain the decomposer joke, I had to pause the video as I was audibly laughing at the beauty of that pun and could no longer hear you (WHILE WEARING HEADPHONES!) Bravo, sir!

[@jaynov5878]

Stayed til the end, Loved your commentary.