English Guitarist Reacts to Polyphia - Ego Death feat. Steve Vai 

Hi everyone, just to clear things up about the reaction video: 1. I never once said that any member of the band couldn't play their parts live 2. I never once said that the song is musically bad 3. I pause the music A LOT because I have something to say about the music up to that moment. Not everyone is a musician, and so, if I left discussing what's happening musically at the very end, they wouldn't know which part of the song I'm talking about. I don't watch other reaction videos much, so I'm assuming most don't go in depth on what's happening musically (or choose to just sit there and watch because they don't have anything to say presumably)? I would find watching such videos incredibly boring and a waste of my time personally. Besides, if I just waited and said nothing right till the end, then I would forget to discuss all the different points I wanted to make. 4. Maybe I'm too honest in my reactions, and my channel in general, but if I only ever said 'I love everything' about every song, mix, arrangement and gear review, then that would be FAKE. There's enough fakery out there already, and I don't wish to be a part of it as best as I can. 5. I never said that modern music isn't edited. I'm discussing the level to which this song was edited, and how much is too much in general? It's an open-ended question and I never criticised Polyphia on this point - there is no right or wrong ultimately. I said in the video that it's each to their own, but for me personally, I prefer music to sound like it would live (without an over-reliance on backing tracks or laptops). Cheers guys! Sean

I saw them live a month ago, and I was completely skeptical going in. I left with my mind blown. Sound was flawless. Playing was flawless. It was unreal

the pauses were fine and much respect for saying something you knew may not be popular. They've got unplugged playthroughs of most of their recent singles and I'm hoping they release one for this song as well. They can definitely play the songs. I used to have the same opinion and it's actually Polyphia that convinced me otherwise. If the original playing is fantastic, you can process the song from there to breath a little more life into it for the album version. You cant pretend to notice violin parts in the background through Polyphia's complexity; but without them in, the song is somewhat lessened.

Sure it's edited, but their live performance isn't too much behind, no more than any other bands It's polyphia, they're not shy of using all sorts of post-production in their music, and i personally love. Whatever serves the song, who cares if it's raw or not

I really love how Steve was intro'd. Like they awoke a sleeping giant.

If you haven’t seen them, there are live one take playthroughs of the last few songs, and yes he does nail these parts flawlessly. I got to see them live here in Phoenix a couple months ago, every one of these dudes nailed every song live note for note. The drums are compressed a lot on their recording, but clay is flawless live as well with the kit. They predominantly use neural dsp for their guitar sounds, but again are able to pull all these songs off live and it is absolutely extraordinary to see.

Didn't mind pausing at all as those comments were genuine and professional. I'm pretty sure their playthroughs will be coming out soon (and hopefully Mr. Vai himself will be there too) so let's find out how they would sound. Thanks for the reaction!!!

I love Polyphia too!❤❤❤

Of course they use plenty of processing, editing, etc. That’s kinda Tim’s thing. He’s a genius in that respect. They always play to a click track (when recording or live). That’s how they can get things so accurate during a live session. Certainly different than some other bands who might have more of a ‘human’ feel when playing live. But again, this is their thing. A really impressive video is them in the studio doing a live run through of Neurotica. For sure shows they can play this stuff live…. With obviously some real-time processing.

Hey man I love this one, Polyphia is the first band in ages that made me practice guitar more than drums haha! The Steve Vai section was my least favourite bit on first listen, but I like it more each time I hear it! You literally look like you're in love when you're watching that bit haha! Great vid man.

I have watched more than a dozen reaction videos to this tune alone. I always love the reaction when Vai curls into sight.

Very insightful reaction, great stuff!

To each their own, mate. Nice, honest reaction. Well done

Totally dig your reaction. It’s always awesome seeing other people’s points of view on music! People often forget that everyone has a different cup of tea. I can confirm polyphia is a+ live. A lot of people said GOAT , they couldn’t play it live , they do. They are top of the league of musicians. I highly rely recommend checking them out if they are in your town/country. Deff won’t be disappointed.

From my understanding is that Tim is both master at using the technology writing and producing as well as performing live. The computing power is now capable process sounds live on stage.

The beauty of them is that they’re finally adding something new to rock music after years of essentially stagnation. It looks “almost identical” cause it’s exactly what you’re hearing. Non of them “pretend” and if you listen to live recordings, they’re actually pretty spot on. No sign of “over editing” in them even then

Everyone smiles or goes bonkers when Steve appears on his throne. So EPIC!

Keep on pausing and commenting. I filter out the reactors that just sit and watch. I come to people likee you to expand what I know and to hear opinions and what others think. Why any one would want to watch a person just watch a music video and not say anything doesent make sense to me lol, but to each their own. You got yourself a sub dude.

good reaction. everything you said is fair. their chord progressions are pretty simple, making it more appealing/familiar to non musicians, imo. it's definitely not for everybody, but I love that they're taking chances, and still showing respect to a giant like via. their sound live is great. different tones (obviously), but the accuracy is amazing. saw them this summer, 5ft from Tim, (and got to meet them!) and was blown away as I wasn't sure how well it would translate. scott and clay g. are both really good at interacting with the crowd. it was amazing watching this stuff played right in front of me.

I think you need to do some Polyphia playthrough reactions man. Great breakdown

I watched them do a live skit. And was blown away. No way can they get that good unless it’s a video……wow. I was wrong. Hats off to the countless thousands of hours of practice.

I don’t understand why you are getting so much hate. You never said anything negative about their playing, in fact you kept praising their playing, and everything you said was professional and legitimate observations and you clearly know what you are talking about. I hate when people get upset at a reaction channel pausing, if they don’t want to hear what the person thinks of a song they should not be watching reaction videos. My only recommendation is that you go back 5 or 10 seconds before resuming after a pause so you can get back into where you were at and don’t miss any transitions in the song

I enjoyed the video and your honesty. I don't think you needed to explain yourself so much as you did in the pinned comment, haha. Anyways, I was going to say... check out Tim Henson's interview with Rick Beato. He gets into their style, mixing, and does some light live playing as well. If you're interested, of course...

Seen them live twice, both times every single song sounded perfect. MY hot take is that the drummer is the most talented individual member. His timing is absolutely perfect and it keeps everyone else perfect. Amazing live show, just great vibes.

this song is great, regardless how much editing was there. I can't stop listening :D I'm curious to see how they will play it in a concert :D but, with all the great quality that Tim Hanson and Scott have, my god, when Steve Vai comes into the party, it's just another level. It's so much experience doing less notes and delivering so great musicality that I fel like he was saying: "ok boys, you are going to be great, but allow daddy show you a bit here why I am called the Wizard" :D I think that was on purpose

If someone you didn’t know played exactly what Vai did, I’d bet money you guys wouldn’t think this highly of it. You’re out of your minds if that was your favorite part of this entire song

do a video on their live performance, im curious what you would think about it

you'd be surprised at the degree to which the processing/sample based stuff can be done live. Tim's got his own Neural DSP font library or whatever that he uses for a lot of his stuff. the computers are just built into the live production loop. since you're into tone, i'd love to see your reaction to Sokoninaru. they do insane tone and effect shifting with a more organic pedal-board setup, and they're just generally phenomenal.

i like how you got to a point where you just stopped stopping the video and watched it.

You'll have to see them live, still very impressive if not amazing. I understand your opinion and tend to agree a bit but you will see they are quite good.

I recommend checking out their studio live playthrough of neurotica so you can hear the live approach of it.

If you haven't heard of him yet, check out the Charles Berthoud channel. He's done some slap bass covers of Polyphia along with a recent bass/guitar battle with Bernth. The guy is incredible.

That was a great review, full of technical critique and insight. One of the best I have seen on this [song/tune/track?]. I don’t always agree with your conclusions from the point of view of musical preference, but that’s fine. The main thing is what you are saying is thought-provoking and meaningful. Great job, new sub!

They graph every part out, but they do have videos showing they can play their stuff live. That's not really the point of the music they make though, Tim has said in the past he tries to emulate "rap on guitar" and try to do things different. Both him, Scot, and Clay are generational talents that just want to do something unique.

The Drum recording my have something added but you can hear the Actual studio cut of just him playing to the music. So, if there's something added it may be reverb or something. But his playing is not, it is that tight.

You should go see them live.... maybe seeing played live without all the "overproduction" you might like the live versions!

my opinions exactly on Polyphia. I love how when Steve came in, it sorta broke down that ultra-clean aspect of their production in favour of letting Steve work his magic

One of the music influences of Scott was pantera. Maybe that’s why he used a metal guitar.

Probably a good idea to realise that saying things like ‘I’m not saying it’s crap or anything but’ or ‘ I’m not criticising them but’ is in all cases doing exactly what you are saying that you are not. Now I’m not saying that’s a bad thing… 😜

The Ibanez guitar is a salute I think to Vai as well.

Uhh that Ibanez that Scott played is very on point to polyphias earlier sound. They were straight up shred gawds.

Watch "Playing God" unplugged by Tim. It's just unreal seeing it raw as can be played.

I think the small off times of playing in the video versus the actual track could be chalked up more to editing then their actual miming.

Lul you’ve certainly never seen any of Tim or Scott’s unplugged play throughs

Studio band have always been a thing. Polyphia seems to straddle that line by constantly writing stuff they can barely play. But on the plus side, it forces them to improve at their craft, so I think it's a smart way to constantly improve as a musician.

I'm a polyphia meatrider, cool video 🤤

Genuine question, does Tim Henson make you want quit guitar?

They play everything live their is no editing(samples are used tho live)

i suggest you react to "playing god - polyphia" then after you can react to "playing god unplugged" to see more of a live performance without all the processing :)

“I cut the top of my head off…” Me: oh is that why he is wearing a hat? “During recording” Me: oh 🤡

React to playing god unplugged

How I wish Al di Meola , Joe Satriani or David Gilmore had done the Vai bit .

this is the link tim was playing real time ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-royKF8rz9Qw.html

Go watch some live videos of polyphia if you feel that way. They make it happen. edit: And that's coming from a guy that doesn't listen to them much either.

I agree. You're right about all your opinion in the last video. Everything can happen inside the studio record. I bet they trying so hard in their practice to bring this song in their performance. But in the other side, all the fans had a high expectation to Polyphia in their live concert to see the samely performance like in that video. Many Polyphia's live performance had a lot of missed. I know, and I understand that we're all just a human with many mistakes. But, they're absolutely crazy in music video and their must giving a same thing on the live performance. That's what I mean. It's too hard for us to think what they do. Especially doing that 🥲

Processing processing you clearly just cant play it man these guys are masters of their craft

I think you're confusing fully 'processed' drums with a backing track under real drums because the guy can play. Otherwise great review. No issues with anything you said. Unsure what the backlash was.

Then view the unplugged version to shut him up. I thought a group of us as guitarists would show the world to help us 😢

Somebody gonna start more practice XDXDXD

lol I have seen them play this live... try again bud, better luck next time.

I feel bad that you felt the need to address things further in the comments. No matter what approach you take, someone is gonna complain. Just keep doing what you do.

u wrong, its all real, go check them out...

idk why you have almost 50% dislike

I get what you're saying man but in all honesty if you can say that using a computer to edit (especially for a studio version of a song) makes it not as real, then using an amplifier makes it not as real, using pedals makes it not as real, and so on and so forth. Bc technically a guitar is an acoustic instrument. Just bc we've changed it to what we wanted it to be and its become common doesn't mean it isn't editing a real guitar sound. Like if you haven't seen them live then you really can't say how you would feel about the live performance that you haven't seen. Bc yea maybe they do need to use some kind of mixer or pedal or something to switch a few tones here an there but they still have to do it live. Which again practically every other guitarist in the world has several pedals and effects they can add to their tone live to achieve things that aren't technically natural for a guitar but you only seem to have a problem with specifically Polyphia doing it bc they may have used a newer technology? No hate at all just seemed like a hypocritical thing to say man.

I kind of disagree on the Drum comment I'd assume you know who B. Copeland is...yes...this is or he's playing just as sharp tight and quick...as BC... As for the Guitar Tim had a lot to do with it coming back from what I heard on I think Rick Beato...

They use plug ins for their tones. Which are based on real gear rigs you can buy. And the drummer has talked a lot about using really dead drums to get that sound. Obviously its produced to sound a certain way but i think it's pretty silly to say the sound is all production. U should check out some of tim hensons videos. Listen to his plug ins. Its not artificial. Its stylized. If you know how gear works you know how to make it sound like that. Also i don't mind pausing but i think pausing as much as you did did not allow you to actually listen to the song and you missed a lot because of it. Or you just didn't care to absorb what theyre actually doing.

Why would you be any less impressed by tone if it was digitally processed? The cockiness in this is dripping off the screen.

Sadly your attempt to try and state they are heavily reliant on processing to play their parts is completely wrong and ignorant. Just watch tims breakdown on how it was put together to see how wrong you are. I wont be back to see you expose yiour ignorance again. good day!

Tim and other members of this band have already proven that they can play their songs live and in one take. Yes, there is post production editing just to refine the sound but does that even need to be mentioned? Every song out there is edited. Also, too many fucking pauses! Enjoy the song first and then say your piece.

You’re aware there’s multitracks that you can play live with, ya?

4:28 What are you on mate? Do your research before you make such untrue statements. Almost every guitar riff you've ever heard is processed to some extent whether its live or not (i.e. Distortion, Whammy, etc.). It's extremely unfair to say that this performance is 'reliant' on the processing when if you were to look into it you can see & hear it played live, obviously with minor imperfections, but a near identical sound & from multiple perspectives. I typically hear them praised for their clean sound and ability to replicate their sound live. Your opinion is fine, but a lot of your statements lack substance in that regard. Don't rush your conclusions, it makes you sound like you don't know what you're talking about.

i finally understand why you only have 2k subs haha.

F

naw they play this live,, dont knock what you cant fathom,, this is the future

go listen to them live they pretty much nail it

I really just watched a 15 minute video of some dude talking about post processing

Way too much pausing going on dude. You gotta take in the song before you try to break it down.

Sean “The Pause” Bennett…. 😂

Brother no flame brother you couldn't play this in any world. Cover the song and well see how good you are. Jesus man, not a great look.

too much pause going on

Lmao chill bro.. we dont respect you enough to hold any value to your opinion. Appreciate good music and pass the J, instead of acting like a pro, just practice gratitude. you have a black belt mentality, quit that.

there always that one hater 🤣🤣💀 Tim the pause benett!

u acts like a pro bruh, i dare you to cover playing god. then i wiill react your guitar playing

it such a boomer-ish reaction

souless music

try visit scottie and tim's channel, you will understand why you will never be famous no matter how hard you try lmao

Guy who hates Polyphia reacts to Polyphia

Steve Vais great but I don't enjoy his music . I prefer ichika n polyphia . I love math rock more than metal. Steve Vai part was my least fav. I'm getting a jealous vibe from this dude. The reason you don't listen to polyphia is because they're younger than you n it makes you feel insecure. They intimidated you . You are totally jealous

Dude your pausing way to much just do the breakdown after watching

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but at least have an educated one. You clearly haven’t done your research one these guys. Damn near everything you said in this video is based on an assumption. You know what they say about when you assume…

So funny to me people actually think this is so improbable to pull of live. It’s clear they have never really branched out into prog or tech death because polyphia is good and all but they ain’t touching bands like, spiral architect, the boy will drown, and hell even symphony x. They all perform flawlessly live. It’s not hard it’s practice and real dedication. It’s having no life, taking no breaks, and totally consuming your life with becoming a musician. Anything less then yeah you’re up a creek.

Usually the most judgmental people are so called"musicians" of others can't even play close to the level of these individuals.