Hi, it's hard to say one is better than the other. BUT, with that said, I probably enjoyed F&F a bit more only because that's more the style of music that I've listened to as I grew up.
I discovered and became an F&F addict in 2022, and was already a PTX fan. I'm appreciative that you avoided doing a competitive comparison; they both do what they do extremely well. With music, unless you get down to details of equivalent performance of particular parts, like vocal a was closer to intended pitch at point x than vocal b, and similar, or perhaps overall arrangement, quality, etc., I think that kind of comparison is folly. PTX is made up of full-time professional career musicians with probably a lot of production help (and hindering?). I'm no expert, but at least 1 music analyst youtuber showed clear heavy use of pitch correction in their recordings. If the producer makes those choices, someone please convince them to stop; would probably be better without. I do like the arrangement choices that PTX makes so that their songs are their own take versus just covers. One of my favorites of theirs that they did a lot of creation/customizing with is the Christmas song "O Come All Ye Faithful"; now a season favorite that I pull out each year. Foxes and Fossils has become an obsession for me. The instrument players are life-long career musicians and all clearly care about and consistently deliver excellence. They do a great job with song choice and despite being a self published, a part-time/hobby group with little production resources, and minimal rehearsals, the recordings are amazingly good. Chase is working on a vocal career, but the other Foxes have non-music-performance day jobs. They could probably improve some aspects by going full-time music performance and throwing gobs of money/time into vocal coaching, practice, living in proximity, etc., but they are the real deal. Tim has described minimal audio production for their recordings, and may never have used any pitch correction. This is what I find lacking from this PTX and most other recent "pop" music. Their honest/real family/friends story is great, and their music is similarly honest. I highly recommend going down the entire rabbit hole - RU-vid vids, recordings, Patreon, 2022 concert, documentary, book, support. I sometimes like to listen critical-style with good headphones at fairly high levels; their music only sounds better the closer you listen to details. I would like to point out that in this particular RU-vid video, the electronic percussion is loud and is problematic at high level in earphones. The recording for sale on their website, including "lossless" AIF, does not have this issue.
Have you checked out Pentatonix’s cover of Gold? That one really highlights Mitch’s control (and everyone else as well). Avi is the bass in this and yes he has left and gone solo now. Matt Salle is the current bass.
Thanks for this combined video. Very enjoyable. I am addicted to PTX and have always loved their upgrade of Royals. Foxes and Fossils also did a great cover and I am thankful for being introduced to them. Amazing voice for a 15 yo. Really gorgeous voice and the harmonies were excellent.
PTX . . . The control they ALL have to sing soft then BELT IT OUT , their precision . . . It ALWAYS blows me away!! And their facial expressions that put the visual feeling into their songs. And this song was done at the beginning of their journey! It only got better from there . . . . Foxes & Fossils . . A different sound but JUST as AMAZING. I love how all of these talented people bring this song to LIFE!!!
PTX is doing a performance, smoothly polished, no mistakes allowed. But to me, a little short on emotion. F&F is singing, live. I prefer their more organic version.
One thing you should be aware of...Pentatonix doesn't record any video that can't perform LIVE !! And, they sound as good or better live than on video...check out their live version of Hallelujah (NY - Xmas); Coffee in Bed (Jimmy Kimmel show) and better yet the "2016 PopSpring" concert video where they sing 4 of their own songs !!
Great reaction! This was my first experience of Foxes and Fossils (clever name). Really impressive! I'll be checking them out more thoroughly. I'm already a big fan of PTX, of course.
I was curious to watch this video because I've never heard of Foxes & Fossils. They are talented and quite good. Indeed, there are LOTS of really talented singers and groups in the world. But in my honest opinion, Pentatonix are still the platinum standard when it comes to vocalizations, harmonies, arrangements and quality of singing. I'm getting pretty old now and have enjoyed listening to many great singers in my lifetime (Nat King Cole is still my all time favorite) but I don't think I've ever heard a voice as pure as Mitch's or a group with as much vocal talent in one place as Pentatonix has with Mitch, Kirstin, Scott, Avi (now Matt) and Kevin (who is probably the most musically talented of the bunch).
Fooxes and Fossils recenty logged 100 million views (collectively) on their videos. They marked the occasion with an 80 minute livestream. It's interesting if you want to know more about the group. Just do a search on - Foxes and Fossils 100 million livestream
Pentatonix - First time I could hear the lyrics of the verses. Before, the only thing that really stood out was 'Royals'. Foxes & Fossils - Ooooh, the girl who sang lead on this has such a full, rich tone that it really caught my ears' attention. Both are fantastic. Thanks for putting them together!
I'm so glad you enjoyed both. I agree with you on the F&F comment. Her voice is just flat out wonderful. I always expect great harmony from PTX and got it here as well.
I've never heard of Foxes and Fossils. So glad you put these two groups in one reaction! I would've never discovered them. Thanks dude. I had to edit to recognize how awesome F&F harmonies are. Gave me chills! Being live and sounding like that is rare in music. PTX does the same often which is why I am kind of obsessed with theirs.
Avi and Kevin beat and bass for PTX are an untouchable pair also known as the Meat and Potatoes. Avi now has a stupendous solo career now, would love to see you react to his music. Not sure if you always do the compare and contrast but Avi only has 3 covers in his catalog, House of the Rising Sun, Lean on Me and OutKasts Hey Ya. If you do single songs Change on the Rise is his most watched, his latest album is the Shooter Jennings produced Floating on a Dream. Subscribing on hopes of some Avi reactions.
I really enjoyed both versions, but I am so drawn to PTXs harmonies and Mitch’s vocals. Chase is going to go far, she’s phenomenal especially for being so young.
I'm a hard core Pentaholic and adore Mitch in this one. That said, I really like the Foxes and Fossils version. Really really good too! Thanks for reacting to them both. Great comparison! OH, I subbed cause, PTX!
Ptx also used to sing royals live in concert. They just don’t record their official music videos live unless they’re doing evolution videos. Those are recorded live at the studio a few times and they pick the best take.
Sir, that PTX "something different" is the fact that Kirsty, Scott, and Mitch have been singing together since they were all kids growing up in Dallas. They were "The Trio" long before the Magic of PTX began. Be well, be happy, another old fart, retired in the wild state of Florida! :)
Please tell me that you've checked out KO's solo stuff right?! If you want to see how amazing Kevin (the beatboxer) is react to KO's cover of Down by Marion Hill! You won't be sorry! Great reaction!
F&f sound really good, the arrangement is top notch. They kept it simple, if they had thrown all of their instruments into the performance it probably would have detracted from the feeling. PTX owns this song now, Lorde should just sign the rights over. You did end up comparing, you landed on PTX.
Pentatonix wins, no question. Pentatonix has many live performances and one cut performances. The other group was very good but you seem to have a lot of background information on them. You need to learn more about Pententonix. Their story is amazing.
