Spiral Out! Tool "Lateralus" REACTION & ANALYSIS by Vocal Coach / Opera Singer

[@kirkmccune7944]

YESSSSSSSSS!!!!! (he says as if he didn't just edit this video)

[@GrunkleBearnison]

He says like he didn't make sure Lateralus was on the channel 😂

[@toeman89]

She says "You all, have been requesting Lateralus" but we know the truth, Kirk was rigging the poll :P

[@MBrulla]

How you check off a Christmas gift and a work task all at once.

[@billtbodger]

Kirk how many accounts did you set up to get this on the show 🤣🦇🤘

[@Sturbinator83]

My absolute favourite Tool song.

[@startfloppin]

I first heard this song while at sea, middle of the Pacific Ocean as a marine on a navy battle ship. The sun had just set and a dark storm was rolling in. The waves were crashing against the ship. I then put my headphones in and heard this song for the first time per a friend’s recommendation. Absolutely one of the most perfect moments of my life.

[@lesflynn4455]

Oh man you really set the scene there. I'm assuming this resulted in instant fandom.

[@seanr1013q]

right on!!! thank you sir for your service music is a healer motivator...etc much love-me

[@Simplicitywins]

Hey, brother. Tool became my favorite band while I was in Iraq, & Maynard quickly became my favorite vocalist. I wonder how you feel about one of his other bands, Puscifer?

[@fthomason93]

That just gave me goosebumps lmao that's one of the coolest things I've ever heard

[@grim..sentinel9500]

Holy cow man - congratulations! What an experience that must have been!

[@YTDumpsterBaby]

The person who mixed this whole album should get writing credit. Its the work of an absolute genius. Tool have some amazing sound engineering in their albums

[@papajoeman23]

That would b David Botrill who was the engineer 4 this album and the previous album Aniema

[@isbjrn358]

@@papajoeman23 Ænima - otherwise the douple/triple word meaning makes no sense and it's David Bottrill (couldn't resist, sorry ;)

[@papajoeman23]

@@isbjrn358 sorry bro

[@Mazzini11]

@@papajoeman23 And let's shout out Joe Barresi for 10,000 Days and Fear Innoculum.

[@williamparker8694]

Easily some of the most interesting combination of sounds since queen in my opinion

[@scoundrel1680]

i love watching Lateralus reactions, when the listener is fixated on the Fibonacci sequence, then get trolled by Maynard with "overthinking, over-analyzing" immediately after.

[@UpperLevelFitness]

Lol ..the paradox!

[@Loctorak]

Jokes on you - im too dumb to notice that so when I first heard this I was just like "sound in ears make me happy in pants"

[@Hulkzilla0]

@@Loctorak The best kind of happy

[@dunn0r]

That wub-wub-wub sound is what the mothers heartbeat sounds like to an unborn infant. It is literally the first sound you (and any other human being) have heard in your life.

[@DarrylKirby]

Exactly! such aprimal sound.. bloody awesome!

[@Ceko]

And the next thing is Tool

[@stevenmorinville5503]

One more thing. The syllables in the verses increase and decrease with the Fibonacci sequence values. He pauses in between each. Black = 1 Then = 1 White are = 2 All I see = 3 In my infancy = 5 Red and Yellow then came to be =8 Reaching out to me = 5 Lets me see = 3 As below, so above and beyond, I imagine = 13 Drawn beyond the lines of reason = 8 Push the envelope = 5 Watch it bend = 3

[@MsFrizzle2113]

Thanks for taking the time to explain this so I didn’t have to

[@DavidLopes95]

13 (the number of songs on the record)

[@reggdew5412]

he also repeats this twice, as if 1 1 and after that he continues to the next part

[@caprise-music6722]

@@DavidLopes95 good job

[@LionKing-qp1lk]

Unbelievable but true! in 1385 Egino THIRD von Freiburg died

[@colleenw8363]

I always felt that the sound in the beginning was reminiscent of a heartbeat in the womb. Muffled by the surrounding fluid/tissues and thus creating the illusion of extra beats. Then the crescendo of birth... "Black then white are all I see in my infancy"

[@michaelrudy4162]

Yes, it does sound like that. So many amazing things about this song

[@spiralout3942]

Damn… I never thought about this.. thank you for this comment.

[@WillPage]

Holy sh1t I never thought of that.

Yeah I think the drummer said that was the feeling he wanted to pass. Like a birth. And it’s so interesting that the women doing the analysis felt like she was been born, check at 4:10 when the full instruments start, she if afraid/scared everything is to loud and bright. If she was a baby she would be crying. Hope you guys understand my point. Cheers.

[@darricshhh]

Exacto

[@TheCarmDude]

I'm here to show love to Justin Chancellor because it's necessary. He's holding it all together--the anchor of this song.

[@King5pade]

Bro him and Danny alone Like I've seen tool live and I was fucking blown away. I hope to see them 1 more time

[@optimusprimus89]

Yeah Adam used to be my favorite but after 10000 days came out, he became my favorite. What he does on this Album and even some of the songs on Ænema is like the other guy said, the heart of music. He's the one that pushes their music to that ethereal place where you can't help but close your eyes. He's amazing 👏

[@TheJuandenova]

Justin is a bloke

[@ricardomartinezxx]

They are all absolute geniuses, each one is just as crucial period, it doesn't work without either of them, DAmour was a boss, it's amazing they found someone just as good and different at the same time, and amazing in Justin

[@tanyamorgan5362]

Yess Bass love

[@marclavergne3899]

I think what's most enjoyable about Elizabeth's reactions is that every song, every artist, is appreciated for its uniqueness and she gives everyone a genuine pure reaction

[@codyeakinsbradley]

It's people like her, the classically trained, that gave me a new appreciation for extreme metal vocals.

[@NattyIce100]

She simply respects music.

[@condad503]

that's what pulled me in. so much emotion in every response to every artist in every genre.

[@JonKern]

One of the most technically competent and unique bands ever.

[@xenophagia]

I love that they're not just technical for technicalities sake. They don't sacrifice their musicality for technicality. In fact, they use their technicality to enhance their musicality, and they do so in such unique & creative ways! Tool has taught me a whole hell of a lot on my journey as a musician & sound engineer. I'm extremely lucky to have had them as a very early and continuous influence in my 27 or so years of playing music and instruments of all kinds (as well as recording and sound engineering, of course). It says a lot about a band when non-musicians can enjoy and appreciate their music on a high level, but at the same time there is basically an unlimited amount of technicality and musical intricacies for musicians to geek out to.

[@kevinkendall3122]

"4 of the best musicians anywhere,they just happen to be in the same band" Sammy Hagar

[@thiagopagot9981]

@@xenophagia that was very well written.

[@mikeh8712]

Back in their early years they were a band that I would buy their albums but I never really spent a lot of time listening to and when a friend would ask about them I would answer to the effect of, yeah they are an ok band that I listen to when I’m in the mood for something different. Now I absolutely love Tool and listen to them all the time. I think back to the 90’s now and ask myself my god what the hell was I thinking? Huge fan now!

[@badbadplatypus2952]

I feel I must add, they are technically brilliant musicians, possibly to the point of genius, but so much would be lost if their production wasn't fucking ON POINT. I feel like they must have a lot of input there because there's a lot of coordination that needs to take place for an artist to get ideas as layered as tool's to flow through their production.

[@guyincognito82]

"He's such a perfect singer for what tool does" is the best description of Maynard when it comes to Tool. Maynard could never be replaced as the singer for Tool. Great video! BTW one of my favorite Tool songs to listen to and play on guitar.

[@PneumaNoose]

I love how she continued on to say (about Maynard’s voice), “it is the thing that is needed” THAT is the comment that gave me chills because I’ve never heard a more true statement in my life.

[@DodPaDinSkulder]

Can any of them really be replaced. Maybe for playing older songs but in terms of creating new music I don't think so.

[@mantequilla6680]

You could literally have a college class just on this one album. It’s that layered, nuanced, intricate, and deep. Also that 9/8, 8/8, 7/8 time signature progression is significant because 987 is the 16th number in the Fibonacci sequence. In fact, the original name of the song was 987.

[@Gdisele]

The artwork included with the album is also layered (literally).

[@jacho50]

@@radbarij Yes, it is Fibo number :D just wow

[@tenpastten4167]

Furthermore, it represents a spiral as it uses descending, sequential numbers. It’s the most inspired piece of art I know.

[@Shake69ification]

Search here on KZbin for a video called Fibonacci in Lateralus, as it discusses all of these things.

[@mavericktheace]

This made me pee a little.

[@ihriel918]

I think the irony of this song is how everyone gets so caught up in the fibonacci connection and miss so much more, like the lyric "over thinking, over analysing separates the body from the mind", rather than riding the spiral and letting it take them where it will 😉💖

[@McNevetsII]

Right!? The entire point of the song seems to be that we should embrace the random. The idea that over-analysis leads to loss of control.

[@randominc.2251]

@@McNevetsII I love embracing ....Just don't touch the junk....😊

[@mattkey5128]

Exactly

[@vintersjelmorksorg7741]

@Patrick Shepherd maybe you should quit doing drugs that free your mind from this fully immersive holographic multiverse.

[@lesflynn4455]

It may just go where noone's been.

[@johnrega34]

This is my favorite Tool song and this is quite possibly their best album.

[@Noukz37]

I've been too scared to say this for a while now haha

[@unclemandragon5670]

Agreed

[@Merknilash]

FI, Aenima, and Lateralus stand tall as a holy trinity.

[@whomhead01]

Quite possibly? This album is unquestionably their masterpiece. All their music is fucking great, but this album is very special.

[@edrzl]

Best album of all time in all categories.

[@ashtindoner6283]

You should definitely listen to A Perfect Circle if you haven't already. Its one of Maynards other bands he plays in. "3 Libras" is so beautiful as many of their songs are. I also recommend "Judith", "Passive", "The Hollow", " Blue" and many many more. Love your reactions and hope to see this band in the future!

[@davidhaworth7152]

The Noose

[@TheCoryAyers]

There are so many great songs from APC. Every song from the first two albums are bullet proof. You can’t say you’ve done a dive into Maynard’s music without listening to Judith.

[@LegitRavven]

great recommendations!

[@GRUNGEKID109]

Outsider is epic too.

[@powerchord8497]

Tool's individual instruments and vocals are always SO well mixed - I'm glad you chose this song. I love learning new musical things about songs I've been listening to for years.

[@brendonford3838]

Just realized while she was analyzing this, the reason I like the whole “swing on the spiral” section and the lines leading up to it is because Maynard treats them kind of like olms(sp) or chants from certain cultures, where he uses the diphthongs to achieve a certain vocal resonance. As if this whole crescendo at the climax to this peace is meant as a type of overarching mantra of how someone chooses to approach life.

[@gordonpromish9218]

good point. it fits with the repeated cycles of expansion, growth, adding more layers of complexity and nuance, followed by a re-centering.

[@lamburdzy]

omg yes….you expressed what I’ve felt about this.

[@jonathancapps1103]

26:40 There's a lot going on here in this bit that you find so hypnotic. Justin starts what feels like a 6/8 groove. Then Danny enters with a 5/16 pattern on the high hat. Then Adam comes in with a splified version of the intro riff that feels 6/8, but as it develops into the complete riff it feels to me that it's in 4/4 and that Justin's 6/8 has actually been eighth-nite triplets this whole time giving us a 3 against 4 vibe. Maynard then enters, also arguably in 4/4, thereby confirming the actual time signature. But as MJK joins in, Danny adds a slow drum groove on top of his 5/16 high hat work, making the drums feel like they're now 10/8. Or _would be_ 10/8, if Justin isn't playing triplets, but rather the straight 6/8 we initially assumed before Adam and MJK came in. I don't know how to give the drums a time signature in the context of Adam's and MJK's 4/4. One full 10/8 drum measure takes 1 and 2/3 of a 4/4 guitar measure. It's an example of polymeter and of polytempo, since Danny's 1/8 note is a third longer than Adam's 1/8 note.

[@Mxulin]

what the fuckin hell

[@jameslove2264]

You describe a Tool song the way my brain hears it but I could never describe myself. The way you use your words is just so incredibly eloquent, graceful and brilliant. I wish I could get a transcript of your videos to go back and reread it because your level of knowledge about the construction of music just floors me. I love it!!! Please do every Tool song 🙏🙏🙃

[@grawl69]

24:50 to 26:21 - a perfect reaction of an expert, sensitive, and focused listener. I can watch your facial expressions over and over. No words needed.

[@lucas.tamaki]

"You all have been requesting Tool's 'Lateratus' a ton!" The "you all": Kirk McCune, kirk_tcv, kirkabeth, notkirk, kirknorris, kirkzharoff... Jokes aside, great analysis as always! I was introduced to Tool thanks to this channel and I loved it! I'm really glad to get to know new awesome stuff through your reactions!

[@leighannenight]

My personal favs from this album are Parabol and Parabola. This album, and those songs in particular, had a profound impact on me during a very difficult time in my life and helped me to be okay with the fact I even exist. I know that might seem a bit silly but it's true. I absolutely LOVE watching you react to their music!! Please do more!!

[@fisharepeopletoo9653]

I liked parabola before, but then I got in a terrible automobile accident and became crippled. Then I redsicovered that song, and it really was life changing. "This body, this body holding me, be my reminder that I am not alone in this body, this body holding me, feeling eternal, all this pain is an illusion." Really takes on a different meaning when you're in actual chronic physical pain.

[@bobboberson5430]

same

[@Chris.Minarich.LongIsland]

Yes, she’s rather awesome in her breakdowns

[@amillionworms]

I'm with you with Parabol/Parabola. I've seen TOOL live twice, both have cried and shouted the lyrics...

[@davidgriffin9247]

That transition between songs in just.....UGH!

[@zchrmills]

25:00 When you couldn't pause it because you kept getting pulled into it, I teared up, because that's how this band makes me feel too.

[@DodPaDinSkulder]

"Swing on the spiral of our divinity and still be a human." Goosebumps every time.

[@rellimnahtan]

Lateralus is my favorite song of all time. The way it builds beautifully to a powerful level of controlled violence, I listen to it when I'm feeling a little down, and by the end I'm ready to run through a brick wall. Spiral out, keep going.

[@PaulGuy]

One of the things I love about this channel is that Elizabeth actually understands the mechanics and theory of the other instruments, how they work, and why they're doing what they're doing. I've seen a bunch of other singer-reactions, and hardly any of them pay the slightest attention to the other parts of the song or members of the band, or how the various parts fit together to make a piece of art. It's cool how the first half of Adam Jones' second "solo" consists of one note getting manipulated in crazy ways. He use lot note when few note do trick?

[@belh4wk]

This; she really stands out in terms of how knowledgeable she is about composition, not just singing-technique.

[@johnmathews2958]

This young lady is the best first reaction analysts out there. she does a great job

[@SalmonSnake80]

This has been my favorite song of all time for over 15 years now. It took about a year before it opened and i realized what a masterpiece it is. Since then it has been growing and growing and im getting deeper and deeper. This will be my favorite song for a rest of ny life. Thank you Elizabeth for your great content and greetings from Finland

[@timeisnotaline]

YES! YES! YES! This is gonna be so good, I can't wait, thank you!

[@HiThereFaceHere]

The lyrics in this song remind of the book "The Giver". I love how with Tool its not just a band that you listen too its more of a band that you experience.

[@edwarddawson7849]

The giver? Is that Lowry?

[@HiThereFaceHere]

@@edwarddawson7849 yessir

[@Audifan8595]

I always thought the same! So glad I'm not the only one haha

[@chriszornes6976]

if you've not done a reaction for "46 + 2" that has to be next ... the depth of the lyrics are drawn from Jungian concepts about the psyche and repressed emotional identity ... its a fantastic listen and when you understand the muses for the lyrics it just consumes you. i love Tool and they shaped a lot of myself into how i view the world and universe concerning its holistic nature. one of the greatest group of artists of my youth and my lifetime.

[@brandonabiggs]

🤘🤘

[@DrFopdoodle]

It is so incredibly rare that the term musical genius can be used in the modern era, but TOOL is just about the only instance where I can safely say that every single member of the band is indeed a savant. Adam and Danny play like they have synesthesia. Justin is an excellent mathemeticion, and Maynard is an incredible poet. Truly incredible.

[@CharlesHepburn2]

100% dead on correct!

[@robertelee467]

You emphasized the musical intricacies of the song very, very well to the point of mastery. You lightly touched on the lyrics which are phenomenal in this song. One of the lines that really got me in the song that’s part of the repeat, is where he says “ pushing the envelope to watch it bend“. That is such a deep lyric on life when you stop and think about it. Your objective is to push the envelope as much as you can, but nobody ever thinks about watching that envelope bend because it’s reached it’s limit. That is a very deep, and thought-provoking, line… In my opinion. Such a great song by Tool! I will edit this post by saying, once you hear this song completely through… It’s like a drug. And what I mean by that is, by the time you’re done with the song, the driving and hypnotizing force of the song, you wanna do it again… And again… And again…

[@thomasdecorail8825]

Elizabeth PLEASE do Invincible off their latest album!! The amount of control, dynamics and maturity in his voice on that song is pristine!!! Please please do it. PS: please talk about the bass playing this time! Thx

[@ilovetacos6092]

Couldn’t agree more. It’s so so good.

[@ilovetacos6092]

Couldn’t agree more. It’s so so good.

[@WebsterA]

Yeah, that is Maynard's most perfect performance for sure.

[@Annat0r]

This, so much this. Favourite song of that album!

[@xfridgewizardx]

I second this motion! Please do Invincible!

[@jdubby654]

The sheer emotion you feel out of that first guitar rif from Adam gives me chills every time. Earned my sub! Keep doing you!

[@zae5159]

One of my favorite things about your videos is your ability to transmit the sensation of Frisson - a lot of the time, I end up getting goosebumps hearing you describe things in music that already does that to me. It's so rad, it's like YEAH! She totally gets it! I feel the same way about Danny, he's an absolute legend.

[@ingobordewick6480]

This song is an absolute masterpiece, in every aspect. Musically, lyrically, the way they thought this through, the egineering, the mixing, everthing about this is absolute fire. One of the greatest rock songs ever recorded, from one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded.

[@xenophagia]

I agree 100%🤘.

[@stevenmorinville5503]

Love this song!! So glad you did a deep dive into this masterpiece of music. I would also like to point out that Maynard starts singing at 1:37 seconds into the song. If you take 37/60 you will get 0.616666. Add that to the first minute, this is as close to the golden ratio value (1.618003398875) as you can get with the intervals of a 60 second minute. Another subtitle way they weave math/the Fibonacci sequence/Golden ratio into the song.

[@TheLordMarty]

Wow that is cool! Also, if you invert the division (60/37), it kinda fits (not so close as adding it to the minute) the golden ratio as well.

[@f1shk1LL3R]

Danny Carey has 8 arms and uses math for his drumming, pretty well one of the best on the planet, i have seen him and Neil Peart both live, so close in their level of skill, would love to see you do a breakdown of a Rush song, so much talent from a 3 piece band. maybe start with the song Tom Sawyer.

[@davidkalisch7168]

From a drummer's standpoint, the chops to play Tom Sawyer is stupid amazing, but he the FEEL to to be Danny Carey is unmatched.

[@JASmith-oy8db]

I read a great interview with Danny Carey in Modern Drummer back in the late 90s. He stressed the importance and influence of Jazz drumming in his development. I believe Billy Cobham was one of his more prominent influences. Another power house on the drums, especially with Mahavishnu Orchestra.

[@xenophagia]

@@davidkalisch7168 I'm a drummer as well.. I agree, but Neil and Danny are (and were, RIP Neil) both on that level that they can literally play anything. It just comes down the directions they want to take with their playing musically. You can see this in both of their written music. They could play with just pure mind shattering technicality if they wanted, but instead they use their technicality to enhance their musicality (which ends up being more mind shattering). Neil and Danny are one in the same in that regard, as well as their skill. It says a lot about a musician or band if they can play obscenely technical music that the average listener can understand and appreciate, yet at the same time musicians can infinitely geek out on the technicality and the musical intricacies. It's wonderful that there are so many bands that pretty much exist solely for other musicians due to their sheer technicality. Yet at the same time, I feel that musicality and dynamics have been largely forgotten about for quite a long time ( I'm speaking mainly of modern metal and it's sub-genres btw). Luckily dynamics and musicality seem to be making a comeback in the different genres of modern metal, which is great. Anyway, sorry about that bit of a tangent I went on lol.

[@nathancilley153]

While I agreed that Neil Peart was an outstanding drummer and perhaps one of the best of all time but the difference between the two is this, Danny Carey can play every single Rush song Perfectly if you wanted to but Neil Peart could not play these songs and that's a huge difference

[@UpspoonOneTwo]

These videos are absolutely fantastic. I love seeing people fall in love with tool. I've listened to them for over 25 years and as I age and mature, I listen again and again, and the songs often mean different things as time passes. It's incredible. Aside from thinking you should do all songs on all albums (lol), I'd really like to see you do 'Pneuma'. Thank you!!

[@SB-wj6dw]

Ive been listening to this song since i was 14 (now 31) and it still gives me goosebumps, tears, pure joy, reflection, love, happiness, therapy.

[@kirbys1370]

Hi Elizabeth, this is my first time listening to this song, and I loved the performance. The band was amazing w/ their complex rhythms, changes in dynamics, and Maynard's haunting vocals. This definitely was one of their masterpieces, and I'm glad you were able to put another smile on Kirk's face. Thank you, Elizabeth!!! 💙

[@JagdWehrwolf]

Admittedly I am a fan, but listening to only Lateralus is... just wrong. Do Yourself a favour and listen to the whole album, if You can dedicate the time, in one sitting. Personally it's as close to katharsis through music as it gets.

[@randominc.2251]

I'm pretty sure Kirk NEVER stops smiling at this point....

[@caseyrogers573]

Maybe this is just because I’m a musician, but in the bridge when things get very solemn and the drums, bass and guitar are all in different time signatures I always cry. It’s so soft and gentle and even meditative but underneath it they’re wrangling a chaotic rhythmic storm.

[@TheBuglemouthBass]

Same here man...that whole section after "I embrace my..." is so moving both lyrically and musically. I love the polyrhythm high hat backbeat thing too, totally cool.

[@TruckingEvans]

I always get weird logs when I say to people some Tools make me cry. Glad I'm not the only one 🤣

[@jimmyg.6487]

I'm over here crying when "feeeeeeeeel the rythym".

[@GimmeJimmy23]

@@jimmyg.6487 That's because you're witnessing the beea-uuu-ty.

[@GimmeJimmy23]

@@TruckingEvans My understanding was that was the whole point of Tool naming their band Tool in the first place. They want you to use their music like you would a psychotherapy session. At least one of them once said that in an interview. I'm not sure whether it was clear whether they were joking or not, but it seems to ring true! There are moments in several of their songs where I might get goosebumps and cry at the same time. 🤣 (A cry of catharsis, rather than sadness.)

[@salcalcagno8062]

Elizabeth, your pure joy for music is infectious! I LOVE watching your reactions! I'm a metal fan mostly, but love all genres of music. Love ya!

[@porkprism]

The thoughtful analysis of the music coupled with your obvious passion for music really makes these videos fun to watch! Thank you for your work!

[@ghefley]

“Forty Six & 2” (7/8 during the instrumental) Tool is heavy into math and time. “Schism”, has an intro groove broken into alternating bars of 5/8 and 7/8 (you could think of it as a longer phrase of 12/8) “Pneuma” (12/8 to 11/8 to 10/8) The original working title for the song “Lateralus” was “987” because in the intro and choruses, the time signature changes from 9/8 to 8/8 (aka 4/4) then 7/8. Danny dives deep into polyrhythms, polymeters, and other mathematical goodies. We hear multiple time signatures/meters happening at the same time, giving us a cool over the bar line feel. In “Lateralus”, the band plays in 6/8 (or a 12/8 feel) while Danny plays in 5/8. I figured this out after hearing Bill Burr (yes, the comedian -- who is seriously into drumming) describe a time he was listening to a drummer play(Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters) and Danny was there as well, and the guy got into polymeters hard enough to impress Danny... and Bill too of course. Now that I understood what to look for I found many skilled drummers with write ups on their reverse engineering of Danny's beats and rhythms.

[@puckarine]

The message I feel is to be gleaned from this song is not limiting yourself. How overthinking and second-guessing yourself may prevent you from seizing opportunities. This is also in how at the beginning when his lines build up to eight syllables then start slipping back, then reaching out a little further to thirteen. Also toward the end when he starts referring to the spiral which on a graphed Fibonacci sequence continues to grow out to infinity, talking about riding the spiral to the end and to keep going, it seems to be about overcoming fear of the unknown and uncertain an removing all limits to your growth. Just like you said there are so many layers to interpret, a lot of phrases jump out to this meaning. “Reaching out to embrace the random, reaching to embrace whatever may come” or “Ride the spiral to the end, it may just go where no one’s been, spiral out, keep going.” There really is a lot to unpack here.

[@rynnziolkowski4642]

Tools music could be studied for a century and still not be fully unpacked and understood. I love the intricacy they bring to every part of their music from time signatures down to the most minor inflection in a syllable it all seems to have meaning

[@tate138]

I can't believe there was not one comment on those incredible bass lines. They add so much to this song.

[@deanlillee3231]

100%

[@PaJamB]

Love when you cover TooL. Always make a niche of time to hear your thoughts. Beautiful in form you are; congratulations on your welcoming a soul into this realm. Good health to you and all yours!!

[@harleyrofrano6406]

Just found this channel and so glad I did!!! Thank you for expertly picking apart songs I’ve heard a million times and never got to truly admire the musicianship! If you enjoy Maynard and his singing capabilities definitely do a video on A Perfect Circle!! Different vibe but the sound is just *chef’s kiss*. Good luck to your husband with his surgery!!

[@davie261]

I watched How Tool Used Math to Create "Lateralus" on youtube and I am in awe of the song. Thank you for covering it.

[@jhamler1]

This is the greatest song ever written. Seriously. I'm personally a nobody but I keep walking around KZbin anyway, posting the same thing wherever/whenever LATERALUS "pops" up because I truly believe it to be the ultimate rock and roll achievement. It's Beatle-esque in parts, Pink Floyd-ish in parts, Black Sabbath-y in other parts, and it takes you on a syncopated philosophical journey that doesn't resort to pulling romantic heartstrings or hyping up some silly party atmosphere. It's introspective and uplifting, dark and inspirational, grounded and extraterrestrial all at once. Just for clarity... My second favorite song of all time is Sam Cooke's rendition of A CHANGE IS GONNA COME.

[@McNevetsII]

1(Black), 1(then), 2(white are), 3(all I see), 5(in my infancy), 8(red and yellow then came to be), 13(As below so above and beyond I imagine) ---- Fibonacci Sequence. The pattern is repeated and even reversed throughout the song. Also, the colors represent Alchemical Magnum Opus for the philosopher's stone, or great work. Traditionally, Nigredo (black) is the first stage, Abedo (white) step 2, followed by Rubedo (red) and Citrinitas (yellow). The intro is 01:12, the 1st 4 numbers in the Fibonacci Sequence. The first verse starts at 97 seconds or approximately 1.618 minutes Phi(Golden Ratio). There are so many little nuggets of information in this song and the album that it's difficult to list them (and probably to know them) all.

[@granthawthorne4112]

Cheers for your comment bro.. spot on 👌👌

[@erictopp7988]

Interesting about the alchemy connection. I always heard it was related to how vision develops in infancy, with babies only seeing in black and white for a time, then they begin to recognize red and yellow (and babies like to reach out, right?)

[@isbjrn358]

34:36 and just like that you can literally see Elizabeth being sucked into one of the best and deepest songs and most faszinating LPs ever made... 6hrs later she probably still googled, searched, read scientific papers about Fibonacci, Tool, Lateralus and finding out "what's all the fuzz 'bout". Thank you again, Elizabeth and Kirk, for your work and entertainment !

[@pookie717]

Nothing cracks me up more than you trying to count the time signature. Good luck. The genius about tool is that they also have this fabulous ability to play in different time signatures. That's why Danny is definitely one of the greatest. He does things that are just so unnatural for a drummer and it comes out sounding so beautiful!

[@neanight222]

I remember when I started listening to Tool, I was about 13 or 14 maybe, I was thrown off by the complicated time signatures, because I was used to listening to music (also a lot of metal) that is just easier to grasp. But at the same time I was so amazed and inspired and mind-blown by how incredible they are, all of them with their instuments and I couldn't stop listening to them. I immediately fell in love with the complexity of their songs. I grew up with listening to a lot of bass guitar, because my brother is a bass player and to this day this influences how I listen to music so much. I tend to focus more on the bass lines instead of the guitar, which is what many people focus on more, at least at first, especially in metal. And when listening to Tool, I find that the bass line is what gives me an easier rhythm to follow and move to, especially when I feel like dancing to their music. If I focus on the - of course absolutely amazing - drums, I can't really dance to it, because of the complex and constantly shifting time signatures, but when I focus on the bass I can actually move to it and be on time while doing so as well. Their songwriting and composing is just out of this world, I love it so much and I love how deep you get into these things as well. You point out all the single parts that make this great as a whole - all the instruments and vocals, the lyrics and their (possible) meaning, the production choices... I love it so much that you don't overlook certain aspects, but instead shine a light on all of the components. ❤️ Thank you for that!

[@JustinMoves]

Please do the opening track of this album, “The Grudge”. Would be curious to hear your take on Maynard’s seemingly impossible vocals forwards the end…

[@chasethompson278]

longest scream i have ever heard

[@semaj_5022]

Yessss I'd love to see her react to that legendary scream

[@rynnziolkowski4642]

The grudge was my introduction to tool and yeah that scream is next level

[@stevenpeet427]

Such a primal scream, it's cathartic just listening to it.

[@Jake6753O9]

The Grudge is the best song on this album in my opinion.

[@alanclarke8117]

Kirk In Heaven. Such a huge album back in the day from the best art-metal band on the planet. These guys deserve a thorough analysis. Sic 'em, Elizabeth. Then, next up, Parabol/Parabola. I wanna feel A-LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive...

[@GrigoriCross]

Who else now needs that soundwave-depiction of this magnificent song?

[@jimmyg.6487]

Yes please.

[@69CamaroSS]

Pause, screenshot, crop, print! 😉👍

[@stefanocc84]

I LOVE the way she talks and analyze Tool songs. The way she react to the dept of the band is beautiful

[@17johnnyfreedom76]

Maynard said when he was on Joe Rogan's podcast that the fib was by accident that he gets a finished product or near finish and then puts lyrics. He mentioned it was that 9/8, 8/8, 7/8 timing that you nailed on pointing out that triggered it. Great work once again!

[@ulventorden5293]

Once you realize that everything, including Maynard's voice, the bass, everything is part of the sequence. Close your eyes and you'll spiral out 😁

[@DodPaDinSkulder]

Mushrooms or acid makes it even better.

[@doct0rkrieger762]

Spiral out

[@AndreasPhilipp]

This song is such a masterpiece in blending weird mathematical time signatures and syncopation together. It feels like everybody’s doing their own thing but in the end the pieces fit. One of my all time favorites.

[@Chaps_Jr]

I know the pieces fit 'cause I watched them fall away

[@amelzon1]

@@Chaps_Jr but did he know they would?

[@galebe135]

@@amelzon1 *vsauce music*

[@rajatshubhromukhrjee]

​@@Chaps_Jr you beat me to it, by 2 years.

[@944CoyoteV8]

The best song ever written in any era in any genre. Just utterly inspirational.

[@joeyb1107]

I watch many of your reviews. This is a fascinating review for me. I have listened to Lateralus hundreds of times, and maybe a dozen reaction videos on the song. Yours completely breaks down the sound (I should have known 39 min lol) and opens up multiple thoughts. Excellent review.

[@kaylaray5636]

You're love and passion very much so projects outward loud and clear. Thank you for being you 🫠😊

[@genaepoe7715]

One of your best to date! Enjoyed watching!

[@Flagg795]

I remember buying at midnight the day it came out & having a blast digesting it for the next month. Great record, great song, great pick!

[@awave1]

same here!

[@howardstark]

Guilty. *raises hand* ✋🏼

[@TheCellsGameFactory]

I just wanted to pause before the crescendo of the intro begins, to say that I appreciate that you explained how the sound was interacting with you audibly from left to right at about the 3:45 mark. I have a disorder known as Single Sided Deafness and I've been unable to hear from my left side my entire life. I have never and will never know what stereoscopic sound is like. So, after just putting myself out there like that...I just wanted to thank you. :)

[@TroublesomeOwl]

I'm glad you can still enjoy music :) Out of curiosity, can you feel vibrations on your ear on the left side? so would you still be able to get some of the sensation through feel even if not by sound?

[@TheCellsGameFactory]

@@TroublesomeOwl Thank you. That is a smart assessment. I can feel "pressure" on my left side if the bass is pronounced enough to cause fluctuations in the air. Considering that in order to make that happen I would need to listen to the audio at a very, very high level and doing that would likely cause damage to my functional ear. Let's just say if Bethhoven was only to hear his music through air pressures similar to how I can with my deaf side. Then that poor man was missing out on a full blown orchestra of sounds.

[@michaellambert5223]

Think of front to back instead of sides. It’s not entirely the same but it’s a way to get stereo 🤔

[@sindrimusic-norway]

This little thread is just pure awesomeness to read

[@missd8264]

I didn’t think I could love this song any more but your analysis made me fall even deeper in love with it all over again 🙏❤️

[@frizfryry]

Probably my favorite all-time. Amazing drums. Deep lyrics. Awesome vocals, and rhythmic, well placed strings.

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

I definitely recommend one of Tool’s biggest influences: King Crimson, specifically, the song “Starless” from the album “Red”.

[@muzien87]

I looked it up...what a bunch of incoherent noise...jesus Christ shame on you for even suggesting that shit crimson song was anything even close to tool.

[@Chris.Minarich.LongIsland]

@@muzien87 You don’t get it… understandable, nobody young appreciates the genius of King Crimson.

[@mcsquared981]

Another vote for Starless. I'd love to see your reaction to John Wetton's voice.

[@mischabroeren]

It’s about time we get a reaction on the Mars Volta. De-loused in the comatorium is a awesome album. 🙃

[@justinwalker8584]

Televators, maybe?

[@davidcares7804]

Wax Simulacra it's good too

[@theyonlycomeoutwhenitsquiet]

Second the motion

[@rhythmatician4411]

I cannot upvote this enough

[@damienmcelhaney3450]

Pretty please

[@luiscampos1701]

An absolute Masterpiece! Keep going with Tool songs, there's much more to explore.

[@Wrathwithin18]

Holy crap. I know this is two years old as of now, but I've got to say it. This is like my tenth rewatch of your video on the song Lateralus on the album going by the same name and I think I finally got the meaning of it all, the song and the whole album. The song is about thinking laterally, or outside the box. Thinking and behaving the way you feel like and not let the brain control your inner being, the inner child some might call, the brain/mind depicting everything you learned about what you though was life, black and white at first, then with colors.. but it's so much more. We just have to let go of the expectations, the overthinking of life and of what we think (and overthink) we want or need to do in life We have to nurture this way of life though as it can be somewhat forgotten; We can forget that we are humans and need to live like humans do and stop doing only what other say we should do, "others" also including our brains whom repeat to us the things we have learned about life, ignoring the possibilities. You must feed this part of you. Also, said in another way, do "Draw way outside the lines", see the possibilities, the other colors you might discover. I think this is why at 22:50 you can hear the drums and the guitars going their own ways in terms of time signatures, as they leave the realm of expected to feel their moment... TL;DR: Do what you feel like doing; Follow your intuition. Experience life as it really is and not as what you think it is. Watch the envelope bend a little.. Its even more beautiful seen this way.

[@dwil350]

I love the lyrics in this song, and I'm a math/ time signature nerd. The "spiral out" refers to expanding your mind, outward. Not above or below, anyone or any idea. Just expand your thinking and your emotions. Beautiful.

[@marktobias]

I feel like I've been waiting my whole KZbin life for this ☺

[@hliborobful]

Tool - одна из тех групп, которых принято называть культовыми. В своё время банда сильно повлияла на меня в музыкальном плане. Расширила границы сознания, выступив неким "инструментом") Недавно этот альбом как раз переслушивал. Приятно было увидеть твою реакцию. Спасибо!

[@leonelsjanofwipper3418]

Danny has stated that the 9/8 8/8 7/8 part resulted in the working title "987". Afterwards they found out that 987 is the 16th step in the fibonacci sequence. "Which was kinda cool" according to Danny.

[@JDhvactech]

987 is also the 16th number in the sequence

[@branon6565]

The panning of the Tom's @6:50 is everything, whoever came up with doin that on this track is exceptionally good at their job, it's as if you're sittin behind the drum kit....it's perfect...

[@brangiexx]

Wow! I have never actually SEEN someone physically react to this masterpiece the same way i do. And that you are able to describe it in detail is absolutely awesome.

[@mattmuirhead6435]

I still remember hearing this live for the first time back in 2007, absolutely changed my life.

[@mogsy2112]

Same here. A multi sensory experience that I'll never forget.

[@reneskarmyr]

Maynards final «Spiral out» scream gives me goosebumps every time i listen to it. This band is one of the greatest ever🤩 React suggestion; Leprous - Castaway Angels. Amazing vocals from Einar Solberg, and a beautiful musicvideo to go along with it🙏🏻

[@joehynes5452]

This is the album that formulated their sound and placed them into a sonic realm all of their own. Lateralus is our generations Dark Side of the Moon imo. It's flawlessly engineered and produced. You've already reacted to Wings for Marie but another gem of engineering from the 10,000 Days Album is Lost Keys/Rosseta Stoned. Please put that on your list for later reactions, I know we would all want to see that......also the live version of Pushit from Salival. It's completely different than the studio version and it is etheral!!

[@waltv2773]

Agree 100% about that version of Pushit. I got to see them perform it live, eons ago. Game changer.

[@Man-vs-Metal]

I still think Aenema is thier best album. I remember being somewhat disappointed with Lateralus when it was released but it has grown on me over the years. This will always be a wonderful song.

[@Bramble451]

I would say it's the album Aenima that transitioned them from their earlier, harder sound to the sound embodied by their first hit, "Sober". They then kept that sound until their latest album "Fear Inoculum", which I would say represents another clear demarcation into a new sound.

[@joehynes5452]

@@Man-vs-Metal AEnima might have the best collection of songs but Lateralus is a different beast as a whole. Most of my fav songs are from Aenima even though Lateralus is better as an entity... If that makes sense

[@joehynes5452]

@@Bramble451 Yes but I feel Lateralus is when they became more structured and progressive with their sound. Each album is truly a growth from the subsequent album and to have them still progressing is such a blessing, esp at their age. It's all subjective but we can all agree that they've been in their prime for almost 30yrs and I'm just glad to be on this earth at the same time, sharing in this collective experience

[@malol1055]

You will have to listen to "The Grudge" one of the best tracks on the album. Thank you for this video ^^

[@markusorth5450]

Second, The Grudge.

[@nelsonshaw4596]

Third, The Grudge

[@TruckingEvans]

Fourth, The Grudge

[@user-stanrbm]

Jambi!

[@amelzon1]

@@user-stanrbm oof. Can I plead the fif on The Grudge whilst calling seconds on Jambi? Is this fair?

[@jimmybolton8473]

Oh thankyou so much. You are speaking my souls language from a previous time and place that i forgot or put aside. It’s nice to be in touch with this me again.❤️🙏👽

[@andreamaglio1409]

Yes!!!!!! FInally!!!!!!!!!How I've been waiting for this moment, even if it would take a mega review for this masterpiece

[@mariuszpociask3298]

Elizabeth, definitely do their Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned from "10,000 Days" - more and more incredible drums, not to mention the whole rest of it and hilarious lyrics. 🙂🙂

[@joehynes5452]

YES

[@robertotoro1376]

PLEASE !!!!

[@demonicdoc-29]

Agreed

[@GraemeRoberts]

The bass in that is hypnotic.

[@achafilms3968]

@@sheadougherty5092 Rosetta stoned also has the most epic and glorious moment in music history, which goes from 7,00 to 9,15.

[@bubbabigmin]

Spot on about the heartbeat sound - or likely two heart beats - mother and child heard from inside the womb. Also babies only see in black and white for the first few months of their life then color vision gradually comes in. Red and yellow then came to me, depicting the gradual opening of ones vision to the new world. The song is a journey about our existence in the universe and understanding our connection to it and our place within it and within ourselves, learning how to balance the mind and body with the divinity of our soul and always striving to grow and learn and keep spiraling out!

[@joergojschaefer3521]

My guess : This is not a baby heartbeat, too slow .. Is that his mother's heartbeat? Muffled by the amniotic fluid? Man, if that were the case, it's absolutely ingenious!

[@imcrazedandconfused]

Math, metaphysics and music have always been very, very close to each other. Since people lived in caves still ... Danny Carey is one of those who are aware of this. Very enjoyable discussion of the song.

[@putraceface]

I bought this CD when it came out on a whim. I had listened primarily to hip-hop and R&B prior with a smattering of 90s rock and grunge (Seattle Gen X here). This CD didn't leave my in-car CD player for a year straight. I couldn't stop listening. It has completely changed my musical journey, diving into what this sound was introduced me to everything from classic rock to death metal. Really love seeing people react to it now 22 years later.

[@awdimprezal]

Song almost brings me to tears with its beauty every time.

[@GrunkleBearnison]

Oh this is gonna be SO GOOD

[@nfleagles8282]

The sounds at the beginning sound like they're mimicking one's perception from conception. As the ears are developing, the sound of the heartbeat gets clearer and clearer. The explosion of the guitars and the rest being the moment of birth. Then the lyrics are also akin to learning the world. "Black and white are all I see in my infancy. Red and yellow then came to be reaching out to me. Lets me see." The spiral out is also mathematical related to the fibonacci sequence and the "golden ratio"

[@christinel.4827]

Who puts that kind of thinking into music other than Tool??

[@JT_Grogan]

This is why people hate Tool fans

[@jeremyritz1]

@@JT_Grogan 🤣

[@kentboettner494]

You are right on the mark here pointing to the moment of birth as the line "Black and white are all I see in my infancy. Red and yellow then came to be reaching out to me. Lets me see." refers to how sight comes to an infant first we see in black and white then the first colors we can see are red and yellow

[@69CamaroSS]

Way cool

[@crcox87]

You mentioned how it feels like you are sitting where Danny Carey is sitting. This is such a great point! As he plays various toms, you can hear that they take different positions in the stereo sound stage. The standard right-handed kit setup has the lower toms to the right of the player, and this is how they are arranged in stereo space as well. I love it when music is produced this way. This isn't always the case. I am sure there are a million examples, but an album that comes to mind right away is "With Oden on our Side" by Amon Amarth. The drums are produced so that the high hat is clearly in the right channel and the ride cymbal is clearly in the left, which is opposite to how the typical right-handed kit would be arranged. (stereo imaging of the toms isn't as dramatic as in Spiral Out, but it is present as well). This makes me feel like I am being played at, rather than sitting behind the kit with Fredrik Andersson. If I listen with software that allows me to flip the stereo channels (or I guess if I just wear my headphones backwards :P), it's a totally different listening experience.

[@lyndonbauer1703]

Agreed, drums are usually mixed either like you're being played to standing infront of a kit, or you're the one playing. I definitely prefer listening from the player's perspective. I never thought to flip channels to do that though. Good spot.

[@melz4662]

certain things Danny Carey does throughout this song (and many others) are hard to comprehend, but that segment starting at 25:40 in particular is just mesmerizing...what an absolute legend

[@simonic2063]

I always love your reactions/analysis of TOOL. TOOL, and Nine Inch Nails, are why I'm still alive today. They help(ed) illuminate the light at the end of my tunnel. Music is powerful, and can touch the depths of our soul that no other medium can. Edit: And the Lateralus album -- always pierces my soul.

[@jacobhumphrey3535]

This song has one of the most inspiring messages I've witnessed in music. By the time the explosion happens towards the end you've been lulled into a sense of security by Maynard's lines of "staying connected". Then, everything pops and he starts to scream "Spiral out!", and it just hits me in a big way.

[@Eadeve]

You need to do Anesthetize by Porcupine Tree, another amazing drummer and just an incredible song. (Also the raven that refused to sing is a masterpiece as well)

[@lepetitmoon8205]

Oh man I agree, we need to see Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson here

[@iiCodyYT]

Oh man thought people didn’t know about porcupine tree that’s awesome! Sound of Muzak is awesome on drums! Love Gavin

[@CruxalYT]

yes more PT!

[@BaronVonTomas]

Yesss Danny and Gavin are my top 2 drummers!

[@shunt5001]

Tool are this generation's Pink Floyd ( no one can match their unique talent). I've saw them live 3 times and I'd see them another dozen times if i could!!

[@timmykephart]

I like to think of Between the Buried and Me as the new pink Floyd because of the wacky vocals in some parts and their song progression. But I don't disagree with your comment

[@ajmadden4853]

Tool>pink floyd Dont get me wrong. Floyd is awesome in it's own way, but not comparable to Tool

[@thefinerthingsinlife4557]

Well said!

[@HavokTheorem]

@@ajmadden4853 Are you aware that you compared the two just then?

[@shunt5001]

@@ajmadden4853 different generation. It's subjective

[@philstone3859]

So....you HAVE seen them live! Good for you! Some of the other reactors are slowly figuring out that the live show is where it’s at. The concerts are everything! I tell them that they don’t really know a band until they’ve seen them live.

[@schism480]

The best part of this song is that Maynard's connection to the fibinacci and him writing about a spiral with the music also aligning with the fibinacci sequence was completely by accident. Maynard stated in Revolver magazine that the revelation of this moment was a healing one for the band. Who at the time was experiencing a lot of inner turmoil, due to Maynard starting A Perfect Circle.