Sound of Silence by Pentatonix-Music Teacher Reaction and Analysis!

[@mel3268]

I personally love that they started out with Scott’s solo and slowly built up the harmonies as the song progressed.

[@heidi_d]

They are masters of tension and release!

[@Blaize24]

Yeah, the slow build was completely intentional.

[@hilarypotter3334]

I LOVE Matt’s tone and vibrato. I wish he got more opportunity to be featured!

[@ervsavord4985]

I love Scott 's drama beginning, it was to give Veritas and intent. Deep and focused, it gives a serious beginning. So say I to the silence.

[@troylape3848]

That would be Mitch in the stratosphere, the bass is Matt, he replaced Avi in 2017

[@lauriep2018]

It’s actually Kirstin

[@NorsePaganK9]

@@lauriep2018 nah, I thought the same, you are talking about in matt’s verse, I listened with headphones and you can hear Mitch flying up way high, then does it again in Kirstin’s verse, more obvious in Kirsten’s because you can hear it louder in the mic but no, there is a tiny slight bit of it in matt’s verse over Kirsten’s harmony

[@danielcarter837]

Scott Mitch and Kirstie have been singing together now for going on two full decades. That is why those three especially are so in sync. I have also wondered if they share a soul.....

[@juliayoung537]

They usually do songs in layers which I really enjoy 😊

[@kellyskornerk3624]

Kirstie and Mitch together. I hear her distinctly and Mitch also with her.

[@sharonharris7245]

That really high register is Kirstie all day! She can hit whistle notes without effort!

[@lorriredmon8212]

A really nice reaction. If you want to hear more of Matt's (bass) range, you should hear him on the PTX version of "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch". He's the lead throughout the song. I think it's a stunning performance.

[@barbk2324]

I LOVE Matt…..I love all of them of course. I agree 100% that Grinch is awesome, fun, and Matt will blow you away. You’ll see what a range of talent he possesses. It’s such a fun song.

[@Acadian_Proud]

I love how Mitch enunciate his words so carefully that you can pick out every letter.

[@edsartistry]

Matt Sallee Is the new guy and he has been a fabulous addition to the group. A lot of us original Pentaholics still miss Avi but we get his reasons for leaving and he has done very well on his own and we support him. If you haven't checked out their upgrade of "Gold", I urge you to listen to the original first then their version, and notice the sheer talent in mimicking the electronics of the song. Also check out "Come Along", and again listen to the original first, then theirs, and notice the difference of the feeling of the two versions. Check out their songs "Run to You" and "Can't Help Falling in Love". These two songs really capture their epic talents of just their voices, no beatboxing or instruments. Super great examples . Thanks for your great work. Keep 'em coming.

[@pjb3583]

I’m kinda convinced Mitch can sing notes only dogs can hear! The “new” bass is Matt Sallee, a wonderful addition for his vocal talents as well as his sunny, generous presence. Interestingly, he’s said the first concert he ever attended was PTX, so full circle there. I love to watch you as you listen so intently to everything you are hearing. It’s a real treat to get your reaction and analysis. Have you watched Recording Evergreen yet? It shows them in the studio for a recent Christmas album. I think you’d love it. Thanks for the lovely reaction. Peace …

[@debbiecalnan9327]

😁😁🥰

[@matildawitwicki3402]

Yes! Him and Dimash. ☄️💫🪐😍❤️ love from a fellow Pentaholic but also a Dear 😉

[@theresamorales9907]

All of them have an amazing vocal ranges

[@2436golden]

Don't worry, in the hours I have spent watching reactions to this rendition of this song, you are the first person to voice any criticism of what they did artistically with it. If they had done it the way you suggested then they would not be PENTATONIX. They create their own lane and occupy it perfectly, I would not change a thing.

[@ShinyElfriend]

Matt Sallee has been the bass singer for the band since Avi left in 2016. He is technically a baritone with a smooth rich bass, which means he fits in perfectly with a band full of singers with extraordinary ranges. As you probably know, Scott generally fills in singing bass when the bass singer is soloing, and he also has a beautiful high range, though he is technically a baritone. You should hear his recent solo single "Mars" for a lovely example of his range. Also, PTX's latest release, a cover of "Creep," showcases Mitch's gorgeous high range with Scott harmonizing with him up there in the stratosphere. It's a really unusual and effective harmonic. I think it shows up better in the live version, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inO0Y5yIhMyne7M It may have been Kirstie you were hearing on the high harmonic while Matt was soloing. For a Mezzo-Soprano, that woman can belt in the sky with the best of them. Check out their live performance of "Seasons of Love" for a treat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4CTYod_i71mia8 In Sound of Silence, Matt gets all the oohs and ahhs, as this is often a reactor's first opportunity to hear him in a featured solo, also the arrangement really builds into his solo into a very impressive introduction which he absolutely lives up to, but I personally love Mitch's solo, here, in his gorgeous mid-range. We are all so stunned by his glorious angelic high range that we seldom talk about how beautifully he performs his entire vocal range. I would recognize that uniquely lovely timbre anywhere, any time, at any range. Really enjoyed your reaction and comments!

[@NiaMeg]

I love Mitch’s lower range too. I love his solo in Amazing Grace!

[@Gwennedd]

It's likely Mitch soaring up there, but it's quite faint the first instance, stronger in the second time he goes there. He's quite capable of it, as their recent release of Creep shows. The actual footage from the Masked Singer shows him eerily going up there. They do it once in the weeks of the show, but when they unmask, the sing it again and you can visually watch Mitch go. I think ShinyElfriend has the link for it. The new bass is Matt Sallee who won a place as the group's bass. He's been a great addition to the group. He's such a happy personality and he and Kevin do some awesome acts together...Kevin on his cello and Matt on drums. Matt has an impressive range. He can go almost as low as Avi, just not (yet) in the subharmonics or overtones that Avi was known for. He has a lovely smooth, warm timbre and can do a really surprising falsetto.

[@theresamorales9907]

Kirstin and Mitch sound awesome together, very unique sound

[@edwarddavis3963]

I focused on Kirstin and she killed it with her solo and backup voice.

[@elizabethfelet4743]

I think your critique of the first verse where you wanted to hear more background and less lead was because it was quite early in the song - they are slowly building toward the climax. With each verse, the background gets a little bit stronger/more forward, and by the time they get to verse 5, they are full out belting and the harmonies are in full force. And it's hard to tell who is in the stratosphere, it's either Mitch or Kirstin, or both. This was also pretty early in Matt's career with PTX - he has developed a very nice, rich and low bass and in my opinion can go as low as Avi where needed.

[@Badger77722]

Hallelujah has exactly the same type of background build, where the backgrounds start off very simply and grow both in volume and more complex as the song progresses. It's fairly standard for them in a lot of songs.

[@ShawkaReacts]

I'm not criticizing the dynamic contrast from beginning to end but rather the balance between vocalists. They are two different things.

[@lauriep2018]

It’s Kirstin the first time you mentioned it, Mitch during her solo 😂

[@lisafreeman5115]

Have you reacted to The Prayer yet? The 'video' because it's a mind freak! It's these same five and it's just so well done - I hope you will listen to it if you have not - Mitch is crazy good and Scott turns Italian! HA Kirstin also has a solo part and of course with Kevin and Matt the magic is complete! I'm loving your reactions to PTX - Great, honest review!

[@elizabethtucker6026]

You are hearing the harmonics initially, because of their great tuning. Both Mitch and Kirstie are singing upper harmonies but their parts are in the 4th and lower 5th, not what I would charcterize as stratospheric. They do sing a slightly higher harmony during Scott's final lead. Matt Sallee replaced Avi in 2017, he's a lyric bass with an excellent baritone and low tenor chest voice notes, and some great high falsetto as well.

[@LilBabyKK24]

The ending feels like that misty, warm summer rain at the end of a thunderstorm while the sun is also shining at the same time.

[@chrispavlich9656]

With Scott singing so low at the beginning, to have the others harmonize more forward would have taken away from Scott in my opinion. I had no trouble hearing what the others were doing.

[@xbubblehead]

My first visit with you, and I was struck by how wonderful your voice sounds. I think you are right that it is Mitch we are hearing in the stratosphere(and not for the first time!), I need to see what other PTX songs you have reacted to, but I really liked this first one and how carefully you listened.

[@Acadian_Proud]

Mitch Grassi has 6 octave and 1 tone singing range (A1 to B7) plus he has been recording whistling notes.

[@dejns6945]

Scott is the baritone. Matt is bass. Of course Mitch is the highest.😊 It could be Kevin who goes higher than Mitch.

[@lovesmusic0845]

Arrangements are always subject to interpretation. Artists hear other artists doing their songs and are often blown away by differences. I didn’t take your comment as criticism, just opinion. I’ve watched them do these songs live and they aren’t exactly like the recordings. Close but with slight variations. Good reaction video. 👏

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

It's Mitch! He was doing that during Kirsten's solo, too!

[@SaleBSGN]

I think Kirstie go high with Matt

[@DJ.Michelle]

I love how even their bravado is even in perfect sync!

[@heidi_d]

Vibrato, yes! I love that!

[@marablemorgan8292]

Remember, PTX doesn't do covers... They do upgrades!

[@DJ.Michelle]

I never realized just how high mitch gets on this till ypu pointed it out n now i cant unhear it. Hes up there wherw almost only dogs can hear it, wow!

[@susansisson366]

Matt graduated in Vocal Music from the Berkley College of Music in Boston. Yeah, I know. Impressive! I am told that Avi voted for Matt when they were giving auditions for his replacement.

[@Kari5274]

9 out of 10 times its Mitch in the rafters and I love it. Matt is an excellent addition to the group. You should listen to their 90s dance medley. It is insane. Great job! I subscribed.

[@heinleinreader]

Matt Sallee is the replacement for Avi. He's got a range that spans from deep bass almost as deep as Avi throughout the tenors.

[@SherriKatoen]

This is Matt. He does the bass but when he sings lead Scott takes the bass. They all have incredible ranges and can’t be classified as a particular voice part.im sure the high part is either Mitch or Kirsten.

[@donnaherring2281]

If you want to hear Matt's voice more...I'd listen to You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch, Come Along, Prayers for this World, some of my favorites with his part in it.

[@neetgupta1]

It's definitely Mitch.... those super high notes are mainly Mitch although sometimes it's Kirstie and sometimes Kevin. Also, Matt has a fab high falsetto too which is pretty amazing since he's mostly holding the bass line for Pentatonix.

[@johnrodrigues5974]

New Bass is Matt Sallee

[@annlee7862]

On KZbin they have a video of Mitch’s Range 2022. Very educational. 🌺🌺

[@scotty2307]

If I remember correctly, I believe I heard that Matt has some classical voice training. He is also a great musician.

[@scotty2307]

Kirstin really has a powerhouse of a voice, and her vibrato is unique. I also just noticed for the first time, I have watched this many times, how the background is echoing "You Do Not Know" during her lead. I did hear what you were pointing out as a possible harmonic in the later part. It could be either a harmonic, or it could be a Mitch track layered in, because I think he is singing another note at the same time.

[@theresamorales9907]

Check out their live version when you can

[@dwfarr]

Matt sings the bass and isn’t quite as low as Avi was. However, he does have a great range.

[@Frazpas]

I love this rendition. You are the only one to criticise it. You may be right, and everyone else is wrong. I go with the majority.

[@ShawkaReacts]

It's a very minor critique to be fair.

[@SnowxXxAngel]

Matt Salee[not sure of the spelling though] yes he is the bass vocalist to fill Avi's place. Also, you should check out their cover of the Grinch song, he sounded AMAZING there!

[@lesismor54]

I highly recommend Aha Singapore! You must!!

[@DJ.Michelle]

This is my fave rendition of this by far n tbe new bass is matt

[@Kristinedelaney_art]

Less background at the beginning set the stage for a build. And what a build it was!

[@ShawkaReacts]

I'm not criticizing the dynamic contrast from beginning to end but rather the balance between vocalists. They are two different things.

[@susansisson366]

They DO NOT USE HARMONICS, or any other artificial improvement to their actual voices. EVERYTHING they record in the studio will sound EXACTLY the same when they sing it live. Really!

[@KarelAija]

I think what you heard was the Mitch + Kirsty combo all along.

[@wendykeesey8494]

I belive what you heard is anovertone of Kirstie (mezzo soprano) and or Mitch- is range is 5+ octaes

[@davidphillips4476]

That high note was Mitch Grassi. Loved that man!!

[@prinlinked]

Was it not Kirstin in both Matt's part and at the end? I think it was Mitch only during her solo. He actually dounds like he is doing a different part of the melody at the end.

[@janetschwartz655]

His name is Matt Sallee.

[@Try2sayit]

I agree with you about more background.

[@CabinFever52]

I only have one complaint about this. Mitch uses a schwa sound for "a" street lamp, instead of a long "a" sound like Paul Simon, the original version which I will forever be used to.

[@lindaosmon5224]

Matt Sallee is the new bass, he has an incredible voice. Scott takes over Bass when the bass is singing

[@robladwig4561]

No one does it better than PTX!

[@jenniferyoung8551]

Everyone has the right to their own opinion but Pentaholics know how they coordinate their songs. They always start out light, build a little then after they hit their wall of sound, they bring it back down

[@ShawkaReacts]

I'm not criticizing the dynamic contrast from beginning to end but rather the balance between vocalists. They are two different things.

[@W.TX806]

I actually agree with your take regarding the opening "solo." I appreciate the group trying something a bit different, but it was juuust a little weak. I *hate* to say that.. Disturbed's (live) opening is better. (In my *opinion!* - not trying to start a war here) I completely admire everyone in Pentatonix, but Kirsten has a special melt factor me. Maybe I'm just being a guy... so be it.

[@Jayjay-bv1fn]

Why is everybody saying it's Mitch? I'm only hearing Kirstie at that highest register during Matt's solo and the climax.

[@dianeburgess3467]

❤

[@TonyG-gk7qr]

Kirsten can get that high. She can whistle tone 😂

[@lesismor54]

IT’S MITCH‼️

[@lindamennie1059]

That's mitch up in the air you can hear it more live

[@alynkuster5138]

Matt Sallee...he is the new bass.

[@johnrodrigues5974]

The high voice is Mitch

[@dawnburkhalter7488]

Kevin has a good tenor also

[@lindaosmon5224]

Take your pick the high voice could be Kirsten or Mitch, probably Mitch

[@russellfisher2853]

Mitch and Kirsty both sing high. Kirsties whistle notes are way up there.

[@dwfarr]

Everyone has a right to their opinion, but I respectfully disagree. I think they are soft with their support vocals in the beginning in order to build up to a climax towards the end of the song.

[@ShawkaReacts]

I'm not criticizing the dynamic contrast from beginning to end but rather the balance between vocalists. They are two different things.

[@lindaeshbach6494]

Matt Salee

[@marablemorgan8292]

That would be Mitch...

[@marinaleenders8564]

Its kirsten and mitch

[@marykuettner752]

That was Kevin actually up so high. When you see it in person it is easier to tell.

[@donnamatthews5619]

Matt

[@beatnikdiva4422]

The imbalance you allege at the beginning actually provides a base from which to grow into the song. As a music teacher you wou understand the need to have someplace to go. Singing forte, forte, forte is boring and tedious. Start with piano, crescendo, decrescendo, piano. Ever listen to Mahler's second symphony? In the final movement, when the chorus comes in, it's so quiet it draws you forward to focus on the sound being made, and the intensity of it.

[@ShawkaReacts]

I'm not talking about dynamics but balance. They are not the same.

[@beatnikdiva4422]

@@ShawkaReactsI know you didn't say dynamics. How would you explain, in musical terms, the purported lack of balance? As a musician, I didn't find any issue whatsoever, and felt the proportions were correct. Scott stands out by design. Perhaps I'm not understanding what you mean by that word. Or it's simply a matter of taste.

[@ShawkaReacts]

Balance is more on the subjective side of the scale when it comes to music. If the listener really wants to focus on Scott in the moment, then it's great as is. If the listener wants to be able to hear all the nuances of the harmony, I'd argue Scott should be brought down a bit. It's a matter of preference more than anything.

[@marksaffer5503]

Why change pentatonix. They do it they’re way and it is fabulous.

[@ShawkaReacts]

Just a minor preference.

[@TitanSummers]

Mitch is NOT a normal human being.

[@marablemorgan8292]

Matt...

[@lindaeshbach6494]

It's obvious that you are just starting your journey with PENTATONIX. Oh I guess not. Oh well !

[@ruthwilfong2342]

I disagree with your criticism but that’s ok. ❤

[@donnamatthews5619]

Told you ..he does something of the same in a few other covers

[@donnamatthews5619]

Thats matt

[@donnamatthews5619]

That was Mitch

[@cynthiahaun9269]

That was Mitch