ROADIE REACTIONS | Polyphia - "Playing God"

[@jordanlarson6488]

Honestly Tim deserves the praise he gets for being the brain child of Polyphia's music, but honestly all the other band members deserve more recognition than they get, especially clay the drummer. He is so fucking good, and has such a unique sound that fits band's overall sound so well, driving the hiphop beat while giving the tracks enough room to breathe and highlight his precise, impressive, and tasteful fills.

[@pedrorodrigueziii4859]

Clay is 100% a ridiculously talented drummer. Honestly they're all outstanding musicians. Tim is great in his own right but the band as a whole is truly the sum of its parts.

[@s1lentsymphony607]

Can we take a minute just to appreciate how absolutely unbelievably slick Clay's drum fills are? This whole band is exactly what you said. One of the most talented instrumental bands on this planet. From their musical composition to their playing talent. They do things I will never be able to fully appreciate, I have no doubt about it. Great video, Tank, buddy! We really need to catch up soon, life has been a little crazy for me the past couple months.

[@TankTheTech]

Dude, they're unreal. And so many people try and discredit them by saying most of their stuff can only be done in the studio, but we've seen plenty of performance videos from them to know they're more than capable of bringing it.

[@s1lentsymphony607]

@@TankTheTech Oh 100%. I mean, Tim literally posted a playthrough video of this exact song. I am stunned at what they are all capable of. I really am.

[@chadcorley2702]

@@TankTheTech what ever camera you’re using looks freaking insane! Great detail! I can more than likely see the sweat in your beard lol! 😂

[@PalmelaHanderson]

@@TankTheTech I've also seen them fuck up while playing live before, which makes them seem more human, and thus even more impressive. Like to play what they play and still nail it like 95% of the time is pretty incredible. Also professional. I think something happened with their click track or the band's monitors in the middle of a song, and Scottie and Drummer Clay were able to keep the song going. Tim and Bassist Clay jumped back in when whatever happened got resolved. Unless you were paying attention, you wouldn't have noticed.

[@DillaryHuff]

@@TankTheTech What are those earplugs, man? They look like viking hammers or something.

[@Andy_from_de]

as I've never heard them before, this was totally not what I was expecting. Really dig this, must check out more!

[@gabrielmclaughlin7669]

Aaaaand down the rabbit hole he goes, lmao. Welcome to the club.

[@Beinomat]

Do it, they are great ;]

[@patchesm]

Every member is actively changing the entire metal scene, very exciting stuff

[@juttaman25]

G.O.A.T. Prepare yo self

[@xfatalxflawx]

Welcome to the club. You can leave if you want, but you won't.

[@ThaBeatConductor]

If you want to define Polyphia into a genre, I like to call them "Inter-Dimensional Elevator Music".

[@slayerbot1394]

As much as i hate the elevator music label, i cant deny its truth 😂

[@sydisticsandman]

brilliant 🤣

[@IceMetalPunk]

Prog Rock / Trap Fusion With A Sprinkle Of Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.

[@SonsOfDeForest]

Elevator Metal

[@IceMetalPunk]

@@SonsOfDeForest Metelevator?

[@jamesm5883]

That whistle part has been stuck in my head since I first heard this song, I wake up, it's there, I go to sleep, it's there lol, great reaction Tank!

[@Beardus_Maximus]

Not a huge instrumental music guy but bands like this are always captivating, Animals As Leaders and Jason Richardson come to mind as well. Lots of fun to watch, and makes you never wanna pick up an instrument 🤣

[@pookha50]

This song was so relaxing to me. Just great background music. My hubby, on the other hand, was losing his mind over the technique of the guitar playing. LOL I think I'll add this to my playlist for work! Thanks Tank!

[@ralphmunn1685]

I'm sure I've listened to a half-dozen "reaction videos" for this song because it's a hoot to see people's jaws go slack, but DUDE, you got the like, subscribe and all notifications from this, our first encounter!

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks man!

[@mr.nahyan7626]

Its my first time actually hearing them it was poping to in youtube and i saw the title like "🤨 playing god?! It must be heavy AF song" and i was blown away by them being what they are an instrumental band with no actual catagory! Intrestingly amazing tank FR something diffrent and great to jam to and i like it

[@BinkyTheToaster]

At this point it's pretty clear that Tim Henson is a genre all to himself.

[@plantdesigns7889]

I know they are all amazing and Tim is the spectacle if you will, but goodness, Clay's bass sounds so good. That's pretty much where my ear goes when I listen to them.

[@millerbeer01]

I wish more bands would go the Aristocrats, Polyphia and Animals as Leaders path. Something can be said for a great instrumental song. Great reaction as always.

[@TankTheTech]

To be fair, more bands probably can't, because the level of musicianship in the bands you listed is a pretty special one. Haha

[@RustyGonzo]

Then you've got bands like Myth of I, Merrow and Alluvial which after having started out and gotten a name for themselves as instrumental bands are now adding vocals to their sound.

[@millerbeer01]

@@TankTheTech You do make a fair point, although bands like Karma to Burn weren't/aren't the epitome of technical, and they name their songs as simple as #'s, do know how to craft a fun instrumental song. Either way, it's still one of the music genres that isn't tightly packed with bands and is far underrepresented. I'll even take a band that has released a few "instrumental" songs throughout their career. I mean, YYZ is considered one of the greatest Rush songs of all time by some of their fans. It's fun watching musicians indulge in some jams that become iconic instrumental bangers. 🤘🏼

[@seanrees97]

Not sure anyone can match the solo ridiculous talent of aristocrats to be fair. Though some djent/heavy core bands do have instrumental playthroughs of their albums! Shokran is a good example

[@TheAnticorporatist]

You know, this reminds me a lot of the soundtracks from some animes from the 80’s. “Megazone 23” comes to mind.

[@steinlaubenpieper7882]

I really like this sound, it makes everything I am looking at while hearing seems thriving and living, super positive like jazz does for me most times

[@bobby_hill8357]

It's awesome to see other ppl discovering polyphia as they blow up. I first saw them in 2015 when they were on tour with August burns red. I love them bc I love technical guitar music, and I can listen to them around my friends who don't like screaming vocals since they're instrumental.

[@kerryh8er04]

really enjoyed learning more about the instruments

[@Slitherv5]

I’m glad you’re listening to them tank! Keep it coming, man. Also, I’ve been whistling the hook melody on my day to days. It’s catchy and it’s a very happy-sounding. I’m also in Los Angeles, so imma try and catch them live too.

[@gnihi1]

Yeah, this song was my first Polyphia experience a few weeks ago. What can i say? Awesome stuff. I went directly to buy all their stuff till now and i LOVE it! Listened to it at work for back round music on my headphones and its also perfect for that. Sometimes i was just vibing and moving to the music.. Yeah, they made working a bit better and easier ^^

[@anthonyw2605]

Same here. I'm tired of hearing Tejano music all day from my coworkers, so I invested in some good ear buds and have been jamming these guys quite a lot lately.

[@darkdudironaji]

@@anthonyw2605 You might want to check out newer stuff by Unprocessed if you like Polyphia. They have vocals though.

[@GregNoblin]

As for a classification of this song, I'd call it Upbeat Instrumental Neo-Smooth Jazz Yacht Rock, but actually good.

[@dragonballbw3]

Watching this after the "Click tracks" video you did. All I can say is I am even MORE impressed by the drummer and drum tech after listening to this song.

[@nightbane727]

this song is literally one of my go to gaminng loops as of late and i cannot get sick of it lol

[@graham_k]

I've been whistling that hook all day after listening to this. These guys are so creative, full of energy and great tone... hey Siri, play Euphoria by Polyphia 🤘

[@ZomboneTheBassist]

This first part was filmed at the Fair Grounds in Dallas, Texas. The same place that hosts Irish Fest and all kinds of cultural celebrations.

[@James-lr3xg]

I'll never be as good at something as these guys are with there instruments

[@abearly22]

Thanks Tank, never heard of these guys before and they're amazing!

[@titntin5178]

First time to your channel and I've picked up information I've gotten nowhere else. Really good job, well edited and full of content - you've earned my sub. I cant believe I had not heard of this band till a few months back. Now they are up the top of my playlist and I'm excited for the future of music!

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks a ton!

[@highandtight5544]

We've been waiting for you, Tank.

[@sevenjets]

They make it look so EASY!!!!!!!!!!! It's CRAZY!!!! I don't know what I like most, guitars, bass, drums, all the background stuff, it's all so mind-blowing. That's almost too much talent in one place! We are all so blessed that this is happening in our lifetime.

[@travismdrone]

yes. You are immediately after i watched this video one of my favorite new reactors. As a player i appreciate your gear knowledge.

[@TankTheTech]

Thanks, man!

[@Threnody248]

Along with This Will Destroy You and Death & Rebirth, Polyphia is one of my most-listened to instrumental bands.

[@soaplesstv]

First time seeing your videos. Thank you so much for shouting out their tour dates. I've seen a couple of react videos to this song and the content creator doesn't even mention stuff like "how to see the band." Legit.

[@TankTheTech]

👍

[@_Zer0Gr4vity_]

Man, those two guitars had me hooked they look so cool - even though I haven't played guitar in like 15 years. I know that you are the expert Tank, but what the closest guitar I've found to these is the Ibanez Talman TMX20N (I guess the N is for nylon as I've seen images with metal strings). But even that has the knobs on the front instead of the side, so it's not a 100% match. Some people on the Polyphia reddit think that Tim will have a signature Ibanez, and these are the prototypes. Other than this, great video as usual!

[@chops3905]

6:07 love how his bpm is at its highest at he’s anticipating the next part. Then when it becomes the super chill part of the song it lowers dramatically.

[@AlissonBirck]

Finally upgraded the camera!! Hell fucking yes! Looking so much better now my guy!

[@TankTheTech]

Hahaha. Thanks!

[@shifty7629]

Insanely talented band. My fingers hurt just imagining trying to play that stuff. Love the "Pump It" background track during the intro. When is the tour? You must be so hyped to tech for them. I imagine that's gonna be one hell of a fun time.

[@TankTheTech]

Tour starts October 12!

[@jamescunningham965]

Since I didn't see another comment on it, Tim's guitar is the Ibanez TOD10N. It's his signature electric acoustic that they make and it sounds absolutely amazing!!!

[@colby722]

I'm literally so upset that I found this band in October. 2 months after they come through 15 mins from my house. Disappointing but hopefully they'll come back!!!

[@lyconxero457]

As far as I'm aware, the guitars that both Tim and Scott are using are customs but I wouldn't be surprised if they're eventually turned into another signature model because Ibanez doesn't currently have anything like them and I personally think they'd be reasonably successful as they have a very unique tone and are probably very comfortable to play given their shape. Tim actually showed off a version of one of these guitars like 11 months ago on his KZbin channel and I didn't think anything about it until I heard this song.

[@MrCrazydave95]

Hey Tank! Love the video! I thought I would drop some things I noticed on the nylon string guitar when Tim initially started using them. I believe I saw him use a Godin at one point. I know for sure that the style of these guitars must be inspired by the Godin Multiac. Fantastic guitar.

[@christophscheinost7684]

Love MC Thunder in the Background at the beginning - love your Channel - Greatings from Germany

[@TheMedicinalMan]

When this song came out I had it on repeat for 12 hours in my shop and didn’t even notice

[@spdcrzy]

You are entirely correct about the custom thing. Tim ran across the original S series in a guitar shop (in Japan or Italy, I can't remember) and asked Ibanez to make a modern version of it because he loved the raw tone coming out of it so much. But it's an incredible value because he was able to get Ibanez to sell it for $650.

[@cwes6404]

Thanks Tank loved this,going to lissen a lot more.

[@jagdkotze]

If you like this type of playing the guitar I highly recommend Luke Jaeger to you all. He had a shot for EMG TV couple years ago with his other band "Sleep Terror" but he has a bandcamp page where he released a latin guitar type album called "Chasing The Pipe Dream" in 2012. I listen to this like EVERY summer in my backyard. Super chill and technical.

[@SARSbandit]

I'm chuckling at the reverse reaction to this video. If that makes sense. BPM during song: 80-85 BPM while discussing the instruments, especially the piezo part: 111 Most people (myself included) are like OH MAN, THIS IS THE BEST PART WEEDLY WEEDLY WEEDLY WWWWEEEEWWWW BPM 150 Much love from Edmonton Canada

[@TankTheTech]

What can I see. I get excited when I get to nerd about gear. Hahaha

[@nicholasspracklin6809]

Just getting into this band and find out they are playing in my town in 2 weeks. Hell yeah.

[@guybrushthreepwood1519]

Another seriously awesome instrumental band would be Asterism. But yeah, there really is something to be said about awesome instrumental tracks, when people are skilled enough you really don't need a vocalist, the instruments do the singing :)

[@erazer2602]

Yeah, Asterism is awesome. So much talent. In terms of instrumental bands I would like to add The Aristocrats.

[@guybrushthreepwood1519]

@@erazer2602 True, but I did read someone mentioning them already :) Plus, I don't know if Tank saw Miyu's 7-string bass yet.

[@BoG_City]

Haven't watched the channel in a while, how are you doing Tank? Great to see you're still going strong, the beard looks good! Polyphia is so damn impressive!

[@TankTheTech]

Doing awesome, man! Thank you!

[@jamesbell8861]

Love this tune ... been wondering when you'd get around to it.

[@carnivoreRon]

Thanks for this video. I told a fellow metal head about Polyphia after seeing this video. I suggest The Strawberry Girls and the song, Spanish Bay, from their American Graffiti album. YEAH!!

[@02Leiva]

Great video new sub here. Plus that calus lore from d2 make me smile.Rock up guardian

[@hansemanuelsson9005]

These guys are totally new to me. So what is there to say other than mind blown.

[@dcfromthev]

Check out songs Champagne and The Worst, those are two of my favs from Polyphia. Amazing band, top notch skill levels.

[@afailable]

However they achieve it, it's magical

[@CMarkem]

Interesting you pointed out the Ibanez, Tama, Meinl and it reminded me they are or previously was signed to Sony Music in Japan and had some very large followings there, they seem to have gotten the hookup!

[@walidfilan2998]

There are so many bands all over the world have really great music i just want to introduce you such as ULYATU the songs are YAPIR AL (FOLK SONG) and TWO WARRIORS the second band is SYMPOHONIUM the song is ANGYALTANC the other bands from Japan such as KELLY SIMONZ BLIND FAITH the songs are CRY FOR YOU, BLUE MONDAY and THE WRATH OF GAIA the last song is DESPERADO the second band is GALNERYUS the song IS EMOTIONS so many freaking Japanese bands you won't believe it

[@Jam_Jon07]

Tim did an interview going through how they made the TOD10 and it was a really interesting story.

[@tonyrabbett5312]

Magnetic pickups can not be used on nylon string guitars. Magnetic pickups work because a metal string is vibrating near a magnet with a coil of wire wrapped around it. The vibrating string causes fluctuations in the magnetic field of the pickup and is induced into the coil as alternating voltage :)

[@AzzyShredz]

Tim actually just released a video with the story on where and how he got that guitar!

[@TankTheTech]

Oooooh, gotta check that out.

[@cowboychuck5022]

Hey @tankthetech the guitar in question is an Ibanez Talman custom without a soundhole. Discontinued but that's what it is per a Polyphia information blog and Ibanez page. Anyways - still hoping you'll jump on The Warning train as well as the latest Blind Guardian video just released. And of course Veio - Like Cyanide new video is about to drop.

[@geirdaniel]

That whistle part reminds me of the game Deadly Premonition for some reason

[@egoequus6263]

If they got a vocalist on par with the rest of the band, like someone with an unusual range and style, they could be big like the best prog rock bands of the 70's and 80's.

[@nickbrenne2159]

A vocalist would take away from the musicianship. They have a song or two with vox, but I much prefer straight instrumental.

[@scimir2316]

New setup? Looks great. Super sharp video quality. I may be mistaken though

[@TankTheTech]

Yup, only been using it for about a week or so!

[@bbb12228]

As of my knowledge , magnetic pickups function only with ‘metal strings ‘ but not with nylon!

[@TankTheTech]

Yes.

[@Dragonhannes]

I know them since they dropped the the first EP with the video "Impassion" and damn, they are so Incredible talented. In the whole Instru-Metal Genre a have to try together with Intervals (Aaron Marshall) and Angel Vivaldi :)

[@Metal_Auditor]

I recently created an instrumental rock/metal station on Pandora, seeded with Angel Vivaldi, Polyphia, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Michael Angelo Batio, and Animals as Leaders. Thanks to it, I’ve found Intervals, Andy James, and Divinex as well.

[@pmz1981]

These dudes got us headbanging to muzak.

[@SRunni_]

Piezo pickups are so crisp..... soundings like home and waterfalls hahaha! I feel like I'm drinking Fiji water.....from the actual Island of FIJI

[@TachiTekmo]

*God:* __ I'm out. 😱

[@DizzyMan24]

This sounds like the Gran Turismo menu theme, but turned up to 37.

[@alexknouse9133]

I hear that MC Thunder in the background. Glad I'm not the only one who's gotten obsessed with Electric Callboy since Hypa Hypa went viral

[@TK_Brainslug]

wow that was an experience

[@TheAndrw6155]

It was funny to see the BPM drop right after jazzy time started. Same here

[@FearOfTheDark]

New camera, Tank? Quality looks much improved! Great video as always!

[@k1l1br1]

That's a good time for Tank to learn the German word "Ohrwurm" if he doesn't know it yet 😁

[@kriwen227]

i had to rewind the intro, cause i didn´t understand a thing you said, just sang MC Thunder in my Head :D also thx for showing me this, gonna listen to them as background chill music.

[@TankTheTech]

Hahahaha

[@juniardiardi200]

🤘🤘🤘 hell yeah

[@Ultra-Collector]

Some supposed “musicians” say “it’s too busy “ it has no emotion” it’s just soloing for an entire song”. These people don’t actually realize there are no actual vocals in the band! They’re playing the vocals on the guitar . For instance the beginning guitar solo in God is t a solo! It’s simulating a rapper coming out and dropping the 🔥 first verse hard AF! Their music is based on musicians writing ,composing and mixing all genres of music. Creating all the bass parts,vocal structures,guitar harmony’s ,hip hop rap and R&B vocals ,then playing them all at once, together on just a guitar done by one person ,or in this case ,individually buy each of the two guitar players. Polyphia simply mixes all genres of music ,their rock and rap harmonies and their vocal lyrics ,then all written,composed and played on a single guitar ,wether they’re live or in studio! It’s one man doing what a 5 piece band can barely all do together and it’s Ultra impressive to say least. Unequivocally this is next level complicated music with more emotion and structure than some give them credit for! The bottom line is It’s not just music but artistic writing and musical brilliance at some of it’s absolute finest and most genius! As a professional studio musician ,Drummer and lead guitarist I can say I both hear and feel the absolute magnificence of Polyphia! -Crisis

[@hamimabd]

I believe it's Ibanez FR shape. The one that looked like a tele, but this one is acoustic

[@improviseandtheguitars5859]

Hey mate if u don't its all good of coarse but gotta ask......u gonna do the new blind guardian song? Love what u do dude....keep it up 👍👍

[@TankTheTech]

I'm planning on it, yes!

[@michaelmcgilvray8606]

hey Tank---I have a tech question about touring bands, and you are the go to guy...when American bands tour Europe or European bands tour America...what changes to the equipment have to be made to satisfy the differrence in voltage requirements...120 here, 240 there!!!!

[@TankTheTech]

Power step downs are extremely common and are usually included in backline rentals to convert power.

[@michaelmcgilvray8606]

@@TankTheTech Thank You!!! I always wondered that!

[@russellward4624]

TBF Tim said the new album woukd be released in 2021 back in October of 2020. Lol

[@jamesboulerice4968]

If all the Final Fantasy and Ace Combat soundtracks had a baby. Top level awesome.

[@dodidix3821]

awesome!

[@PowerfulWarbird]

Is that Of the Abyss playing in the background?

[@johnny791]

Hey Tank! I have a request.. Check out the indianfolkmetal band Dymbur, the song Child Abuse.. Would love to see you react to these guys & the topics they write about

[@mooncritter721]

Have you ever seen ARCH ECHO? Check them out they are super musicians like these guys.

[@PalmelaHanderson]

I love that Polyphia is accessible to people who aren't music nerds. Like, I can play it while I have friends over who don't even know what a time signature is and they can groove to it in the background. Most prog bands sound like garbage to people who don't have degrees from Juilliard. Try playing Between the Buried and Me or Dream Theater at your next gathering and see how well that goes over.

[@rosakampfsocke]

Have you seen the new Amon Amarth video "get in the ring"? reminds me a little bit to bolt thrower but i really love to see a new stuff from them \m/

[@TankTheTech]

I haven't yet, but I plan on checking it out for the channel.

[@seanwald2249]

hey thanks for doing this, it was very informative! but rq what does the "tank bpm" at the top right mean?

[@TankTheTech]

Beats Per Minute. Heart rate monitor.

[@seanwald2249]

@@TankTheTech ahh lol, I knew the bpm was for beats per minute but I didn't realize it was tracking your heart, I thought it was like for the song so I was very confused when it kept fluctuating and also was working when you paused the song lmao. Thanks for responding tho!

[@jamesmartin6713]

Really reminds me of Pat Metheny Band....

[@mrssniperr4505]

I've met tim.henson he's so good at playing guitar i am still learning but I love this band and their songs

[@romeoromo-kt5vn]

My friend... The Warning!

[@montreauxs]

I would think 'Fusion' would be the best genre type for Polyphia...

[@plantdesigns7889]

I lump Polyphia, Animals As Leaders, Chon, and others like them in what I call Math Fusion.

[@circulation69]

Got introduced to these guys via this video of Playing God a few days ago by a guitarist friend and man was I impressed. Out of this world musicianship. If you're interested in discovering another instrumental band (nothing style-wise like these guys) you need to check out the Ozric Tentacles. Definitely a band to lay back and groove into 🤠

[@romeoromo-kt5vn]

My friend... is Flamenco pregressive!

[@jenhuntington1002]

Got to react to FIR, new song, Voices in my Head!!

[@TankTheTech]

Reaction will be out this week!

[@zacharymicah]

The guitars are most likely based on the Ibanez FR series.

[@sembilanindera2231]

Can you tell us where is the filming location of that music video ? It's gorgeous. Is it a government building ?

[@TankTheTech]

I honestly have no idea.

[@jackandcoffee1145]

Would love to see you react to 'Up into the Ether' by I Built the Sky. It's another great instrumental. Much love from a fellow tennessean!

[@cormachayden1614]

Have you seen Eluveitie's new single?

[@TankTheTech]

Not yet but it's absolutely on my schedule.

[@Zixias]

Tim was talkin about how he got them to recontinue an older type of an s i think cant remembwr which one or type