RAPPER REACTS to Running up that Hill by VoicePlay

[@CynicalTesuji]

Nice to see you back with more VoicePlay! With the quality of VoicePlay's releases over the past year or so, I kind of have to wonder if while everyone's attention was on Home Free and PTX (because let's face it: even if all three are equal in skill, those two groups get far more attention than VoicePlay does), VoicePlay has been quietly transforming contemporary a cappella, with inventive uses of Geoff's subharmonic's, Layne's inimitable vocal percussion, and daring arrangements (created by Geoff or Layne) that constantly push at the boundaries of the genre. The music they have been making is outstanding, and with every video their talent, skills and creativity only seem to grow greater.

[@christopheracall3530]

I really appreciated you saying that Voiceplay has mastered the synth tones, but I would say that Layne's arrangements are lately master classes in vocal percussion. He's stopped being excited about perfectly imitating a drum kit. He's got this certainty that he can do gulps, and pops, and popping never before heard strings of tones, and make it amazing. I think that Voiceplay lately has been doing things at a whole other level. Great reaction!

[@b.buster.]

And Cesar has such swag.

[@alyssadaniels7841]

They have become masters at creating hip-hip/trap/synth beats. Geoff and Layne are a powerhouse together.

[@ljk5464]

You should do a lot more reactions to Voice Play. Eli did a short video A Pirate's Life For Me that day along with Tiki Room. They are amazing! Check out Halo, Skyrim, medly from Greatest Showman. And don't forget We Don't Talk About Bruno. I am the proud owner of Geoff's shirt and wrap...a tip, if you could back up a couple seconds after each pause, too, it wouldn't feel so chopped up. Thanks!!

[@christinestromberg4057]

As you say VoicePlay is unique in what they do in their videos. They are really in a league of their own. It's rather sad that they aren't more appreciated. Their post production and editing skills are just incredible. Patrons got to see how they achieved the look of this, and how Ashley appears to levitate. Incredibly ingenious. :) You're right about Layne. He was a baritone in their original group and the person doing the vocal percussion, Scott Porter I think, left to concentrate on acting, so Layne took over that role. Geoff and Layne do almost all of the arrangements between them, Eli has done a couple and some later ones have another arranger brought in to give them a more up to date feel.

[@Wildecat10]

When asked at the premier, Layne said the arrangement for this came fast - it only took 5-6 hours. Of course, we all love it when he decides to sing! In addition to directing this video, Layne also did some of the camera work. Although he is great with the steadycam (for Pattycake Productions and Geoff’s last two videos) he can’t really do it for VoicePlay since he has to be on camera. And his editing is top notch. Please consider reacting to Geoff’s last solo video, Way Down. In addition to amazing singing, it really displays his sense of humor!

[@allisoncameron-dicker2737]

Enjoyed your reaction. I'm glad that Layne is being recognised as a huge talent. The original bb was Scott Porter.. This performance really shows how talented they are.

[@veronicathunander4579]

I think Layne’s been beatboxing for closer to 20 years, but it’s correct that he didn’t start out as their beatboxer. I think he’s great, though, so creative both with sounds, arrangements and videos! For more Ashley Diane, check out VoicePlay’s versions of “If I were a Rich Man” and “We don’t Talk about Bruno”, they’re both great!

[@Aurora-cv5to]

Great reaction, loved it. Don't know if you listened to the series of minis Layne did towards the end of last year - lots of machine noises/synth sounds/computer themes that had never been through human voices before.... I was rubbing my hands, realizing that no matter what their intention was, Layne was setting them up to all be trained in doing synth etc. sounds, and it was certain to come through in future videos. And now here we are....

[@ilonadever8249]

Great reaction, Rob! So glad to see you back with Voiceplay! I am old and did not know the song or the show. Didn't matter because it's Voiceplay. They are outstanding! I will recommend that you react to their Wicked Medley. Their voices and Layne's beatboxing are showcased to perfection in that one.

[@ljk5464]

Plus, Dream On!! They are my all time favorite Accapella group!!

[@bobkitten8150]

I think Geoff is really able to sound like a base guitar as well as sing, and that along with Layne lays down the background that drives this sound. Cesar carrying the synth sound is so good too.

[@johndeeregreen4592]

I've heard Geoff do some of those bass techniques live. I know there is plenty done in post-production on recorded tracks, but Geoff has the bones there already, so to speak.

[@charmainehudson7660]

Love Voiceplay too soooo epic great reaction g'day from Australia

[@BigGooberful]

You should check out more of Geoff's solo stuff! I suggest High and Dry or Shenandoah, especially if you enjoy hearing him sing higher

[@janetdw]

I love it when we get to hear Layne sing as well. He started out as the baritone, and when Scott Porter left to pursue acting he took over the beatboxing. (You can see them do a brief beatboxing duel in the cover of HALO. Scott and Layne do a little red team / blue team piece where they are competing.) Another commenter once said that Layne didn’t just swallow a drum kit, he also swallowed an alien. Some of the sounds he makes are otherworldly. In Dream On he does this sound that sounds like cockroaches 🪳 skittering across the floor that just creeps me out. A lot of the sounds that sound synthesized have been enhanced by editing but they do make those sounds. You can hear it in a lot of interviews that they do. To really get that synthesized sound you need to go listen to the collaboration they did with Kurt Hugo Schneider. They did a 21 Pilots mashup. It’s on Kurt’s channel, not on VoicePlay’s. He recorded their voices and then he did use the synthesizer to kind of tweak the voices. It’s clearly their voices but he has done some magic there. It’s very unusual and I think you’d really enjoy it.

[@ilonadever8249]

Just came back and watched your reaction again, couldn't help myself! Voiceplay released a cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" several days ago. No makeup, huge dramatic affect emotionally. Geoff's arrangement. You will love it, I promise. And still, check out their Wicked Medley. Subscribed! (I thought I was already, sorry about that)

[@tyghe_bright]

What I love about VoicePlay is their creative arrangements.

[@huldradraco]

When their original beatboxer Scott Porter left the group in 2003, Geoff taught Layne how to beatbox and Layne took over from there. He's developed a lot over the years and has gotten pretty good at it!

[@coffeeandtatuaje]

I live for this one. I hear it in my head all day. I get an ASMR reaction to it, and to We Don’t Talk About Bruno (a surprise to me because I couldn’t get into Encanto) Voiceplay often works that magic for me.

[@despozblehero2262]

I liked the Walkman in the beginning... im old by current standards and I really liked my Christmas present Walkman in the 90s... lol

[@marshayoung9387]

Thank you Rob for a great reaction to Voice Play. Please do a reaction video of Voice Plays version of Dream On by Aerosmith. Voice Plays version is much better than Aerosmith's. Cesar is the one that hits the high note at the end. He is the guy with the big hair. Also Voice Plays version of Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas. They will blow your mind. Voice Play also does The Dragonborn Comes Skyrim. Totally awesome & theatrical. Voice Play also does the Halo theme song Halo from the video game Halo. Please do a reaction video of those two also. You won't be sorry. Thank you ❤️

[@marshayoung9387]

Did anyone take notice the name Voice Play was written on the tape in the tape recorder. Geoff & Layne always pay attention to detail.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Enjoyed your reaction!

[@marshayoung9387]

Please do a reaction video of Voice Plays cover song The Death Of A Bachelor. Only Geoff & Earl in this one. Geoff does the beat boxing. I heard that Geoff taught Layne how to beat box. Layne took over for Scott Porter when Scott left the group to become an actor.