*OLD MAN REACTS* Polyphia - Ego Death feat. Steve Vai *REACTION*

[@jleighwolfe]

Blows my mind when people say there's no feel or emotion in polyphias music. This song also made me emotional. Great reaction

[@x0x0skiller2]

I was literally trying to figure it out, I just don’t get it! I feel like it sounds like training exercises to them and I just don’t see how.

[@Untoldanimations]

it's the compression and quantisation I think. It sounds like it's played by a robot. Steve Vai brings it to life because his playing personality shines through

[@JesseDriftwood]

@@Untoldanimationsyeah I think I that’s true for some people, but to me the power of music isn’t just because a human played it. There are plenty of songs that are entirely “played by robots” that can bring me to tears, and plenty of hyper technical musicianship that I might find entirely uninteresting and even unenjoyable. To each their own I suppose! Though I wish more people would spend more time with more genres of music so they can figure out what it is that draws other people to it.

[@elvisd3947]

Old people only think guitar music has soul and emotion when the guitarists bends from 12 to 14 while making a face as if he has constipation ... boomers man

[@EtopiaCA]

Every bimbo who reacts to them says the same thing because they have surface level knowledge of music and its the only thing that they can express about their music.

[@seanbarker4610]

It is not just the music, but the mutual respect between them is beautiful to see!

[@carlosmirandajr508]

Steve is a guitar monster. His ability to stay up to date is impressive. It's exciting to see him playing with the new generation of great guitarists!

[@Drunken_Hamster]

He and Eminem have the same thing going for them in their respective genres.

[@phizix5023]

I feel the title of the song shows all throughout the video. My favorite part of it above even Vai is how Tim is always the one that gets the notoriety which could certainly lead to a bigger than usual "Ego". Tim steps aside so Scott can finally have his time to shine. Then, of course, you have them playing for the king, Steve, sitting in the throne. If you notice, all three of them in their moments take turns on the throne.

[@moviebad109]

This whole album has felt like Tim wanting to play in the background and give Scottie a lot of lead time. It’s amazing.

[@usuallyclueless4477]

@@moviebad109 True, Scottie has some great prominent parts in this album

[@TheChevorletallday]

I feel the same but also that it’s a bigger picture than that as you say they all sit in the throne for their time and at the end they all unite I think it’s telling us that if you put your ego aside together you can be better if they kept their ego then this masterpiece wouldn’t be possible

[@davidalleyn3357]

Subscribed. Polyphia is full of feeling. I don't understand why someone can't enjoy something like this. I've lost count of the number of times I've listened to this among other songs on the same album. The only way to enjoy it more is to watch others experiencing it for the first time.

[@SaltyReacts]

This track definitely has an emotional vibe.

[@jenniferliu5515]

Yes!!!!!! You’ve finally gotten back to my favorite Polyphia. I LOVE this track and the whole album really. Love this reaction too!

[@SaltyReacts]

Thanks, Jennifer!

[@jaradsage8546]

Steve Vai’s part made me cry first time I heard it. Music brings out the craziest emotions

[@tub3l0rd]

Sound like you had the same experience as all of us dude. Disbelief. WTF is this production and mixing. Steve just stole the show. 10/10. Maths can't count these notes.

[@QuarkGluonSpasma]

That comment about SRV really struck me. He had an amazing ability to flawlessly transition between rhythm and lead licks, and I’ve always felt that Tim and Scott had a similar vein, albeit with a more “methodologically advanced” aspect. That old Texas magic is definitely in that stew somewhere.

[@SaltyReacts]

Well said!

[@Houdm]

It like seeing Steve pass the torch on and showing faith in the new gen

[@anthonyw2605]

I'm excited to finally see these guys this year. My teenage daughter bought me a concert ticket and a cool shirt for Christmas.

[@SaltyReacts]

Niiiiice!

[@MeatballMustache]

Absolutely fantastic reaction! I'm so glad you were able to just get lost in, and really feel the music. It's a fantastic track, and Steve Vai really just brought it up a notch as a whole. Looking forward to the next one!

[@SaltyReacts]

Thank you so much!!

[@eleventhcassette]

You made me emotional too even when I hadn’t heard of Steve until this collab

[@nathantron25666]

I appreciate your emotion!! New school and old school coming together is so beautiful

[@RudyPootMF]

Been holed up in toddler hell for the past 7 years. Just found Polyphia and your channel. Both awesome. Cheers!

[@crickb]

stole my heart too... ever since crossroads I've been in awe

[@TS-ez3rf]

What a great review! This song hits so hard. It dropped the day the storm hit and I truly appreciate everything this song contributes to the future influence of new talent. Absolute musical genius.

[@Fritjof-or7bt]

One of my idols when I was young was Steve Vai. And also listened a lot to Joe Satriani, Tony McAlpine (MacAlpine?), Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen and many more legends. I'm now 49 years old and still love their music and I always will! They are/were amazing! And I instantly loved Polyphia the first time I heard them.

[@autophagyyuu]

I'm late to this video but I just had to mention how much I love the tiny edits you did (with the spinning screen and whatnot) they made me giggle

[@themadcentrist9396]

I'm pretty sure Tim wrote the title. I believe the title is a reference to him swallowing his own ego. The song is in three levels where each guitarist sits on the throne. I t begins with him laying down the melody and structure but the spotlight is really on Scottie and Steve who take the song to the next two levels. The horn at the end playing "Ego Taps" is perfect. If you love al of these guys as much as I do,... and I think you do,.. check out the video of this Steve Vai & Polyphia chat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3ympHh6jNFjr9U

[@RaymondBCrisp]

I've watched a lot of reactors check this song out, but I honestly don't think I've seen anyone enjoy it quite so much. Great reaction!

[@TheHookBoy]

I’ve been waiting for you to do this one.

[@edinshealtiel3754]

That groove ... Sooooo oooooh

[@JesseDriftwood]

Steve Vai’s part hits so well to me. I find the contrast from Tim and Scott’s didddlydoos (which I love) and Steve’s weeping melodies worked perfectly together. It feels like what I think progressive rock should feel like. There’s almost. Narrative structure to the whole thing. Also, great video 🤙

[@matt1er912]

I love your reactions I got teared up watching this I grew up on Vai he’s such a inspiration . And BTW there 7 strings 😊 Vai is on his signature 6 string Ibanez PIA

[@joniturunen9593]

Loved your reaction to the song. I feel this song too. It is beautiful and music crosses all boundaries and strikes straight to emotions. It is powerful, it is beautiflul. Love for you and your family Salty!

[@psionic6126]

Hey there. Came here for George Lucas. Stayed for Polyphia. The moment when Steve came in...man...your face expression says everything. I felt that for sure. Watching you remembering all the good times you had in in life according to Steve Vai's music, is so amazing. How many years just flew through your mind in a just a few seconds?

[@SaltyReacts]

Still having moments over this one ... Simply loved it.

[@Ron-qi8hz]

1:23 Yes! Thank you, Sir. That's exactly how I feel and how it should be.

[@mpkelley20]

No matter how good Polyphia members are, when you get a legend like Vai and such a melodic solo like he did here, it shows you don't need a million notes to sound good. We all know Steve can shred but what he did here fit the song so perfectly. And like you said, he is so emotional in his playing and he is always a pleasure to watch. And while Polyphia are the new guitar heroes, one thing they can't do as well as Steve is improvise. There are some videos of them on stage with Steve and Steve does some improv and then passes to Scott and Tim and there are some rough patches. Very different players but they are all incredible in their own ways. I hope they do more together. Supposedly, Vai recorded a ton more for this song and what we hear in the final version is a cut up of all the stuff he did. Would love to hear all of it someday.

[@jamesbell8861]

From the way that Steve and Tim are talking and the mutual respect that is shared ... I highly doubt that this is the last we hear from these two camps. Steve Vai said in a 'Zoom' chat with Polyphia ... "... the best thing about you guys (Polyphia) isn't the music you're putting out today ... it's the music you are going to inspire 10 years from now." I think the whole bunch of them looked like they were going to cry. There is a very deep and emotional, mutual respect.

[@lixingke06]

This also isn't Steve's part directly as written. He wrote his part and Polyphia edited and chopped it up to fit their vision.

[@IkenFister]

Vais solo sucked.

[@UnGranSaurio]

Are you really comparing a 60s Vai with 20s Polyphia in the improv department? Lol. Downplaying some musicians don’t make others better and I doubt any Polyphia fan wouldn’t recognize Vai’s work.

[@mpkelley20]

@@UnGranSaurio I was just saying that they are very different guitarists and each has their strengths and weaknesses. Never said Henson was better than Vai or vice versa. I used the improv as one of the examples. Tim even said they need months to practice for shows that play the same setlist whereas Vai has been in situations with Zappa where he needed to be ready to play any of 80 songs. They are just different but bring amazing things to each other in this song.

[@capnlongdong1396]

Subscribed. This was a perfect reaction in my eyes. True appreciation of the skill and the music for what it is; great commentary with necessary pauses where you really needed to say something and i really wanted to hear😅 but then you hooked me with your realness. Massive respect to you Mr.Salty, can't wait to check out more from you and catch up with the uploads and community.

[@bryanjonathan407]

i can't imagine the old generation see steve vai in this song its gonna be a nostalgia for them.

[@Coyotecyb]

Yup, brought tears to my eyes too.

[@carafry4606]

Hey Salty! New Year, new name for me. 😁 This band is new to me so I was reacting right along with you. Very different from my usual fare but some very pretty bits in there and undeniably, tons of talent. Thanks for taking me along for ride!

[@SaltyReacts]

Happy new year!!

[@jamesbell8861]

Do you know how I knew you would tear up with this one ??? (I told you ... didn't I ???) Because the first time I heard it I did the same thing. Remember back when PLAYING GOD came out ??? I was concerned as why Polyphia would release their best song first ... I couldn't have been more naive. Each song on this album is a MASTERPIECE. This song holds a special place in my heart but the song on the album that spoke to me personally and viscerally was CHIMERA (ft. Lil' WEST) ... that was the song that tugged at my 'feels'. I don't know if you will feel the exact same but I can guarantee that you will be left in awe ... AGAIN. (9.8 is a pretty awesome way to start 2023)

[@SaltyReacts]

I recorded the reaction yesterday afternoon (Monday Jan 2nd - for future reference for myself). Wifey was home, so I didn't have time to do the edits and stuff until this morning. Let me tell ya -- I have played this song at least a dozen times today.

[@timbo4973]

I love this combination of generations 🤘🏻🥰

[@hitmixhyepock9405]

You should react to Vai's song "Candle Power".....it's crazy. I'm not sad about this, the song didn't sound like a "song song" until Steve started playing.

[@user-wi9fu3fc2l]

nice, right with you man!!

[@baldbearded9601]

Beautiful reaction man.. love it! 👌

[@SaltyReacts]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mooshafesterbone1645]

I think the Ego Death name was more a nod to Steve. Tim Henson has said many times that he grew up on guitar virtuoso music and has massive respect for Steve Vai. The song G.O.A.T was kind of a "we are the best at this" and then Ego Death was more of a "nevermind, don't forget the godfathers of this guitar shit". They weren't killing Steve's ego, they were killing their own. I respect that because no matter how good you get, guys like Steve Vai and Joe Satrini are the OG's and no one should ever forget it.

[@faceforradio894]

Vai played both parts in Crossroads....and Vai devised the first 7-string

[@justaguy6129]

Fun fact: While recording the music for that movie it took Vai several takes to miss a note. Yes, he's so good he struggled to screw up. At first I thought you meant Crossroads guitar festival. All the legends were there.

[@unclefoot]

Awesome reaction Salty!!! I love Steve Vai and what he brought to this arrangement. Sometimes, less is more. That ending where they’re all going off you can still clearly hear Steve’s “voice” carrying the melody through the shredding. It’s a great example of “less is more”. The dudes a legend for a reason lol. Watching you get into this makes me REALLY want to see you react to some other instrumentalists who kinda get overlooked imo. There’s a bunch out there but here’s a couple good ones: John Gomm-passionflower Antoine Dufour and Tommy Gauthier-Spritual Groove John Butler Trio-ocean Their dogs were Astronauts-Contortionist And a crap ton more. Keep being awesome Salty!!! Cheers

[@SaltyReacts]

Thanks, Uncle!! Adding those to my 'to do' list. =)

[@navishadeslayer462]

Polyphia is amazing. I've seen them live and it's so cool. P.S your beard is awesome!

[@SaltyReacts]

Hey, thanks!

[@redheadedneighbor]

Hey, Salty! Great reaction. Steve Vai is someone my husband really enjoys. Maybe I can talk him into watching something I suggest… who am I kidding.. that will never happen. 😂

[@SaltyReacts]

If he is a Steve Vai fan, I have to imagine he would love Polyphia ...

[@redheadedneighbor]

@@SaltyReacts he likes him but is more of a John Mayer and Stevie Ray Vaughan guy. ( if I suggest it, he will never like it. Lol)

[@Aizuru_visualwork]

Its actually the other way around dear old man, its actually Polyphia having their ego dead, because of how massive Steve is in the guitar world. thats why i loved this album, it started with them Playing God, and ended it with Ego Death, realizing they are still human after all.

[@KadenScottAnthony]

Love you’re Polyphia videos solid reaction

[@3ubED]

Just found your channel through the Harry Mack reaction videos rabbit hole. Awesome content across so many genres with honest and from the heart reactions. I will recommend one song that gives me chills EVERY time I hear it : - Dance with the Devil by Immortal Technique Some of the most vivid storytelling ever

[@SaltyReacts]

I appreciate that!! Adding it to my list!!

[@allandriver2066]

Seven's all round. Cant beat a *Drop D". 🤘🇭🇲

[@Drunken_Hamster]

I could die to this song and be okay with it.

[@Johnfromthedesert]

I cried.

[@RambleRiv]

Would LOVE to see you react to "Pete & Bas - Plugged in with Fumez the Engineer" or any of their songs, really. I think you'd have a fun time with them. Really enjoying your reactions! Super entertaining, and easy to wind up binging! Thanks for the videos. :)

[@SaltyReacts]

Thanks, River! I am adding that to my suggestion list right now!!

[@fiddlestix3025]

Loved this reaction and how you were touched by this…it’s insane music and musicianship… Steve’s contribution is just so beautiful… he’s the most humblest of guitar gods 🙏 I believe that both Tim and Scott are playing 7-strings. There is a vid out there on the making of this entitled “Behind the scenes of Ego Death” :) there are also a few vids with interviews of Tim (solo as well as with the band) on Rick Beato’s channel, -always very insightful I find. Hey, I wonder if you have heard of Swedish fusion trio Dirty Loops yet? If not you might want to check out/react to some of their tracks. All three of them phenomenal musicians. Link below. Cheers ☺️🙏

[@fiddlestix3025]

“World On Fire” by Dirty Loops :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnWulpaGqdGcfbc Enjoy ☺️

[@fiddlestix3025]

Forgot to mention: uncanny - the vibes of classical and Spanish music in there, too. And Jon Lord with Deep Purple also came to mind, with their love of classical/Renaissance music…

[@SaltyReacts]

Putting Dirty Loops on my suggestion list. I will never run out of suggestions! Thanks!!!

[@fiddlestix3025]

@@SaltyReacts thanks, and yes, too much good music out there! ☺️🙏

[@HybridCult]

What's funny here is that Steve is known for playing 7 strings but is playing a 6 string in this, and Scott and Tim are on 7s.

[@secretarts]

I love PTX, Home Free, and the rest of the acapella groups but the purity of the instruments is also very very impressive. And to be honored by a great ledgend like this is proof they are not just a flashy thing to the uneducated. IMHO

[@trippynikhil]

This is ego death ❤✨

[@pufferaway]

How's that for the last song of your record? Hope you enjoy a wonderful new year! 😁

[@oscarexcan]

So…you haven’t listened to Steve Vai since Crossroads??? You should, at least, listen to his newest album (Inviolate), and to watch him to play the Hydra (the very unique instrument made for him) at Teeth of the Hydra!

[@ensomniac]

Please react to The Audacity off of Polyphia's new album! Talk about truly next level

[@demonamon7040]

Dude is so sick!

[@lieamblackley824]

Hey salty. Been watching you a while, I’m from Australia and I love your story. Your videos are really great!!! I would love to recommend you a song to react to. Something in the orange - zach Bryan. I’m sure you have heaps to react to as well but I’d love to see this from you. Keep up the great work and keen to see your channel grow

[@SaltyReacts]

Somebody is a mind reader ...

[@TrilogyBPM]

Under 10 seconds in and I'm subbed for your epic beard

[@SaltyReacts]

LOL!! Appreciate that!

[@darthpanda12]

To be fair Steve Vai wrote and played both parts in Crossroads so really he beat himself.

[@SaltyReacts]

Oh damn .. yes yes

[@Gone-Skopity]

You should also react to happy tree friends. It’s just another innocent kid show that I’m sure you’ll enjoy :)

[@SaltyReacts]

LOL!! I will look into that!

[@elcoolhaag7737]

great video

[@bobbarker14]

I had the exact same reaction dude. I'm 48.

[@mikewilliams7218]

Dam. Salty, look at your subs. Good job.

[@SaltyReacts]

Hey Mike!! Hope you had a great Christmas & New Year!

[@mikewilliams7218]

@Salty Reacts The same to you Salty and family, I did. I'm glad it's over though. 🤣😂🇺🇲

[@TorinX99]

Watch the song from them called "Playing God"

[@SaltyReacts]

That was one of my very first reactions!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4S5aYqnYtqDnqM&feature=shares

[@TorinX99]

@@SaltyReacts Awesome. In that case, check out this one, much smaller artist but very good: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJDWamqfZbCtfZo

[@themorbidsymphony]

Steve can do it Cheers

[@SSenderling]

Bro c'mon that was a perfect 10

[@joid1259]

Nice

[@volldrunken2498]

Santa is verry amused . Sorry for Santa but you looks like. i am a German old man my english is so bad.

[@Saiyankev01]

Can you react to a Hollywood Undead song called This Love This Hate ?

[@SaltyReacts]

Adding to my suggestion list!! Thanks!!

[@murphyjay9084]

i think ry cooder did ralphs guitar

[@scottmanring4768]

Yes it’s 7

[@cigarsmokingguyatx]

Great reaction! Good to see people from our generation enjoying newer music. You should also check out the Biggest Shred Collab Song in the World series by Jared Dines. There are some fantastic artists that play on it as well as Tim and Scott from Polyphia. (3 for Tim and 4 for Scott)

[@rickvenlo1362]

Banause

[@baldbearded9601]

Is there a reason why you don't try monetizing the channel through ads? Might as well get paid a few bucks every now and then?!

[@SaltyReacts]

Copyright music makes it inelligible - for me anyways ... Some of my copyright stuff has ads, but it goes to the artist or label.

[@baldbearded9601]

@@SaltyReacts sure but I mean... Tons of reaction channels end up being able to make a living off of it.. and way before having 250k subscribers and so on. There has to be a way for you to keep putting out content while at least monetizing half of your videos to some extent? You have a genuine and authentic personality, which is usually the only thing reactions channel need to succeed. Anyway, keep up the good work man! Music is powerful and it's always great to see someone really feeling it! Cheers man

[@SaltyReacts]

@@baldbearded9601 Seems the big push is to do Patreon and such. KZbin pushes to do channel 'membership'. About the only thing I have done, so far, is I have a Merch store with like 2 shirts or something. But, literally nobody has ever bought one. LOL Live Streams seem to generate a few dollars here and there. And randomly out of nowhere - someone throws out a "Super Thanks". I know it "is possible" to make a living doing KZbin stuff. Not sure I am smart enough to make it happen. hahahaha In the mean time, I will just try to have fun doing it (piss and moan from time to time) and see where it goes. LOL

[@oscarexcan]

And no, Steve OBVIOUSLY is STILL above these guys, yes, he contained for this track because OBVIOUSLY it’s about Polyphia, not him; STILL, those apparently easy, not too fancy things he did at his solo: any very good guitar player will tell you that are APARENTLY easy… but no. He plays simultaneous notes over the last one, he uses this mixed with the legendary control he has over the distortion lever and yes, the last high note he plays is kinda unique the way he generated it. And like I said before: you should listen to him at his new album Inviolate!

[@NeCoruption]

Lol. This is a laughable take