As a musician, I can listen to this all day long. And I do. I can see where non musicians don't add this to their playlist. No biggie. They are one hell of an innovative band. To get Steve Vai to endorse them, speaks volumes.
I'm pretty old school and huge Vai fan - i think Polyphia is one of the best bands to come along in a long time. Periphery really changed up a lot of the scene bringing the technicality but i think Polyphia just went in such a great musical direciton with the crazy technicality. They've got proper songwriting skills and great melodic hooks. I haven't looked it up but i'm sure at least one of them is classically trained.
In case anyone didn't notice, the structure Polyphia had was three acts, each act having a different guitarist sitting on a throne and being a solo showcase, with the third and final one being none other than Steve Vai. And then the whole thing concludes with all three guitarists simultaneously blowing the song out of the water. I think it's cool stuff, Ryan. Edit: also just noticed this now, but the whole song is subdivided into smaller sections which last exactly 30 seconds each all the way through to the end
I watch some of their reactions and I swear they don't understand music. Lol they don't even know that Tim writes these songs under a Hip Hop structure which is what they mainly listen to on their own time 😂 They're opinions have no foundation.
@@Jjepwns I'll stop you right there, you don't have to be salty and insulting just because they don't like a song you like, I mean why are you even here if you think their music opinions are nonsense? also, you're kinda mixing george in with ryan's opinion and shittalking them both for no reason, be tactful when disagreeing and don't attack the person, especially when you're safe behind your anonymity unlike these guys
The coolest thing about Vai’s playing on the track was how reserved he was. He was intentionally seeing how much he could play certain notes and stretching the frequency with the string bending with his hands and whammy bar. He was playing super tasteful while surprising everyone with note selection. Masterful
I think they were deliberately going for highlighting the difference between their style of playing and his. Also, keep in mind Tim's infamous "boomer bends" comment. Seems like Steve was showcasing "the bend" and it might have been a conscious, tongue in cheek hint at that.
Basically it was a Polyphia track so he didn't want to overshadow the guys because he can shred with the best so he played reservedly hence the name "Ego Death" as he didn't show major egotism
Polyphia is making guitar playing cool again for a new generation that needs guitar heroes (the rest of the band are incredibly talented obviously). I think they're important just for that alone.
@@crowing3886 Agreed. I don't find what they do all that impressive. To each their own. They're good, but people be making them out to be like they're the only ones who do this style of music.
That's funny because hearing somebody say they enjoy Polyphia is one of the most uncool things you can possibly say. It's like saying you put sugar in your coffee, or watch Rick and Morty.
Polyphia is definitely music for musicians but they have way more structure than a lot of other music that would be called music for musicians. I feel like they ride the balance well.
yes, this one especially, not necessarily because of steve although his part being slower helped but the transitions, the changes in speed and even style with scotty's solo, it feels like it's very intentional like a story, and the sets changing in the video is signifying a progression, from the basement to the rooftops. absolutely stellar What this style of music lacks is audience attention retention, this song effectively kept my attention and the climax is so unique and epic it's something I'll probably remember forever.
I loved Vai's playing on this track, but I think it was a bit reserved, compared to what he normally does. Check out some of his early work, like "Passion and Warfare." He's well known for being crazy (see "Teeth of the Hydra"), but he's also an incredible composer with great melodic sensibility.
Agree. Think we were all expecting Vai to go off and do some shreddy shit, but his reserved more melodic approach added a great contrast and freshness to the song. The rest is already inherently so busy, that him coming in with his unique escapade of wammy and melody made a fantastic counterpoint and addition, imo.
I'm glad Vai didn't pull out the stops in this song. He elevated the already great composition with some tasty melody and techniques and it's beautiful. The man doesn't have anything to prove. lol
@Dragon Ball fans can't read it’s definitely a great composition, seems totally absurd to act like it’s not by comparing it to the work of an 1800s opera composer but here we are.
That's the best part about Polyphia is that they DON'T follow the norm on song structure. The more I here from Polyphia the less I am craving great lyrics. For my whole life every artist telling me what's up. Every song has lyrics telling me their story. With Polyphia it's my story. I hear their music and it takes me somewhere I've been, brings up my daydreams, or allows me to work on the puzzles in my workflow without distraction. Sometimes it is a different story for the same song. I hear different nuances every time a hear a song again. It is refreshing not to have somebody else's story in my head all the time. I didn't even know how awesome that could be until I discovered Polyphia. Think about it, there was a couple generations that only had classical music with no lyrics. If you wanted lyrics you went to the opera. I'm not saying all lyrics are bad ... it's just nice to be alone in my own thoughts sometimes while I enjoy music at a higher vibration.
I hear what you're saying but what you really mean is they don't follow the norm on having lyrics and a singer. They absolutely follow pop norms as far as time signature, chord progression and structure (verse, chorus, etc). What they do differently past that is showcase their amazing technical (instrumental and production) prowess on riff creation and melodies within them.
Vai is a guitar god, and is a technical monster. Polyphia is paying homage to the legend by literally placing him on the throne. If you watch, they start off playing in what looks like a basement, then later in the midrise of the building, then finally on the roof. They're literally working their way up to him. 🙂
The Polyphia boys uploaded a video of them singing along to all the parts in this song which was hilarious and you should check it out in your own time so they would’ve been cool with your thoughts Ryan haha
The cinematography is amazing, the camera panning around them whilst they are back to back, then they seamlessly move to be facing the camera as the climax ends, AWESOME!
Some great bands you need to check out: Agalloch - Not Unlike The Waves Alcest - Les Jardins De Minuit Cult Of Luna - Nightwalkers Leprous - The Price The Ocean - Jurassic | Cretaceous
don’t know if y’all realize it but they are actually using basic chords structures and progressions as a base and then flexing over the top. and the vocal melody-like riffs are so good. and just the right amount of trap/hip-hop beats. they’re damn near perfect
This is s a very tasteful and restrained Vai here but it is very definitely Polyphia's thing. If you are after checking out Vai either go with 'For the Love of God' or something a lot more recent ('Teeth of the Hydra' perhaps- definitely interesting) he has put out some of his most interesting work in decades since covid came on the scene imo.
think one of the best Steve Vai videos on youtube is one where he's in the studio to record the game Halo. He's just in the room improvising the song as everybody is just in awe of him. Most the improvising makes its way onto the track, just gets it right instantly
He has, but then again, I really don't think he dropped off the way others seem to. Real Illusions and The Story of Light were good albums. Building the Church and especially Weeping China Doll are absolutely phenomenal.
@2:55 Tim is using a technique called “thumping”, Tobin from Animals as Leaders really paved the way for this technique. Also, all 3 stringed instrumentalists use the technique called “chicken plucking” which is rad, especially hearing it from the bass 🔥
I'm not a musician but I really enjoy thier sound I am relatively new to polyphia as well, to me this was a very artistic video and song, they start small and in a small space but each time the space gets bigger the song becomes more complicated while highlighting each players strengths, just in this video they highlighted 3 different play styles, 1st dude was more a flamenco type plucker, 2nd dude was more the classical shredder type, and steve just lived on his wammy bar... and when they all started playing together the guitars harmonized and all three parts blended perfectly... The final scene where they play to the "king" in his throne was cool too, like hey we think we can vibe with the king and it looks like the king wants to vibe with us... it was a beautiful "story" without words
Steve's catalog is definitely music for musicians. He pumped the brakes hard in this feature. But I can't lie, I'm a musician and have listened to this song on repeat for days
This video is the evolution of a melody from its concept to it being taken all the way to the top. Each layer of the building is a step in the evolution of the melody.
the comment you made about Steve Vai and the way he plays it true to an extent, probably because he has played with so many people (Especially Zappa) he knows what the fans want and how to be able to mix creativity with commercial viability. BUT that being said he also has some very experimental stuff on his albums too, he just knows how to mix those in with more commercial material rather than just making a whole album of great "technical" music that no one wants in their playlists.
That guitar thumping like playing a bass just sounds so cool. Found Polyphia after watching a Steve Vai video. Got instantly hooked to Polyphia. Incredible. I'm glad this reaction video was made. 10/10
Late catching this (a year later) I do love Polyphia and can listen all day. That may be because I’m 76 and was raised on jazz (my dad would have loved their recent works that are jazzy) The combination with Vai though was just unbeatable. The whole thing was richly done and the collab with Vai went seamlessly and Vai added an emotional element that took it to the next level.
Ya'll gotta watch the ending of the 1986 film, Crossroads; Steve Vai has a guitar duel with Ralph Macchio (I believe it is Vai himself who played and Macchio mimed for the film). The track is called "Eugene's Trick Bag"
I think that plucking sound iconic to Polyphia comes from Tim and Scott's ridiculous hybrid-picking skills. It creates this unique sound that I rarely hear outside of Polyphia music, and those two are probably in the top 5 greatest hybrid-pickers in the world.
George, when you say his playing reminds of of plucking, that's because he is. Henson uses (and constantly abuses) hybrid picking, which is a pick in two fingers, with three other fingers to pluck wild shit. He is plucking, you nailed it.
If you listen to the song a few times the strong structure becomes a lot clearer. The initial acoustic riff repeats and I enjoyed it a lot more after 3-5 listens.
I think your trouble with Polyphia's technicality is an example of not seeing the forest amongst the insane number of trees. If you put on earbuds and just let it ride while you go about some mindless tasks I think you could recognize the song structure much more. I love you guy's vibes and thoughts! Great reacts as always!
I'm like 20 listens in now and it definitely has structure to it. You kind of have to let the initial shock of what you're seeing and hearing wear off before you can really pay attention to the groove.
Used to watch alot of your videos and this one popped up in my feed today. It’s funny because I was actually jamming to this in my car at full blast today.
We all know what Steve Vai is capable of, and I think many were expecting him to unleash all of his tools, but, they are all professionals and it takes a professional to hold back and only offer up what the song needs. Polyphia knows what their music needs and cuts out all the unnecessary extras. This song is a 10/10.
Actually Steve Vai is VERY eccentric in his playing at times, beyond what maybe non guitarists would want to listen to. Extreme technicality and originality. You’ll see. Holy hell. Hes an Alien. Sounds like he purposely laid back into the groove in this tune. Its a fantastic song.
It's funny because Polyphia have some of the most effective song structures- main melody/chorus to begin the song then a progression before a nice bridge to lead back into the chorus. It's just masked by outrageous talent.
Highly recommend Plini, he's extremely technical but has a song structure that's slightly easier to follow and he plays more with feels (kinda like Steve Vai).
Also if y’all want a Polyphia that’s good to “bump in the ride” try one or two of these.. 40oz Yas! Look But Don’t Touch O.D. There’s no way you won’t bang your head to any of those 👌
Steve Vai - Tender Surrender Live is the ticket! Going to see him next week and I’m bringing a bucket….I have to try to save as much as my melted mind as possible.
Unless Tim and the rest have actually said that I highly doubt that. This is not the same technique in this song. Just look at their right hands, Tim certainly is not using Tosin's finger style and honestly Tosin hasnt done anything of relevance since his first album. He seems to either have writers block or is legitimately empty. I loved Tosin but he seems to be content smelling his own farts for the time being and that newest song with the ballerinas is the highest level of pretentious I can imagine. The "thumping" is literally Tosin just playing slap bass on an 8 string (that is according to him) so honestly he didnt invent thumping at all, he just appropriated it from another instrument.
Vitalism- Pagan guitar play through is like polyphia but more metal/Djent and more structured traditionally. Highly recommend coming from a guitar player. Hope you enjoy.
I was very much on the too technical to enjoy train but then I ended up seeing them live because I was curious and it changed everything. They really can play their music and they have some vibey more groove based jams such as "nasty" or "the worst" which are the songs I tend to enjoy the most.
The thing with polyphia songs for me is the first time I hear a song I’m normally like “it’s ok but I don’t think I get it” then if I listen to it a few more times by the third time I’m like “this song is killer!” It’s like my mind needs some time to take it in and learn to appreciate it.
Saw Steve Vai with G3 several times. Having him share the stage with Joe Satriani was mindblowing. For The Love of God is one of Vai's masterpieces. Recommend checking out the HD Upscaled version.
Steve Vai's playing on this track is honestly way more tastefull and enjoyable than much (not all) of his stuff, but he is the most interesting of the old guard of guitar virtuosos, and can bring such a richness to his playing. Great feature and performance by both him and polyphia
I think you'd like their earlier songs. Right now they're trying to push guitar music beyond what's traditional, I suppose. The older stuff is more traditional song structures.
Vai is god damn incredible. That dude's musical third eye always scanning the scene. Polyphagia,these guys ain't no joke either. I'll be checking out more from them.
I'll cast another vote for Steve Vai for the Love of God. A lot of the stuff he does is impressive but that's kind of his Magnum opus. And if you happen to see any of his old live stuff also check out Mike kenneally the other guitarist who is also a monster. Although very few people know of him. If you'll notice he doubles Steve on everything he's doing with what seems to be a little effort. He just never got recognized for it by anyone other than other guitarists.
I've been bumping this in my car non stop since release, it's totally playlist. and once again, it's not to impress musicians, but it is to push boundries of music and for those with a passion for music...really need you guys to recognize that, because these guys really are bringing something new and exciting which is why they are getting so big so quickly. if they just played your regular by the numbers stuff, they wouldn't be talked about the way they are.
Great tune these guys are so damn talented. A rock suggestion I’d love to see from you guys is “skid row - quicksand Jesus” Amazing song and Sebastian Bachs vocals are insane.
Its great to watch Polyphia videos, but the best way to listen to Polyphia is just to put it on while driving or in the background and then all of a sudden you notice you're humming along and bobbing your head.
Polyphia essentially just turned “music for musicians” into a more palatable template for the masses. It’s kinda nice hearing a band incorporate difficult techniques with more balance toward catchy hooks and melodies rather than another 10 minute guitar schooling epic (aka Dream Theater) Also watching their approach to writing and how they come up with some of their riffs is pretty entertaining. Never thought to use a synth arpeggiator and produce a trap track just to figure out how to play it on guitar
When referring to the plucking sound, he uses a hybrid technique that involves plucking like a bassist slapper would do with his 3 other fingers that aren't holding the pick! Insane!
Steve Vai is a master. His feature doesn't do him justice. He probably reserved his playing just to not overshadow and overplay for just a feature and not his own song. You guys should do a song written and performed by him alone. Some of his most famous songs are For the Love of God and Tender Surrender. Some of my personal favorites are Die to Live, Building the Church, and Racing the World.
I think this explains the title Ego Death. They lay down their egos to work together. Vai, by playing mildly, Polyphia, by not sounding like G.O.A.T, which is like an instrument melodies on a trap beat.
Might as well check out ABC too. It's their most catchy/conventional song so it should be more their speed but I can also see them thinking it's corny too lol 😂
The song structure is actual super simple. Its a 1, sharp 7, 6, major 5 and they are playing harmonic minor. That vamps through the entire song. So the structure of the song is extremely simple, but the technical playing is what is insane. This is how they keep people engage they wrap all the virtuosity in a nice easily understood package.
If you haven't watched any Steve Vai, you should. A lot of his older stuff is extremely technical and pushed boundaries, but his stuff from the last few years has taken a noticeable turn towards "all feel" and tends to hide how truly technical everything he's doing still is. That intro he did is insanity and I could probably never pull it off with how different it is, and I've been playing for over a decade. Loved seeing him with Polyphia, seeing my favorite modern band and my favorite classic rock guitarist together on my youtube page the other day was quite a pleasant surprise.
Their chops are the reason they are famous right now. There is a weird pattern in the industry right now where you either have to have insane chops , or you are doing pop music. Nothing in between. I remember when the standards where much lower as far as skill. There is still a void in popular music with impressive musicality.
For mass popularity yeah... But thats kinda always been true. Tons of bands (especially death metal and hardcore) are making relatively straight forward heavy songs that are anything but trendy and radio friendly without being overly technical.
Their chops have nothing to do with it. The way the industry works is that acts trend because money was invested toward making them trend, and in this case the music is stylistically designed to cater to the pop/hip-hop crowd, regardless of technique. People consume what they are fed.
Steve Vai has an acting credit in the 1986 movie "Crossroads," inspired by the legend of Robert Johnson. You should check it out. Steve plays all of the guitar for Ralph Macchio (who isn't a virtuoso guitar player). He does play the part of Jack Butcher (I think that was his character's name). Anyway, it's a good movie.
Every Polyphia song is basically them swinging for the fences. There are tunes to their songs but it takes a deep ear, but like y'all said in technical performance they're insane. and for being so young.
As a musician, I can listen to this all day long. And I do. I can see where non musicians don't add this to their playlist. No biggie. They are one hell of an innovative band. To get Steve Vai to endorse them, speaks volumes.
Music for musicians is the best way to describe Polyphia
Yeah, I listen to this song all the time
i ain't no musician but this music transports me in the 4th dimension
I'm pretty old school and huge Vai fan - i think Polyphia is one of the best bands to come along in a long time. Periphery really changed up a lot of the scene bringing the technicality but i think Polyphia just went in such a great musical direciton with the crazy technicality. They've got proper songwriting skills and great melodic hooks. I haven't looked it up but i'm sure at least one of them is classically trained.
I feel like Polyphia is bridging that gap
In case anyone didn't notice, the structure Polyphia had was three acts, each act having a different guitarist sitting on a throne and being a solo showcase, with the third and final one being none other than Steve Vai. And then the whole thing concludes with all three guitarists simultaneously blowing the song out of the water. I think it's cool stuff, Ryan.
Edit: also just noticed this now, but the whole song is subdivided into smaller sections which last exactly 30 seconds each all the way through to the end
Spot on
100%
#Sonata
I watch some of their reactions and I swear they don't understand music. Lol they don't even know that Tim writes these songs under a Hip Hop structure which is what they mainly listen to on their own time 😂 They're opinions have no foundation.
@@Jjepwns I'll stop you right there, you don't have to be salty and insulting just because they don't like a song you like, I mean why are you even here if you think their music opinions are nonsense?
also, you're kinda mixing george in with ryan's opinion and shittalking them both for no reason, be tactful when disagreeing and don't attack the person, especially when you're safe behind your anonymity unlike these guys
The coolest thing about Vai’s playing on the track was how reserved he was. He was intentionally seeing how much he could play certain notes and stretching the frequency with the string bending with his hands and whammy bar. He was playing super tasteful while surprising everyone with note selection. Masterful
I think they were deliberately going for highlighting the difference between their style of playing and his. Also, keep in mind Tim's infamous "boomer bends" comment. Seems like Steve was showcasing "the bend" and it might have been a conscious, tongue in cheek hint at that.
He didn't try to overshadow or outplay the band either, it all fit in very well together
Basically it was a Polyphia track so he didn't want to overshadow the guys because he can shred with the best so he played reservedly hence the name "Ego Death" as he didn't show major egotism
@@brianhedley5139 nailed it perfectly!
This
When it comes to Vai, you have to do "For The Love Of God." Period. You can do other stuff, but you gotta do that one.
Yes! Mandatory listening indeed!
definitely
Tender Surrender is a better introduction, IMO.
I’d go tender surrender, then bad horsie, then ftlog personally
Agreed!
Polyphia is making guitar playing cool again for a new generation that needs guitar heroes (the rest of the band are incredibly talented obviously). I think they're important just for that alone.
This makes no sense since when has playing guitar not been cool? Lol. Polyphia is still in the generation of their own guitar heroes.
@@crowing3886 na
@@crowing3886 Agreed. I don't find what they do all that impressive. To each their own. They're good, but people be making them out to be like they're the only ones who do this style of music.
That's funny because hearing somebody say they enjoy Polyphia is one of the most uncool things you can possibly say. It's like saying you put sugar in your coffee, or watch Rick and Morty.
So true.. i hope they dont succumbed to the pressure of record label shit company to do what they are bidding
Polyphia is definitely music for musicians but they have way more structure than a lot of other music that would be called music for musicians. I feel like they ride the balance well.
yes, this one especially, not necessarily because of steve although his part being slower helped but the transitions, the changes in speed and even style with scotty's solo, it feels like it's very intentional like a story, and the sets changing in the video is signifying a progression, from the basement to the rooftops. absolutely stellar
What this style of music lacks is audience attention retention, this song effectively kept my attention and the climax is so unique and epic it's something I'll probably remember forever.
I feel like they're so catchy it bridges the gap between musicians and people that don't play.
@Dragon Ball fans can't read shh quiet, you may trigger Poly fan
@@jem2869 I think Polyphia fans are well aware of that
@Dragon Ball fans can't read 😂
I feel like Neurotica is a perfect Polyphia song that gives enough repetition and structure and provides catchy mesmerizing riffs
Listen to Amour
Weird, that's my least favorite Polyphia song recently. Not saying it's bad though :D
Catchy is the word bro.
you just described the entire New Levels New Devils Album by them 100%
@@zooly132 it was my least favorite for a whiilllleeeee, but then It grew on me ALOT. Just give it a few more listens
I loved Vai's playing on this track, but I think it was a bit reserved, compared to what he normally does. Check out some of his early work, like "Passion and Warfare." He's well known for being crazy (see "Teeth of the Hydra"), but he's also an incredible composer with great melodic sensibility.
Agree. Think we were all expecting Vai to go off and do some shreddy shit, but his reserved more melodic approach added a great contrast and freshness to the song. The rest is already inherently so busy, that him coming in with his unique escapade of wammy and melody made a fantastic counterpoint and addition, imo.
I'm glad Vai didn't pull out the stops in this song. He elevated the already great composition with some tasty melody and techniques and it's beautiful. The man doesn't have anything to prove. lol
@Dragon Ball fans can't read Upload your music.
Vai going for a less is more approach totally worked tho. With Tim and Scottie shredding it the whole video he provided great melodic contrast
@Dragon Ball fans can't read it’s definitely a great composition, seems totally absurd to act like it’s not by comparing it to the work of an 1800s opera composer but here we are.
Steve Vai is the most flamboyant player of them all, his feature here is just more understated and tasteful
That's the best part about Polyphia is that they DON'T follow the norm on song structure. The more I here from Polyphia the less I am craving great lyrics. For my whole life every artist telling me what's up. Every song has lyrics telling me their story. With Polyphia it's my story. I hear their music and it takes me somewhere I've been, brings up my daydreams, or allows me to work on the puzzles in my workflow without distraction. Sometimes it is a different story for the same song. I hear different nuances every time a hear a song again. It is refreshing not to have somebody else's story in my head all the time. I didn't even know how awesome that could be until I discovered Polyphia. Think about it, there was a couple generations that only had classical music with no lyrics. If you wanted lyrics you went to the opera. I'm not saying all lyrics are bad ... it's just nice to be alone in my own thoughts sometimes while I enjoy music at a higher vibration.
I hear what you're saying but what you really mean is they don't follow the norm on having lyrics and a singer. They absolutely follow pop norms as far as time signature, chord progression and structure (verse, chorus, etc). What they do differently past that is showcase their amazing technical (instrumental and production) prowess on riff creation and melodies within them.
Vai is a guitar god, and is a technical monster. Polyphia is paying homage to the legend by literally placing him on the throne.
If you watch, they start off playing in what looks like a basement, then later in the midrise of the building, then finally on the roof.
They're literally working their way up to him. 🙂
Great observation. Didn't notice that when I first watched it
Wow that's sick if they did make that the point of the videography, which I think probably is the case. Cool observation for sure
Nice concept, but that's an exceptionally clean white basement
Every Guitarist sits on the throne in the video
The Polyphia boys uploaded a video of them singing along to all the parts in this song which was hilarious and you should check it out in your own time so they would’ve been cool with your thoughts Ryan haha
that video got me DYING, especially during Scott's solo!
I would've wanted Tim to add the boomer bends though
What’s the link ?
They definitely have song structure, best composers out at the moment. Steve Vai said they are the next guitar gods
The cinematography is amazing, the camera panning around them whilst they are back to back, then they seamlessly move to be facing the camera as the climax ends, AWESOME!
Some great bands you need to check out:
Agalloch - Not Unlike The Waves
Alcest - Les Jardins De Minuit
Cult Of Luna - Nightwalkers
Leprous - The Price
The Ocean - Jurassic | Cretaceous
if you have bands like agalloch and alcest on the list take a look at shylmagoghnar too
don’t know if y’all realize it but they are actually using basic chords structures and progressions as a base and then flexing over the top. and the vocal melody-like riffs are so good. and just the right amount of trap/hip-hop beats. they’re damn near perfect
This is s a very tasteful and restrained Vai here but it is very definitely Polyphia's thing. If you are after checking out Vai either go with 'For the Love of God' or something a lot more recent ('Teeth of the Hydra' perhaps- definitely interesting) he has put out some of his most interesting work in decades since covid came on the scene imo.
I would love for them to see Teeth of the Hydra
think one of the best Steve Vai videos on youtube is one where he's in the studio to record the game Halo. He's just in the room improvising the song as everybody is just in awe of him. Most the improvising makes its way onto the track, just gets it right instantly
He has, but then again, I really don't think he dropped off the way others seem to. Real Illusions and The Story of Light were good albums. Building the Church and especially Weeping China Doll are absolutely phenomenal.
I don’t think I can just listen to Polyphia. I always end up watching videos. I feel it adds so much more to it than just listening to the song.
I don’t know why but this groove helps me clean my house
Vai + Polyphia Hits different. Feels like vai is passing down the torch and trusting this generations music
@2:55 Tim is using a technique called “thumping”, Tobin from Animals as Leaders really paved the way for this technique. Also, all 3 stringed instrumentalists use the technique called “chicken plucking” which is rad, especially hearing it from the bass 🔥
Tobin Asabi from Animalb ab Leaderb.
💀💀💀@@BlackSun6393
I know you guys aren't the biggest Polyphia fans. They are my favorite and I'm so glad you react to these!
The song shows that no matter how great you are , there is always someone greater than you somewhere and that’s when the ego dies , love the concept
Tender Surrender by Steve Vai goes absolutely crazy. The amount of emotion he puts into his playing is ridiculous lol. He just bleeds passion
I'm not a musician but I really enjoy thier sound I am relatively new to polyphia as well, to me this was a very artistic video and song, they start small and in a small space but each time the space gets bigger the song becomes more complicated while highlighting each players strengths, just in this video they highlighted 3 different play styles, 1st dude was more a flamenco type plucker, 2nd dude was more the classical shredder type, and steve just lived on his wammy bar... and when they all started playing together the guitars harmonized and all three parts blended perfectly...
The final scene where they play to the "king" in his throne was cool too, like hey we think we can vibe with the king and it looks like the king wants to vibe with us... it was a beautiful "story" without words
Ego Death is a powerful experience.
Really appreciate this masterpiece.
Steve's catalog is definitely music for musicians. He pumped the brakes hard in this feature. But I can't lie, I'm a musician and have listened to this song on repeat for days
These dudes are redefining musical boundaries. They deserve all the love.
This video is the evolution of a melody from its concept to it being taken all the way to the top. Each layer of the building is a step in the evolution of the melody.
Tender Surrender by Steve Vai, you won't regret it
Oh! I haven't caught your reactions in minute but I LOVE when you come on through my world or Metal!!! Your reactions are always THE RIGHT REACTIONS!
the comment you made about Steve Vai and the way he plays it true to an extent, probably because he has played with so many people (Especially Zappa) he knows what the fans want and how to be able to mix creativity with commercial viability. BUT that being said he also has some very experimental stuff on his albums too, he just knows how to mix those in with more commercial material rather than just making a whole album of great "technical" music that no one wants in their playlists.
Tender Surrender and Bad Horse are my two favorite songs by Vai. Must listens
He picks, plucks, slaps, and shreds all seemingly simultaneously.😮
GUYS TRUST ME YOU WILL LOVE Polyphia - Chimera (feat. Lil West) (Official Music Video) THEY DONT OVERDO IT AND THE VOCALIST POPS OFFF
That guitar thumping like playing a bass just sounds so cool. Found Polyphia after watching a Steve Vai video. Got instantly hooked to Polyphia. Incredible. I'm glad this reaction video was made. 10/10
Late catching this (a year later) I do love Polyphia and can listen all day. That may be because I’m 76 and was raised on jazz (my dad would have loved their recent works that are jazzy) The combination with Vai though was just unbeatable. The whole thing was richly done and the collab with Vai went seamlessly and Vai added an emotional element that took it to the next level.
Ya'll gotta watch the ending of the 1986 film, Crossroads; Steve Vai has a guitar duel with Ralph Macchio (I believe it is Vai himself who played and Macchio mimed for the film). The track is called "Eugene's Trick Bag"
I think that plucking sound iconic to Polyphia comes from Tim and Scott's ridiculous hybrid-picking skills. It creates this unique sound that I rarely hear outside of Polyphia music, and those two are probably in the top 5 greatest hybrid-pickers in the world.
George, when you say his playing reminds of of plucking, that's because he is. Henson uses (and constantly abuses) hybrid picking, which is a pick in two fingers, with three other fingers to pluck wild shit. He is plucking, you nailed it.
If you listen to the song a few times the strong structure becomes a lot clearer. The initial acoustic riff repeats and I enjoyed it a lot more after 3-5 listens.
You guys need to give Cult Of Luna a listen. "I: The Weapon" would probably be a good song to start with.
Cygnus is my personal favourite. Julie Christmas had something special with those guys.
They did one on Patreon and didn't like it 😞
For somebody a bit lesser known that does purely instrumental rock, Plini is really good. "Pan", "Cascade", and "Selenium Forest" are all incredible.
I think your trouble with Polyphia's technicality is an example of not seeing the forest amongst the insane number of trees. If you put on earbuds and just let it ride while you go about some mindless tasks I think you could recognize the song structure much more. I love you guy's vibes and thoughts! Great reacts as always!
I thought the same thing about this track, but then I listened to it 2 more times and found the groove.
I'm like 20 listens in now and it definitely has structure to it. You kind of have to let the initial shock of what you're seeing and hearing wear off before you can really pay attention to the groove.
Awesome that you guys know Steve Vai, had no thought of you all reacting to a song like this. Polyphia great also you guys turned me onto them!
Now you gotta react to "Teeth of the Hydra" by Steve Vai. The video version is a must to get the full effect 😉
Used to watch alot of your videos and this one popped up in my feed today. It’s funny because I was actually jamming to this in my car at full blast today.
We all know what Steve Vai is capable of, and I think many were expecting him to unleash all of his tools, but, they are all professionals and it takes a professional to hold back and only offer up what the song needs. Polyphia knows what their music needs and cuts out all the unnecessary extras. This song is a 10/10.
Vai knew what was going on, "Ego Death". He just focused on the melody. Made the song better.
The name EGO death kind of implies restraint though?
@@fade2black244 100% agree
Actually Steve Vai is VERY eccentric in his playing at times, beyond what maybe non guitarists would want to listen to. Extreme technicality and originality. You’ll see. Holy hell. Hes an Alien. Sounds like he purposely laid back into the groove in this tune. Its a fantastic song.
It's funny because Polyphia have some of the most effective song structures- main melody/chorus to begin the song then a progression before a nice bridge to lead back into the chorus. It's just masked by outrageous talent.
Sounds like a computer glitching out from a Black Midi file.
Highly recommend Plini, he's extremely technical but has a song structure that's slightly easier to follow and he plays more with feels (kinda like Steve Vai).
Also if y’all want a Polyphia that’s good to “bump in the ride” try one or two of these..
40oz
Yas!
Look But Don’t Touch
O.D.
There’s no way you won’t bang your head to any of those 👌
Ya 40oz BUMPS and it's so unexpected
Also in on 40oz. They might get a kick out of that music video, too. 😆
"Blue Powder" to me still can't be topped as far as Vai goes. With headphones on it's pure magic.
Steve Vai - Tender Surrender Live is the ticket! Going to see him next week and I’m bringing a bucket….I have to try to save as much as my melted mind as possible.
I really dig this track, but for the GOAT Steve Vai, For The Love of God is a must. It's a masterpiece
Honestly with Vai in it seemed like an intro track straight from old games such as Pinball Dreams or Pinball Illusion. It's amazing!
Thanks for giving these guys a listen again
The plucking technique is called thumping. 😊 I believe Tosin Abasi taught them that technique
Indeed
Hybrid picking
Unless Tim and the rest have actually said that I highly doubt that. This is not the same technique in this song. Just look at their right hands, Tim certainly is not using Tosin's finger style and honestly Tosin hasnt done anything of relevance since his first album. He seems to either have writers block or is legitimately empty. I loved Tosin but he seems to be content smelling his own farts for the time being and that newest song with the ballerinas is the highest level of pretentious I can imagine. The "thumping" is literally Tosin just playing slap bass on an 8 string (that is according to him) so honestly he didnt invent thumping at all, he just appropriated it from another instrument.
@@BunnySock333 pretty much, but I mean who else has the thumb for making I sound like that
@@BunnySock333 I'd heard that he learned it from somebody who learned it from Victor Wooten (who is a MONSTER on bass).
“Boondickenz” 😂. Awesome. Subbed. You guys is awesome.
Vitalism- Pagan guitar play through is like polyphia but more metal/Djent and more structured traditionally. Highly recommend coming from a guitar player. Hope you enjoy.
I was very much on the too technical to enjoy train but then I ended up seeing them live because I was curious and it changed everything. They really can play their music and they have some vibey more groove based jams such as "nasty" or "the worst" which are the songs I tend to enjoy the most.
The thing with polyphia songs for me is the first time I hear a song I’m normally like “it’s ok but I don’t think I get it” then if I listen to it a few more times by the third time I’m like “this song is killer!” It’s like my mind needs some time to take it in and learn to appreciate it.
Yeah if you aren’t used to it, it can just feel like a wall of noise.
The four chords are the structure. That's why it's "ego death", it's basic. It's perfect.
Saw Steve Vai with G3 several times. Having him share the stage with Joe Satriani was mindblowing. For The Love of God is one of Vai's masterpieces. Recommend checking out the HD Upscaled version.
One of the greatest passing of the torch and paying homage to a great guitarist
Never heard of these artists, but ego death is one my favorite topics to speak of, so this drew my attention
Steve Vai's playing on this track is honestly way more tastefull and enjoyable than much (not all) of his stuff, but he is the most interesting of the old guard of guitar virtuosos, and can bring such a richness to his playing. Great feature and performance by both him and polyphia
Yoooooooo!!! Tim and the bois
I think you'd like their earlier songs. Right now they're trying to push guitar music beyond what's traditional, I suppose. The older stuff is more traditional song structures.
Still traditional song structures, but they adding so many nuances ...
Steve Vai has been my biggest inspiration as a musician!
Vai is god damn incredible. That dude's musical third eye always scanning the scene. Polyphagia,these guys ain't no joke either. I'll be checking out more from them.
Polyphagia is a great name for a tech-death band.
@@beastofthenorth1072 I agree. Oddly enough my phone autocorrected. Must be some kind of disease or something lol
I'll cast another vote for Steve Vai for the Love of God. A lot of the stuff he does is impressive but that's kind of his Magnum opus. And if you happen to see any of his old live stuff also check out Mike kenneally the other guitarist who is also a monster. Although very few people know of him. If you'll notice he doubles Steve on everything he's doing with what seems to be a little effort. He just never got recognized for it by anyone other than other guitarists.
I've been bumping this in my car non stop since release, it's totally playlist. and once again, it's not to impress musicians, but it is to push boundries of music and for those with a passion for music...really need you guys to recognize that, because these guys really are bringing something new and exciting which is why they are getting so big so quickly. if they just played your regular by the numbers stuff, they wouldn't be talked about the way they are.
Nah that's just straight up disrespect for the Clays man, try playing it yourself then to see if it's as simple as u thought. :)
@Dragon Ball fans can't read to each their own😁
@@_seffx People who have no talent just have to hate on people who do 🤣 its how they cope
Perfect fit for Vai imo. Finally found a place that compliments him.
This music video is really good like a fresh meal at a Japanese restaurant. A lot of thought to heart to hands.
I’m surprised you guys didn’t react to “ABC” by Polyphia. It has vocals! Super catchy. Check it out!
Garbage song. Don’t listen
The vocals are kinda mediocre
Great tune these guys are so damn talented.
A rock suggestion I’d love to see from you guys is “skid row - quicksand Jesus”
Amazing song and Sebastian Bachs vocals are insane.
Its great to watch Polyphia videos, but the best way to listen to Polyphia is just to put it on while driving or in the background and then all of a sudden you notice you're humming along and bobbing your head.
Polyphia essentially just turned “music for musicians” into a more palatable template for the masses.
It’s kinda nice hearing a band incorporate difficult techniques with more balance toward catchy hooks and melodies rather than another 10 minute guitar schooling epic (aka Dream Theater)
Also watching their approach to writing and how they come up with some of their riffs is pretty entertaining. Never thought to use a synth arpeggiator and produce a trap track just to figure out how to play it on guitar
Feels like I just stepped into a fancy elevator in a fancy building and Polyphia is the music playing. Fancy elevator music.
He uses the echo/reverb as the rythm. It's brilliant.
When referring to the plucking sound, he uses a hybrid technique that involves plucking like a bassist slapper would do with his 3 other fingers that aren't holding the pick! Insane!
Anything Steve touches turns to gold got to catch him when he was playing with White Snake what a great concert that was
Steve Vai is a master. His feature doesn't do him justice. He probably reserved his playing just to not overshadow and overplay for just a feature and not his own song. You guys should do a song written and performed by him alone. Some of his most famous songs are For the Love of God and Tender Surrender. Some of my personal favorites are Die to Live, Building the Church, and Racing the World.
I think this explains the title Ego Death. They lay down their egos to work together. Vai, by playing mildly, Polyphia, by not sounding like G.O.A.T, which is like an instrument melodies on a trap beat.
Steve Vai's solo was heavily edited during production.
Great Video. You guys nailed it.
I like that you guys always pull up the lyrics
I don’t play any instruments and I’ve only been listening to polyphia on loop for the past few months, I actually forgot what normal music sounds like
Great review! ✌️✌️✌️❤️❤️❤️
Might as well check out ABC too. It's their most catchy/conventional song so it should be more their speed but I can also see them thinking it's corny too lol 😂
You guys may want to give “Ichika Nito” a listen. He’s a virtuoso like Tim Henson, but his compositions are a bit more melodic.
The song structure is actual super simple. Its a 1, sharp 7, 6, major 5 and they are playing harmonic minor. That vamps through the entire song. So the structure of the song is extremely simple, but the technical playing is what is insane. This is how they keep people engage they wrap all the virtuosity in a nice easily understood package.
If you haven't watched any Steve Vai, you should. A lot of his older stuff is extremely technical and pushed boundaries, but his stuff from the last few years has taken a noticeable turn towards "all feel" and tends to hide how truly technical everything he's doing still is. That intro he did is insanity and I could probably never pull it off with how different it is, and I've been playing for over a decade. Loved seeing him with Polyphia, seeing my favorite modern band and my favorite classic rock guitarist together on my youtube page the other day was quite a pleasant surprise.
"For the Love of God" and "The Audience is Listening" are classic Steve Vai tracks and pure excellence.
Dead Rose or Real by Unprocessed has to be next. That bands absolutely incredible.
Chon - Bubble Dream! (Audiotree studio live) or any song from that Live session. Or Waterslide 😄
Their chops are the reason they are famous right now. There is a weird pattern in the industry right now where you either have to have insane chops , or you are doing pop music. Nothing in between. I remember when the standards where much lower as far as skill. There is still a void in popular music with impressive musicality.
For mass popularity yeah... But thats kinda always been true. Tons of bands (especially death metal and hardcore) are making relatively straight forward heavy songs that are anything but trendy and radio friendly without being overly technical.
Their chops have nothing to do with it. The way the industry works is that acts trend because money was invested toward making them trend, and in this case the music is stylistically designed to cater to the pop/hip-hop crowd, regardless of technique. People consume what they are fed.
Steve Vai has an acting credit in the 1986 movie "Crossroads," inspired by the legend of Robert Johnson. You should check it out. Steve plays all of the guitar for Ralph Macchio (who isn't a virtuoso guitar player). He does play the part of Jack Butcher (I think that was his character's name). Anyway, it's a good movie.
Every Polyphia song is basically them swinging for the fences. There are tunes to their songs but it takes a deep ear, but like y'all said in technical performance they're insane. and for being so young.
Steve Vai (Windows to the soul) 🔥🔥🔥