Polyphia - Ego Death (ft. Steve Vai) | Pianist Reacts

In this video I react and talk about the song Ego Death by Polyphia. Polyphia are a band that started as a metal band but have since moved into a more original sound comprising of lots of different styles,. They are known for their very skilled guitar play. As well as Polyphia Steve Vai is one of the all time great guitar players and he joins Polyphia on this song.
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#Polyphia #EgoDeath #learnpiano

[@sugoruyo]

Tim just has that 30% concentration, 30% "hold my beer" and 40% "just vibin'" face throughout this. Dude's comfortable playing stuff that makes you question the biomechanics of human fingers and he's able to just do his thing, chill and enjoy himself. Watching someone do their thing at this level is inspiring.

[@kenyattacoleman7284]

the fact that he's wearing a comfy sweater adds to the "just vibin" feel of his playin

[@BrittanyNgo01]

Funny you mentioned Tim's face at the beginning! In a twitch stream he said he was FUMING because he kept messing up his take since it was the last shot of the day and he was tired. So much so that they almost had to pay more money to stay and shoot longer. But, despite that, he still looks calm as a cucumber lol

[@kylel8605]

Cucumbers have nerves?

[@BrittanyNgo01]

@@kylel8605 old idiom lol

[@kylel8605]

@@BrittanyNgo01 "Cool as a cucumber" Calm implies nerves

[@BrittanyNgo01]

@@kylel8605 I have brain damage so I mix words like that sometimes or remember things incorrectly 😅

[@matticawood]

I’ve can definitely imagine this, I’m surprised his fingers were still able to move at the end of the day! 😂

[@SSenderling]

Steve's part sounds almost proud. Almost like "look at what the new generation has to offer" like a proud father

[@williamwhipple2855]

ikr? It's like he finally get's to play in something he started...lol

[@philliptoole6439]

Though I read an interview with him after they recorded this and apparently Polyphia chopped up his solo (as they often do). He seemed a little miffed.

[@SSenderling]

@@philliptoole6439 oh really do you remember where the article was from?

[@molestotheclown987]

@@SSenderling I think he said this was at the initial stage and they still hadn't met up yet, still sending bits and pieces to eachother. He'd send one thing which he thought was really good, then the band sent it back heavily edited or shuffled around, and he felt a bit "Like why do they want me , if they keep editing what I send them" kinda thing. The collab obviously progressed past that and he said he understood anyway and was really happy with it all

[@bryantherocker]

Nope, it sounds realyy weird

[@Insanebruhman]

the bassist and drummer are a match made in heaven

[@nondescriptcat5620]

held together with Clays.

[@firdauszainudin7118]

Only Clay know Clay

[@Sir.alfred.of.arthritis]

@@firdauszainudin7118 a rhythm structure made of clay

[@owaisahmad8344]

They literally have the same name lol

[@D1vid3By0]

The horn at the end is super cool because of how it ties the album back around. First song was ft. brasstracks so the horn at the end is a cool call back.

[@Shlak-5sj5]

This is the only reaction on KZbin that actually made the song better

[@matticawood]

Thank you! I’m glad you think so 😊

[@astraluniverse5928]

I really liked when they changed the chord progression to that Dm > Bb > Gm7 > Bb on minute 3. It's Hendrix influenced music right there. one of the boys best musical moment for sure.

[@matticawood]

I think it’s always cool when you play a m7 of a relative major because the Gm7 includes the Bb chord, so it feel like the chord isn’t too different but it’s changed colour and turning darker 😊

[@astraluniverse5928]

@@matticawood It's not just that. it's also that they moved away from the descending pattern that ends in a the major 5th chord with that classic latin vibe into a 'major lift' when they move to Bb in the second chord instead of C and I cannot stress how much I personally had enough of these diminished or 7s chords people just shove everywhere these days so I'm very glad (and also not surprised) that they did it on Steve's part and it sounds SO much better than their usual dominant 7 progressions I really think they chewed through by now.

[@Beaufortlawrence]

You mentioned clay(drummer) shadowing the guitars percussive rhythm. Other people don’t do this because they flat out don’t have the competency and capability that clay has on the drums. These guys are masters of their instruments, as well as composition and arrangement.

[@nondescriptcat5620]

it's also composition style. Tim writes most of the rough drum and bass lines in Logic or whatever he uses, then the Clays adapt and develop them into the final parts, so everything is super cohesive, while also incorporating drops and odd hits that only really make sense in the context of the whole piece.

[@Daggroth]

This is what I was going to say! This drummer literally never misses a beat and plays perfect 32nd triplets over and over

[@Motosportz]

there is an 808 drum machine in there too... And a bunch of other studio tricks and techniques. See Rick Beato interview. Fun stuff.

[@lukewilliams2799]

Favourite piece of music for around 5 years , phenomenal

[@matticawood]

I can see why! It’s a great song! 😊

[@DiamondiumJones]

It's pretty neat how the song is set up in acts where the first 3 each highlight one of the guitarists, then have them all come together at the end.

[@transamination]

That chord rhythm you point out at 5:00 is absolutely gorgeous. I love how they only use it a couple of times and don't overdo it.

[@saige374]

First time viewer here and this one of the best reacts to the song imo. The way you got the notes right by just listening is so impressive

[@matticawood]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I know that there are quite a lot of reaction videos so that’s very high praise! 😊

[@Bobbias]

So, typically Tim writes his stuff in a DAW first, outlining the chords and melody, and then he figures out how to play what he wrote on guitar. After he's figured out the rough structure, chords and melody, he brings that to the band and they work out the other parts together. I think that's a big part of why the drums follow the guitar so much: the guitar rhythm is already there when he's working out how to play along with it. Given how much of the rhythmic element already exists in the guitar work thanks to Tim's use of harmonics and other techniques, there's already a lot of rhythm to play off.

[@allengarner2]

Great take! I've listened to this song on repeat so many times it's now rooted in my psyche.

[@matticawood]

Thanks! It’s a great song isn’t it 😊

[@ritwikjs]

the piano made this VERY important in understanding the song. Especially at the beginning when you highlighted the minor flat 5, after the very polyphia i,vii,vi,v, flat 5, i. As someone learning any polyphia song, learning that bass line, chordal backbone, and applying it all over the fretboard BEFORE attempting to learn the specific notes, makes the exercise a lot easier. This was a VERY helpful part for me

[@matticawood]

I’m glad you found it useful!! It’s a tough song for guitarists to learn 😊

[@terdroblade]

@@matticawood Those insane bends at the start of Steve's solo are a technique he literally invented in the last year or two. Cant even begin to describe how difficult those are. He has a video on it on youtube, a good insight on how his brain works and his approach to music and guitar. Highly recommend you take a look, I promise you will enjoy it.

[@SkorpioMusic]

Amazing reaction and breakdown! I like how you make quick and succinct comments without talking for 5 minutes every time you pause. Subbed!

[@matticawood]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it 😊 I tried to balance not ruining the experience but also adding some level of insight 😂

[@beensavage390]

​@@matticawood you do a freaking great job of it. it's the perfect way to do it in my opinion bc as soon as I start to hear the melody start to fade in my head you have added a concrete point and good knowledge and boom it's back to the melody all before its even left my head. very good timing on the pauses and it's always to give us an actual insight on some aspect. my favorite channel I've seen react to polyphia! by a long shot!

[@TrikoVR]

underrated af channel the fact you can decompile the music theory very fast and playback and the elaborate on the different styles is so good this is also my favorite band since album Inspire and they genuinely made me pick my guitar up

[@CarandRacer]

Your channel is going to grow. You have an excellent analysis and ear to boot. Well done.

[@matticawood]

Thank you, I appreciate that! 😊

[@PanickedPocky]

Just your bit at 2:58 makes me want a full piano cover. Oh it sounded beautiful.

[@GastonShutters]

one of the coolest, different, unique, incredible, amazing songs written in the last 30 years.

[@TheOneSoulMate_]

Loved your reaction to this! You have an incredible ear as well. You easily picked up on the notes and structure and all. It’s always cool to hear other people’s reactions. You didn’t take away from the song just added some great comments but kept it moving! Well done! Great energy!

[@matticawood]

Thank you! I appreciate that and I’m glad you liked it 😊

[@IceFoxPlaysActual]

This song feels like the started out intending for it be a riffoff then it turned into a jam sesh and that is soooo cooool!

[@ankurd2889]

from g.o.a.t. to this...i love how they're breaking ground, hip-hop is featuring legends from so long...finally rock is catching...

[@AntSmithMan]

This is just incredible. Really. Somehow I’ve never heard of this group.

[@thecountofangelicislands6183]

When Steve Vai enters the clip it feels like a group of young warriors meeting the legend to join their fight, and they having a conversation at the throne

[@owaisahmad8344]

This whole song just feels like a Power Rangers team up episode, where the old guard meets the new guns and they all kick ass together.

[@regulatormachine2788]

new challengers from the movie Crossroads Steve was in b4

[@lhotsemd]

Loved your reaction. Brilliantly done. On point. No extra drama!

[@matticawood]

Thank you! 😊

[@LeeJCander]

Saw him live a few years back (Vai) it was an unreal show tbf. Him and the musicians that played with him were just so solid.

[@skrypton1k]

That sweep into the pick tap, culminating in the glitch drop is the perfect example of progressive modern fusion. Collabing with steve is impressive just on its own. But hearing Steve's rock sensibilities and melodic interpretation, over a musical device that doesn't normally exude the emotive elements he's using... Is astounding

[@matticawood]

It’s nice to see Steve being able to experiment with these guys, I bet it was fun for him to work with them and such a unique sound! 😊

[@S1lvermoon]

Tim : cool calm cold collected guitar playing machine Steve : sensual showman he’s playing like his making love with his guitar

[@Beingthankful]

men ! this was one of the best reactions i've seen to ego death , and i've really watched a lot of them keep it up ps : pleeaaaaaase react to the album when it comes out on 28/10

[@matticawood]

Thank you! I really appreciate that and I’m glad you liked it! Il check out the album when it comes out and maybe do a video 😊

[@LiQuidQuo]

@@matticawood chimera and bloodbath are sick songs

[@Andy-sl8oo]

Matt changed my life forever!

[@matticawood]

Well..what can I say, I’m glad you came to that conclusion all by yourself 😉

[@EtalonDuQ]

I love your quick intterventions, very efficient.

[@matticawood]

Thanks! 😊

[@toddhill5626]

Great reaction and insight. Love the editing too!

[@matticawood]

Thank you! I appreciate that! 😊

[@thatisxtc]

amazing reaction man. good in depth and you know what you’re talking about and as a guitarist myself it makes me praise you even more🤘🏽🖤

[@matticawood]

Thank you! I really appreciate your comment 😊

[@devinstepp7674]

One of the more interesting reacctions I've seen in a while. The way your able to break down the music onto the keys is really cool to see.

[@oscarpatxot659]

This has become my favorite song from them, for sure

[@matticawood]

I think so too! 😊

[@ascentiall]

I like the way you react and are able to dissect it! Subbed bro

[@matticawood]

Thank you! 😊

[@babelbabel2419]

A great song and a very nice video about it. Thanks!

[@GramadinGG]

This is honestly just such a good fucking song. It's kinda unbelievable.

[@irishboymalloy]

I love your knowledge, it was extremely fun to watch

[@matticawood]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it 😊

[@ga_ts]

Wow your analysis is good. Got you a brand new subscriber. Thank you for the video!

[@matticawood]

Thanks, I appreciate that and I’m glad you liked it! 😊

[@msellers13]

Excellent video! Happy to see a pianists viewpoint. Also, welcome to the point of the song 4:17 hah

[@SergioMoldon]

Steve Vai LITERALLY single-handedly set the standard for guitarists. He wrote and recoded a whole song only by playing with his left hand. rather funny, isn't it?

[@russellward4624]

And a song based on his son's baby talk Yayo-gak, one of my favorites

[@ankurd2889]

americans are jsut really good at showmanship..and with material to back...its awesome...!!

[@mullholand]

One of the few songs that you should watch the video... many songs are just that - speakers - ears - you are good. This one you need to add your eyes to the mix.

[@samarpanwaghmare]

What a Wonderful Reaction! Great thoughts... Subbed!

[@matticawood]

Thank you!!! 😊

[@SDCarlin]

Never seen Slap Gee-Tar before. Tim does it amazingly well.

[@kenyattacoleman7284]

the trumpet is throughout the whole album. the player, Brasstracks, is featured on the first song, Genesis, on their new album so it's only fitting that he closes it out since this is the last track.

[@ditebohodlamini2994]

6:35 "What is that" My brain asked the same thing while feeling euphoria 😭😭

[@tommysk8r94]

I can’t wait for a drum play through

[@skrypton1k]

Oh snap... I never picked up on the fact that they opened using the room mic then transitioned the recording in

[@joshnic6639]

Some of my most favorite lyrics!

[@omnipotentokami8684]

new fav band

[@bikerboi1983]

Its incredible

[@Denovis]

It's a heavy ass chair, and they had to bring it to every place they recorded this clip 🤣

[@matticawood]

I think I’d just settle for an IKEA fold away chair 😂

[@tmdin80]

It's cool...at 1:25 Tim's on the throne doing his thing, at 3:29 Scott's on it. And at the end, there's Steve...and at the apex of the building (roof).

[@SambaPame1997]

You are so genius too❤

[@regulatormachine2788]

6:36 nobody talks about the fact that this note is NOT available on any guitar... how Does he hit that note ?????

[@rinavangkeu5758]

That’s a throne not only a chair bro. I think they mention Steve is a king

[@medusasound7396]

awesome react man! im learning piano so this is perfect

[@matticawood]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it 😊 Piano is the best, it’s very rewarding!

[@chancecherry6055]

Tim explained one time that he creates a beat and the band learns those parts. So clay the drummer transcripts the drum parts from the beat into a tangible thing an actual drummer can play

[@matticawood]

That’s interesting! I wasn’t sure if they wrote collaboratively, but I thought it could be that Tim produces a midi version or something like that! It’s very specific and tight 😊

[@cthulu4774]

@@matticawood their beats usually have simple trap drums and then they send the songs to both the clays so that they can write their parts that fit with the style but can still add the things they want to like hybrid picking

[@IceFoxPlaysActual]

For reasons this song demonstrates I’ve hard some people call guitars a melodic rhythm instrument,

[@goodboychrismas3263]

This dude is going to be know as the best dude

[@matticawood]

Thanks! I always appreciate your comments 😊

[@xRiPw0lFx]

Damn that band is nuts

[@Inferiis]

"At this point it's just showing off" that's prog in a nutshell

[@whizkid357]

Perfection

[@BinkyTheToaster]

Yeah, and notice that it ends with the moon over the head of the trumpeteer. holy imagery batman

[@scraverX]

For me they are showing off stylistic elements with brief transition pieces - rather than a traditional structure. First you have Tim's technical fingerpick, Second you have Scott showing off some of his more Shreddy style from their earlier work, then Finally Steve Vai bringing in a bend and tremelo heavy very Vai style that blends seamlessly. Transitions of course are the whole band with the two Clay's brought out in the mix a little more.

[@jairoalencar3198]

Always I see this video, it make's me feel like I'm in 2030 or more. Polyphia, for me, have this futuristic anime vibe. I mean, you already can imagine flying vehicles on that rooftop.

[@brunoreus9045]

Steve Vai's solo giving me David Gilmour vibes in the beginning

[@emphyriohazzl1510]

The structure with different segments and also the drum echoing the lead instrument (synth or guitar) are typical from j-pop ( dir en grey, malice mizer/moidixmois)

[@ReyDawid]

What does the name Polyphia mean? It comes from the word "Polyphony", meaning "music whose texture is defined by the interweaving of several melodic lines". Playing off this definition, as a band, we capitalize on musicianship and that, musically, each member of the band is a cornerstone of our sound.

[@RogerPham]

its not unplugged, its actually mixed heavily at the beginning with a room mic fading into the actual DI signal

[@matticawood]

It’s definitely mixed, mastered etc. I just thought the footage onscreen is him playing rather than miming like the rest of the video?

[@RogerPham]

@@matticawood its not. The official audio also features the roomy sound from the first riff. You can catch it on Spotify my point is all the riff is from the same input source, he just mixed in a ton of room verb for the first 10 seconds

[@manuramirez1057]

Love it ❤

[@SaGeOwL4891]

The whole song is just to summon the trumpeter

[@matticawood]

…and it’s worth it 😉

[@JoshuaChauu]

Please make a cover on this song! Love your videos!

[@Paolomusic89]

This was awesome, please do a piano cover!!

[@matticawood]

I might do that 😊

[@meazmo]

Not a chair, a throne

[@itssortofmusic2317]

my man said (3:30) "Love the structure" .... There isn't any ( I mean that the song does not have logical progression and is more about the music itself)

[@mattharris2398]

This band has the ability to make 1/4,2/4,3/4 feel like its all 4/4 if you know you know.

[@timetellnolies9425]

Ngl I love their songs and their like atstic

[@raygun1414]

Honestly the best reaction/review of this song. The way that you noticed small little details and nuances throughout the song is so satisfying. Hopefully you do more metal/metalcore or any other subgenres of it like this one in the future!

[@SSenderling]

Most drummers don't do that more often because it's really hard to do well

[@russellward4624]

This is the last song on the album and the first song apparently opens with the trumpet, so it's a bit of a book end for the album.

[@matticawood]

It’s a very clever device to make the album cyclical! 😊

[@Tagiau]

Brasstracks tied the entire album together perfectly.

[@mateOriginal]

Full Piano cover when?

[@matticawood]

Maybe….I should 😉

[@samarpanwaghmare]

@@matticawood Yes, Please!

[@kennyhall6210]

I love your shirt sir.

[@kerbi0207]

Is it just me or Mat actually accelerated the music speed a bit, like 5% or something.

[@saltesh2861]

Nice reaction, British Ryan Gosling.

[@matticawood]

Il take it! 😉

[@parabolix01]

That top D part was 🤌and the whiny sounds that Steve played wooooooooooooooooooo

[@jenniferroselynn]

I don't think I was able to close my mouth properly the entire time. Jaw drop mode enabled...

[@quackers3198]

Steve Vai be like: I don’t need to show any expression at all because I’m so cool! Others: I am nothing compared to Steve Vai (aka Guitar god)

[@mainakmaiti1534]

VAI GOD bro VAI GOD!!!!!!

[@moktan289]

3:02 Piano needs Jacob Collier's harmonizer to be able to do that or come close to that guitar sound 😂😂

[@LeeJCander]

Love you to react to Guthrie Govan, especially with Hans Zimmer.

[@bansjoslave2]

The instruments are tuned down to a D tuning to get the harmonics to match.

[@KevinLee-jc6or]

when you don't have enough budget and so the background is in an abandoned building.

[@Iso-terrybird]

🔥

[@adventofknowledge]

I believe ego death is essentially "Hello im post modern guitar, are you ready?" lol

[@woolfel]

fun fact, Tim is playing ibanez steve vai 7 string guitar :)

[@matticawood]

That’s so cool! Imagine playing Steve Vai’s guitar! I knew Tim is associated with Ibanez, I wonder if Steve is too?

[@woolfel]

@@matticawood steve has been an ibanez musician since the 80's

[@sabutm5931]

my toxic trait is thinking i could KINDA do this.

[@marcsiswanto]

You should react to Polyphia - The Audacity feat Anomalie 🔥