Polymeters in the music of Animals as Leaders (Ka$cade), Reaction/Analysis | The Daily Doug (Ep 401)
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- Опубликовано: 22 май 2022
- #AnimalsAsLeaders #AAL #AALReaction #Ka$cade
In this #MetalMonday episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm returning to the music of progressive metal band Animals as Leaders. It's been over a year since I listened to their The Brain Dance. Now, I'm doing my best to keep up with them as they perform Ka$cade. I'm most impressed by their ability to be virtuosos and maintain a flair for melody, texture, and overall musicality. I hope you enjoy!
Reference Video: • Animals as Leaders "Ka...
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Thanks Doug! I requested this on a Superchat 👊
Yes! I forgot to mention that this selection came from our recent livestream. Thank you for your support and for this great recommendation.
@@Doug.Helvering You da man 👍
@@Doug.Helvering do the new album from aal please :DDD
@@lordamoghxd Just bought it. Awesome!!!!!!!!!
@@ulfingvar1 sickkkkkkkkk
This new school of rhythm is super inspired by Meshuggah (who are themselves inspired by thrash metal and prog bands). I would definitely recommend checking them out, most of it is a masterclass on superimposing 4/4 with odd time feel.
I don't know if Doug could digest all their double bass 😂
This is always way way overstated.
YES We need to see Doug analyse some 'shuggah. Would LOVE to see him work his way through Clockworks or Combustion. Yogev Gabaev does great analysis of Meshuggah of course, but I really want to hear Doug talk about them, too.
I’d like to se him react to dancers to a discordant system, I feel that one would really throw him for a loop.
Doug should appreciate Stengah! It's super clean in terms of the drums and super kooky on the rhythm.
Animals As Leaders is one of the few “prog” bands I can listen to for hours without getting bored of their music. They always find ways to surprise me. Love their first three records so much!
I lost count of how many times I’ve listened to their first album straight through.
You probably relate to or see different aspects of the music depending on your frame of mind at the time. And there is just so much going on that you're probably going to keep that feeling for a long long time.
(Happy Weightless Noises)
Interesting you say that - I feel similarly in that there are so many 'prog' bands that, irronically, are increadibly formalic in their sound and style of composition (so the complete opposite of 'progressive'). Animals as Leaders in certainly not one of those bands.
Great reaction! I would suggest "Red Miso" from their newest album for your next listen.
The symmetry and asymmetry are what makes it feel like a CASCADE 😎
I think the analysis of said symmetry and asymmetry has caused the MADNESS OF MANY 😎
I see what you guys did there.....
LOL
Gestaltzerfall from their latest album would be right up your alley. Simply wonderful melodies interweaved with some absolutely mind-melting stuff.
One of my favs💯🔝
Doug is slowly turning into a metalhead, we can tell xD
Slowly but surely 😉
If you wanted to go full metal head then do Death Angel The Ultra-Violence or Metal Church - It's a Secret. Doug is a prog head.
I think any musician can learn to love metal (unless they truly suffer from stimulus overload, which does seem to be a thing).
I was raised on my dad's Mozart and my brother's Metallica. It's all great stuff.
I can one thousand percent relate to the feeling of "attempts to keep up with Animals as Leaders"
you are the first person to actually break down the song in detail, love learning from you. You should give Covet or chon a reaction, would LOVE to see it.
I would like to second covet and chon. Both amazing bands.
I reckon we need some Allan Holdsworth or some Planet X on the channel after something like this. Holdsworth is where these chord voicings came from
I'd love to hear what he'd think about the voicings Allan used.
Yes! Holdsworth is the perfect guy for Doug to analyze. Some of Bumblefoot or Govan's more esoteric works as well.
Yes, some Holdsworth followed by Guthrie Govan
@Maxwell Redfield Meshuggah did. Not Tosin.
@Maxwell Redfield He's openly said in interviews that Holdsworth was the biggest inspiration for the type of harmony he uses. Holdsworth may not even have used these specific voicings but there's a clear lineage. Tosin has easily added enough totally original innovations to guitar playing anyway. Thankfully plenty of people listen to both Tosin's and Allan's music.
Am totally into AAL, they are my new favourite band. Almost every track is totally mind-blowing, and contrary to what some may think, it isn't all about technical wizardry, it is very harmonic and lovely to listen to, even at its most extreme. Thank goodness for bands like them and visionaries like Tosin Abasi.
your description of what you think is happening rhythmically at 6:30 in this video... is a near perfect explanation of what many consider the main rhythmical device used in djent. Just found your channel and I am surprised to not find any Periphery on here! Subbed. Great reaction/analysis.
This was an absolute pleasure to watch! So glad you've discovered a crazy world of AAL! Can't wait to chat about it at the next council!
Definitely would recommend more of their stuff, especially newer songs (funny, feels like this song came out recently but also half a lifetime ago when you think about it and see how different the guys look now).
The Brain Dance is a masterpiece and my favourite off their new record is Red Miso, I think.
This comment. Brian dance for sure.
imo that's becuase they were ahead of their time when they wrote that music. i mean the first album from 09 sounds like it could be from 2015.
he also already has a video on the brain dance and its definetely worth watching.
Hard to believe it’s been a year! I’ve been watching you for a year! You are a keeper now!😂
Awesome review Doug, I really enjoy everything the 20 min dunlop sessions includes, 3 songs and the interviews makes it one of the best YT videos
I drove for a couple of hours to see Animals as Leaders. With support by Plini, in a dive of a venue, that gig was intense. Exhausted and drained… but also invigorated so the drive back home was no problem. Glad you enjoyed AAL =)
You gotta do Red Miso by them. Slow enough to where you can properly analyze but also the most insane bridge ive ever heard
Wrt to your comment on seeing them live, yeah that sums it up. I've seen them quite a few times (just last month too), and they're just something else live dude. Wonderful video Doug :)
Fates Warnings, The Longest Shadow of the Day.
the polymeter you're getting hung up on is 5 against 4. It's used extensively throughout Kascade.
Two things: 1. Javier has some really cool flamenco guitar videos that are def worth checking out, and 2. Matt Garska has always been awesome to listen to, but on their latest album Parrhesia, he's broken through to some new level and is now easily among my favorite drummers ever. Thanks for doing this one on the channel.
You should definetly check out more from them :) I have been waiting for Animals as leaders since you did brain dance.
I recommend The Woven Web, Monomyth, Arithmophobia... and oh so many others but let's stick to those 3 for now ;)
Hello Sir,
I normally don't post comments but I've been watching regularly for some months now and really enjoying it, so first of all, thank you for the really good interpretation and dissection of songs I love!
Now from what I've seen you have indeed not heard a song from my favourite band WHEEL yet and I can only recommend you do :)
I would start with the song "Resident Human", but you can honestly just pick any, they are all amazing.
Keep up the great work and know I'll be lurking 👀
that riff at 6:00, i could just listen to that for 12 hours.
So glad you came back to AAL! More!
That description of being at their show Doug, is exactly what I tell people after seeing them in Denver. Mentally exhausting! Way worth every second.
After seeing them live I’m up for days straight trying to figure out what the heck I just witnessed!
You always find new interesting stuff to challenge the listeners. Always enjoy your analysis. Reminds me of my graduate level 20th century analysis class. If this interests you go back and check out Mahavisnu Orchestra from late 70’S and early 80’s.
Thanks! That was the band I wanted to be reviewed when you posted your "blocked" metal monday 🎶
waiting for a Meshuggah reaction since ever! They are the true rhythm masters
16:48
Enthralled is the word you're looking for lol
Been there; I've seen it happen first-hand
You should check out "Red MIso" off of their new album Parrhesia, that would be a cool one to break down
Another cool video, keep it up!
I want more animals as Leaders on the channel! I just saw them on Monday here in São Paulo, and it was just unbelievable
Thanks a lot Doug… from the bottom of the world 🎶🇨🇱🙌🏻
Amazing! ❤❤
Amazing reaction as usual ! Let's dig in Freak Kitchen, Plini and Intervals :)
....just complicated enough to be elusive. Gorgeous. Utterly listenable.
One of the all time best tracks. I'll be rocking to this when I'm in my casket.
You Should Do Some Jaco Pastorius! (Recommend a song called Slang)
Love these guys. Saw them in concert. MIND BLOWING 🤯 The 2 leads play hybrid guitars. They would switch off playing bass & lead back & forth like a well oiled machine. Also one of the best drummers on the planet. One of the guitars has 12 strings.
Please check out more of them! Their newest album especially!
This reminds me of my profile picture.
Also, saw animals as leaders in a an outdoors venue and it started pouring during this song (warm summer rain) and it was awesome.
Love it when you do Animals As Leaders.
Great stuff and awesome analysis!!....Animals As Leaders have taken it all a step further from Planet X (Derek Sherinian, Tony McAlpine & Virgil Donati) with their polyrhythms and the like...I'd recommend Planet X, particularly their Moonbabies and Quantum albums!
For sure, and ultimately it all comes back to Holdsworth. I love Planet X
Yeah! My vote for Planet X as well
Man, you have to listen to their new album!!
mind-boggling fun!!
I saw them twice in Berlin and will a third time next year. It is exactly as you assumed. The concerts I visited didn't go longer than 1h20min and I was exhausted in the best possible way.
Thanks for this one Doug! Loved how confused you were by the rhythms, and to be honest, the polymeters here aren't even that complicated compared to other things they've done.
Also, could you give some examples of artists/bands that you're thinking of when you say "virtuosity for virtuosity's sake"?
can't wait till you get more into their catalogue.
You're taking me back to studying music in college, Doug :) I had a professor who made music analysis a great time, in part because while we'd mostly analyze 20th-century symphonic music, we did a good deal of rock and jazz. Even did some simple stuff like Nirvana to discuss why it worked so well (that prof was truly a fan of all types of music, even though he himself composed very much in the experimental 20th-century vein).
BTW, I see you're a choral composer! I had a short stint at a professional choral chamber career, so while it's not usually on my playlist, it holds a very special place in my heart (was going to be a conductor, but then I married another musician and she is better than I am, so I switched to the sciences to fund the operation :P). Do you have something online where you recommend modern choral composers by any chance? I am nearly 20 years out of date...
Thanks
Their concerts are amazing. Saw them supported by Carbomb in Bristol UK.
That must’ve been a DOPE night!
Hi doug! Speaking as an (amateur) guitarist with a love of baritone and extended-range guitars, bass is ABSOLUTELY needed with 8 string guitars! The combination of scale lengths, string gauge, pickups and amps let them occupy entirely different spaces in the mix, even if they are playing similarly low notes. Pay close attention and you'll hear a recording of a bass guitar in the mix to help fill out the sound :)
Thanks Doug. If you're interested in this specifical concept of Polymeters, nobody does it in a more clever and sophisticated way than Meshuggah. They're also more avantgarde and extreme than the bands you tend to discuss, and "Stengah" would perhaps be a good start?
I made some of those same faces the first time I listened to AAL. ;)
Something that appealed to me is that their 8 strings are not there to simply replace the bass, but integrate perfectly into the melodic composition!
Matt the drummer transcribes all of his songs on his website. It would be a great way to follow along 😀
Great reaction.. to swear! But don't worry, I'm sure many have after listening to their songs. They are seriously amazing, and this song does stand out as one of the more accessible.
Jus gotta think of it in a jazz frame of mind too\m/
Exhilarating!
Haaaa… I work in that very room. I was there when this was shot. Nothing like trying to relax on a day off…, and your bouncing around RUclips, checking out one of your favorite channels…, and your dang work pops on the screen. 🥴🤪
Thank you! These videos are wonderful and fascinating. I play them over and over and always learn something new. If you want to listen to my favorite band since 1988, please explore God Street Wine. I appreciate you!!! 🎶🎶🙏🙏😍😍🎶🎶🙏🙏
I love watching this band. They're always in such concentration. You can't play like this without full concentration.
PLEASE more AAL!!!
Tool also loves to do the overlapping meters thing, where the drummer is playing in one time signature, and the guitar is playing in a different one.
It’s looking at it from multiple perspectives! Shifting from quintuplets inside of four and then just playing those five sixteenths through the four to overlap a sixteenth every grouping!! At least that is what Matt is doing! Tosin and Javi are playing fast fives in that main thing motif!
Hi Doug. '70s Kansas is another band with outstanding musicians with an incredible prog songwriter in Kerry Livgren. Their music is all that you described for Animals as Leaders (particularly polymetric). The difference is that the early to mid 70s didn't have all the technical production equipment (e.g.,autotune, etc.) that is available now.
It's been a while since you've done Kansas. May I suggest Lamplight Symphony, The Wall, Miracles out of Nowhere, Hopelessly Human. Thanks! Come on Council of Dougs, it's time for Kansas.
If you can stomach the harsh scream vocals, I guarantee there's a whole new world of music for you in Meshuggah. I guess the track Do Not Look Down would be easy to start from - it's super interesting from the start as they keep playing 17/16 against 4/4 for 2 minutes straight and then delve into something else. Meshuggah is also melodically interesting as they are really chromatic in a unique way.
Yes! Listen to some Meshuggah followed by a Yogev Gabay rhythmic analysis. Amazing stuff!
It's unfortunate that I don't like that type of "singing" because I've heard music with it that was excellent but the vocals completely ruin it for me.
@@scorpiusbalthazar4327 Believe me when I say that you'll get used to it. Try something like Devin Townsend, he switches a lot from clean to harsh.
@@hahahadracula I won't get used to something I hate. I HATE death metal vocals. The only way I can tolerate it is when Ayreon very rarely does it.
@@scorpiusbalthazar4327 just give kingdom by devin Townsend a try. In the past I really hated harsh vocals. For me it was that I misunderstood what harsh vocals actually are, they are a expression of an extreme. I can't imagine meshuggah singing about internal hemorrhaging with clean vocals. It doesn't do the rest of the music justice. It's not about it sounding nice to you. It's about sounding horrible and painful. I get where you come from. I recently started listening to rap, hip-hop and trap. I'm still not entirely over the cringe from calling people mofos, hoes and the N word. But I can totally get why people like these types of music.
You should try Red Miso from the last album. Is a complex powerful piece of art
There's a nice transcription of this over at UG.....I don't know precisely how accurate it is but it seems excellent and the time signatures fluctuate between 6:4, 4:4 (intro) 15:8 and 17:8, 7:4, 2:4....with some other changes as the track progresses.What's actually even more confounding is that the intro, only considering Matt, is 5 against 4 played with two feet and one hand, against the right. He's seriously amazing.....
I will never forget the first time I listened through The Joy of Motion.
There is a reason why there is a style called Math Metal :) I saw them some 10 years ago in Germany, it was something else.
More Animals as Leaders please and their new releases!!
Thanks Doug! Nice one.
Did you know Animals As Leaders just released a new album? "Parrhesia". It is _a_m_a_zing._
Oh! PS: Check out Yvette Young and her band Covet. She's also an incredible guitarist(a) & composer. Very unusual meters & chords & stuff. I think you'll like that.
Yeah, all three of these guys in conjunction produce some rhythms/polyrhythms that mere mortals can't hope to interpret without dictation, lol.
I had the great fortune of being able to share a lunch with Tosin during JPGU2 in 2018 and he was a really humble and personable dude. He and I in particular didn't really discuss anything too world-shattering (I think it was mainly about pick preferences, lmao), but it was just cool being in his presence and hearing him express his thoughts about stuff in general. He's definitely on the forefront of modern musicality in a lot of regards and never rests on his laurels, so it was really inspiring to get to spend even a small amount of time with him.
i'm sure you will find Between the Buried and me interesting as well. Hopefully my vote will come through for that :)
I can't even walk straight after listening to this piece... In a good way
I Like it Greetings From Sweden
I'm really just posting this for myself because this comment probably doesn't make sense...
It's hard because the drummer is doing polyrhythms, along with the guitars doing both similar and/or different polyrhythms interchangeably. And as soon as you start to understand one section...it changes. only way to understand it is to give it study time.
I like how in the end you mention imagining going to their concerts and being drained in the best possible way...I'm a drummer and the first concert I went to with AAL headlining I literally couldn't stand it..I took a video and in the background I'm just screaming because I can't comprehend the music...you have to let go and just scream out the confusion and LOVE of the rhythms...and MELODY!
Great job doing there, Doug! Ever considered analyzing some Cynic tracks? Their Focus album (1993) was revolutionary in metal for being fusion-/ambient-induced with vocoder vocals, modulated clean sounds, fretless bass and fluid jazz drumming, although my favourite is their Traced In Air album (2008) - I'll recommend the 'Evolutionary Sleeper' track but there's none that is worth skipping to me - IMO one of the best albums ever made (not just in metal but in general)
Tosin Abasi in so fun to watch play. I got to see him live on the "Generation Axe" tour
I really liked your last point about how they aren't doing virtuosity for virtuosity's sake, and I totally agree -- for AAL, the virtuosity is a means to an end, and that end is simply to create exciting and interesting music. That's what I love about them so much! They truly are progressive in that they are trying to take the art to a new level, but it's still about the music, not the players (even though the players are awesome).
YES MORE ANIMALS AS LEADERS
Check out modern day babylon, theyre approach to polyrhythms and manipulating time is amazing, and the music is mostly linear too! Great reaction to AAL, the 3 of them are at the pinnacle of their craft!
I think you'd enjoy The Aristocrats quite a lot. Three great musicians having lots of fun. Probably the best guitar player or at least most well rounded one for sure, try Blues F*ckers for an entertaining drum solo, or bad asteroid for sort of an easy listening staple tune of theirs.
You know it's progressively great when Doug breaks out the mental math calculator. I look forward to seeing them tonight
Reminds me a little of Hella from Hold Your Horse Is (which I mean as a compliment).
Tosin is just one of the greatest of all time....already...and he's still so young..!!! and the other two guys don't suck either...
Their song Cylindrical Sea is incredible and you should definitely give it a listen. On your own time, if not for a react. For me it's their most emotionally powerful song, and the title really says it all. It's also more neoclassical than their usual sound.
Not their most popular song, for sure, but definitely my favorite. I know you'd appreciate it :)
My 8 year olds favorite song by them is tooth and claw, it would be awesome if you did that one at some point!
it's insanely hard to find a best song in this album but cascade is definitely a way to start it off, a very very strong song
Between the Buried and me is another great prog band ..They have songs that track 15-16 mins long ... When you here a polka breakdown in the middle of a track don't be surprised . :)
The chord voicings mentioned at 5:14 remind me of Alan Holdsworth
Another similar band would be The Omnific. It's two bassists and a drummer. Antecedent or Scurryfunge off of their recent album are good ones to listen to first up.
There's a rhythmic monstrosity of a song by Meshuggah called "Spasm" that I think you'd enjoy dissecting. Another RUclips channel named "Troy Wright" has an amazing drum cover of this track that really highlights the enormity of it's complexity. It's definitely a heavy song, but the mechanical vocals of the track might make it more digestible to you and your audience too. Your reaction to this is awesome, by the way.
Moreee
"they know that they're virtuosic players (...) but they're interested in crafting real pieces that people can really groove to"
Sounds a lot of like Jakub Żytecki also
Love Physical Education
Manowar-Heart of steel (with orchestra or not)
Wow. That's all I can say.