Classical Composer Reaction/Analysis: REN - The Tale of Jenny & Screech - The Daily Doug (Ep. 616)

[@Malfehzan]

Jenny and James are "standard" names for orphans, a bit like John/Jane Doe for unknown deceased persons.

[@oh_meghann5777]

I was wondering if it was something like this

[@lenechristiansen2663]

Thank you for that information. This rabbit hole is also a teaching proces in english for me. Love from Denmark. Lene/🇩🇰

[@LuxFuxx]

Why the fuck does everyone comment this. 1. No. 2. It doesn't make sense. 3. Where did you read this?

[@theresaespy5484]

I haD no idea thank you for that info

[@robmarar]

Ren calls this style of music Bardcore (like the bard Jaskier in The Witcher but in modern times) and here's the origin story of the trilogy 🤩😁🤯 This wasn't originally a trilogy story. Ren read a small article in the paper about a 14 yr old boy killing a young prostitute with a knife, in an attempted robbery. Knife crimes had been skyrocketing in London at that time. Later that same evening the boy had been shot and killed by the police . This disturbed him, so he set out to write a commentary, but not just on senseless violence, but also on how desensitized we've become to it. The words he ends both Jenny and Screech's Tales with speaks for itself. "It's such a Shame" we say these words all to often, and just move on without a second thought. The the lead inspector at the scene said " So Young, It's such a shame". Violets Tale was written over 2 years later adding yet another layer of commentary by Ren. He wanted us to consider not only generational violence but to make us look at all angles of society that we turn a blind eye to Domestic violence/child abuse & homeless youths. Both characters are born out of violence on that cruel night and then both killed with brutal violence on the same evening 14 yrs later. Also, his lyrics have even more meaning when you read in between the lines. For example he doesn't say what Jenny was doing or why she wanted to escape from this place & life, or why Screech thought she was older then himself by saying at Patrick's door "I left this lady lying on the floor". Could it be the way she's dressed & her heavy makeup? Also why is a 14yr old girl out so late at night alone in a sketchy area wearing high heels & thats "she's walked it a thousand times before" everything points to Jenny being an underage prostitute, showing us what Ren writes has reason & makes us think. There's no fat on the bone, every word is weighed & has meaning. Also, how can both these siblings be so cursed? Jenny has the same traits as her mother Violet, quiet, voiceless, and timid. Where as Screech mirrors his father Stevie in every way, Loud, obnoxious, and easily prone & provoked into violence. They didn't know one another and had never met their biological parents. What made these kids so much like their parents? Was it simply Nature, inherited traits due to their genetic make-up OR Nurture, being brought up in the broken governmental system filled with, mistreated & in many cases, abused children? He organically takes us on this journey, leaving us to think shouldn't we be doing a better job in this so called "advanced, wealthy, 1st world society. Cheers 🥂

[@davespicer3647]

Beautifully done writeup.

[@MissMeKate]

I haven't heard anything about the boy being killed by the police in the story Ren read. All I have seen Ren say is that he read about a 14 year old boy who had stabbed a woman and then invented the rest. (It would be highly unlikely for a young boy to be killed by our police.) Would love to read/watch him discuss it in more detail if you know where you saw it?

[@sammyd8860]

Loved your commentary @robmarar. The trilogy is one I shy away from (I really can't cope very well with violent imagery0 but I really appreciated your insight. Thank you

[@jonnylumberjack6223]

@@MissMeKate Yeah, police are not armed in London, generally speaking! There was no 14 year old shot by the police in London, didn't happen. If Ren did take the shooting from a real life occurrence, that happened in the good old USA - Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice were both very young.

[@duanehirini2078]

History of Tragedy. 1. Iliad. 2. Romeo and Juliet. 3. Japanese manga. 4. Ren.

[@TornSoul062473]

If I had to pick one song I think you'd appreciate the most, it would have to be "Chalk Outlines Live w/ Chinchilla." No big producer, no A list music director, no big production and sound stage. Just 2 indie artists, a guitar, and a hallway with great reverb. That's it. It's a fucking crime this duet hasn't gotten multiple awards. It's one of the best duets I've ever heard. You will not be disappointed.

[@markwilson7013]

Chalk Outlines is great (and the one I'd listen to first), but I think How to be Me (live) is as good or better. Its truly haunting, and the end gets me more now I've heard Suicide.

[@twistedpixel756]

@@markwilson7013 They're both excellent, and I feel Doug would really enjoy picking them apart.

[@tonyjames9016]

Chalk outlines will blow you away. Agreed. ❤

[@jbentz1966]

Excellent review. Doug. Was an amazing twist at the end. Thanks.

[@Lulabee2024]

I concur!

[@CristiNeagu]

When he sings "She never stood a chance" it just breaks my heart. Incredible delivery.

[@marcatkinson4149]

Actually, Jenny didn't fight back, she froze like a statue, and couldn't even find the strength to move enough to hand over her belongings. That's when Screech yelled about her playing games, and sliced and killed her. Jenny took after her mother Violet, who was a silent girl. She fell for a boy who was just like her father. The cycle of violence continued. Apparently, there were weeks or months between each video release, and Ren promoted it with more tidbits about the story on TikTok, etc. Patrick, Screech's mate was actually screwing Screech's girlfriend at the time of the incident, which is why Patrick didn't answer the door, and why Screech's gf said she was busy when he phoned her. From what I have heard, he read a newspaper article about a similar story, then took that story and embellished upon it to come up with this. He added the crazier twists and turns, I don't think all of that was part of the actual story

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

From what I've heard, the real-life story was that a young man killed a young women, having no idea she was his sister because they had both grown up in Britain's version of foster care. Ren added the rest. The incident took place in 2005. "London city, far from pretty. 2, 0, 0, 5.

[@NixyRose72]

Ren read about a young prostitute who was stabbed in London. That was Jenny's Tale. The other two came from Ren's brilliant gift of creative art.

[@sallymclachlan357]

I also wonder if Jenny looked at him funny because he looked like her?

[@shellymiller1248]

Those lines where she freezes often go unnoticed and they are so good.

[@thomasgoldschmidt298]

@@joshuawiedenbeck6944 I believe you misunderstood that: foxspirit38 got it right. ...she walked this floor about a 1000 times before, she wanted to escape, who can blame...i guess that she escaped is such a shame. Jenny's tale came out 2019 and the article he read was about a 14 year boy killing a young prostitute. 2005 refers to the birth of the twins 14 years earlier.

[@TRPLD]

What makes this even more tragic is that Jenny is a "girl of the night". She is 14 years old but "walked these streets 1000 times" in "high-heel shoes" and also the "she wanted to escape, can you blame her" hints at that...

[@junction6_m27VNC]

I don’t think Jenny was a street walker, but a sweet girl, I think this tale is set in Camden Town a district of London where Amy Winehouse lived and I think Jenny was a fan that dressed like Amy, retro clothing and high heels, the statue of Amy in Camden Market show Amy wearing high heels and she walked the floor 1000 times before to visit Amy’s statue, wanting to escape is what every 14yo wants but also one of the many graffiti’s of Amy all over Camden is next the The Escape Bar which Amy did some of her first gigs in, I think Jenny wanted to sing just like Amy

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@junction6_m27VNC She was a street walker , 100% guaranteed . Ren got the idea of the original Jenny and Screech tales from reading a story of a young prostitute that was the victim of knife violence.

[@andreasbuhrmann8442]

1000 times is around 3 years, so she started at 11? :/

[@sootikins]

@@andreasbuhrmann8442 Poetic license

[@BBB_photography_adventures]

@@junction6_m27VNC sorry mate i believe you’re wrong one that one

[@kristiansavov6528]

Wikipedia 2223 A.D.: "REN - Musician & philosopher & poet & bard &... just genius of 21-st century!" Thanks for reaction!

[@szolanek]

Or the second coming.

[@candidwings5609]

As a writer, this is everything a short story should be. As a DV survivor, this is both accurate to my emotional experience and, imo, respectful of all the victims. I love seeing reactors flinch when watching this because youre supposed to - both from a storytelling perspective and in the accuracy with which he conveyed the immersive fear of those who are surviving violent people.

[@lajoyous1568]

I also watch for the flinch. If a reactor doesn't flinch during Violet's tale I figure they're not really paying attention to the lyrics and it doesn't quite qualify as a reaction. I'm sorry you have first hand experience to make it relatable ❤

[@hermajestysminstrelcycle8207]

What makes me flinch (every single time) is the description of Violet's beating; "...like a crashing pilot" sets up how vicious it was, then delving into individual blows. Doug's reaction to "...met her throat" shows his level of empathy for her.

[@markuss7249]

Little opera in 3 acts. This style he calls "Bardcore" . Working class reality... reminds me a little of "Threepenny Opera" by Brecht and Weill. Many people talk about him as a modern Shakespeare. He introduced the whole "opera" to his audience in a performance on a public place at night in Brighton. (Also availiable on YT) The crowd gathered by doing a little rally to this place. The whole performance then was awesome, but the connection to the crowd was a breathtaking experience. Ren said, it was one of the best nights in his life...

[@imposs-up1hg]

Cool that you mention Brecht and Weill. That's what I thought and you're the first person I've seen in the comments who have made the same connection.

[@kocko3108]

Did you notice how he used the natural acoustics of the different rooms to color the story? Pure Genius

[@dealmes]

Knox Hill did a great interview with Ren and Ren opened himself up for the first time about his best friend Joe's passing by suicide. Worth watching.

[@sentenced03]

The song referencing that is amazing, btw. It had me in tears.

[@smack_pop7]

Black Pegasus and Rosalie Reacts also have interviews with him. In both of those interviews he mentions his creative process and gives you a glimpse in his brilliant mind, check them out, it's worth seeing them. ❤❤❤

[@jamesdoherty6558]

ren is off the scales so good

[@auralfixxation6702]

This is true songwriting/story telling. When I heard "Hi Ren", I thought this is probably a one hit wonder kind of thing. Then I heard this and realized, he is the real thing. Just wow!

[@kristalcornwell]

commenting to add then I heard losing it and realised he can be fun and enjoyable as well as dark and deep

[@hermajestysminstrelcycle8207]

As a result of Ren, I'm currently active with a plethora of reactors. YOU sir, are the first one to point out "God Rest Ye Merry". What I heard the first time too. He strung all these together as a courtesy to those of us on KZbin who had no clue what order to play them in. One of my favorite parts of Violet's Tale is his use of ambient reverb, both in the hallway and the stairwell. "Normally" you'd add that in post, but this is a live take. Each piece opens with a beautiful intro, followed by the opening theme...and in all 3 cases, comes back at the end. The kids would have gone to an orphanage, and quickly separated. Screech became a right bastard like grandpa, and Jenny became a quiet streetwalker. There are 4 major interviews out there: Justin Hawkins, Knox Hill, Black Pegasus. and Rosalie Reacts. I'd make suggestions, but EVERY piece of Ren's work is something of a unique seashell; and it's ALL good. "Chalk Outlines" and "How to Be Me" with Chinchilla (another artist I'd recommend looking into) are pretty amazing.

[@andrewwallace4481]

The Tales Trilogly is a Masterpiece other Tracks 1.Humble with Eden Nash' 2.Power 3.The Hunger 4.Diazepam 5.Chalk Outlines with Chinchilla (another great Reaction Doug)

[@justinatest9456]

I think you'd really appeciate his newest song 'For Joe". Performed live on keyboard, it's written for his childhood friend who committed suicide thirteen years ago by jumping from a bridge. It's quite stark and powerful, both bitter and beautiful.

[@lilithphoenix6103]

That. 12:28 "a Shakespearean Tragedy" perfect comparison. Only the bard himself would've wrote anything equal to this. 👏🏻 💖

[@hiSPACEmango]

Check out the money game parts 1&2 cause Ren said he just finished the video for part 3. It's some of his thoughts on society. Along with "crucify you culture"

[@Goddzi]

So glad someone finally mentioned “Crucify Your Culture”! It’s like the prequel to the Money Game (soon to be) trilogy ❤

[@michaelthony9525]

Perfect pitch and music theory insights are on point! Game recognizes game. Subbed

[@Night_Hawk_475]

Talented doesn't even begin to cut it - Ren's skill with not just the guitar, and not just other instruments, but with those as well as his lyricism, storytelling, and cinematography all show years of hard work and dedication to practicing his craft. I cannot imagine the amount of time that he put into practicing and producing just these three pieces, much less the time and effort it took to build himself up to this point in his career. Thank you for highlighting this talented artist again, I'm so glad that Ren has blessed us all with his music. Even these particularly dark tales are moving in ways that are so rare in media, and I appreciate that someone is out there to evoke those emotions in so many people.

[@philth8540]

So glad to see you doing this one. Your reactions are so unique, as is Ren and his artistry. I think Shakespearean tragedy hits the nail on the head for this tale.

[@mrbrad4566]

One of my favourites by Ren is How to be me (Live) with Chinchilla. I think this will show his songwriting and vocal range. But there's so much more, Money Game, Animal Flow (both versions in one reaction). Genesis or Power will show his rapping flow. He'll keep you going all year.

[@johnshaw4700]

Shakespeare with an O. Henry twist. Ren is so literate, so poetic, so powerful. Knew you'd love this Doug.

[@atwellorama]

Glad you noted the reggae and busker. Ren moved to Brighton some years back and did much busking on his own, and with his band The Big Push. You can do yourself a HUGE favor and check out some of their stuff. Just amazing how good they are at connecting with the crowd. FYI, Ren has hinted that he has spoken to a studio...possibly to flesh this out into something bigger?

[@MurkW00d]

Honestly, if Ren and Samuel don't get a Netflix show of their own, then there is something wrong with this world.

[@PoliticallyPink]

Ren has had studio offers, and turned them down. He's staying independent. Did you hear something different very recently?

[@MurkW00d]

@@PoliticallyPinkprobably talking about television studios rather than music ones in this instance?

[@atwellorama]

@@MurkW00d exactly.

[@jeffmalloy8200]

Yep, and at 14 years old what is Jenny doing out late at night in high heels walking down a street she knew well and walked a thousand times before? Sounds like she was forced through circumstances into underaged prostitution. So, Ren is shinging a light on..... alcoholism, rape/incest, domestic violence, failure of any kind of functional social safety net or foster care system, drug use, street violence, domestic violence and generational social aberrations of multiple kinds. And he's doing it as an independent artist, live in one take, while working with a great independent cinematographer to boot. Unreal! This is art!

[@junction6_m27VNC]

We don’t know it was late at night, all Ren says is it’s a quiet dark night so it could be 7pm in December, it would be dark at that time and not that late, I’m doing a breakdown of all the characters every Sunday on my YT, jenny is already posted

[@jeffmalloy8200]

@@junction6_m27VNC not really important how late it was for a working girl, the darkness helps their John's hide their identities though. As far as that goes, working girls work their trade in daylight too.

[@noorieiversen]

I feel this is social commentary on generational trauma. Ren teaches empathy with these dark tales, in a world so Quick to dismiss the suffering of the poor. Violet was never to blame, and her children bore the brunt of her lot in life. Screech became his father, Jenny became her mother, silent and still, unable to fight back. She froze, like her mother stayed quiet and endured her suffering in silence.

[@jonathangibson9137]

Doug there are so many Ren tracks to choose from - as countless others have mentioned. He has brought so many people from all walks of life together through his art. He has given me hope in the music of today and champions music not as a commodity but as a way of life. I would love to see you react to many more. I think you'd love seeing his band covering "I shot the sheriff/road to Zion/hip hop" and also his duet with Chinchilla "How to be me". Welcome to the Ren-aissance!Thank you for your valuable musical insights. 🔥✌️

[@frankquinn6872]

The story is set in London but was filmed in Brighton on the south coast (hence the seagulls after “she stayed silent”).

[@Blend-24]

Jenny did not fight back sir, she froze scared just like her mother. Congrats, many reactors miss the twins connection there!! Great reaction

[@Dragonartykay]

I can’t imaging anyone being able to just be able to read the lyrics and not being completely immersed in RENs performance. It’s is just so mesmerising, imaginative and truly a piece of art.

[@woolleson]

Ren is just "art" personified..... A real gem. He's just released a new track "suici#e" , it's deep but heart wrenching, but his other side is fun and goofy, check out loosing it, it's a real rollercoaster of a track with fantastic lyrics and cadence to and EDM beat.

[@PoliticallyPink]

I definitely didn't find Suicide heartwarming. More like heart-breaking, for sure. For Joe was a fresh breath towards life though, which I think we needed. Losing it is one of my favorites! Love it! (then again, which ones AREN'T "*one of* my favorites"??

[@helenjarvis7755]

The use of environmental acoustics especially in Violets tale adds so much to the music

[@kevintunaley5079]

the bit in the stairwell was chilling I felt.

[@NixyRose72]

Jenny was a 14 yr old prostitute (she walked the streets a thousand times before; stayed as still as a statue in high heeled shoes), based on a headlined story Ren read in a paper about a young prostitute stabbed by a young boy. In Ren's songs, Jenny and Screech are born in violence, raised in the system and both died rough in the street. Their mother was silent, like Jenny and Screech was angry and prone to violence like their "father." (It's also theorized that Violet's father was also the father of her children. That's one of the few ways she'd get a welfare flat at 16... pregnant. Also would explain why Stevie kept calling her a liar and a slut when he got drunk. She was already pregnant when they met) Generational violence, nature or nurture cannot be answered in this tale because they were "nurtured" in the same abusive type environment that their mother was. So it could still be either/or or a combo of both. You hear about the violence (not necessarily the twisty Shakespearean part) every day. Unfortunately, children are killed every day because of it. I like how Ren brings this horrible, too often avoided, subject to attention in all its bloodstained horror with the beauty and vivid imagery of a painting. Lyrical imagery. It hurts, but it's beautifully done. I think that sums up a lot of Ren's work. He's amazing and world changing. Definitely one to keep your eyes on!

[@DougBrown-h1n]

Yep, I got that "God rest ye...." intro. In my mind,, it sets the story on Christmas Eve. (Wish you saved the commentary for when you stop the track - I wanted to hear the lyrics)

[@adancer3592]

Got some of the best advice from my 4th grade teacher miss Miller "when your talking your not listening and will miss important things you may need later .

[@mysocksarewet]

Maybe she should’ve taught you grammar instead.

[@glynnettleton9900]

Ren is one of the most generous & interesting interviewees I've ever seen! No two interviews are the same in content so you won't get the predictably dull plugs for product that you'd expect from an A list popstar. An interview with Ren just flows organicaly & weaves through a maze of random topics that pop up in conversation. All his interviews tho are warm, generous, heartfelt & honest! Yes, please make the effort to set asside 90 - 120 mins of your time to interview him 😁

[@junction6_m27VNC]

For me it’s the clarity of Rens words even when he is showing emotion that is haunting, I felt terrible bobbing my head along to the rhythm as he describes some pretty horrific violence, the pictures painted in my head will stay with me a long time, Ren is a true artist, there should be a serious BBC or Netflix show discussing this masterpiece

[@reeniemartins6639]

Was waiting for months for this! Loved it! Thanks for doing this one! I always assume Jenny and Screech were separated at birth and raised in the system , thus didn’t know each other. But who knows. Can’t wait for more Ren reactions!

[@TheSkootenbeeten]

"The thing that I've heard multiple times is to not read through the lyrics," they said. You didn't read the lyrics... except, you did. "Megan has prepared my read-in and the lyrics are here below so I can follow them." I mean - that let me know before the songs started. You had them right there in front of you whilst watching this masterpiece. You're only human. As we all do - you craved that answer. What answer? WHERE DOES VIOLET COME INTO ALL OF THIS? Can we not see where your eyes go when we watch this? For that reveal at the end? Well, of course, we can... they dropped low. They read the lyrics. You read the lyrics. Let the man (Ren) tell you the story before you jump the gun. When you are advised to not read the lyrics... don't read the lyrics. That being said; it was an enjoyable reaction. I think a little genuine honesty was lost as I saw your eyes picking up the threads of lyrics. So... c'mon, man. Give yourself some credit and react without the need for such crutches. A little harsh? Maybe. True? Yes.

[@anascoburn]

I agree with your sentiment here Skooten, and would would just underscore that many of us watch multiple reactions to the same piece because each reactor enriches our own appreciation of the piece -- perhaps cognitively with an insight, perhaps technically by bringing their expertise to bear, but most fundamentally when they allow their own visceral response to to pierce through all the layers of technique, all the ways in which the medium through which they reach out to us tends to shape the artist's work, the reactor's work and our own conditioning to just experience a fleeting moment of authentic connection.

[@guadalupejazminvilaguillen4786]

Thank you. I left my own comment about it but just today cause I just watched this, and I just found your comment after I already commented. It is obvious sometimes he is even moving the mouth to lyrics that didn't happen yet, and the switching of his eyes from left to right is super obvious...

[@zerofox3d]

Money game part 1 and Money game part 2 (lyric video) are your next best options, they are social commentary type stories that always resonate. Then probably Chalk Outlines Live with Chinchilla for just some amazing vocals. He’s approaching a million subs so a push on reactions will help him 😉

[@nenadvicentic]

Money game part 1

[@xchakeix]

I'm so glad you did this trilogy. It's my favorite to watch people react to. It's an absolute masterpiece of storytelling and he's 100% a modern day bard. Please continue down this rabbit hole, it's well worth your time!

[@guitarchannel5676]

Powerful performance. Haven't heard this guitarist/singer/composer before, but he has some powerful ideas.

[@jbftcmof]

I recommend switching it up a little and doing The Hunger. Ren is a fantastic lyricist.

[@RonaldBigsworth]

I love your channel Doug 👊🏾 Amazing technical insight every time. In answer to your question on where he filmed it, it was filmed in the back lanes of Brighton where he now lives. I came down to see If I could find some locations and I found most of them. I also had the extreme pleasure of bumping into Ren and can confirm he’s actually an Angel sent from God 🙏🏾

[@PoliticallyPink]

I AM SO ENVIOUS!!!

[@arbel7655]

I'd also like to give some love to the way he uses acoustics and ambiant sounds of his surroundings as he tells his tales. It just gives me chills!

[@MichaelNaydeck]

This storytelling that he is doing is so far advanced. He's a performer and a writer. An artist who I am beginning to enjoy immensely.

[@iamsquatty]

Ren can tell a story like none other 💜

[@sketchtherapy1218]

I've been waiting for this a very long time. Thank you so much sir thank you thank you Ren is a good boy a great man thank you for featuring him.

[@by_the_stone]

Make that interview happen, please! Would be amazing to dive a bit deeper into the musical side of Ren's art as this wasn't covered too much in the previous interviews. And just seeing you two lovely persons talking face to face would make many of us happy for sure!

[@lavrentish]

A hidden side story in Screech’s tale could be that Patrick is not at home because he is with Screech’s girlfriend (that’s why she was “busy”). Maybe Screech figured it out when he yelled at her and decided to face the blue lights.

[@Codex7777]

An interview I'd highly recommend, is Ren's interview/discussion with the KZbin reactor, Rosalie. It really gives a great insight into Ren's thoughts and how he views the World. As with his art, he's extremely honest, open and intelligent. He occasionally does that thing where he slightly stumbles over his words. You can tell it's not because he's tongue-tied, it's because he's thinking about 20 steps ahead, down the pathways of various possible pathways and is just trying to get it all out. :)

[@rubenagostinho7]

Ren has becomed my favourite artist for years! Followed him since hearing him play on the street and I can't stop hearing him play! Real music, real artist, who's open with his ups and downs. True Shakespearean experience! Thank you for reviewing him

[@GarnetJ]

Ren is a master storyteller. Many refer to this style of his work as “Bardcore,” and it definitely is a modern day Shakespearean tragedy. It’s a powerful depiction of generational trauma and the cycles of abuse. Ren even released Instagram stories as Screech that shows more of a backstory. It likely wasn’t a coincidence that his friend Patrick wasn’t home and his girlfriend was busy. And it’s tragic when you realize that Jenny is only 14 walking the streets alone at night. They likely grew up in foster care. Makes you wonder if Jenny could sense Screech because they were twins or if she could sense the danger. But she froze just like her mother.

[@QuantumBeeWellness]

His most recent video is yet another live performance of his song For Joe, he plays piano in this one. It will also blow you away with its power

[@richardlyons7582]

You're going to love this Doug.

[@kellynutter1180]

Chalk Outlines with Chinchilla!!! The harmonizing between the two is off the charts.

[@TRPLD]

Great reaction! Absolutely loved it! I think you might enjoy Money Game Pt.1 and Pt. 2, first one is a 5 minute live one take, second one is just "chefs kiss".

[@incrediblyStupid678]

This piece by Ren I find especially impressive. He really sets himself apart as not just a musician, but a modern barde, really. His musical talent combined with his amazing storytelling really draws you in!

[@simonbennett3171]

I love this reaction Doug, much as I love your reactions because you get so invested in the music as it grabs you. I love watching you discuss what is going on in the tracks. As a budding musicians in his early fifties who is trying to get his ear to work properly, I try to learn from what you do, so thank you.

[@lowertheshield]

This is one of your most authentic reactions I have watched of yours. Well done! I loved how you struggled to allow the story to unfold. The music and lyrics and performance as a whole dig in and pull out huge, uncomfortable emotions.

[@DwarfsRBest]

I'm so happy that you reacted to this one, Doug. I'm always impressed by your ability to break down complex popular music, but Ren breaks all the rules. Happy to have you along or the ride. So far, it has only gotten better for me and I hope you experience the same. Cheers

[@gavinwilson2071]

Ren is writing a musical drama, he's hoping to pitch it to Netflix one day. He said this trilogy is his proof of concept.

[@hollyryalsgrubb1273]

This trilogy really asks one to consider how society fails people. And I am still thinking about that and if there are any solutions. Another Ren gem aligned with this live one-take cinematic genre is Money Game 1. Really imersive. The live version of Chalk Outlines is another one; as a bonus, you'll meet the artist Chinchilla too. Follow that up with their live How To Be Me. An earlier music video is a total masterpiece - look for Crutch, but be warned that it's heartwrenching. So many of his other music videos are completely different. He explores a vast array of topics, styles and vibes. He pays homage to the Verve with a remake of Bittersweet Symphony. He remakes Fisher in Losing It. He lays down hip hop in The Hunger. His song Power will have you singing along. There's sooooo much to explore.....and then there's his teamwork with Sam Tompkins and also with the busking band The Big Push. It's a very deep rabbit hole when you consider Ren....

[@nebulousreactions]

A very tragic and sad tale, that happens all too often, told in Ren's amazing fashion. He's so magnetic I had a hard time reacting to this myself because it's hard to break away from his storytelling. Ren's a treasure. Great video!

[@RenaldaBoutle-i1e]

A punch in the chest, I tell you. I think he may be one of my favourite artists now.

[@Brown614]

She didn't fight screech and it's important to the story because how he made it was the kids took the traits of the parents. Jenny was quiet and didn't fight back just like Jenny, while beaten to death by Stevie, just like screech killed jenny. The depth of this story is insanity.

[@marcel1416]

Can we appreciate what a great musician/songwriter/performer/producer - or artist in general - Ren is? In a sea if meaningless and copy&paste music (which also can be fun, but still...) thats at the top of the charts, we get this breath of fresh air. My playlist for the last few months has been like 90% Ren. I think the last Artist(s) that had such an inpact on me was Linkin Park, who I still listen to (I'm in my 30s) and maybe Nightwish (since Floor's joined).

[@aprilfool193]

I have to say this is one of the best reactions to RENs music I’ve seen so far, Thankyou x

[@alaysiayoung]

I'm just so struck everytime I listen to this full tale of the depth of violence stemming from generational trauma. We don't know much about Violet's parents beginnings - but we can assume from the cyclical telling they weren't good themselves. The rage and sadness keep getting passed down the line, producing shorter and shorter lives lived, ending with two children who didn't even know they were related being the cause of each other's demise. So much to be taken and gleaned here. And the fact that it was delivered via such impeccable artistry is not to be lost. I'm just speechless at Ren's talent. Truly.

[@mldkenny]

Ren is in a league of his own, so pleased you did this one. If you wish to hear pure vocal brilliance x 2 please do Chalk Outlines X Chinchilla LIVE.

[@elevown]

Hope you keep doing Ren stuff- because he has so many other amazing songs - in MANY different styles. Most of them are NOT in this BARD-CORE style. While Ren's work is mostly about the lyrics, He does also have great tunes - but most of it isn't hugely complex in terms of the music composition, so i know from that angle its not perhaps the best for analysis of that. But if you want to break down lyrics too, there's a ton more to say on all his songs. His work falls in a few catagories- bard-core, busking with his old band the big push, songs about his health and or mental issues, rap, and then other songs- plenty of them radio playable more regular kind of music. His newest For Joe, with him on the keyboard is fantastic- but the first half is a reworking of his song from last month Su!c!de - that one hits very hard- whereas for joe has some beauty and hope in the latter half - I guess it depends on your taste which you like most.. and how hard it hits depends on if things like that have touched your life I guess, or how empathetic you are.. But if you do either, remember not to put the unmodified word in the title or SAY that S word in the first minute or you'll get demonitized.

[@nellynkaqt9467]

I love how engaged you are in the story. It is so lovely to watch your reaction videos.

[@joeuncoolio]

I try to figure out how to categorize what Ren is doing. Shakespearen is absolutley the best description. This is modern musical theater. Amazing art.

[@strumploid]

Dude you are awesome!

[@markgrace2000]

Great video, loved your hi ren reaction also. Thanks

[@TheColdrush22]

I really wish that they would not have spoiled the ending by saying that violets tale was a prequel. Who the fuck does that? The element of surprise is key to the effectiveness of storytelling.

[@itsalladream]

I've heard these songs so many times, but still get goose bumps at the end.

[@hdavidgarcia777]

Ive been waiting for this.

[@sketchtherapy1218]

Ren loves reactors and does interviews with them you don't have to react to the interviews you can just watch them to understand what is behind his creations and what he hsa suffered, endured & enjoyed.

[@PoliticallyPink]

I'm always running into you at these reactions. Hi again! Do you sketch? I DO, a lot!

[@katarinawikstrom2578]

I love the way you get sucked into the music, just like you are there when it all happened. You are brilliant!

[@michaelphipps8647]

Genesis, Illest of our time, The Hunger, Losing it, Chalk Outlines, How to be Me, all 🔥!!! For Joe his latest release is a must! Subscribed for more Ren, loved your reaction, you nailed it! ❤

[@TheEverydayPoet]

It was hard to split my attention between the performance and the reaction when the words were so simultaneous, so I'm glad I'd viewed the trilogy beforehand. And, thanks to the power and content of your reaction, I'll watch it again... probably many times more. You contributed valuably to how much I appreciate Ren's mastery... and music in general. Thank you, Doug.

[@patcow9999]

Interesting you said "city noises" during Violet's tale, they were seagulls (as they're colloquially called), which kind of gives away the location - Brighton, where of course Ren was/is based for just about all of his music. I think the streets are the famous Lanes of Brighton. It passes as a good London location though. Truly a masterpiece!

[@cherylhurst7093]

Thanks for covering Ren again. This is a masterpiece. I have been watching different reactions to Hi Ren from opera singers to psychiatrists. Very interesting how this reaches so many people. I love how he uses many techniques to create emotion with his instruments and his voice.

[@roosvanderwerf3637]

I loved your reaction and your expressions, thank you for this!

[@caro.k2958]

Ren did a series of posts in character as screech around the time of the release that gave background and some context. Also cameraman singular for these is his friend Sam Perry Falvey who is genius too behind the lens.❤

[@valkyrie1066]

It's mind blowing....his guitar gets me right away, every time. (I love spanish/classical guitar) The PERFORMANCE...with all the clicks, sounds, unusual guitar usage...He is a total package; from shakesperian actor to rapper and all the way around... ❤️❤️

[@themojoslide]

Its a jaw dropper! 😮 A remarkable piece of work!

[@kevinwilson455]

Ren is now my favourite artist... I just love everything he does... I feel like I have taken a journey when I listen to a song, he's a modern-day bard and rhymer, just brilliant. I grew up on metal and old-school hip-hop. Metallica, Slipknot, NWA, Limp Bizkit, Redman, Wu-Tang.... but with an appreciation for all the old-classics like The Kinks, Beatles, Elton John etc As a guitar player myself, he's just really good and unique... that's before I even take into account the story and lyrics.

[@h0113r0]

this will be interesting. Is it the full version? Violette´s Tale as well?

[@jorel80]

Check out “Chalk Outlines (live)” it’s a beautiful duet with UK artist Chinchilla. Its another live one-take video where Ren really shows his singing

[@arc88arc88]

People have mentioned it below, but definitely recommend Chalk Outlines by Ren x Chinchilla. Hauntingly beautiful song, and another one-take live performance. Much love 🙏

[@dianeemanuel8541]

These videos are all in his one take style- he does as many takes as he needs to to get the take he uses. ❤. He is walking - talking- playing his guitar- hitting marks- jumping from character to narrator to character- and uses the architectural acoustics-FANTASTIC

[@therabbits168]

When you said busker about 7 minutes in, it came to me. Ren is a minstrel of our times. One we badly need

[@bethscott4330]

Loved watching you experience the story.

[@Alansnackbar78]

I’ve been watching the reaction vids of this dude every day since Xmas, still watching. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@paulawallace7622]

Your reaction was perfect! You didn't get it until the end! That was GOLD!

[@adamlaceky8127]

Ren read a newspaper article about a boy who killed a girl, and was then killed by the police. The cop said "It's such a shame."

[@supertuscans9512]

I don’t think that is exactly correct.

[@adamlaceky8127]

@@supertuscans9512 That's just what I read awhile back.

[@goobydoot]

London cops don’t carry guns. The first story was in the paper about the girl getting killed by knife. The rest of it is straight from Rens imagination over the next few years.

[@louise11854]

I enjoyed your reaction! i lived in texas for a while, so i really appreciated your 'y'alls'!! you're just at the entrance of the ren rabbit hole, carry on and have fun. much love, kathleen

[@Doug.Helvering]

I use “y’all” intentionally, as it’s a plural pronoun that doesn’t gender my audience. :)

[@jasonstewart3996]

I just noticed that you have a yes close to the edge album cover on your wall. Ive been a huge yes fan since i was a kid in the 70s. One of the best hands down