Old Composer REACTS to THE CONTORTIONIST - Language I: Intuition

[@KeyOfGeebz]

I just wanted to follow up on this by saying that I listened to it a few more times and I'm just beside myself with the total presentation from production/engineering to musician performance!!! THANK YOU ALL FOR SUGGESTING THEM!!! 🤙🤙🤙

[@mebbin]

Right? It's all so crisp and BIG

[@dankmeme5196]

listen to both parts at the same time

[@gamefreak249]

This entire album from beginning to end is a masterpiece!

[@WP_DIYEverything]

Give the whole album a listen. The song stands on its own well, but its an art piece meant to be consumed as a whole.

[@t0nyp0rter]

Like I said, new favorite band for me.

[@DarrinWiley95]

This album helped me battle my alcohol and cocaine addiction along with drift by erra I’m 6 weeks away from 3 years clean. Music is so therapeutic. I owe a lot to those two albums.

[@PlumpPotatoRump]

Mind if I ask how you're doing over a year later?

[@DarrinWiley95]

@@PlumpPotatoRump coming up on 5 years clean.

[@duncanmaclennan4230]

@@DarrinWiley95 legend

[@jordanheath2708]

I grew up with this band in Indiana. Played tons of shows with them. They always stood out as being insanely technical but once they got signed, they just took off into the stratosphere. So happy to see them getting so much love.

[@seth_fed]

I cannot explain to you as a random 23 year old from Oregon how much I fucking love this band

[@michaelhughes7809]

The “rediscovered” version of this is incredible.

[@Koivisto147]

Was just going to comment this. It's them at their best.

[@heardlessmusic]

Yeah i prefer that version tbh

[@speakersr-lyefaudio6830]

Ikr

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

Straight up the rediscovered version is unparalleled

[@michaelhughes7809]

@@douglasmurdoch7247 All of the rediscovered tracks are great. The Parable is otherworldly.

[@interruptVEKTOR]

You don't necessarily have to react to it, but don't forget to listen to this back-to-back with Language II for the whole song. Thanks for what ya do and keep it up!

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Ah yes, I knew that there was a part 2 to this - Most def checking it out for sonic closure :) 🤙🤙

[@interruptVEKTOR]

@@KeyOfGeebz Finished the video, definitely agree that the composition and production behind this band is really something else. Language I+II is probably always going to be their masterpiece for me. As others have already mentioned, they're tremendous live too. I saw them for the first time in 2015 when they opened for Between the Buried and Me and Animals as Leaders. BTBAM is permanently in contention with Opeth for my favorite band of all time, but The Contortionist was truly the best set of the evening. I'd also definitely recommend (if you get some time) to listen through their next album Clairvoyant all the way through. The album wasn't received as well as this one since they turned almost entirely away from the heavier sound (they used to be more like progressive deathcore), but as an "album experience" I think it's their best. Cheers!

[@vannanalabomba]

Please do the 2nd as a reaction. No obligation, but it would be loved

[@quinforte7731]

Same, the transition between the 2 parts is so smooth. It’s awesome how they flip the vibe so effortlessly.

[@santastolemyshoe]

@@KeyOfGeebz please post a review of it!

[@matteobonfadini793]

Finally! Best live show i’ve ever seen was The Contortionist, seemed to be in another beautiful dimension. Thanks for this!

[@jasonlovesmusicreacting882]

Yeah man, when did you see them?

[@SelcraigClimbs]

@@jasonlovesmusicreacting882 for me in july 2019 UK. They invoke some abstract feelings with all the tasty ass grooves.

[@matteobonfadini793]

@@jasonlovesmusicreacting882 i saw them 2 times here in Milan, Italy. Very small venue, but it was hands down the best show I’ve ever seen

[@brandwill150]

I also saw them with devin townsend in March of last year, just before the lockdown. They were amazing!

[@TrevIEnt]

@@brandwill150 I went to go see a show for this tour. The luck I had was truly terrible. I showed up before doors but almost missed The Contortionist entirely (I caught the end of Language II) because the lineup wouldn't adhere to any instructions involving ID/belongings.

[@Zachary_Sweis]

This is my favourite album of the last 10 years.

[@jaxchancellor4907]

My absolute favorite song of all time!!

[@nonholographic]

The singer on this album is actually a replacement for the original and this is his debut album with them. It's centered around remembrance of his childhood friend who passed away from a drug overdose and trying to convey the beauty and positive nature of the relationship between mother and son (hence mother sun). The followup album, Clairvoyant, is a more melancholic and grief stricken theme about the death due to him realizing that writing Language was not therapeutic enough to help him cope on it's own.

[@myfistsbleed]

Interesting.. I thought it was the same vocalist? I heard him respond to criticism of Clairvoyant that it wasn’t heavy enough. He said he just sang to the music that they played. It wasn’t his idea

[@franco.jonathan]

@@myfistsbleed Exoplanet/ Intrinsic - Jonathan Carpenter Language / Clairvoyant/ Our Bones - Micahel Lessard

[@Lockn3s5]

I thought that was the focus of Clairvoyant because of how somber the melodies are. Language seems like it's more optimistic.

[@luciousbarber2119]

they had a singer before Jonathan too. shapeshifter ep was my first introduction to this band

[@PleaseForgiveYourself]

@@luciousbarber2119 dude don't make me feel old ...haha

[@ThatRedHusky]

This whole album is an absolute masterpiece. The moment I heard it for the first time I knew it was something special. The pacing is something to behold, second to none.

[@Heinrick192]

You've GOT to listen to the whole album on your own! Language is an absolutely phenomenal album.

[@Koivisto147]

we must petition for more Contortionist

[@invocant8563]

Yesssss, he found The Contortionist! Tracing their whole discography starting with Exoplanet, it's incredible to hear the evolution of their sound. They cover an insanely wide range of musical elements. Edit -- Since you mentioned your love of the pads, you absolutely must check out the intro to the Language album -- The Source. It's a prime example of beautiful sound design. Also, I'd kick myself if I commented without recommending Wintersun - Sons of Winter and Stars (Time I Rehearsals Live at Sonic Pump Studios). Absolutely ingenious songwriting.

[@MrNikolidas]

I used to work out just playing Exoplanet from start to finish.

[@dima_r6]

+1 for Wintersun @sonic pump studios

[@alondite215]

Exoplanet is bonkers. Killer record.

[@alejandrocastillo6664]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF7VpHacp9yoqpY

[@kylelyons6088]

I love Appiritions the most personally, as its the first I had heard of them (predator is a fucking JAM). But their evolution is great i agree

[@muaddib4329]

yeah when this record came out I had it on repeat for so long. The second to last track "Ebb and Flow" has one of the most beautiful endings of any song I've ever heard. So good it even got praise from some friends who usually loathe metal.

[@athingiemuhwideget]

Ebb & Flow is a masterpiece!

[@Headlessthirst]

They have such an alien background noise @ 11:40 - 11:46

[@ianflores7500]

honestly one of my favorite albums of the last decade. highly suggest listening through the whole thing at once. it’s full of hidden motifs and melodies that sneak in through the project, and it’s just a polyrhythmic masterpiece. really goes along with the theme of cycles and nature ebbing and flowing back and forth on top of each other.

[@stcmattb]

well said! one of my top favs as well

[@samuelroberts4323]

100%

[@TheWitness369]

This whole album is based on a book and spirituality. Basically this song is about the fact that people aren't separate from one another, we're all a part of the universe as a whole expressing itself. We're the language in which it speaks.

[@CoolHandLulu87]

It's so fucking beautiful. ❤ 😭 💔

[@mendozosa]

Where did you get that info????

[@TheWitness369]

@@mendozosa listened to it on mushrooms 🤣, found the book researching the term "mother sun".

[@ScottNetherstone]

The drummer is amazing for placing the snare wherever he wants, and not just at the typical spots. He creates amazing punches on and around the guitar chord hits. This is before his marching snare thing.

[@drummeralex9198]

With the exception of the fills, the snare is always on 3.

[@killianodwyer6507]

Language is one of my favourite albums ever. It literally takes me to another planet. Dynamics from every individual member, the atmosphere the music creates and just how natural the mix sounds and feels. I think I'll listen to it forever!

[@liamnissanS2K]

I'm addicted to these reaction videos. I love seeing the gears turning. It's like I'm experiencing It for the first time again.

[@stevemuzak8526]

The Contortionist lead singer Mike Lessard is an amazing guy. He really explore the space. This band is absolutely brilliant.

[@sikimagery]

Welcome to The Contortionist! One of THE MOST underrated bands out there. The last 3 albums are ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL. Looking forward to you doing more of them.

[@scotttimler724]

Nice choice! How bout Leprous, The Sky is Red?

[@b03y]

Yes!

[@davidgonzalez3252]

Yes!

[@MrDirtyVirus]

THIS

[@funnyperson4027]

please such a good song (basically all of their stuff is)

[@youtubeuser4943]

I've had a couple vocal lessons with the singer and some guitar lessons with one of the guitarists, and they really do care about the writing process a ton which is awesome to see

[@EatBred]

I just heard this for the first time.....my jaw is on the floor.

[@justynsullivan507]

Such an immensely talented band. Hoping for a new record from them in 2021

[@michaelzamora8056]

I remember the first time I heard this was watching them play it live right after the album came out, in a small room in Santa Cruz. I was about 16-17. It was one of the best shows I've ever seen and this song literally opened my musical third eye

[@AustinJSchaeffer]

oh hey, I recommended this! Thank you!

[@KeyOfGeebz]

No problem!

[@AustinJSchaeffer]

@@KeyOfGeebz Just finished the video, glad you liked them! Great analysis/commentary as always.

[@zanderbastedo8914]

So did I! Such a great band/song

[@wesleythomason7245]

Thanks, I've never even heard of these guys. HOW have I missed this?!

[@Undecidedable]

The Contortionist is one of my all time favorite bands. Exoplanet and Language are perfect.

[@JaJaJonnn]

I hope you get to see them on this current tour!!

[@camasaurus789]

Clairvoyant is amazing too. I didn’t really get into it first but recently listening to it it’s actually a masterpiece

[@michaelhubbard5013]

The Contortionist is the single band that I've seen the most, made the most effort to see them since they released Language. The bass player was in another amazing Prog instrumental band for a little bit Scale the Summit. Scale the Summit has self-described themselves as 'adventure metal', and I'd love to see your reaction to them. A few personal favorites I'd suggest: The Great Plains, The Levitated, Odyssey, or Willow.

[@xraydelta]

I grew up in Houston going to all the STS shows at Fitz! I second this and your suggestions - Geebz would enjoy The Great Plains, The Levitated, Whales, Atlas Novus, etc. No need to really go past The Migration in their discog IMO.

[@noahhonkanen2090]

I may be basic, but I feel like Atlas Novus is their best song. So Magical haha.

[@xraydelta]

@@noahhonkanen2090 Hey man nothing wrong with that. If you were introduced to them around The Migration I can understand why, it's a great song.

[@dylanstice5980]

Thanks for the suggestion. I just found The Contortionist last year and its almost all I've listened to since I found it. I've never heard anything like it and it was like stumbling upon buried treasure.

[@drummeralex9198]

On this album, the bass player is the guitar player. Jordan had only done the bass solo in Thrive, later joining the band completely. All the bass playing on this album is Baca.

[@coltenstephenson1680]

I'll never forget the day I saw them play this song live. I have their mother son emblem tattooed on my stomach. One of my favorites bands of all time. Their progression from start to now, is insane. Two different bands.

[@arthurguillermo]

Love The Contortionist! Definitely Check out their newest album Clairvoyant

[@123fiona456apple789]

Among my favorite albums.

[@Besyl]

Watching the discovery creep across his face is awesome. This band is so friggin' good.

[@dekadenser]

The Contortionist are amazing! Such journeys all of their albums

[@Cornchps827]

Put on headphones. Sit back and listen to Godspeed by the contortionist. Smoke a blunt... life is good

[@ProgressiveMetalist]

I highly recommend Holomovement by The Contortionist. It has their older singer, but its super dynamic production-wise

[@theruleofthree]

I’m so grateful to you for doing this song. I’d suggest “Return to Earth” and also “Primordial Sound” for more.

[@KyleS.1987]

"Return to Earth" is such a beautiful song.

[@Jepie]

This song is just… perfect.

[@JasonCoverstone]

You should give Extremophile Elite by Between the Buried and Me a listen! :)

[@lungfulldrummer8921]

Definitely waiting for him to do some btbam.

[@barrettKiwi]

Glide + Voice of Trespass would be good too.

[@mrschneebly9691]

Absolutely Extremophile Elite needs to be checked out. Everything by BTBAM is great, but I feel like that song's a great introduction to their composition style.

[@taylortownsend1111]

I am biased but Astral Body is what got me into BTBAM and I'd love his first reaction to that

[@Aaron-er2rh]

THIS THIS THIS 1000000X THIS!

[@tagtag123]

Amazing song to choose, you should do Language II: Conspire to see how much that song contrasts with this one, and harmonizes with it as well.

[@jeremyford2857]

This song means so much to me. It's about his friend who died from of on herion

[@bknight3391]

Definitely an amazing band in terms of arrangements, engineering, musicianship. One of my favorite bands of the last decade. I'm always struck by the drumwork, especially, when I listen to them. There's an absolute goldmine of material in their catalog for the kind of videos you do.

[@Kuhlt]

Love this band, happy to see your reaction to them. I love the rhythmic exchanges between the guitar/bass/kick and snare at 8:00 separating, meeting together, and then separating again. As well as the almost dragging or pulling feeling in the section after that with the bass/kick and snare time signature

[@Ryo7_7]

One of my top favorite new bands. Such well written and inspiring songs that transcends the mundane.

[@mariamerigold]

Your reactions of this band are amazing. They confirm the emotions I've felt about their songs for a long time ☺️❤️

[@HoracioAmiritoDiaz]

You're totally about that section having an underlining Eb as a constant.

[@lalainaichane319]

Eb(b) and flow :)

[@myklelara]

This kind of community is another reason why i love these channels haha

[@holyshiet787]

Just recently heard Dire Straits Money for nothing, and the ambiental intro really reminded me of this song. I can see the influence

[@PGWilson007]

Yess, that's a great song this one 😀. Next have to be David Maxim Micic - Where Is Now

[@noahhonkanen2090]

YES! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIWmf4WBocyEjtk

[@static_motion]

Or Smile!

[@PGWilson007]

@@static_motion yeah smile would be good too

[@M1XEDBAG]

This is my first time hearing this song. The mix is incredible. edit: these guys are in a league of their own... wow

[@karl00l]

One of the greatest tracks of all time!!

[@capostatus937]

Language was an amazing album

[@perhvarnes]

Still is 😉

[@guitarkid2184]

Lets gooooo. One of my favourite albums of all time! I hope a video for part II comes soon.

[@tiago2336]

Bro you are just an awesome nice guy, I have been a guitarist for over 20 years of my life and even though I know most of what you are saying by myself, it's so nice to hear someone else's opinion, when a person does it like you do. Also I think it's so cool, considering your age and everything that you still have such a young spirit and vibe. I would love my dad to be like that. Also you don't even get paid. Keep doing what you love, with the quality that you already do! Big hug.

[@cesararias4633]

I see you have already reacted to Haken and now The Contortionist, so for the next step I must recommend Caligula´s Horse and Leprous! Much love from Barcelona!

[@mr.steinhaus6014]

You’ve got good taste! All excellent! Caligula’s Horse GRAVES next!!

[@itsthisguyNeil]

They are also AMAZING live, definitely a band that uses lights, movement, and spatial awareness to give a full experience. It's the closest thing to sober acid I've ever experienced. Then the hard parts kick in and it pulls you back in. Amazing band, amazing music.

[@Headlessthirst]

Dude. You're the King!!! When I took History of Rock N Roll 10 year ago in high school THIS IS WHAT I WANTED! I didn't really want the history (although admittedly it helps me understand and appreciate this more as well as taking music theory 10 years ago) all that to say. I was so disappointed in History of Rock N roll because as a dull sophomore in HS I just wanted a bad ass dude/mentor who understood music who could listen TO and ENJOY the shit I liked and could break it down for me on higher levels. YOU ARE THAT MAN! I just broke down in tears writing this. You are the teacher I never had until now.! ROCK ON MUSIC LOVERS!!!!

[@buttoningbenjamin5687]

Looking back, this is one of the standout prog-metal tracks of the 2010s. A true masterpiece.

[@timpalmer2216]

To get the full impact of this you really gotta listen to Language I & II together, it's a lot of fun

[@chrisstrohman4131]

This whole album is an absolute masterpiece. By far my favorite record of all time no questions asked. Ebb and Flow followed by The Parable is an auditory journey from the mind of a musician/producer

[@LabGoats]

Oh hell yeah, dude! Definitely listen to the rest of this album. It changed metal and helped set the stage for up and coming bands like Spiritbox.

[@vandal214]

my fave band of all time tbh

[@HoracioAmiritoDiaz]

I know anyone is telling you to watch part 2 (find the video link that has both versions combine because they flow into each other) but I recommend listening to the acoustic version of this song.

[@derricktipps9867]

Good, good choice!

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Thanks Derrick!

[@derricktipps9867]

@@KeyOfGeebz dude, I work in landscaping throughout the year and do snow removal in the winter. There hasn't been much snow. I've spent a lot of time with my guitar recently, discovering new music and rediscovering favorites vicariously through you. Thank you, man! Here's one for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpXCZWlnj9d9mJo

[@Cold417]

I highly recommend 10 Years - The Autumn Effect (the song) as one of your next new experiences. It's very dynamic.

[@Swollen_Goat]

If you do another Contortionist video I highly recommend Reimagined or Return to the Earth. Their newest album "Clairvoyant" is probably one if my favorite albums of the past 20 years. I've listened to it so many times through start to finish and it never gets old. Such a masterful conveyance of emotion and skill and presence.

[@Headlessthirst]

Dude you are freaking wicked for taking on all of the sickest music we throw at you!

[@blakeu8547]

Also if you want something in somewhat of a similar vocal vein to this you should definitely check out everything all at once by sea in the sky!

[@jimiboii209]

I remember when this came out. Was worried about losing the lead singer/keys player but this was amazing. Got to see them at the ace of spades with asp and cftg

[@_scions]

I was literally just singing this in the car and popped this video up in the parking spot... Hahaha

[@vannanalabomba]

But you cant stop their 2 movement song at the best spot right when it gets insane 🥺

[@AdamShepard]

lyrics are absolutely crucial on this album, heartwrenching

[@transmundanemusic]

This song is just.....beautiful. Love your channel, happy to have found it. Keep up the great work!

[@jakesklodowski9321]

So happy you reacted to this, probably my favorite album of the 2010s tied with Fear Inoculum. I got go to VIP show for the contortionist and got to meet them, all super super nice

[@jordanmuller2735]

One of my favourite bands!

[@1dudecrush]

I love this song so much. Easily one of if not my absolute favorite bands.

[@cameronberry457]

Bossk - "Kobe". A great build to have the cleans into more crunchy sounds.

[@kylenash7746]

Return to earth by the contortionist, you gotta listen to it man.

[@bentaylor8589]

Afrika by Russian Circles :)

[@Alec987]

Russian Circles is rad

[@nickhaas9185]

**by Toto

[@tephrosisOfficial]

High taste bro, Russian Circles is awesome. Geneva is my favorite.

[@drummer265]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the song "Feathergun in the Garden of the Sun" by the band Rishloo. Kinda Karnivool-ish sounding.

[@BlindSniperz]

I've been suggesting Rishloo along with a few other people. Think he would enjoy them

[@Rxbandit421]

Haven’t heard that name in years damn

[@sgtstank]

Another bump for Rishloo

[@Abaddonian]

landmines

[@Snewman513]

Killer album!

[@caseymclane1972]

Their song 'Return ro Earth' has some of the best keyboard/sound design work I've ever heard

[@cdsackett]

Words can't express what this song does to me

[@LockhartsPowerhouse]

Belakor Venator Absolute masterpiece gives me goose bumps from beginning to end!

[@Aroniyun]

Hurray! Another one of my favorites. I enjoy seeing your enjoyment of these songs.

[@frothycarapace969]

The next song it flows into on the album is fantastic.

[@mandala_skies]

Eidola - Compromisse is face melting!!!

[@marksummers666]

The way they mess with time, especially the drummer, on this song is just wild.

[@13jcolvin]

This band is so good! Glad to see you react to it 👍

[@dclarkmusic]

I love this song! It goes straight into the next track in a really wild way on the album too.

[@jashobeamZ]

Maaannn, The Contorionist is one of my top 5 bands of all time dude. such a sick track and band!

[@adriamolist354]

Yes!! One of the best albums of whole time for me. Clairvoyant is good too, but this album... Is something more than music.

[@scottyelverton4885]

First time ive heard them. Im hooked. Very good group.

[@MJ-vd8bj]

Yes this band is incredible! mindblowing musicianship with memorable songwriting the perfect combination. But it doesn't feel right listening to this without the 2nd part haha. Next Leprous and The Ocean!

[@dalianmoya]

MY FAVORITE BAND YES

[@thomasofearth3183]

This band is such a beautiful, divine channel from the creator. They have helped me immensely through some tough times. Their compositions tend to touch a part of myself I cherish so much. Absolute musical magician. Thank you The Contortionist.

[@prodchronic]

Their live shows can get pretty intense but I will say they are some of the best live musicians I have ever had the pleasure to see. They put a lot of effort into the live shows

[@dalianmoya]

i saw them 7 times in one year. absolutely incredible.

[@duanem.5738]

I've never heard of this band but thank you to the subscribers for recommending it to the Decomposer. I've got a new rabbit hole to get into!

[@gauntlet09]

Saw this recommendation in a comment on one of your other videos a while back... couldn't click fast enough, stoked!

[@IAMMASED]

SUCH A GREAT ASSESSMENT OF THIS SONG... I FELL IN LOVE WITH THESE GUYS FROM THE FIRST TIME I EVER HEARD THEM... JUST BEAUTIFUL SOULS... AMAZING MUSIC...

[@HappyBungee]

Big fan of the contortionist! Super underrated in the progressive metal scene imo