Another group that would be capable of pulling off a mostly-acapella rendition of a Metallica song, would be Van Canto. (Metal is their main genre; they're only sometimes acapella and frequently use a drumkit, but they're rather good at vocally imitating electric guitars, which would be useful for a Metallica cover.)
It's really a shame that channels of people without musical knowledge and who only shake their heads and say a comment have more visits than someone like you who really react and analyze the songs. Greetings
That's very kind of you to say, thank you. I know that the average watch time on YT is something like 3 minutes, so I understand that my methodology probably puts a lot of folks off, but I'm glad to bring it to those who enjoy this kind of pace and detail. :-)
This is my first time watching any of your reactions. It was excellent. I appreciated your detailed analysis. It was illuminating and led me by the hand through a more detailed understanding of the piece. I had the same reaction when I first heard the song: Voiceplay just keeps getting better. I enjoy all of the leading acapella groups, and they all have excellent arrangements for their songs. I feel like Voiceplay, however, has embraced more adventurous arrangements. This seems to be due principally to Geoff's influence. This arrangement clearly demonstrates the musical subtlety that is possible with acapella. He certainly seems to be leading the state of the art in including ultra low bass lines as a matter of course in their music. It is attention getting for people who have not heard it before but I believe Geoff is quite careful about making sure it is musically appropriate so it doesn't come off as a cheap gimmick. In this way he is expanding the possibilities of what people might expect from modern acapella.
I believe the sound at 55:24, that you ask about, is Layne doing something called "ingressive phonation", which is a beat-boxing technique. The fact that it's Layne doing it is not clear in the video here, because his action in the video at that point is focused on the violin; but he does something similar (if a bit more extensive) fairly prominently in Enemy, and it's more clear, in that video, that it's definitely Layne. So I think it's Layne here too. Violinists don't need to pull strings, because they have no frets to get in the way of in-between frequencies. They can straight up do slides from near the bottom of their range to near the top or vice versa, although the sort of music that tends to use a lot of bowed instruments, doesn't always call for that technique. But they can do it. For example, when David Bruce put the Orchestra of the Swan up to doing an adaptation of an all-electronic track, bowed slides were one of the techniques they used to mimic common elements of electronic music.
Thank you for the info - I'll keep an ear out when I get to Enemy. It's an extraordinary sound. That makes complete sense - I'm not used to hearing electric violins, so didn't think that all the way through, but it definitely makes violin a good candidate for that kind of thing.
Loved your reaction to this one! Everyone has been losing their mind over this arrangement and video. Fun Fact: this video was supposed to be their Halloween release. Geoff had started to arrange this back in August. But Layne wanted to do the Hide and Seek cover instead. Another reason was because J.None’s military leave changed at the last minute so he couldn’t leave to do the video. So Geoff put it on the shelf until December. That’s when J was able to get leave and do the video shoot along with a few minis that they did while he was with them. Another fun fact is the violin solo. Originally, Layne had recorded the guitar solo vocally, and Geoff said it sounded fantastic. But he reached out to Layne a day or 2 before the shoot and asked if he thought if could do the solo with the violin. Layne said he would see if it would work pitch wise. Voice Play fans have been asking for another chance to see him play since he first brought it out in Warriors a few years ago, where we had both Layne and J.None playing violin.
Another fact... The violin toss to Layne is actually a reverse in the editing. Layne actually tossed the violin to Tony and then it was reversed as if Tony tossed it to Layne. Wayne's nickname now is VioLayne.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. Yes, this is definitely a huge surprise when you see it! I'm glad that they waited for J. to be available to do this - his voice is perfect for this. The violin is also a fantastic addition - unexpected, and works really well as a change to match bringing a metal power ballad into the a capella sphere!
@jackyfriedman1963 I'm not actually sure if that's been confirmed, about the violin toss! They filmed it both ways, and I'm reasonably sure I recognised Layne's exact movements in one of the forward shots in the BTS. You also see the rest of the guys singing in the same shot, which I don't think they included in the backward shots since it would be harder to pull off convincingly.
This is the first of your reactions that I've heard, David, and it was amazing. I love the structure you used, listening to the entire video first and then taking it piece by piece. I adore Voice Play, and this is my very favorite reaction! (And I've listened to many of them!) Your thorough analysis brought out things I might not have noticed before. You just earned a new subscriber! ♥️
Thank you so much! I'm really glad that you enjoyed the video. I appreciate the sub, and hope that you enjoy all the VP and other videos that I have covered so far. (Also, you might want to check in around 4pm EST on Tuesday, or whenever you can after that!)
Mind blowing. I know. Can you believe 4 months ago you hadn’t even heard of VoicePlay? When the cat’s tail popped up, i jumped. Thought you were being attacked by a hairy snake. Thanks again for your kind words about my art on Discord.
I truly believe that VoicePlay is tops in the game these days. Someone pointed Chicago to VoicePlay doing Nothing Else Matters. They were so impressed that they invited VoicePlay to join them on stage and singing at their Chicago and Friends concert on Nov 17-18, 2023. Before the concert, when VoicePlay came in, the stage manager wanted to know where Layne wanted his drum kit to be set up. Eli laughed and said, "He's it!"
Haha - I hadn't heard that anecdote! That's great! Yes, I tried everything I could to get to one of those concerts, but I just couldn't make life line up. Hopefully next time.
There is just something different about how Geoff and Layne arrange. They don't seem to think in the same ways that most other a cappella arrangers do, and it makes VoicePlay's sound distinct. I wish I were fluent in music theory and correct terminologies, because maybe then I could explain what I hear in their music that the other big a cappella groups don't share. I've puzzled over it forever, and all I can come up with is their intimate connection with the music they are producing. So far as I know, Home Free and Pentatonix rely on other people to arrange their songs, directors to shoot their videos, and labels directing their overall sound and appearance. VoicePlay, as you know, does it all from the ground up, and maybe that's what gives their sound that indefinable something extra. But for what it's worth, I have thought for some time now that if anyone was going to revolutionize contemporary a cappella, it was most likely going to be VoicePlay. These guys are just all mad talented, their arrangers are geniuses at their craft, and they were clever (or determined) enough to remain free to take insane risks like covering a heavy metal song. Because, as they said, no one told them they couldn't. Thanks for another great analysis. It's always great to see what catches your ear, and why. It also helps me to shift my focus from where they are deliberately nudging it, so that I can hear what is supporting that focal point. I'll be looking forward to Friday's video. 😊
I agree. I see it as being like home cooking - you can eat the same dish out, but somehow the home cooked version is always better. They know themselves best, and therefore write perfectly for each other. They certainly do push boundaries too. Somehow I'm always surprised, even though I know whatever I'm about to watch is going to be amazingly arranged and beautifully performed. Glad you enjoyed the video, and that I can add to your own enjoyment of their work. See you on Friday! :-)
This one has broken everyone who has watched this. Then vioLayne showed up and it broke us all over again. I cried with the original, and I cried with the cover. Amazing. Loved your reaction.
Hi, Timmy!!!! I actually forgot he was in your lap the first time until his tail popped into frame. So glad he decided to come and say hello! This cover gave me chills. CHILLS! I knew you were going to absolutely lose your mind with this one. I certainly did! Throughout the beginning, you can almost argue that Geoff is filling in the percussion with the 'dms', creating a rhythmic bass line, and then Layne takes over with an actual percussion line. And then. And I love the moments when that bass line feels like a tenor line with the amount of movement within it. (Not to mention the vibrations I felt in my chest with those low basement notes!) The "What IS that sound?" part... Yeah, I played that bit back a thousand times and couldn't pinpoint how or who made that sound. All I was able to figure out, was it was cool and liked it. It's also an excellent choice of song to have J.None feature in since he left for the Navy. "So close, no matter how far" is such a powerful lyric in and of itself, but could also be telling of the relationship and closeness between J.None, and the rest of the group. I'm so glad you recorded this, because I got to experience the joy of a first-time listen twice! Once via me listening, and then again watching you react to it. Can't wait to see what you've got in store for next month!
Hahaha! So did I! Caught me by surprise, let me tell you. I totally get that - what an outrageous and successful cover it is. I cannot get over how much Geoff moves in this - he's had walking basses and mobile bass lines before, but I haven't heard anything like this yet. Already mentioned to you privately, but for the benefit of anyone reading this, a couple of commenters have suggested that it's Layne using ingressive phonation - something I'm very much not savvy of, so I will be looking into it. I hadn't caught the relevance of that lyric to J. None, and I like it. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Knew you'd enjoy this one. It's been breaking reactors all over the place. :) Geoff has said : No one told us we COULDN'T do it. So they did. A number of VP songs have been a sort of coded message to their fans, when things are changing within the group, and this is perhaps another expressing how they feel about themselves and their supporters. Or am I reading too much into it? Fantastic reaction. :) No idea who or what that sound is; to me it sounds a bit like a WOW in sub, but maybe someone knows. The way this lifts you up to the heights and then gently brings you back down. Superb. Once again I wonder how on earth Geoff and Layne visualise these things before starting work on them. incredible imagination.
I am not remotely surprised - this is on a level apart from anything I've seen so far. I like Geoff's attitude - if you believe you can do it, do it. Their talent at both arranging and performing is so high, I can't see them being wrong! I don't know if you're reading too much into it or not, but I love the sentiment. They clearly love their fans. Totally agree on all of your comments - the creativity on display in their work is astonishing.
@@davidkreacts Yes, That strange croaking roar during the violin solo is Layne. He made the same sound in another cover of theirs (won't say which, to avoid spoilers, in case you react to it in the future). And I *think* I've heard a similar vocal effect come out of him, in yet another song, which another reactor noted was vocalizing on the inhale. But anyway, when I first heard that sound, I nicknamed him "The mad scientist" (to go with Adam Rupp's "freak of nature").
My first time watching this one, I literally screamed at my laptop screen when that violin was tossed into frame. I went through all the emotions. My hands were shaking, I had tears streaming down my face, and I was giggling like a mad woman. I have NEVER had that kind of reaction to a musical performance through a screen. VoicePlay is absolutely phenomenal. Your analysis was, as per usual, so informative and a journey on its own. I'm glad you touched on some of the chorus vocals during the VioLayne solo because I am interested in that now that I've gotten through the initial shock and several replays of that moment. And I am not good at picking that stuff out on my own. One thing that stands out to me during the entire piece is Geoff's bass line. I will often take a few listens on VP arrangements just to try and pick out what he does, and in this piece he is all over the place in such an amazing way. Where he stops and starts and pauses, switches to longer notes, coming in with lyrics.....I just had to say, okay, Geoff, you're making me dizzy now. 🤣 Tim is absolutely precious, Mr. Holland's Opus is a great movie, and I'm looking forward to what you have for us on Friday.
Hahaha! I'm not surprised - watching this back, I was mildly surprised I contained my reaction to the point that I did! The emotion VoicePlay evokes through music is incredible. I'm glad that you enjoyed the video, and that I was able to point some things out to you. I also agree that Geoff's line in this is truly fabulous. I could probably do a video this long just analysing his part. Tim says: "Meow!" :-)
I adore Metallica, but it never occurred to me that any of their songs could be covered in a cappella form. Indeed, these talented guys are constantly pushing the boundaries. And Layne's violin jumped in like a dot on the "i".
If you'd asked me three weeks ago, before the Discord started talking about this, I would have said just the same. Consistently impressed by their creativity. Fun fact: The dot on top of an "i" (or "j") is called a tittle.
Wow, didn't expect you to get to it this quickly, we did try not to nag! 😉 I'm convinced there must be alchemy involved, because they can't, and yet do, keep getting better and better! I couldn't see how they could make a song like 'Dream On' A Cappella, let alone this but they nailed it!!! Geoff certainly took us on a rollercoaster of highs and lows with this amazing arrangement. There were a couple of moments when I forgot to breathe being so stunned by what I was hearing. Another VoicePlay EPIC, and a wonderful reaction/analysis, thank you David! 😊👍
Honestly, between the number of recommendations and how much the VP Discord has been gushing about it, I just had to get there! Yes, I rather agree - their ability to consistently improve and improve is amazing! This was utterly stunning. Thank you for watching, and I'm glad you enjoyed!
I've been waiting for your reaction ever since this came out, and you didn't disappoint. I had actually gone to bed early, but then the widow lady next door called for help with something. Now I'm so glad she woke me up again, because here you are! At this point, I think VP is just flexing, looking to do things they've been told no one can do. Song with no actual words? Piffle. Metallica a cappella? Hold my beer.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed. Hope the length of this didn't keep you up too late! ;-) I know what you mean - this one feels like it could have been a challenge!
Your reaction was everything I thought it would be, David. I was actually waiting for you to get to it to see what you thought. When I saw that Voiceplay had dropped a new song I was, as always interested in hearing what they'd come up with this time and almost couldn't click on it fast enough. Then...well, then I it happened to register what it was they were covering. My first thought upon seeing Nothing Else Matters from Metallica was..."Wut?". On the immediate heels of that was "Oh, this is going to be epic." I, much like you, went into this video not knowing what to expect. I had no idea how they were going to cover such an challenging song, with the interweaving of the instruments, that deep, resonate, bass, the kick of the drums always keeping counterpoint...I mean, they only have 5 voices, after all. And, then, we get...this. Other than sit in awe of the talent, the genius, the absolute, unending skill of the people performing it, what is someone supposed to do with something like this? I won't go into much detail about the intro. Just about everything that can be said about that has been already. But, hearing Eli and JNone with the lyrics at the start of the song, they way they treated them, and the emotion behind the song itself, with such care was amazing to hear. When JNone came in, the way he sang the lines, he captured James Hattfield's imperfect singing technique by using perfectly timed note changes, little riffs and slight runs. Only to be backed up by Eli and Cesar, supported by them and Geoff and Layne, and carried forward on the soul of the original piece. Then, in the middle of the song, you have that slight break where Cesar has his one, and only, line in this piece. His voice, the tone of it, slightly breathy, as always, brings with it such a sense of vulnerability, of human connection, that it immediately pulls you further into an already stunning arrangment in a song that means, and CAN mean, so many things to so many people. Then comes along Eli. That texture shift...😮. He brings in the "rock god" voice and slaps everyone in the face with it, keeps it for the next three lines, then puts his superpower on full display. He switches between the rock tambre and his "clean" singing voice depending on who he's singing with at that given moment. He turns it on when he sings with JNone, turns it off again when he's partnering with Cesar. And there are times it's within the same BREATH! WTF, Eli!?! That's it, I'm going to find my body bag now. He done killed me to death. Of course, we can't forget to mention VioLAYNE. They had ratcheted up the tension of the song so high by the end I didn't think it was going to be possible for them to take it high enough to give a proper resolution. You know, I really should stop making assumptions about this group? You'd think I would've learned by now. Of course they can always take things to another level!! Silly of me to think otherwise. "Let's just bring in a violin. They won't expect that." NOPE, sure didn't! All in all I don't think there is a single, solitary thing about this I would change or like to hear differently. A lot of the times, after hearing an offering from any of the acapella groups, I'll be thinking "I wish so-and-so had done THIS part..." or, "It would've been cool if they had...". Not this time. For my personal taste this was absolute perfection in arrangment, voice selection, voice placement within the arangment, and execution. Please tell Tim for me that he's always welcome in the videos, too, and if he wants to rub his tail on the mic...I totally understand. I have the same compulsion sometimes, too. 🤣
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. :-) I had the exact same initial thought processes! (Followed, in my case, by "how on earth am I going to have the patience to wait to react?" - I'm glad I did!) I don't have a good answer to your first question. I'm still listening, and still hearing something new every time. However, I can say that your descriptions are spot on. Soul is the key word - they brought that to this in absolute spades. You know, I didn't even catch that Cesar only had one line - it was such a group effort, despite all the solo work, that everybody was involved all the time. I am with you on the perfection - I cannot conceive of a single improvement to this. Tim says he's glad to have a mic-rubbing buddy. He told me I was weird for acting like it wasn't common place! ;-)
What a masterful arrangement and performance! Such a masterpiece, it deserves more than one grammy! 🔥❤. I knew this was going to blow your mind; glad to see that it did! 🤯 Thanks for another great reaction and analysis!
Guess who immediately went through the credits of VoicePlay songs to see in which others Paul Kaleko has assisted, in order to guess which one I can look forward to enjoying your reaction to on Friday😊. I’m not sure which one it is, but am looking very much forward to it, two VoicePlay videos in one week is such a treat! I agree, this one is stunning! I remember you’ve told us that you’ve listened to a lot of metal, so I was so curious to hear your thoughts on this! I’m glad you were able to get to it this week! As usual, VoicePlay managed to show great respect to the original, while making a totally different version (dah, acappella 😁). I find it very emotional. I like the original too, but this one speaks to me more. There are so many of your videos that I haven’t gotten to yet, working on it! But I’m jumping on VP videos as soon as I see them, I’m very partial to them...😁 See you on Friday!
Hahaha! Let me know if it turns out to be your best guess! ;-) You are absolutely correct, and I should have said that - the respect paid to the original in this arrangement is off the charts, and yet it's still so unique. I hope you continue to enjoy my work, and see you Friday! ;-)
I never saw one of your VP reactions before. Urgently time to watch your reactions. You analyze every detail and it’s such a joy to listen to you. Thank you!
I’ve been waiting for this. ❤ Thank you for this fantastic reaction and analysis of this masterpiece! 🥰 I really enjoy your emotional but still knowledgeable breakdown. 😊👍
Love, love, love your reaction/analysis. Love that you listen all the way through first and we get to experience that first time experience again and then such a detailed analysis. Just love it!!! I used to absolutely hate dissonance, but with VoicePlay I don't even notice it unless someone calls it out. Even when you did in some places I still didn't notice it. Can't wait until Friday!! By the way, the friend that asked you to record your first reaction, please tell him THANK YOU!!!
I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video, and that my style works for you. :-) I think dissonance is one of those things that has to be employed well - if it's done badly because the composer/arranger thinks it's cool, it doesn't work. It's surprisingly hard to employ properly, in my opinion. Yes, I have told him thank you on many occasions, and I point out comments like this whenever I get them. :-)
Bliss is waking up in the morning and see that you have posted.♥️ The only negative is that we live in different time-zones, that makes me so late to the table sometimes. You fullfilled every expectation of R&A. So glad that Mortius followed advise. He asked in a previous reaction if we could point him to a good reactor and I told him David K was the place and others agreed with that suggestion. You've managed to build up quite a fan-base in your short time. We are so grateful for your friend pushing you into this. There was a short flurry in the comment action at another reactor where it was discussed which reactors were released yet and I could say that I knew you were recording(it happened before your own post on the subject) and the response I got for having that news to share was overwhelming. Soak in your popularity🤗 You are doing something good. Geoff has disclosed that he has snaps recorded to be able to use as a rythmic help at need. He sees them as an instrument to be used. As soon as this masterpiece was released on Patreon I KNEW that I want VP to cover Sabaton Christmas Truce this year. I'm still basking in your Tommy reaction, think I'm at 5 or 6 repeat by now. Love to Timmy.🐈
You are too kind. Thank you for recommending my channel, too. :-) Super glad you enjoyed the video. This was posted at a weird time too - RUclips stalled processing the video first time, or it would have been around 10pm your time, but I had to delete and fully upload this. I am grateful to him also, but also to all of you for jumping on board with my very long videos so readily! It means to much to me. Aaaaah - pre-recorded snaps make a LOT of sense. It's not like they're hard to do, but it must be a pain in the neck to record and mix them every time. Ooh - VP doing Sabaton - that would be extraordinary! Glad you're still enjoying Tommy. More of him to come in due course, and Sabaton as well. Timmy says: "Meow!"
Is that cest magnifique or what? I had never heard Metallica - thinking it would all be screaming and noise - not this. I have been listening it to it over and over since Friday noon. I think I have to put this at the top of the VoicePlay list and my personal life list. I like your peanut gallery (Mr Green Eyes), just got one of mine (Blue Giraffe taupey grey with ivory patterns that make the grey look like a giraffe pattern) out of the vet's today. His 3rd eyelid stuck across his eye and blinded him in that eye. This evening he has stereo vision. To carry on, they had originally planned for this when J was on leave but it got cancelled and postponed. Layne had worked on the guitar section, but at the last minute Geoff asked if he thought the violin would work better, which is how that came about, just a few bars but added so much. VoicePlay broke a lot of reactors on this one. I love the staging. As far as repeats on your originals of VP, we can allow you to repeat and just call it advanced analysis. I certainly would have no objections. I enjoy what you are doing here.
C'est tres magnifique! Metal bands certainly come out with some serious heart when they choose to. Peanut gallery is always welcome, however distracting he might be! I'm glad that Blue Giraffe is back from the vets - sounds like he went through something distinctly uncomfortable, so I'm glad it's resolved. I'm very glad that everything worked out the way it did with this - this is just perfect. I might do an advanced analysis some day - or maybe a compilation video of awesome things I wish I'd picked up on originally!
Since l found your channel (Carol of the Bells) l watch your reactions to VP/GC in (almost) chronological order and l waited for your reaction to this. I know, late to the party, so all relevant comments are made. But, if l may, l would like to tell about my personal experience. This was in fact my second of VoicePlays vids. About half a year ago YT pushed VPs version of Wellerman in my feed and l liked it, so l checked their channel and saw THIS! I am a fan of this song since it got released and my spontaneous reaction was: WTF, HOW DARE THEY! I started the video, intending to hate it! Oh boy, was l wrong! I came around from 'WTF...' to 'This is INCREDIBLE, MINDBLOWING, ON PAR WITH THE ORIGINAL!' in less than one viewing! So much to see and hear, so many details, so different while still true to the original! And then came the stroke of genius to do the iconic guitar solo with the vioLayne... That was hook, line and sinker for me, it dragged me in this glorious rabbit hole, that VoicePlay & Geoff is, and l don't see me leaving it. Your reaction showed me, WHY it had this impact on me and at the same time you showed the same excitement l felt, when l heared it for the first time. Thank you for the great video, l could watch you nerding out over my favourite vocalists for hours, so no, your videos are NOT too long.
Always enjoy your reactions to Voiceplay, David! You mentioned in response to one of the comments here that you were considering doing a compilation video. All of the things you missed. That would be lovely. I would also happily watch you semi-react to Wicked again. Even if that went for two hours, I would watch. I watched this on Patreon for two weeks, multiple times each day, it was utterly astounding. I've watched over 30 reactions now, some for your level of expertise and some just for fun. VioLayne slays them all! See you Friday!
You are very kind, and I'm glad you enjoy my work. I'll see what I come up with, but it will be some time away. I have little enough time to react as it is (with my videos being so long), but I'm hoping that will change in Spring. I totally understand the rewatching! I have had it on repeat, and have checked out a few reactors too. See you Friday!
I have been listening to this on repeat since it came out, it is so amazing. Honestly, it's in my top favorite voiceplay songs (though I do love all of their songs) this arrangement is just perfect. Thanks for the amazing reaction as always!💜
Don't you feel like you just rode a musical roller-coaster? So glad you loved it! It's been BREAKING the reactors. Oofy just got up and end, took off head phones and walked off screen, as his mind was so blown he had no words. What It Do Dave looked like he was going to cry and pass out at same time. I have enjoyed ALL if you reactors and your opinions. A few are purists and don't think this song was good done this way because it was messed with. I get and respect that and it's fine. But covers are never the same as original. They aren't supposed to be. It's their homage to original with a twist. Just makes music interesting altogether. Thank you for your reaction! May God bless!
That is a very good description! Now that my own reaction is out, I've been enjoying some of the others as well - I knew this one was going to be impactful on everyone! Thank you - I'm very glad that you enjoy my work. As far as covers go, I feel that there are different types, and some of them are simply recreating the original as faithfully as possible, but to me they are less interesting. I enjoy hearing a band bring their own unique sound and characteristics and interpreting a song that way.
@@davidkreacts Exactly! Me too! Makes it fun! I'm a huge Pink Floyd fan. I've seen/heard covers of Comfortably Numb mainly, and didn't care for them as the bands were trying to recreate PF exact sound. For one, that's impossible to do so why try? Second, pay respectful homage to original if course, but do it your own way. Then see what happens. So I understand the purists mindset. But I'm also open to new ideas while maintaining my love for the original. It takes big balls to even tackle the holy grail songs, so least we can do as listeners, is give the bsnd/group a chance. Thank you again for being you. If you want a good laugh, watch Home Free do The Butts Medely. They are another acapella group with AWESOME talented members and a very deep rabbit hole.
@@robinhatcher8021 Agreed with everything you just said above. :-) Yes, Butts is on the list - Cold Hard Cash gave me a solid look at their comedy, so I'm looking forward to seeing more of it.
Slowly going through every reaction, and then saw "omg DavidK's reaction is *more than an hour long*" 😍😍😍😍😍 Already know how much you're going to love this one!
The weird noise you hear in the middle of VioLayne's solo (the one you asked who that was) was actually Geoff in his subharmonics saying Wow. They just really distorted it. I learned that interesting tidbit from another fan who commented on another reactors reaction video to this song. I had no idea who it was who made that noise/sound until I read that comment. These boys...seriously!
(This is Timmy): He has opinions. Me: Is there a cat on the planet, other than my poor brain-damaged (literally) cat who doesn't? 😆 "THAT sound" in the middle of the VioLayne portion is what I've been calling a Frog (or toad) burp. Pretty positive it's Geoff. I was tickled when The Charismatic Voice also called it a frog burp. :D Honestly, this version of this song has actually kicked the original out of several of my playlists because while I still love the original, I think this one exceeds it in so many ways. Loved the reaction! It's always fun to watch your jaw hit the floor, especially when we can say "WE TOLD YOU SO!" :)
You do make a valid point. Frog burp does seem like an excellent description for that. Complete mystery to me, that's for sure. I think I might agree with you. The more I think about it, the more I appreciate the extra levels this version has going on. The original is fantastic, but I think my musical appreciation is a little different and more complex now. Glad that you enjoyed the video! Yes, you all definitely did tell me so, and you were 100% right!
Thank you again for another great reaction. I hope you've had a chance to check out the Behind the Scenes video for this on the VP Patreon. A myriad of obstacles kept coming up that kept them postponing doing this. But, in the end, the wait ended up producing an extraordinary piece of musical and visual art.
Thank you and you are welcome! I need to upgrade my Patreon tier to get the BTS videos, but I'm going to do that soon. I'll be very interested to see them. Yes, I agree - this was well worth the wait for us, and the effort on their part.
Was so looking forward to your reaction and analysis of this amazing cover. Mr Holland’s Opus is one of my top 10 film faves. Love your channel so much.
Enjoyed your reaction, as usual. I think "that sound" (in the middles of the violin solo) is ingressive singing, which you'll hear Layne do in some other vids. He can get down in Geoff territory when he does it, in terms of pitch, and you'll hear it a couple of times in Voiceplay's cover of Get Back Up Again.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Wow - if that is indeed ingressive phonation, and that's could well be it, its so fascinatingly atonal - it just sounds like a rumble rather than a note. I'll make sure to keep an ear out when I hit that video also.
I agree, I think it’s Layne, I believe he does that sound now and then, but it was quite enhanced here (if that’s the word..? It was made very prominent).
Thank you, David, for such an insightful and thorough analysis of this absolutely breathtaking performance. (I enjoyed your four-legged family member's appearances too! ❤)
I am so glad to see your reaction to this masterful cover. And congrats on meeting your 1K goal for the beginning of the year! Now, I think you might be ready for Home Free’s Brothers in Arms (another masterpiece).
When my cats make that sound I expect to see a hairball shortly. LOL. Clearly your guy is well loved, though! Tail attack!! My only grump about that visual you talked about is I don’t think J.None was well lit-Cesar fared a bit better, but both would have benefitted from a warm, directed light. When the backdrop is dark you have to think about lighting people with darker skin a bit differently. They did better when they filmed the closer views, but the distance shots needed something more. I haven’t noticed this as a problem before, but then Eli usually does the lighting (he isn’t credited this time, so I think it’s someone else). But I agree that the bare-bones set and hanging bulbs look amazing. I enjoyed this reaction!!
He officially owns us, that's for sure. He's not a super-hairbally cat, I'm grateful to be able to say. I see what you're saying re J. None and the lighting - if you were to force me to pick a single niggle, that would probably be it for me as well. Glad you enjoyed! :-D
about lighting, it may have been due to Eli. Eli's skin is very reflective, as you see in this video he's a lot brighter than the rest of them. enough so, that they had to place him in the middle instead of J. with the studio full of smoke for the spotlights, they may have had to prioritize overall lighting over individual lighting.
@@huldradraco Could be. As I recall from my stage lighting classes way back when God was young, they might have been able to use a filtered baby spot, but preventing that from over lighting Eli could be more of a problem than they had time to deal with. I suspect filming day is a pretty tight schedule and they probably don’t get onstage dress full-set rehearsals ahead of time.
@@huldradraco That makes complete sense, actually. My partner is super reflective to red light, so she glows if too much is used on her, which requires a lot of forethought if I'm lighting a scene she's in with red.
@@davidkreacts Awesome. I love animals. But especially cats and pet skunks. The one in my profile picture is a skunk I used to have. He was my baby. Best pet I ever had. They are similar to having a cat. His name is Buddy.
@@davidkreacts When my ex roommate first got buddy I was deathly afraid of him. But knew I had to get used to him because I was the one that took care of all the pets in the house. The next morning I was holding him in a blanket and he licked my elbow. He melted my heart that very second and we bonded. Had him for 3 years until a hurricane hit and he got loose. Never saw him again after that. He was a skunk ambassador. I'd take him to various events to introduce skunks to people and get a better understanding of them. Alot of people held him and had their pictures taken with him. Even said he was the friendliest skunk he ever had examined. Sorry. When it comes to Buddy I tend to ramble. I still miss and love him. And that was 5 years ago. Love ya ❤️
@@ronsbrat525 Aw, that's so sweet! Also, what a fantastic ambassador it sounds like he was. :-) Nothing wrong with rambling - pets are family, and never really leave us. Talking of odd pets though, my father-in-law had a pet raccoon for several years! Apparently he was quite delightful, but then he got old enough to become aggressive and they had to set him free in the wild. They do look so fuzzy though...!
@@davidkreacts of course! I felt like I didn't hear the song well enough until those with better "ears" were able to point things out to those of us with no musical background.
@@christineschutten248 Then I'm glad I could be one of them. I feel the same way watching experts reacting to film scenes. Between the Vanity Fair, GQ and Insider RUclips channels, as well as CineFix, I've learned so much about film techniques (a lot of which allow me to recognise things in these reactions) and specific (albeit very random) jobs or activities represented in movies.
@@davidkreacts Hand in glove. 😁 He was with them a long time. You reacted to one he was in - Oogie Boogie - but he didn’t have a moment to shine there. As you work your way through their back catalogue, you’ll hear plenty from J. Tennessee Whiskey is one of my faves, Eli and Geoff also do some showing off in that one.
J None is still a member - they are holding his place until his stint in the Navy is done. It’s really nice when he’s able to come back periodically to remind us how tremendous he is.
There's no way an a cappella group can sing Metalli..........Oh, VoicePlay. This is so epic and the best cover ever done.
Haha! Right?!
Metallicapella.
@Rick O'Sidhe Interesting - I didn't know about that one. Will do.
@Rick O'Sidhe It sounds it. What a beautiful thing Sir Elton did there.
Another group that would be capable of pulling off a mostly-acapella rendition of a Metallica song, would be Van Canto. (Metal is their main genre; they're only sometimes acapella and frequently use a drumkit, but they're rather good at vocally imitating electric guitars, which would be useful for a Metallica cover.)
It's really a shame that channels of people without musical knowledge and who only shake their heads and say a comment have more visits than someone like you who really react and analyze the songs. Greetings
That's very kind of you to say, thank you. I know that the average watch time on YT is something like 3 minutes, so I understand that my methodology probably puts a lot of folks off, but I'm glad to bring it to those who enjoy this kind of pace and detail. :-)
This is my first time watching any of your reactions. It was excellent. I appreciated your detailed analysis. It was illuminating and led me by the hand through a more detailed understanding of the piece. I had the same reaction when I first heard the song: Voiceplay just keeps getting better. I enjoy all of the leading acapella groups, and they all have excellent arrangements for their songs. I feel like Voiceplay, however, has embraced more adventurous arrangements. This seems to be due principally to Geoff's influence. This arrangement clearly demonstrates the musical subtlety that is possible with acapella. He certainly seems to be leading the state of the art in including ultra low bass lines as a matter of course in their music. It is attention getting for people who have not heard it before but I believe Geoff is quite careful about making sure it is musically appropriate so it doesn't come off as a cheap gimmick. In this way he is expanding the possibilities of what people might expect from modern acapella.
I believe the sound at 55:24, that you ask about, is Layne doing something called "ingressive phonation", which is a beat-boxing technique. The fact that it's Layne doing it is not clear in the video here, because his action in the video at that point is focused on the violin; but he does something similar (if a bit more extensive) fairly prominently in Enemy, and it's more clear, in that video, that it's definitely Layne. So I think it's Layne here too.
Violinists don't need to pull strings, because they have no frets to get in the way of in-between frequencies. They can straight up do slides from near the bottom of their range to near the top or vice versa, although the sort of music that tends to use a lot of bowed instruments, doesn't always call for that technique. But they can do it. For example, when David Bruce put the Orchestra of the Swan up to doing an adaptation of an all-electronic track, bowed slides were one of the techniques they used to mimic common elements of electronic music.
Thank you for the info - I'll keep an ear out when I get to Enemy. It's an extraordinary sound.
That makes complete sense - I'm not used to hearing electric violins, so didn't think that all the way through, but it definitely makes violin a good candidate for that kind of thing.
Ever since Hall of The Mountain King, I think Laine is hooked on Burp boxing.
Haha! Yeah, that checks out. :-D
Loved your reaction to this one! Everyone has been losing their mind over this arrangement and video. Fun Fact: this video was supposed to be their Halloween release. Geoff had started to arrange this back in August. But Layne wanted to do the Hide and Seek cover instead. Another reason was because J.None’s military leave changed at the last minute so he couldn’t leave to do the video. So Geoff put it on the shelf until December. That’s when J was able to get leave and do the video shoot along with a few minis that they did while he was with them. Another fun fact is the violin solo. Originally, Layne had recorded the guitar solo vocally, and Geoff said it sounded fantastic. But he reached out to Layne a day or 2 before the shoot and asked if he thought if could do the solo with the violin. Layne said he would see if it would work pitch wise. Voice Play fans have been asking for another chance to see him play since he first brought it out in Warriors a few years ago, where we had both Layne and J.None playing violin.
Another fact...
The violin toss to Layne is actually a reverse in the editing. Layne actually tossed the violin to Tony and then it was reversed as if Tony tossed it to Layne.
Wayne's nickname now is VioLayne.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. Yes, this is definitely a huge surprise when you see it! I'm glad that they waited for J. to be available to do this - his voice is perfect for this. The violin is also a fantastic addition - unexpected, and works really well as a change to match bringing a metal power ballad into the a capella sphere!
That makes complete sense - it looks so smooth!
@@jackyfriedman1963 oh wow that’s awesome!
@jackyfriedman1963 I'm not actually sure if that's been confirmed, about the violin toss! They filmed it both ways, and I'm reasonably sure I recognised Layne's exact movements in one of the forward shots in the BTS. You also see the rest of the guys singing in the same shot, which I don't think they included in the backward shots since it would be harder to pull off convincingly.
They came, they performed, they slew reactors all over the planet. Love your reaction.
Accurate! And thank you. :-)
VP Metallica contribution has made me a fan of the song! Thank you for your wonderful reaction and analysis!
This is the first of your reactions that I've heard, David, and it was amazing. I love the structure you used, listening to the entire video first and then taking it piece by piece. I adore Voice Play, and this is my very favorite reaction! (And I've listened to many of them!) Your thorough analysis brought out things I might not have noticed before. You just earned a new subscriber! ♥️
Thank you so much! I'm really glad that you enjoyed the video. I appreciate the sub, and hope that you enjoy all the VP and other videos that I have covered so far. (Also, you might want to check in around 4pm EST on Tuesday, or whenever you can after that!)
👏👏👏 To both you and VoicePlay for this one!! Loved your input :) Even helped point out a few things I missed!!
Thank you so much! That means a lot coming from you. :-) I look forward to your reaction when it lands!
Mind blowing. I know. Can you believe 4 months ago you hadn’t even heard of VoicePlay? When the cat’s tail popped up, i jumped. Thought you were being attacked by a hairy snake. Thanks again for your kind words about my art on Discord.
I truly believe that VoicePlay is tops in the game these days. Someone pointed Chicago to VoicePlay doing Nothing Else Matters. They were so impressed that they invited VoicePlay to join them on stage and singing at their Chicago and Friends concert on Nov 17-18, 2023. Before the concert, when VoicePlay came in, the stage manager wanted to know where Layne wanted his drum kit to be set up. Eli laughed and said, "He's it!"
Haha - I hadn't heard that anecdote! That's great! Yes, I tried everything I could to get to one of those concerts, but I just couldn't make life line up. Hopefully next time.
There is just something different about how Geoff and Layne arrange. They don't seem to think in the same ways that most other a cappella arrangers do, and it makes VoicePlay's sound distinct. I wish I were fluent in music theory and correct terminologies, because maybe then I could explain what I hear in their music that the other big a cappella groups don't share. I've puzzled over it forever, and all I can come up with is their intimate connection with the music they are producing. So far as I know, Home Free and Pentatonix rely on other people to arrange their songs, directors to shoot their videos, and labels directing their overall sound and appearance. VoicePlay, as you know, does it all from the ground up, and maybe that's what gives their sound that indefinable something extra. But for what it's worth, I have thought for some time now that if anyone was going to revolutionize contemporary a cappella, it was most likely going to be VoicePlay. These guys are just all mad talented, their arrangers are geniuses at their craft, and they were clever (or determined) enough to remain free to take insane risks like covering a heavy metal song. Because, as they said, no one told them they couldn't.
Thanks for another great analysis. It's always great to see what catches your ear, and why. It also helps me to shift my focus from where they are deliberately nudging it, so that I can hear what is supporting that focal point. I'll be looking forward to Friday's video. 😊
I agree. I see it as being like home cooking - you can eat the same dish out, but somehow the home cooked version is always better. They know themselves best, and therefore write perfectly for each other. They certainly do push boundaries too. Somehow I'm always surprised, even though I know whatever I'm about to watch is going to be amazingly arranged and beautifully performed.
Glad you enjoyed the video, and that I can add to your own enjoyment of their work. See you on Friday! :-)
This one has broken everyone who has watched this. Then vioLayne showed up and it broke us all over again. I cried with the original, and I cried with the cover. Amazing. Loved your reaction.
Understandably so, on both counts! Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed.
Hi, Timmy!!!! I actually forgot he was in your lap the first time until his tail popped into frame. So glad he decided to come and say hello!
This cover gave me chills. CHILLS! I knew you were going to absolutely lose your mind with this one. I certainly did! Throughout the beginning, you can almost argue that Geoff is filling in the percussion with the 'dms', creating a rhythmic bass line, and then Layne takes over with an actual percussion line. And then. And I love the moments when that bass line feels like a tenor line with the amount of movement within it. (Not to mention the vibrations I felt in my chest with those low basement notes!) The "What IS that sound?" part... Yeah, I played that bit back a thousand times and couldn't pinpoint how or who made that sound. All I was able to figure out, was it was cool and liked it. It's also an excellent choice of song to have J.None feature in since he left for the Navy. "So close, no matter how far" is such a powerful lyric in and of itself, but could also be telling of the relationship and closeness between J.None, and the rest of the group.
I'm so glad you recorded this, because I got to experience the joy of a first-time listen twice! Once via me listening, and then again watching you react to it. Can't wait to see what you've got in store for next month!
Hahaha! So did I! Caught me by surprise, let me tell you.
I totally get that - what an outrageous and successful cover it is. I cannot get over how much Geoff moves in this - he's had walking basses and mobile bass lines before, but I haven't heard anything like this yet.
Already mentioned to you privately, but for the benefit of anyone reading this, a couple of commenters have suggested that it's Layne using ingressive phonation - something I'm very much not savvy of, so I will be looking into it.
I hadn't caught the relevance of that lyric to J. None, and I like it.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Knew you'd enjoy this one. It's been breaking reactors all over the place. :) Geoff has said : No one told us we COULDN'T do it. So they did. A number of VP songs have been a sort of coded message to their fans, when things are changing within the group, and this is perhaps another expressing how they feel about themselves and their supporters. Or am I reading too much into it? Fantastic reaction. :) No idea who or what that sound is; to me it sounds a bit like a WOW in sub, but maybe someone knows. The way this lifts you up to the heights and then gently brings you back down. Superb. Once again I wonder how on earth Geoff and Layne visualise these things before starting work on them. incredible imagination.
I am not remotely surprised - this is on a level apart from anything I've seen so far. I like Geoff's attitude - if you believe you can do it, do it. Their talent at both arranging and performing is so high, I can't see them being wrong! I don't know if you're reading too much into it or not, but I love the sentiment. They clearly love their fans. Totally agree on all of your comments - the creativity on display in their work is astonishing.
@@davidkreacts Yes, That strange croaking roar during the violin solo is Layne. He made the same sound in another cover of theirs (won't say which, to avoid spoilers, in case you react to it in the future). And I *think* I've heard a similar vocal effect come out of him, in yet another song, which another reactor noted was vocalizing on the inhale. But anyway, when I first heard that sound, I nicknamed him "The mad scientist" (to go with Adam Rupp's "freak of nature").
@@CapriUni That seems like a very apt nickname! I'll keep an ear out for this in the future then.
Awesome commentary. Thoroughly enjoyed. Voiceplay does it aga
In. Hits it out of the park!
I appreciate your on point and thorough discussion. It adds to my enjoyment of this piece.
My first time watching this one, I literally screamed at my laptop screen when that violin was tossed into frame. I went through all the emotions. My hands were shaking, I had tears streaming down my face, and I was giggling like a mad woman. I have NEVER had that kind of reaction to a musical performance through a screen. VoicePlay is absolutely phenomenal.
Your analysis was, as per usual, so informative and a journey on its own. I'm glad you touched on some of the chorus vocals during the VioLayne solo because I am interested in that now that I've gotten through the initial shock and several replays of that moment. And I am not good at picking that stuff out on my own.
One thing that stands out to me during the entire piece is Geoff's bass line. I will often take a few listens on VP arrangements just to try and pick out what he does, and in this piece he is all over the place in such an amazing way. Where he stops and starts and pauses, switches to longer notes, coming in with lyrics.....I just had to say, okay, Geoff, you're making me dizzy now. 🤣
Tim is absolutely precious, Mr. Holland's Opus is a great movie, and I'm looking forward to what you have for us on Friday.
Hahaha! I'm not surprised - watching this back, I was mildly surprised I contained my reaction to the point that I did! The emotion VoicePlay evokes through music is incredible.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the video, and that I was able to point some things out to you. I also agree that Geoff's line in this is truly fabulous. I could probably do a video this long just analysing his part.
Tim says: "Meow!" :-)
My brain keeps repeating "Paul McCartney walking bassline" throughout this song, and it is not in any way detrimental....
@@eirintowne Actually, that's a solid comparison.
And. . . the cat has spoken!
Haha! He has indeed! ;-)
I adore Metallica, but it never occurred to me that any of their songs could be covered in a cappella form. Indeed, these talented guys are constantly pushing the boundaries. And Layne's violin jumped in like a dot on the "i".
If you'd asked me three weeks ago, before the Discord started talking about this, I would have said just the same. Consistently impressed by their creativity.
Fun fact: The dot on top of an "i" (or "j") is called a tittle.
Wow, didn't expect you to get to it this quickly, we did try not to nag! 😉 I'm convinced there must be alchemy involved, because they can't, and yet do, keep getting better and better! I couldn't see how they could make a song like 'Dream On' A Cappella, let alone this but they nailed it!!! Geoff certainly took us on a rollercoaster of highs and lows with this amazing arrangement. There were a couple of moments when I forgot to breathe being so stunned by what I was hearing. Another VoicePlay EPIC, and a wonderful reaction/analysis, thank you David! 😊👍
Honestly, between the number of recommendations and how much the VP Discord has been gushing about it, I just had to get there! Yes, I rather agree - their ability to consistently improve and improve is amazing! This was utterly stunning.
Thank you for watching, and I'm glad you enjoyed!
I've been waiting for your reaction ever since this came out, and you didn't disappoint. I had actually gone to bed early, but then the widow lady next door called for help with something. Now I'm so glad she woke me up again, because here you are!
At this point, I think VP is just flexing, looking to do things they've been told no one can do. Song with no actual words? Piffle. Metallica a cappella? Hold my beer.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed. Hope the length of this didn't keep you up too late! ;-) I know what you mean - this one feels like it could have been a challenge!
LOVE the intro with the history of the song, that was amazing. You are one of my TOP reactors. Thanks for doing what you do!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video, and you're very welcome. Thank you for watching. :-)
Your reaction was everything I thought it would be, David. I was actually waiting for you to get to it to see what you thought.
When I saw that Voiceplay had dropped a new song I was, as always interested in hearing what they'd come up with this time and almost couldn't click on it fast enough. Then...well, then I it happened to register what it was they were covering. My first thought upon seeing Nothing Else Matters from Metallica was..."Wut?". On the immediate heels of that was "Oh, this is going to be epic."
I, much like you, went into this video not knowing what to expect. I had no idea how they were going to cover such an challenging song, with the interweaving of the instruments, that deep, resonate, bass, the kick of the drums always keeping counterpoint...I mean, they only have 5 voices, after all. And, then, we get...this. Other than sit in awe of the talent, the genius, the absolute, unending skill of the people performing it, what is someone supposed to do with something like this?
I won't go into much detail about the intro. Just about everything that can be said about that has been already. But, hearing Eli and JNone with the lyrics at the start of the song, they way they treated them, and the emotion behind the song itself, with such care was amazing to hear. When JNone came in, the way he sang the lines, he captured James Hattfield's imperfect singing technique by using perfectly timed note changes, little riffs and slight runs. Only to be backed up by Eli and Cesar, supported by them and Geoff and Layne, and carried forward on the soul of the original piece.
Then, in the middle of the song, you have that slight break where Cesar has his one, and only, line in this piece. His voice, the tone of it, slightly breathy, as always, brings with it such a sense of vulnerability, of human connection, that it immediately pulls you further into an already stunning arrangment in a song that means, and CAN mean, so many things to so many people.
Then comes along Eli. That texture shift...😮. He brings in the "rock god" voice and slaps everyone in the face with it, keeps it for the next three lines, then puts his superpower on full display. He switches between the rock tambre and his "clean" singing voice depending on who he's singing with at that given moment. He turns it on when he sings with JNone, turns it off again when he's partnering with Cesar. And there are times it's within the same BREATH! WTF, Eli!?! That's it, I'm going to find my body bag now. He done killed me to death.
Of course, we can't forget to mention VioLAYNE. They had ratcheted up the tension of the song so high by the end I didn't think it was going to be possible for them to take it high enough to give a proper resolution. You know, I really should stop making assumptions about this group? You'd think I would've learned by now. Of course they can always take things to another level!! Silly of me to think otherwise. "Let's just bring in a violin. They won't expect that." NOPE, sure didn't!
All in all I don't think there is a single, solitary thing about this I would change or like to hear differently. A lot of the times, after hearing an offering from any of the acapella groups, I'll be thinking "I wish so-and-so had done THIS part..." or, "It would've been cool if they had...". Not this time. For my personal taste this was absolute perfection in arrangment, voice selection, voice placement within the arangment, and execution.
Please tell Tim for me that he's always welcome in the videos, too, and if he wants to rub his tail on the mic...I totally understand. I have the same compulsion sometimes, too. 🤣
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. :-)
I had the exact same initial thought processes! (Followed, in my case, by "how on earth am I going to have the patience to wait to react?" - I'm glad I did!)
I don't have a good answer to your first question. I'm still listening, and still hearing something new every time. However, I can say that your descriptions are spot on. Soul is the key word - they brought that to this in absolute spades. You know, I didn't even catch that Cesar only had one line - it was such a group effort, despite all the solo work, that everybody was involved all the time.
I am with you on the perfection - I cannot conceive of a single improvement to this.
Tim says he's glad to have a mic-rubbing buddy. He told me I was weird for acting like it wasn't common place! ;-)
What a masterful arrangement and performance! Such a masterpiece, it deserves more than one grammy! 🔥❤.
I knew this was going to blow your mind; glad to see that it did! 🤯
Thanks for another great reaction and analysis!
Hear hear!
You are very welcome - glad that you enjoyed my video. :-)
Guess who immediately went through the credits of VoicePlay songs to see in which others Paul Kaleko has assisted, in order to guess which one I can look forward to enjoying your reaction to on Friday😊. I’m not sure which one it is, but am looking very much forward to it, two VoicePlay videos in one week is such a treat!
I agree, this one is stunning! I remember you’ve told us that you’ve listened to a lot of metal, so I was so curious to hear your thoughts on this! I’m glad you were able to get to it this week! As usual, VoicePlay managed to show great respect to the original, while making a totally different version (dah, acappella 😁). I find it very emotional. I like the original too, but this one speaks to me more.
There are so many of your videos that I haven’t gotten to yet, working on it! But I’m jumping on VP videos as soon as I see them, I’m very partial to them...😁 See you on Friday!
Hahaha! Let me know if it turns out to be your best guess! ;-)
You are absolutely correct, and I should have said that - the respect paid to the original in this arrangement is off the charts, and yet it's still so unique.
I hope you continue to enjoy my work, and see you Friday! ;-)
I hope many more people find you through this reaction. You give so much, such a full and detailed analysis. Really a gift
Thank you so much - you are most kind. :-)
Great reaction - you point out so many small things that make this arrangement so good! It's stunning. Also, I love the cat!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it - and the Timmy cameos as well! ;-)
I never saw one of your VP reactions before. Urgently time to watch your reactions. You analyze every detail and it’s such a joy to listen to you. Thank you!
Aw, thank you - I'm so glad you enjoyed, and I hope you get as much out of my other videos. :-)
These boys could sing "old Mc Donald had a farm" and make it sound epic
You will hear no argument from me! ;-)
I think I'm going to give them a request for "Old Macdonald".
I’ve been waiting for this. ❤ Thank you for this fantastic reaction and analysis of this masterpiece! 🥰 I really enjoy your emotional but still knowledgeable breakdown. 😊👍
You are very welcome. Thank you for watching, and I'm glad you enjoyed! :-)
Love, love, love your reaction/analysis. Love that you listen all the way through first and we get to experience that first time experience again and then such a detailed analysis. Just love it!!! I used to absolutely hate dissonance, but with VoicePlay I don't even notice it unless someone calls it out. Even when you did in some places I still didn't notice it. Can't wait until Friday!! By the way, the friend that asked you to record your first reaction, please tell him THANK YOU!!!
I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video, and that my style works for you. :-) I think dissonance is one of those things that has to be employed well - if it's done badly because the composer/arranger thinks it's cool, it doesn't work. It's surprisingly hard to employ properly, in my opinion. Yes, I have told him thank you on many occasions, and I point out comments like this whenever I get them. :-)
Bliss is waking up in the morning and see that you have posted.♥️
The only negative is that we live in different time-zones, that makes me so late to the table sometimes.
You fullfilled every expectation of R&A.
So glad that Mortius followed advise. He asked in a previous reaction if we could point him to a good reactor and I told him David K was the place and others agreed with that suggestion. You've managed to build up quite a fan-base in your short time. We are so grateful for your friend pushing you into this.
There was a short flurry in the comment action at another reactor where it was discussed which reactors were released yet and I could say that I knew you were recording(it happened before your own post on the subject) and the response I got for having that news to share was overwhelming. Soak in your popularity🤗 You are doing something good.
Geoff has disclosed that he has snaps recorded to be able to use as a rythmic help at need. He sees them as an instrument to be used.
As soon as this masterpiece was released on Patreon I KNEW that I want VP to cover Sabaton Christmas Truce this year.
I'm still basking in your Tommy reaction, think I'm at 5 or 6 repeat by now.
Love to Timmy.🐈
You are too kind. Thank you for recommending my channel, too. :-) Super glad you enjoyed the video.
This was posted at a weird time too - RUclips stalled processing the video first time, or it would have been around 10pm your time, but I had to delete and fully upload this.
I am grateful to him also, but also to all of you for jumping on board with my very long videos so readily! It means to much to me.
Aaaaah - pre-recorded snaps make a LOT of sense. It's not like they're hard to do, but it must be a pain in the neck to record and mix them every time.
Ooh - VP doing Sabaton - that would be extraordinary! Glad you're still enjoying Tommy. More of him to come in due course, and Sabaton as well.
Timmy says: "Meow!"
Is that cest magnifique or what? I had never heard Metallica - thinking it would all be screaming and noise - not this. I have been listening it to it over and over since Friday noon. I think I have to put this at the top of the VoicePlay list and my personal life list. I like your peanut gallery (Mr Green Eyes), just got one of mine (Blue Giraffe taupey grey with ivory patterns that make the grey look like a giraffe pattern) out of the vet's today. His 3rd eyelid stuck across his eye and blinded him in that eye. This evening he has stereo vision. To carry on, they had originally planned for this when J was on leave but it got cancelled and postponed. Layne had worked on the guitar section, but at the last minute Geoff asked if he thought the violin would work better, which is how that came about, just a few bars but added so much. VoicePlay broke a lot of reactors on this one. I love the staging. As far as repeats on your originals of VP, we can allow you to repeat and just call it advanced analysis. I certainly would have no objections. I enjoy what you are doing here.
C'est tres magnifique! Metal bands certainly come out with some serious heart when they choose to.
Peanut gallery is always welcome, however distracting he might be! I'm glad that Blue Giraffe is back from the vets - sounds like he went through something distinctly uncomfortable, so I'm glad it's resolved.
I'm very glad that everything worked out the way it did with this - this is just perfect.
I might do an advanced analysis some day - or maybe a compilation video of awesome things I wish I'd picked up on originally!
Somebody in the know for Metallica really needs to set the guys down in front of a tv and play this song for them!!
YES! That would be amazing.
Perfection in every way … and nothing else matters.
'Nuff said. :-)
Since l found your channel (Carol of the Bells) l watch your reactions to VP/GC in (almost) chronological order and l waited for your reaction to this.
I know, late to the party, so all relevant comments are made. But, if l may, l would like to tell about my personal experience.
This was in fact my second of VoicePlays vids. About half a year ago YT pushed VPs version of Wellerman in my feed and l liked it, so l checked their channel and saw THIS!
I am a fan of this song since it got released and my spontaneous reaction was:
WTF, HOW DARE THEY!
I started the video, intending to hate it! Oh boy, was l wrong! I came around from 'WTF...' to 'This is INCREDIBLE, MINDBLOWING,
ON PAR WITH THE ORIGINAL!'
in less than one viewing!
So much to see and hear, so many details, so different while still true to the original!
And then came the stroke of genius to do the iconic guitar solo with the vioLayne...
That was hook, line and sinker for me, it dragged me in this glorious rabbit hole, that VoicePlay & Geoff is, and l don't see me leaving it.
Your reaction showed me, WHY it had this impact on me and at the same time you showed the same excitement l felt, when l heared it for the first time.
Thank you for the great video, l could watch you nerding out over my favourite vocalists for hours, so no, your videos are NOT too long.
I was. hoping you would be surprised by Violayne but you were just so stunned anyway it was great to watch ❤🏴
I'm glad you enjoyed. :-D
Always enjoy your reactions to Voiceplay, David! You mentioned in response to one of the comments here that you were considering doing a compilation video. All of the things you missed. That would be lovely. I would also happily watch you semi-react to Wicked again. Even if that went for two hours, I would watch.
I watched this on Patreon for two weeks, multiple times each day, it was utterly astounding. I've watched over 30 reactions now, some for your level of expertise and some just for fun. VioLayne slays them all!
See you Friday!
You are very kind, and I'm glad you enjoy my work. I'll see what I come up with, but it will be some time away. I have little enough time to react as it is (with my videos being so long), but I'm hoping that will change in Spring.
I totally understand the rewatching! I have had it on repeat, and have checked out a few reactors too.
See you Friday!
I have been listening to this on repeat since it came out, it is so amazing. Honestly, it's in my top favorite voiceplay songs (though I do love all of their songs) this arrangement is just perfect. Thanks for the amazing reaction as always!💜
Totally understandable, and I think I would agree. Thank you for watching, and you're very welcome. :-)
@@davidkreacts You’re welcome!💜
Isn't it just the loveliest thing? :) Thank you for the great reaction!
Yes, it most certainly is. You are very welcome!
Don't you feel like you just rode a musical roller-coaster? So glad you loved it! It's been BREAKING the reactors. Oofy just got up and end, took off head phones and walked off screen, as his mind was so blown he had no words. What It Do Dave looked like he was going to cry and pass out at same time. I have enjoyed ALL if you reactors and your opinions. A few are purists and don't think this song was good done this way because it was messed with. I get and respect that and it's fine. But covers are never the same as original. They aren't supposed to be. It's their homage to original with a twist. Just makes music interesting altogether. Thank you for your reaction! May God bless!
That is a very good description! Now that my own reaction is out, I've been enjoying some of the others as well - I knew this one was going to be impactful on everyone!
Thank you - I'm very glad that you enjoy my work. As far as covers go, I feel that there are different types, and some of them are simply recreating the original as faithfully as possible, but to me they are less interesting. I enjoy hearing a band bring their own unique sound and characteristics and interpreting a song that way.
@@davidkreacts Exactly! Me too! Makes it fun! I'm a huge Pink Floyd fan. I've seen/heard covers of Comfortably Numb mainly, and didn't care for them as the bands were trying to recreate PF exact sound. For one, that's impossible to do so why try? Second, pay respectful homage to original if course, but do it your own way. Then see what happens. So I understand the purists mindset. But I'm also open to new ideas while maintaining my love for the original. It takes big balls to even tackle the holy grail songs, so least we can do as listeners, is give the bsnd/group a chance. Thank you again for being you. If you want a good laugh, watch Home Free do The Butts Medely. They are another acapella group with AWESOME talented members and a very deep rabbit hole.
@@robinhatcher8021 Agreed with everything you just said above. :-) Yes, Butts is on the list - Cold Hard Cash gave me a solid look at their comedy, so I'm looking forward to seeing more of it.
Slowly going through every reaction, and then saw "omg DavidK's reaction is *more than an hour long*" 😍😍😍😍😍
Already know how much you're going to love this one!
Love your reaction! But I'm really sad VioLayne got spoiled for you
Also, Timmy is GORGEOUS 😻
Haha! Yeah... Got a little carried away here, and I don't regret it! ;-)
I feel like VioLayne's existence was spoiled - the utter awesomeness was still a very enjoyable surprise. :-)
He says: "Meow!"
The weird noise you hear in the middle of VioLayne's solo (the one you asked who that was) was actually Geoff in his subharmonics saying Wow. They just really distorted it. I learned that interesting tidbit from another fan who commented on another reactors reaction video to this song. I had no idea who it was who made that noise/sound until I read that comment. These boys...seriously!
Getting your reaction and Elizabeth's on the same day was great! I always know they blow my mind, but I love finding out Why it was so good!
I'm so glad you enjoyed my video, and thank you for the reminder - I meant to go and watch hers. :-)
(This is Timmy): He has opinions.
Me: Is there a cat on the planet, other than my poor brain-damaged (literally) cat who doesn't? 😆
"THAT sound" in the middle of the VioLayne portion is what I've been calling a Frog (or toad) burp. Pretty positive it's Geoff. I was tickled when The Charismatic Voice also called it a frog burp. :D
Honestly, this version of this song has actually kicked the original out of several of my playlists because while I still love the original, I think this one exceeds it in so many ways.
Loved the reaction! It's always fun to watch your jaw hit the floor, especially when we can say "WE TOLD YOU SO!" :)
You do make a valid point.
Frog burp does seem like an excellent description for that. Complete mystery to me, that's for sure.
I think I might agree with you. The more I think about it, the more I appreciate the extra levels this version has going on. The original is fantastic, but I think my musical appreciation is a little different and more complex now.
Glad that you enjoyed the video! Yes, you all definitely did tell me so, and you were 100% right!
Thank you for your reaction to this stunning rendition - Acapellica! Great hearing you picking all the little details.
Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed. :-)
I always love your reactions and analysis. The term violane is cute, but I like the term Geoffquake. 😄
Thank you. :-) Yes, I love the vocabulary that has emerged around VP! :-)
Everything I'd hoped for AND a kitty appearance! Excellent.
^_^ Glad you enjoyed it. :-)
Thank you again for another great reaction. I hope you've had a chance to check out the Behind the Scenes video for this on the VP Patreon. A myriad of obstacles kept coming up that kept them postponing doing this. But, in the end, the wait ended up producing an extraordinary piece of musical and visual art.
Thank you and you are welcome! I need to upgrade my Patreon tier to get the BTS videos, but I'm going to do that soon. I'll be very interested to see them. Yes, I agree - this was well worth the wait for us, and the effort on their part.
Was so looking forward to your reaction and analysis of this amazing cover. Mr Holland’s Opus is one of my top 10 film faves. Love your channel so much.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy my work. :-)
Think I might just watch Mr. Holland's Opus this weekend - it's been a minute since I've seen it.
Amazing reaction to a masterpiece by VoicePlay. I just found you and subscribed. Your knowledge, you and Timmy are amazing!
Enjoyed your reaction, as usual. I think "that sound" (in the middles of the violin solo) is ingressive singing, which you'll hear Layne do in some other vids. He can get down in Geoff territory when he does it, in terms of pitch, and you'll hear it a couple of times in Voiceplay's cover of Get Back Up Again.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Wow - if that is indeed ingressive phonation, and that's could well be it, its so fascinatingly atonal - it just sounds like a rumble rather than a note. I'll make sure to keep an ear out when I hit that video also.
I agree, I think it’s Layne, I believe he does that sound now and then, but it was quite enhanced here (if that’s the word..? It was made very prominent).
@@veronicathunander4579 It really was! A very cool effect.
Thank you for this lovely reaction. I’ve been listening to this nonstop since it came out. Your delight is so much fun to see
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much!
Thank you, David, for such an insightful and thorough analysis of this absolutely breathtaking performance. (I enjoyed your four-legged family member's appearances too! ❤)
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed, and Timmy is very proud of his appearances in this one! (He might just be appearing again in a couple of weeks.)
Aren't you glad you decided to take up reacting? Loved sharing this with you.
Yes, I most certainly am! Such amazing music I'm being introduced too! Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed.
I am so glad to see your reaction to this masterful cover. And congrats on meeting your 1K goal for the beginning of the year! Now, I think you might be ready for Home Free’s Brothers in Arms (another masterpiece).
Thank you on all counts! I have Brothers in Arms on my list - looking forward to it some time before too long.
Loved your reaction - another reactor, broken. Just like all of VPs fans.
Thank you! And yes, very much so! ;-)
BTW kitty is adorable ❤❤❤
Aw, thank you. He knows it too! ;-)
I knew you would love it! :-)
Oh, my goodness - how could anybody not?! It's SO GOOD!
When my cats make that sound I expect to see a hairball shortly. LOL. Clearly your guy is well loved, though! Tail attack!!
My only grump about that visual you talked about is I don’t think J.None was well lit-Cesar fared a bit better, but both would have benefitted from a warm, directed light. When the backdrop is dark you have to think about lighting people with darker skin a bit differently. They did better when they filmed the closer views, but the distance shots needed something more. I haven’t noticed this as a problem before, but then Eli usually does the lighting (he isn’t credited this time, so I think it’s someone else). But I agree that the bare-bones set and hanging bulbs look amazing.
I enjoyed this reaction!!
He officially owns us, that's for sure. He's not a super-hairbally cat, I'm grateful to be able to say.
I see what you're saying re J. None and the lighting - if you were to force me to pick a single niggle, that would probably be it for me as well.
Glad you enjoyed! :-D
about lighting, it may have been due to Eli. Eli's skin is very reflective, as you see in this video he's a lot brighter than the rest of them. enough so, that they had to place him in the middle instead of J. with the studio full of smoke for the spotlights, they may have had to prioritize overall lighting over individual lighting.
@@huldradraco Could be. As I recall from my stage lighting classes way back when God was young, they might have been able to use a filtered baby spot, but preventing that from over lighting Eli could be more of a problem than they had time to deal with. I suspect filming day is a pretty tight schedule and they probably don’t get onstage dress full-set rehearsals ahead of time.
@@huldradraco That makes complete sense, actually. My partner is super reflective to red light, so she glows if too much is used on her, which requires a lot of forethought if I'm lighting a scene she's in with red.
Fantastic analysis! ❤
Thank you!
New subscriber here! Really enjoyed your reaction and analysis
Thank you so much, both for the sub and the kind words! I hope you continue to enjoy my work. :-)
Awesome reaction David.
Your baby is a cutie. He's adorable.
Thank you on both counts! Tim is a very handsome boy - and very happy to show it off! ;-)
@@davidkreacts
Awesome. I love animals. But especially cats and pet skunks. The one in my profile picture is a skunk I used to have. He was my baby. Best pet I ever had. They are similar to having a cat. His name is Buddy.
@@ronsbrat525 Aw, bless. I've heard that skunks actually make very good pets, if surprising to folks who visit unawares! ;-)
@@davidkreacts
When my ex roommate first got buddy I was deathly afraid of him. But knew I had to get used to him because I was the one that took care of all the pets in the house. The next morning I was holding him in a blanket and he licked my elbow. He melted my heart that very second and we bonded. Had him for 3 years until a hurricane hit and he got loose. Never saw him again after that.
He was a skunk ambassador. I'd take him to various events to introduce skunks to people and get a better understanding of them. Alot of people held him and had their pictures taken with him. Even said he was the friendliest skunk he ever had examined.
Sorry. When it comes to Buddy I tend to ramble. I still miss and love him. And that was 5 years ago.
Love ya ❤️
@@ronsbrat525 Aw, that's so sweet! Also, what a fantastic ambassador it sounds like he was. :-) Nothing wrong with rambling - pets are family, and never really leave us. Talking of odd pets though, my father-in-law had a pet raccoon for several years! Apparently he was quite delightful, but then he got old enough to become aggressive and they had to set him free in the wild. They do look so fuzzy though...!
I was impatiently waiting for your reaction to this.
I hope it lived up to the anticipation. :-D
@@davidkreacts of course! I felt like I didn't hear the song well enough until those with better "ears" were able to point things out to those of us with no musical background.
@@christineschutten248 Then I'm glad I could be one of them. I feel the same way watching experts reacting to film scenes. Between the Vanity Fair, GQ and Insider RUclips channels, as well as CineFix, I've learned so much about film techniques (a lot of which allow me to recognise things in these reactions) and specific (albeit very random) jobs or activities represented in movies.
And your cat is adorable 😍.
Haha - thank you! He says: "Meow!"
Can it still be acapella with a violin solo?
I think they can get away with it! ;-)
J. None is not a guest-he is not in the center, and guests are always in the center. So J must still be a member.
I think so, too.
J. None is family. 😉 I think “member” status is a moot point.
That's fair. I love all of their guests, but J seems to fit so well.
@@davidkreacts Hand in glove. 😁 He was with them a long time.
You reacted to one he was in - Oogie Boogie - but he didn’t have a moment to shine there. As you work your way through their back catalogue, you’ll hear plenty from J.
Tennessee Whiskey is one of my faves, Eli and Geoff also do some showing off in that one.
J None is still a member - they are holding his place until his stint in the Navy is done. It’s really nice when he’s able to come back periodically to remind us how tremendous he is.
audio is low on video
I try to keep it a little lower as it makes a copyright claim less likely, so one fewer hoop to jump through (depending on the group).
Guys, I think they broke another reactor with this one. 😂
I've almost put myself back together! ;-)