The Day I Quit Guitar - Polyphia - G.O.A.T Reaction

[@PalmettoPrecision]

I love watching people react to Polyphia for the first time - I honestly search for it. You’ve explained their talent much better than most and I agree that the average person has no clue what they are hearing. Kudos and subscribed

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah. This video certainly opened my eyes!

[@jakelawson4047]

I literally do the same thing. Watching all of these pros react is really helping me put words to what I'm seeing because, honestly, I don't have the vocabulary for it. This is now one of my favorite reactions.

[@jletsfsu]

Thank god i’m not the only one that searches it. I agree 100% this was the best blind explanation of it by far

[@pizzahut167]

Thought I was the only one lol

[@garyallenabramson]

me too. Never ever gets old

[@slithery9291]

Tim Henson did actually write this track in a DAW. He then deconstructed it into different parts that were physically possible to play on the available 4 instruments (band members). There's a video on his channel explaining the process.

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah I keep meaning to do a deep dive on his channel.

[@TheFaipht]

Thanks for the link... The first time someone played them for me i was like yoooo - did an ai create this- is an ai playing this like 🤯 wtf 🦾

[@TybudX]

Clay Aeschliman is easily one of the best drummers of all time. He's so creative. He'll be doing funky jazz stuff and then just switch over to the cleanest blastebeats you've ever seen. Ridiculous.

[@PrymalChaos]

Insane chops.

[@ma77bc]

Not many reactors will speak of the drumming. I find it just as fascinating as the guitar playing. I also really enjoy how he uses the cymbals often... He gets really creative with them.

[@evanrodarte4290]

I also love that you can see him singing the beat. Best advice I ever got for keeping time and improvisation is to sing what you are playing. I think it engages a different part of the brain and allows greater focus.

[@Barmunky]

The technique used to give that flutter on the natural harmonic is actually a percussive strike on the whammy bar while its pointing away from the neck. What it essentially does, is coil the bridge and the springs recoil the bridge giving it that fast flutter. The effort to get that sound is minimized to a single movement to initiate the effect, however, the difficulty lies in its timing and accuracy you must have strike the bar to stay in time and not botch the flutter.

[@PrymalChaos]

The amount of grinding to develop these skills is phenomenal.

[@caponebd7941]

I really appreciate how much you added to this reaction. A lot of channels just listen to music and say it was great but don’t add much. You earned a subscription from me.

[@PrymalChaos]

Thank you!

[@rofyle]

Tim Henson said in an interview once that he avoids "boomer bends," meaning the 70s era bluesy style of guitar playing. He caught some heat for it, but I think his overall assessment is right. It's been decades since we've seen any real artistic progress made with the guitar. It's just been mostly seeing who can play the most notes the fastest. BTW, there's another guitarist who has been advancing the guitar. Tosin Abasi. He plays with the group Animals As Leaders. They are a three piece who also only plays without a vocalist.

[@Arcticun]

The other part of AAL, Javier Reyes is also insanely talented. And then you have Yvette Young from Covet. Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel from CHON are also incredibly talented and do some very interesting stuff.

[@EtopiaCA]

Did you watch the video? He mentions Animals as Leaders.

[@PrymalChaos]

I heard about the boomer bends. It came about from a candid interview with Rick Beato and friends. While he was clearly just making fun, he is dead right. I come from the school of 'boomer bends' blues based guitar. And while there is a rich history there that goes back to the early days of guitar, even I get frustrated at the lack of pure innovation. I am enormously interested in where guitar is going. Tosin, Tim Henson, whatever. They need to make guitar their own for their generation. And I'm gonna go along for the ride!

[@rofyle]

@@EtopiaCA I rarely wait until the end of a video before commenting, because odds are I'll forget what I was going to say.

[@V2ULTRAKill]

@@PrymalChaos true, but sheer technicality with more well understood styles jason richardson or archspire style is still beyond respectible in its own right even if its not boundary breaking

[@xXxGR33NDR3AMSxXx]

Definitely a great reaction! Anyone checking out Tim Henson or Polyphia, I generally refer them to check out Manuel Gardner Fernandes or Ichika Nito. They’re all kind of in the same style of guitar and all extremely talented

[@PrymalChaos]

Thank you!

[@xXxGR33NDR3AMSxXx]

You’re very welcome amigo!

[@doos6172]

tim henson's use of the whammy bar is just amazing as well as his use of literally every other aspect of the instrument

[@PrymalChaos]

😂🤘

[@trouble1690]

Phenomenal breakdown man. These guys are from my hometown and it's been incredible to watch them progress, they're absolutely incredible musicians.

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks!

[@stephaniemoon8913]

I have been out of touch with music since I retired so it is nice to have your guidance. This was another first for me and quite a revelation. They certainly keep your ears busy, really lovely crisp technique, they are at the top of their game. I am doing at least one of your videos a day and feel I hit the jackpot finding you because as I have said before, there are a lot of substandard reaction videos out there.

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks Stephanie! I really appreciate you saying that. I work really hard to make sure that each video has some kind of value. I’m certain that some of the bands I feature won’t be to your particular tastes, but that’s why I keep the channel pretty diverse.

[@egochallu5889]

They're just as good live, I've seen them three times at different venues and it always sounds perfect

[@TheMcneill93]

The thing I loved about G.O.A.T when I first heard it was even as somebody with zero musical talent I knew that what I was hearing was something very special, unique and incredibly technical. Just had in instant appreciation of the skill these guys have

[@PrymalChaos]

That's interesting to hear actually. I know how I relate to it as a musician, but sometimes I'm envious of listeners who don't have to over think it all and can just listen.

[@SevenGC89]

I started playing guitar when I was 10, I'm 32 now and I didn't think I would ever hear anything new that would make my jaw drop but when I first heard G.O.A.T ...I was dead lol, it's so beautifully written.

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah, same!

[@maxherczeg8006]

I highly recommend Nasty by Polyphia. Its my favorite by far. This band is pretty insane. Always love seeing people discover them for the first time.

[@PrymalChaos]

I'll check it out!

[@cricketamory3000]

@@PrymalChaos I second this this. Nasty is a nasty track indeed

[@theartoffuckit5287]

@@PrymalChaos ill third anything they do is nuts

[@117_90]

Fourth for sure

[@justdannyp7]

Fifth here

[@frostymcnuggets8504]

They have this song ssssoooo perfect when they play it live it sounds just like the album and the "playtime" is exactly the same it's insane....also if you listen closely you can tell they all are playing with and relying on the drummer to keep them all "in time" there is a reason this song is called G.O.A.T.

[@PrymalChaos]

Fantastic!

[@citizennozmeda7232]

Well... that's pretty much the whole purpose of a drummer.

[@frostymcnuggets8504]

@@citizennozmeda7232 yes, but with most other songs you can play in time without hearing the drums so much. And with this song the arrangement is so tight that if the drummer is off by just a little bit everyone else gets thrown off and the whole song gets "iced" if you listen to lead guitarist play it by himself he hits all the notes yes, but sometimes it slower and sometimes it's faster. Most ppl won't notice because he's playing by himself, but if he played like that with the band on stage everyone would know he's ahead or behind. Now put that idea to the whole band and that means the Drummer has to keep everyone in perfect time. Imo the drumming in this song is the hardest part due to the perfection he has play in order to "guide" the other musicians.

[@MrADN89]

It's funny you say it sounds programmed, because that's Tim's writing process if I remember correctly. He writes the parts in a program, then he and the band learn it from there. Check out the making of video from Tim's channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjCZJ2hiLiVn8k

[@PrymalChaos]

Oh wow! Cool thanks!

[@WuKingdom1]

I was JUST about to mention this lol

[@metallicakevin1]

@@WuKingdom1 same xd

[@JG-fp7hm]

His way of turning hip hop production into a guitar track blew me away

[@lyconxero457]

There’s a flamenco cover of this song on acoustic that even Tim Henson gushed about. I think the dude’s name is Robert Svard and it takes what’s already crazy here and puts a spin on it that’s just as technical but is also amazing in its own way.

[@PrymalChaos]

I'll check it out!

[@wereboarder2009]

By far my favorite cover of this song. Cy leos harmonica cover of 40 oz with the beatboxer is still the top cover overall though.

[@changmokim7486]

@@wereboarder2009 There's a new violin cover for G.O.A.T by Elena Abad that's absolutely nasty af. Best composed imo

[@MichaelLeightonsKarlyPilkboys]

It's absolutely amazing. I've been practising it for a year and can play all of it bar the last couple of runs at the end. Just can't get my fingers to move that fast.

[@Arcticun]

The beauty about music is that there is so much to discover that you've never really heard of before. Keeping an open mind and looking for new music is a great mindset to have. Also yes, the lads in Polyphia are absolutely nuts at their respective instruments. I do know that Tim Henson (short hair lead guitar) practiced for several hours a day for about 16 years, on top of just being very talented from the get go. Some other Polyphia songs that are just absolutely incredible and are worth checking out are O.D, 40oz and Aviator (featuring another insane guitarist in Jason Richardson). Honestly their entire discography are just filled with bangers. If you're looking for another virtuosic instrumental band (and since you already know Animals As Leaders), I'd point you in the direction of a band called 'Covet' and their song 'Shibuya' would be a pretty neat introduction, they're a bit more towards the math-rock side of things.

[@PrymalChaos]

I'm in!

[@aaronfowler382]

Covet is phenomenal! And the other Polyphia songs mentioned are also great tracks. Enjoy.

[@bobmandude9889]

They are all insane. I just saw them in concert a few months ago and they sounded just as good. I'm amazed at how perfectly they can play it every single time.

[@robbonaiuto3501]

Same here. Saw them with my wife in Orlando opening for DGD and I was blown away. We were right in front of Tim and I couldn’t take my eyes of his hands. Fast forward 2 weeks and I was like who the hell was that band again. Couldn’t get their sound out of my head. After hearing their full catalog I’m a fan for life and so is my wife.

[@fullpath3432]

What a great review, I loved all the commentary and pausing for discussion. 🙂 I just turned 50, been playing like you, had the same, "Oh no" hyper awareness moment. I thought what's the point, who needs my mediocre skills with people like this in the world. I had to realize: Polyphia is bringing their inspirations to our ears, giving us their best, blowing our minds and making us aware of old limiting ideas. I hear the amazing transitions, the clarity, precision and the definitive groove I just want to lay in. As staggeringly amazing as these guys are, they will never make your song or mine. We are the only ones who hear our muse. I am the only one who can create my music. They could surely play it infinitely better than I can, but not till I share it. ;-) I bow humbly before Polyphia. 🙂

[@PrymalChaos]

Great attitude! I am the same, greatness and change shouldn't be feared, it should be inspiring!

[@sparda9060]

The music video and editing of it, is just a godly as their playing in this song. That whole seemless single take of the whole video is really cool with the digital edits done to hide the cuts. the transitions of the shots are very cool and interesting, and it keeps up with the pacing and dynamics of the song throughout. It blends so well with the song, i'm pretty sure Tim himself has a lot of hands on input with the music video producer. Tim has a lot of good editors and producers to back him up on a lot of his songs, it also includes other musicians too.

[@Huse6707]

Polyphia is amazing. If you wanna dive into more instrumental bands. "I Built the Sky", "Wide Eyes", and "For Giants". Absolutely epic musicians

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks!

[@cricketamory3000]

I’m so happy to see you listened to this. Where as you should obviously check out more polyphia in general, I highly recommend 40oz live soundcheck and the drummer, clay aeschliman’s, drum play throughs. He’s got one of this song.

[@PrymalChaos]

Ok cool!

[@chaosmisha]

I think you'd enjoy Marcin as well. He is a prodigal guitarist (21) who has arranged songs like Kashmir, Toxicity (when he was just 16), Master of Puppets, Moonlight Sonata, Nocturne, etc but has also written his own songs. He basically plays an entire band arrangement on just his guitar. His hands move so fast you can barely see what he's doing but on his IG live video's he shows how it's done.

[@PrymalChaos]

Oh cool! Thanks for the tip!

[@DonFranko84]

Polyphia really are insane, and I wonder how many people they have made feel like they just want to quit playing guitar (myself included) :) I agree with several others here that you should check out their tune "O.D." which is definitely my favourite of theirs, and if you want something that will make you feel like quitting drums as well then you could check out the drummers (Clay Aeschliman) drum playthrough of "O.D." on Meinl Cymbals studio. That guy is a beast. \m/

[@PrymalChaos]

Just what I need! More soul crushing awesomeness. Haha 🤣

[@steveeymann6374]

What amazes me most about Tim is his super fast licks. They can get muddy very easy but for Tim, every note is crisp and clear regardless of the speed

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah it's like he can slow down time.

[@draetonalimoffatt8780]

I normally find reaction videos to be cheap and low effort; however, you made some excellent points and observations and managed to make a very common video (reacting to G.O.A.T) original. Well done, this was very entertaining. Also thank you for acknowledgeding the HOURS and YEARS of practice that went into this. So many people just say "wow they are so talented" as if they haven't worked their asses off to get there. I request you review James Franco also by Polyphia, it's an older song and really shows how far they have come, but it's also somehow my favourite polyphia song. Scott's melodies are great and Tim has incredible stuff too. They do a unison sweep picking section that is to die for.

[@PrymalChaos]

I'm in! Sounds awesome. Thanks for such an amazing compliment too. I appreciate that. I try to add value to each video, otherwise what's the point?

[@belliott88]

You explained what makes this band impressive, and why/how they’re absolute masters of their craft, better than anyone else i’ve seen react to Polyphia. Well said! Subscribed.

[@PrymalChaos]

Wow! I appreciate that more than you know.

[@bradkohl99]

Instrumental bands are insane. Usually the vocalist serves the purpose of exciting the crowd and hyping people up. Somehow these bands find a way for usually one guy to do that, except with an instrument. In this band, it’s Tim. Intervals is the same sort of deal too. Foxy Shazam should be on your list. Pretty much the closest modern day equivalent of Queen.

[@PrymalChaos]

Oh that sounds like something I'd be interested in.. and a great band name too!

[@bradkohl99]

@@PrymalChaos the song Holy Touch is probably the best place to start with Foxy Shazam. So many good ones, but it’ll give you the clearest idea why I say they’re pretty much modern day Queen. Lol.

[@akiratoriyama1635]

Good you listened to me with Polyphia you should check out O.D. as well its mind maze of music ;)

[@PrymalChaos]

It's on the list! Thanks!

[@KalihiKlassic]

Don’t come across too many artists that actually break down the complexities of music so that the average enjoyer understands. Fantastic review!

[@rhockinstone]

On Tim's interview on Guitar Villains he almost seemed to be proud to clarify all their stuff was 4/4. If he wasn't, he should be. They are masters at taking something standard and upgrading it in a totally interesting way

[@domsmith3978]

Not gonna lie man, I feel the exact same way as you. I have been playing guitar off on on for about 17 years. Never really practiced as much as I did when I was the young angsty kid picking up a guitar for the first time. Though as I get older and seeing how much music has changed over the past it makes me realize that talent also changes and even though you may think you can not be as good, it is always an amazing feeling to see how much talent can really grow amongst us humans. Keep rocking on man and enjoy every minute of it as well as yourself. \m/ You have another sub

[@PrymalChaos]

I find that coming across extreme innovation and talent can be really inspiring. I've been planning to make time each week to build up my technique again. I have an idea for a concept album, and now that I am building a community that is worth sharing it with, I have to make sure it's gonna be in the same league as the stuff I've been reviewing. At least that's the goal. 😂

[@joepennie9329]

As someone who has followed polyphia since their first ep, I love watching these, trying to chase that initial feeling of witnessing them. The way bass and drums match perfectly on each note in clays solo part blows my mind. Also what you said about written on a daw, I'm pretty sure you are right, I think Tim (guitarist) has said he writes everything on a keyboard then goes okay time to play all these notes on guitar. Awesome video man 🤘

[@PrymalChaos]

The groove in that bass solo is so fat it almost sounds out of time. SOLID playing.

[@joepennie9329]

@@PrymalChaos I aspire to be a fraction as skilled 🤣🤣🤣

[@PrymalChaos]

@@joepennie9329 it's all about putting in the time and having structured practice. Two things that I certainly struggle with. 😂

[@delbomb3131]

When i heard him say he writes his guitar parts to sound like a rapper with it all made sense to me.

[@Fubbernutt]

Every single one of those guys is a virtuoso with their instruments, but the mvp in my opinion has to be the drummer. The fact that he’s able to play things that normally would only be possible through drum machines and play them on time is ridiculous. A lot of their songs are written using midi first and then performed with instruments, which is part of why they’re so difficult. I don’t think many people appreciate the gymnastics that the drummer specifically has to go through lol.

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah I wish I understood drums more so I could discuss it in the videos more thoroughly.

[@AnthonyBowman]

They write all of there songs in a DAW with midi then figure out how to play that with live instruments afterward. That's why it sounds more like an orchestral composition than a standard rock song.

[@BraceDeville]

I've watched a ton of reactions to this video and you are the first one to pick up on the "heaven & hell" dichotomy with them visually moving up and down between floors in the the church.

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks for that! I try to be observant so that I can add some value to the experience. Thank you for noticing that I noticed! 😂

[@Therap1ssed]

Tim Henson, the "lead" guitarist in this, composed this song in DAW and then learned to play it. Here's his video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjCZJ2hiLiVn8k

[@Widur42]

If you find this technicality impressive, be reminded that they play this stuff LIVE!

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah it blows my mind!

[@victorlandon7915]

You my friend have a long road ahead of you if you decide to go down the path of polyphia. Not only are there so many other bands like Polyphia but even their own dicsography has changed and progressed drastically over the years. I myself have to start branching out and discorvering older metal artists but ive been in the Polyphia, AAL, Chon, Intervals world for as long as I can remember. I can tell you truly understand the technicallity of the guitar playing so im begging you to try Animals as Leaders, Chon, Intervals, Plini, Unprocessed, and Charlie Robbins just to name a few. All instumentals but even Polyphia has a few tracks with some guest vocals (So Strange, and Look But Dont Touch). All the best, you deserve so many more subs

[@PrymalChaos]

I'll probably do some Animals as Leaders soon. I'm really curious about Tosin Abasi.

[@NorthernHarker]

Love watching along with a fellow aussie. Loved your explanations and thoughts bro, super glad i found your channel :)

[@PrymalChaos]

Thaanks mate!

[@gouladefoolade]

My friend said it best. Polyphia is the type of band that makes music for musicians. Not to say that non musicians don’t enjoy or appreciate the music, but musicians can really sit down and dissect how technical the sound is.

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah. Well said.

[@qmiller9]

Subscribed!! You asked how they got together and I haven't see anyone answer it so I'll give it a try. Original group: Tim Henson (G), Scottie LaPage (G), Clay Gober (B) and Brandon Burkalter (D). They formed during highschool in Plano, Texas (Dallas suburb). They started out super fast sheddy technical metal and got more progressive as they went on. Tried for a vocalist early on but never suited them so they just stayed instrumental. (With the exception of a couple featured vocals.) Brandon left (mostly session drummer now, but he released an incredible solo EP with him on drums and keyboard.) Very talented guy! I suggest his playthrough video "Trenches" if you wanna check him out. He deserves more attention IMO. Then came Clay A. He really allowed the rest of the band to continue on into their new sound with obvious influences from hip hop, trap and R&B. All while still using their ridiculously high caliber chops blending into the sexy amalgam of prog metal. Seen them live about 6 times now and each show I'm more impressed. Hope that's helpful. I'm glad I found your channel. Great reaction and super informative! Love your positive attitude too. Please consider checking out more prog metal stuff like: Plini, Night Verses, Caligula's Horse, Intervals, Sithu Aye, Arch Echo and David Maxim Micic. Cheers!

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks mate! Appreciate the back story. Also I haven't heard of any of those recommendations! I'll take a look!

[@qmiller9]

@@PrymalChaos Awesome! You won't be disappointed.

[@Durnyful]

Very well put. They are all masters playing together perfectly

[@siggisteini1]

Finally, someone who talks about the difficulty of the guitar notes!!

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah. It's both terrifying and inspiring!

[@jiushusband3198]

Reactions to Polyphia started to pop out in my notifications and it has also made me want to get back on my guitar. When I first heard them I also felt like nope, no more guitar for me. But seeing reactions makes me want to go back to playing. Currently waiting for my pickup replacements and my first multieffects to start learning again. By the way, OD is my favorite. Especially with Clay's Meinl video.

[@PrymalChaos]

Gotta keep playing!

[@stevenboon7097]

Not related to this type of music (which is awesome by the way), but if you're looking for interesting musical concepts, maybe check out Zeal & Ardor - Blood in the River (the session video). The story behind it is that this Swiss musician with an African American background asked in a 4Chan forum what strange genre combos would be interesting to try out. So some people suggested black metal. Then some troll said N*gger music. Long story short, the guy ran with it. And thought what if slaves turned to Satanism instead of Christianity. And that resulted in this interesting mix of African American Spiritual, Soul and Black Metal. Love the channel and your insights, keep up the good work.

[@PrymalChaos]

Whoa! That sounds awesome. What a concept!

[@munkyenima]

Zeal & Ardor are beyond amazing. Some of their songs are modern versions of the old "Field Hollars"... the songs many slaves sang to pass the time in the fields (and cope with their systemic oppression.) These songs were the basis, and inspiration for blues music in the post civil war American south. It's a fascinating look into the dark past of American slavery, and a history lesson in what led to modern music. Other than classical music, almost all 20th & 21st century music originated from these early styles of music which were rooted in slavery.

[@deuces_shoeless]

The runs in this song are the most insane things ever. Song title completely makes sense

[@PrymalChaos]

The precision is what gets me.

[@nondescriptcat5620]

some other active bands to check out that are just next level musicians and pushing music in very exciting dimensions: Dirty Loops: Swedish Jazz Fusion/Pop. did a cover of Thriller transposed into 6/8 that's a lot of fun. Sokoninaru: frenetic Japanese Math Rock, like Dillinger Escape Plan but melodic. Covet: American instrumental band, Yvette Young is a one-of-a-kind guitar artist.

[@PrymalChaos]

Dude I am ALL OVER Dirty Loops. Hit me has one of the most amazing Vocal runs ever recorded. Oh and I'm planning on doing some Dillinger. I know I'm supposed to like their style but somehow I've never gotten around to hearing them!

[@Scrub_Jake]

Would also LOVE to see your reaction to the live sound check version of this they did 👌

[@raaffaaGC]

more polyphia pls i think it is incridible as each of their songs have it's own style. My favourite one is rich kids

[@Siendorf]

You should check out unprocessed the song abandoned. There video is a one take video pretty cool if you like how this video was put together

[@l.like.too.practice.]

great video Pitch bends is done with wobble stick The song was based on a hibhop Song , cord progression is based on that Tim has a video (on you tube )on how rewrote the song And the drummer plays with clink track And they can play it live !!

[@PrymalChaos]

I'm sure they can. Brilliant technicians

[@iamdave4426]

Polyphia is one of my favorites. Glad you are branching out!

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks! Me too!

[@marcusweatherbee8195]

Unprocessed-Abandoned. If you liked G.O.A.T, you'll love this song too. Kinda like polyphia with lyrics

[@NIkZIm_]

I highly recommend "Awakening" by Ichika Nito. It's the song for his signature Ibanez and he's absolutely insane.

[@leoalvarez2213]

I hear you man! Ever since I discovered them just like PalmettoPrecision said, I actively look for people reacting to them. These guys scrambled my fucking brain and they make it look easy. I actually looked up a live version of this because I could not believe that in this day and age people that young could do something so absurdly mature in terms of the chops required to actually play it. And there they were pulling it off live and my jaw sitting on my lap, just bonkers from a performance/compositional standpoint😳

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah. It hurts my brain. Can't wait to check out more though!

[@YaBoyChe]

You did a great job on this video. The explanation and everything was amazing. Keep it up

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks mate!

[@triceranaps]

I share a lot of the opinions you brought up in this video. I totally agree that Polyphia are masters at making complex music sound fun and easy to follow. So many bands shred their guitars to show their technical skills at the expense of a good sounding song. These guys marry shredding with melodic hooks that pull you in. The way the guitars jump between chords, harmonics, arpeggios, tapping, etc. so seamlessly is amazing, and of course the drums and bass give it so much funk. Their older stuff is great, too. Songs like Champagne and James Franco just make you want to dance. If you dig this stuff, you might like more post-rock music, too. If you haven’t heard them before, I’d check out the songs Carpe or Death Rides a Horse by Russian Circles, or pretty much anything by If These Trees Could Talk.

[@triceranaps]

Also, Intervals or Plini. Last thing - I love watching reaction videos to this song because so many people have the same reaction i did hearing that first guitar riff. A buddy sent me a link to the song while I was cooking dinner. I heard that riff, paused the video, and rubbed my face with both hands trying wrap my head around those harmonics and lightning fast picking. I was not prepared for this music. I shut off the stove, went to my room, and put on my good headphones to have my mind blown to pieces.

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks for the tips!

[@PrymalChaos]

Haha. I bet everyone remembers the first time they heard that riff.

[@azfaa2178]

Just for highlights @Prymalchaos I get goosebumps listenin to them playin to say the least. “Polyphia”, comes from the word, “Polyphony”, meaning: “music whose texture is defined by the interweaving of several melodic lines” Playing off this definition, as a band, we capitalize on musicianship, and that, musically, each member of the band is a cornerstone of our sound. Hopefully this helps with the questions asked about what they do. Thanking you for your attention & Happy listenin y'all. From me in Kuala Lumpur, West Malaysia. Salute.

[@frontline333]

Feeling with you - your ‚Come On!‘‘s were so perfectly timed 😂.

[@PrymalChaos]

Sometimes I can't contain it 😆

[@LT_Dangles]

Great video. If unique and heavy music is what you’re looking for, check out Silent Planet, if you haven’t already. Most popular is their song Panic Room, and a newer one is Anhedonia

[@PrymalChaos]

I don't think I have checked them out. I'll take a look.

[@AGGINYZARCENO]

You should check out the live rehearsal version.. sounds excatly the same. Insane. Makes me want to quit guitar lmao.

[@sjmryu6144]

When i hear better guitarists it makes me want to become better myself. Why does it make you want to quit on something i'm sure you love or enjoy?

[@philliptoole6439]

In terms of the 4/4 the music box loop is acting as a metronome. Bonus points for noticing the visual dichotomy. If you notice, when they’re in the brighter church they’re wearing black and when they’re in the red church they’re wearing white.

[@PrymalChaos]

Oh I didn't notice the outfits really just the overall change in atmosphere. Oh well.. looks like I'm gonna have to just watch it again! Oh nooooo. 😂

[@jeffroach3722]

Dope first Polyphia reactions 🔥 Subbed.

[@PrymalChaos]

I'll be doing more, believe me!

[@hazard_209]

If you want to see where polyphia started (technical metal) check out Champagne and Aviator. In Aviator, Tim does flutters that are pretty much just slapping the whammy bar. He may have done that at the end of GOAT. They've been working on album 4 for like 3 years now. Check out O.D. and Yas for sure. Maybe also Unprocessed - Real which features Tim Henson (shorter hair guitarist) and Clay Gober (bassist).

[@PrymalChaos]

I thought I heard a whammy flutter in there.

[@DrNr159]

Man caught on to it everything that polyphia writes is in 4/4 yet for a lot it doesn't sound like it, but yes you can still feel the groove of 4/4 which just makes it more impressive for me since it shows how creative their composition is as well. Hope that you wanna check out ichika nito awakening, he's a solo guitarist from Japan.

[@PrymalChaos]

I'm on to it. I'll find the time soon! Still some work to be done with Polyphia, periphery, etc. And I just discovered Between the Burried and Me. There's just too much talent out there.

[@mpeckablebass]

@@PrymalChaos loooove BTBAM. I envy people getting to take it all in for the first time, enjoy the ride!

[@Efferri]

At the end, when he hits that harmonic. He slaps the tremelo bar and it makes a spring sound to the notes. Try it out, it's super fun and awesome sounding!

[@TheRedAnvil40]

Tim Henson: The 12 yo looking boy that destroys people who have been playing guitar for 12 years.

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

and GREAT break down BUT I just listen to them....close my eyes...and take a ride..! and THAT is MOST AWESOME..!!!

[@TheVadrigar]

Speaking of unique music you should definitely check out Zeal & Ardor! They're releasing a new album now, but I'd recommend you start with "Blood In The River" at Off The Road Studios. It has an introduction to the band as well- don't forget to turn on subtitles!

[@PrymalChaos]

I'll take a look!

[@El-ingobernable]

i love these guys. theyre from the Dallas area (as am i) and seen them live a few times. i dont know if its because I've been listening to these guys for 10yrs but i prefer the older stuff and i always see people react to the newer stuff lol if you ever get the chance go see them

[@PrymalChaos]

I can't believe I just found them!

[@El-ingobernable]

@@PrymalChaos check out "Transcend" & "Impassion"

[@dylanbarborak7271]

Tim’s harmonic whammy flutters are just him quickly smacking the bar when it’s facing down away from him with the side of his palm, you can see him use this technique in some of his other videos it’s too cool

[@PrymalChaos]

I think there's a lot of things he does well that I need to take a closer look at. 😂🤘

[@jameswarner5809]

If you're looking for more striking vocals, I would recommend contemporary progressive rock band, Bent Knee. Their lead singer and keyboard player, Courtney Swain, has a spectacular voice. Have a listen to the explosive intro to Way Too Long. If you are expanding your range to general oddness, you may be interested in the unusual music of Lost Crowns. They are a progressive band which incorporates discordance in their music. Not for everyone, but I have acquired the taste. Have a go with Let Loving Her Be Everything (the video is suitably weird also).

[@PrymalChaos]

Weird is always with a look.

[@MrClewis97]

I cannot believe what awesome songwriters they are. Each with their own influence on the outcome!

[@zokora3656]

if you loved this imma promise you, you will love berried alive aswell. found them last year and they are in my daily playlist since then

[@ronoblivion4222]

Dont let it get to yoy man. I felt the same way but like you It inspired me to level my guitar playing skills again, which to be honest no artist had been able to do until these kids started making me feel insecure lol.

[@PrymalChaos]

Haha. It's like you reached inside my mind and pulled out what I was thinking.

[@jefe828]

They drop the. Bass boost on the tone knob. You can slide harmonics. Check out Vector. Pteropticon.

[@sjmryu6144]

Polyphia uses 4/4 and 7/8 in this song according to Tim's explaination using DAW. I love how your able to pinpoint that out to some extent. Most cant even tell the difference.

[@PrymalChaos]

Quite honestly one of my weak points is counting rhythms. I'm working on it. For me though, as a listener, it's less about the count specifically and more about the tension introduced by dropping or adding a beat to the bar. It's why 4/4 flows beautifully but 5/4 sounds interrupted and janky.. but when used effectively it is mindbending.

[@malicepriest]

They are a machine man. Check out the sound check version of this. On point and time stamp is exactly the same.

[@robbonaiuto3501]

Nice work mate. I appreciate your style.

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks Rob!

[@uselessoldman7964]

Its experimental Instrumental "rock" reminds me a lot of some of the music by Gordon Giltrap. You also have to understand Tim and his recording process, he uses midi a lot and vst plugins, his own NeuralDSP specifically, layered to give the effects he creates and generates. He records the guitar through DI converts it to midi and then adds in the tones, so his understanding of software is a big part of the sound as much as his musicianship on the guitar itself. He is a genius !!! and once you get PLaying God into your head your hooked your screwed cos it never lets go.

[@psionic6126]

I took me a xear to master this song. After 20 years of playing the guitar, as a Dream Theater Fan from the beginning, i wasn't prepared for Tim Henson. To me, this is the future of prog/metal

[@PrymalChaos]

I wanna have a crack at it, but I need to find the time to sit down and figure it out. Someone sent me a video with great Tabs.

[@psionic6126]

@@PrymalChaos To find acurate tabs is very difficult. Tim Henson is claiming everything related to this song. There was japanese guy, Yuichi, he made a complete video with tabs and he had to take it down.

[@PrymalChaos]

@@psionic6126 possibly getting pressure from whoever is publishing the official sheet music maybe. Or maybe just typical copyright claim on the track.

[@TalonTSI95]

A flutter is just a flick of the whammy, hes not moving it up and down. The spring, finding its tension, creates the flutter sound.

[@PrymalChaos]

It's a cool sound!

[@itaialter]

16:40 - Regarding the Whammy Bar, I believe that he is pointing the handle away from the neck. So he is picking the note, then quickly moves his hand back to hit the handle. I could be wrong, though. Need to see a live performance that shows it clearly. EDIT: Just checked it, and I am wrong. In the live performances it shows that he using the bar fairly normally. Perhaps I saw another performer does that and got confused.

[@Lunumbrus]

Steve Vai loves those backwards-whammy bar slaps, dump the pitch for a split second and let it growl.

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah. Quite a few people use that technique. It requires a pretty stiff bar, but it means that it is always in the same place. You don't have to reach down, pull the bar up to horizontal, then use it. It save a step and therefore time.

[@xertiasstrat8957]

i m into metal playing fast alternate picking etc but listening to math rock is always great coz this is another style and it s so hard you can learn it tho it will take a lot of time ,ever forget tim has been playing since more than 15 years with insane practice

[@cbsaulren]

I know the feeling, but it actually had the opposite effect on me. Despite being much younger than I, these guys are leagues ahead in terms of ability. I decided I needed to practice more and challenge myself to learn more techniques on the guitar. In the year since I first started trying to learn the intro to this song till now, my playing ability has increased magnitudes. I can only hope it will continue to progress as time goes on.

[@PrymalChaos]

Yeah. The title was a bit of a click bait sclemozzle. I'm more into guitar now than before. I'm loving this new movement.

[@cbsaulren]

@@PrymalChaos Agreed, and good to hear!

[@delbomb3131]

It convinced me to buy one and start learning, if anything just to understand music better. I had a moment listening to snarky puppy lingus and literally everyone gushes about it and even tho i recognize it sounds good, the gushing goes completely over my head. First time listening to music that i felt left out and i wanna change that

[@cbsaulren]

@@delbomb3131 Josh Meader does a crazy cover of that song! And I hear you, jazz is complex and changes like the weather, but you can hear the talent oozing out of these guys with their phrasing and key changes. Good stuff! I hope you enjoy learning and playing guitar as much as I do.

[@delbomb3131]

@@cbsaulren holy Hannah Montana that cover is nuts! But his giant steps cover is even more 🤯🤯! The finger speed and precision both picking and on the fretboard is stunning to say the least. Thank you for introducing me to a new guitarist, instant subscribe. Is he in a band? I love how rewarding the smallest gains are. Like i just figured out how to bar the high e and b strings and have it sound good haha, every little baby step is an exciting thing. Tho i think I'm going to need to hunt down a teacher to work on timing. That's been super frustrating. Thank you for the encouragement 😁

[@WuKingdom1]

You should listen to Drown by Polyphia. It's from the same album and it's just a beautiful song.

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

SO SHWEEEETTT...much love Tee with LIONS NAMED LEO.[the music worldwide} and oooo weee fun!!!

[@Rebera89]

If you've not already seen it, watch them perform GOAT live!

[@PrymalChaos]

I'm saving it for a possible reaction video. 😁🤘

[@djpinger]

Unprocessed did a song with 2 members of Polyphia. The song is called "Real".

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks for the tip!

[@herman023]

Tim Henson, one of the guitarist, has a youtube channel. Watch all his videos as 1 reaction video. Amazing stuff on there!

[@PrymalChaos]

I've seen a couple. He's awesome.

[@Kelly.sapphire]

Seen them live a couple times. Good live band.

[@Solkan55]

Moar! Check out O.D. or Yas by them. Also amazing breakdown!

[@PrymalChaos]

Thanks!

[@The_Entropath]

Love your reactions and insight :) Something that would probably also make your jaw drop when it comes to really young guitar talents: Asterism - Dawn I know I was mesmerized when i first saw her play, highly recommended :)

[@PrymalChaos]

Ok I'll take a look!

[@The_Entropath]

@@PrymalChaos Awesome :) There is a cool 360° live studio video on youtube, where you can look around and watch whoever you wanna watch at a given point. Which is great, because they're all very talented.

[@johnsonsjams3439]

Goat took me 6 months to learn and it still doesn’t sound nearly as clean. It’s incredibly precise and unique

[@PrymalChaos]

I envy the fact that you got that far! 😂🤘

[@garyallenabramson]

The bass player is in another amazing band. Check it out "The omnific"

[@thesharksfin109]

I feel like you could pitch shift a harmonic with the trem, but Im pretty sure he said in GOAT, those bit’s are pitch shofted in post. Could be wrong tho

[@jamesjustice2997]

3:39 they create those pitch shifts by using the tremolo while playing harmonics. There are videos where you can see Tim just slapping the trem like a madman

[@PrymalChaos]

The accuracy though.

[@Skwisgar2322]

Yeah, as awesome as the guitar work on this is, the drummer is the MVP in this song IMO. Keeping the timing crisp on this is astounding.