Mike, I am cookie monster uncle, AKA lead guitarists dad. You are spot on. When you named the pedal by sound...epic!! Thanks for all of the critiques! This will go a long way to helping these kids! Loved the video!

@TheArtofGuitar

Ай бұрын

Hey. This is so awesome to hear from you. I can tell a pro singer when I hear one. Awesome work. Yeah I own a Metal Zone so I kinda sensed it. Hehe. Anyhow thanks for the comment and by the way (you probably know) but I never called you Cookie Monster, a subscriber did, but I pinned it. I’m glad you have a good sense of humor. I also hope you read all the glowing comments about your vocals. 🤘

@re_loyola

Ай бұрын

Hey, you can actually go with Cookie Monster. I think it sounds cool

@ShaneT5S

Ай бұрын

Man, you've got a great voice for this song. Good job!

@dragonsquare2802

Ай бұрын

You must be a bus driver!… cause you’re taking those kids to school 🤘

@bdoo2221

Ай бұрын

Christopher, y'all are good. You don't have to listen to some standard as to what "perfect and polished" should be like. It doesn't take a genius to sense the magic that y'all have. To me it sounded solid. I play outside sometimes and I "screw up" all the time but the birds don't care they still stop by to hear. In this day and age it's perfect and polished and overproduced plastic that people like rather than music. Please don't ever stop making music!

I’m the drummer of this band and would like to say thanks for the constructive criticism and feedback. Next show will be better

@TheArtofGuitar

Ай бұрын

Your drumming chops are Rock solid. I mentioned it more in the first draft but had to cut it for the second. I hope you gathered from the video that I thought you were solid, but just like the best musicians I know, you seem to want to keep improving even if your nailed it. 👍

@enki9006

Ай бұрын

Solid drumming mate, well done

@michaelslawinski1821

11 күн бұрын

Your drumming is tight!

@balljointrock3172

5 сағат бұрын

you are not bad at all man..✌️😎

One of the best things about the lead guitarist is that during his solo, when he botched lines, he kept on going and found his footing again instead of just stopping.

@MrDaneBrammage

Ай бұрын

Yeah, recovering from a mistake is a whole skill of its own.

@jaycer71

Ай бұрын

But he did the worst thing: Started missing notes and kind of gave up and shook his head. Own it and move on.

@TEhrn72

Ай бұрын

The single best help I've ever had about playing with others: "Don't ever stop, just get back in."

@Jonathan_Doe_

Ай бұрын

@@jaycer71Repeat the mistake note for note. Then it sounds intentional.

@jeffrey.a.hanson

Ай бұрын

I wonder how he would play with support. This was akin to playing to a metronome… It definitely taught him a lesson for next gig. A solo is gig ready when it can be played to a click or drum loop and you land it every time.

Even the subtle things like the singer standing back during the solo to give the lead guitarist the spot light tells me the singer is a pro.

@jaycer71

Ай бұрын

Good notice. Now if more freaking singers would do the same.

@Soily9

23 күн бұрын

@@jaycer71 I like it when the singer plays "air guitar" with his microphone during the solo, but maybe that's just me ! :D

Drummer - "shouldn't we use guitar tones that are at least close to the song?" Guitarists - "nah"

This looks like a dad raising his kids.

@nomorebs

Ай бұрын

Dad had his kid and his friends make a band so he could sing!😂 probably bought em all that equipment too

@dedscene2521

Ай бұрын

The 2024 Partridge Family 😂

@krusher74

Ай бұрын

I think that singer might be my real dad!!!! Dad is that you............

@otallono

Ай бұрын

@@krusher74 Looks nothing like you man, he has my nose

@jorgeu111

28 күн бұрын

You forgot the emphasis [properly]

im baffled that this singer is better than current axl rose

@younkinjames8571

Ай бұрын

😂 facts

@tayloraldridge3063

Ай бұрын

I can’t sing to save my life and I’m better than current axl rose 😂

@dedscene2521

Ай бұрын

To be fair (and taking nothing away from this singer) but better than current era Axl is a very low bar to measure by

@mikepalmer2219

Ай бұрын

It’s not hard. Lol.

@suburbanindie

Ай бұрын

You're baffled that 30 years of drugs and alcohol abuse and very little touring makes one average at best?

In all fairness- this was a thrown together event for a high school fundraiser at their local town square the VERY first time they had ever played together publicly. You’re absolutely correct that the man is a dad filling in who has been playing and singing for years. The normal lead singer is the lead guitar and he’s very talented as well taking after his father. And you’re right, the drummer is so solid that it’s truly unbelievable!!!! He will be famous one day. They are working hard to find the right permanent rhythm guitar as this guy was a one day fill in, and to build the confidence of the bass guitar, as she’s talented but timid. Thanks for all the constructive criticism- and for acknowledging these are talented high school kids merely 2 months into this with limitless potential. Appreciate you!! Keep up the awesome reviews!!

@joshkaylagulick8022

Ай бұрын

@TheArtOfGuitar I wanted to make sure you saw my comment. We are the parents of the drummer. He’s 17 and we’d love to see your edited comments of him. Or be able to send you some more videos for your constructive criticism. He’s been playing gigs since he was 9 with all kinds of bands. These kids have wild talent, and have grown just like you said they would with more rehearsals in the last 2 months for sure!

@TheArtofGuitar

Ай бұрын

That file is gone now but I remember saying something like, "As far as the core of the rhythm section (bass & drums) they are holding it down back there. No complaints about the drummer." :)

@SeanClark1

28 күн бұрын

@@joshkaylagulick8022 There's a lot of praise in the comments for the singer, but the drummer is really the standout of the show for me. He's solid throughout the whole performance, nails pretty much every section and keeps the song rocking along. Very well done!!

Rhythm guitarist reminds me A LOT of my own playing at that age. I too learned a valuable lesson from my first time on stage: Amateurs practice until they get it right. Pros practice until they cant get it wrong. Having said that: I hope they keep playing. They don't suck.

@caminodeltrovador

Ай бұрын

Man, love that phrase. Ginna add It right away to my mental setup.

@ElevatedLevetator

Ай бұрын

Thats excellent advice. Thanks!

"Okay who thought it was a good idea to let their goofy Cookie Monster looking uncle sing at the battle of the b-" 4:53 [spits out beer]

@TheArtofGuitar

Ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@WatsonDynamite

Ай бұрын

doing that "sha-na-na-na-na-na" is deceptively difficult at that speed, it's pretty impressive

@caseymuzio7609

Ай бұрын

He's better than Current axle

@yellownoiseclub

Ай бұрын

its giving dewey finn from school of rock

@JNathanielBerke

Ай бұрын

yeah he doesn't look like Mamma Fratelli @@caseymuzio7609

This has the biggest 'Kids using dad's equipment from his pro band' energy ever. No way bunch of teenagers would have that sort of setup. Also nice of the dad to step in to sing. Clearly been doing this 30 years.

@CorbCorbin

Ай бұрын

They aren’t ready for that gear.

@JoeR203

Ай бұрын

Check out the Canadian band Leave Those Kids Alone.

That singer was a full metal head lead singer back in his days for sure, he still got it! he sounds so good!

LOVE this series! The dad is definitely a pro or at least a former pro! He’s definitely sang that song a lot. Since the guitar players pedal is by the mic stand, it makes me believe that he is also the singer.

@soxandbears

Ай бұрын

only thing he didn't really nail was the HUH at the very end, otherwise damn he was good

@CarAudioEnthusiasts

Ай бұрын

good points!

The drummer is very good too :) Probably one of the best "worst" cover you reviewed !

@TheArtofGuitar

Ай бұрын

I had to cut out the few clips where I sung his praises. He’s freaking tight!

@napadrummer1143

Ай бұрын

@@TheArtofGuitar He even hit the quad cowbell during the "jungle" sequence! Awesome!

@ljwee1122

Ай бұрын

@@TheArtofGuitarthanks I appreciate it

@anthonyhiscox

Ай бұрын

​@@ljwee1122 you're the drummer?

The drummer and singer were actually carrying

@cmbells7736

Ай бұрын

Bass

@eriknorman1690

18 күн бұрын

@@cmbells7736 was not carrying

Cracks me up how he just calls him “the dad” the whole time

the singer looks like the cool teacher

@andyb7855

Ай бұрын

Ned Schneibley

@williamb4652

Ай бұрын

@@andyb7855Legend

GnR on a Telecaster through a Metal Zone is certainly a thing....

@iagobroxado

Ай бұрын

The problem really is the Metal Zone.

@mightypopkorn

Ай бұрын

Telecaster is for anything, you can cut an onion with a telecaster

@FriedEggsandJellyfish

28 күн бұрын

I can play dirt nasty chugging djent with a tele. Lol it's just the shit od pedal

The dad looks about my age, so yes, that was the music we played. He was obviously a vocalist in the day. They all have potential, especially the drummer.

@deputyrock3489

Ай бұрын

Sure seems like he's still a vocalist to me

I bet bands would pay big bucks to hire you as a consultant, all of your advice is gold. I'm obsessed with this series!

Wow! That singer! Did NOT expect that...super cool!

The bass player had a grandpa and a great grandpa who played bass. They passed away before she could ever meet him. All she likes is confidence and knowledge. I love this breakdown because he doesn’t tear down. He gives those kids hope knowing there is nothing that’s Not fixable.

Ok, dad nailed it. Probably he practiced this song hundreds of times at the karaoke bar.

@radioflyer2030

Ай бұрын

"Dad" is probably the lead singer for a weekend cover band. His moves are way too good to have learned at Karaoke. Probably his, or the band's PA system, cause that's exactly the type of point source system you'd take out to do shows at local bars on the weekend in your pickup truck with a little Haulmark trailer on the back.

@AdrianChazz

Ай бұрын

@@radioflyer2030 My guess is that the drummer plays with "Dad" too... You can't see him clearly, but he looks somewhat older than the "Kids" and his technique is solid enough...

@mcmeyer76

Ай бұрын

Karaoke Schmaraoke - you scream these lyrics while driving until they're burned into your soul...

Dude, you have a great attitude. So impressed with your constructive help. It’s easy to pick on people. But, you show your respect for “the man in the arena”. Well done.

During the solo in the beginning, I thought he had a good clean tone

@Cautionary_Tale_Harris

Ай бұрын

I thought that Tele twang sounded kinda cool and different!

@Roberto-nn6kb

Ай бұрын

same

@djjazzyjeff1232

27 күн бұрын

To me it sounded like the super scooped solid-state clean sound. Honestly it Sounded like kids who didn't understand their gear or have the optimum gear for the song, because that's exactly what it was lol.

Since the lead guitarist is playing a telecaster, sounds like he also has his tone knob fully engaged. Makes it sound thin and buzzy.

@earld158

Ай бұрын

.pretty sure he is on the bridge pickup[ only

@djjazzyjeff1232

27 күн бұрын

Yeah it sounds like a Tele on the bridge everything on 10 with an amp/pedal/tone setup that doesn't fit the guitar at all. It's probably not his amp, just his guitar and board into the singer's band's amp!

Trying to emulate a Gibson sound with a Tele is always gonna be a struggle. Nice breakdown my man.

@daveelliott1000

Ай бұрын

Yep. I’ve been battling with a Boss GX100 multi pedal trying to get my Telecaster to thicken up to near Gibson Levels and getting absolutely no where 😂

@mcmeyer76

Ай бұрын

EP-style boost pedal for just a bit of warmth and thickening, and you're there. Ditch that metal zone and just mellow boost the tele into that beautiful Orange gain, and you'll find resonant overtones on top of a chewy base tone. They'll figure it out eventually. Good effort so far.

@aisle_of_view

Ай бұрын

Jimmy Page figured it out

@eliasmsv3156

Ай бұрын

Really a pedal/amp problem

@Kyle-fj2zq

Ай бұрын

Thats the least of his worries

He has a huge Orange amp, yet uses a bad pedal. Metal Zone pedals sound fine, if one turns the gain down, and use it as an Overdrive or boost. Mine worked best as a paperweight.

@seandevine3695

Ай бұрын

I modded mine based on an online tutorial, and it actually sounded ok. Still sounded better when rolled back from maximum, though.

@CorbCorbin

21 күн бұрын

@@seandevine3695 Yeah, I’ve seen a guy play jazz with one. He just turned the gain down low, and adjusted the tone to his guitar.

Yeah, based on the stage position of his distortion pedal, I think the lead guitar player is the main lead singer and probably the leader of the band. Dad stepped in to do a song that half the band had only practiced maybe a couple of times in rehearsal. I'm guessing that Dad owns all of the PA, and lead guitarist is his son. The drummer may even be in Dad's band as well as this one.

Best series on KZread 🏆

Conspiracy theory: the band was playing a vocal track of Axl through the P.A. Joking, but he sounds exactly like him, and that's such a tough vocal range of pitch and dynamics to nail.

Wake up babe, new fix this band just dropped

the way the singer dad dude is vibeing with the lead player and the way they look at each other.. willing to bet that thats his son..lol

@mr.nervedamagegaming8050

Ай бұрын

No doubt... I thought the same thing haha.

These videos are so helpful to direct up and coming giggers to when they ask for advice to sound good/better.

seems like a classic case of: guitar players practicing more with the mirror than with the ear

@colten2524

Ай бұрын

i practice based off sound exclusively so i have no idea how to look cool while playing

@VitrificationOfBlood

Ай бұрын

@@colten2524 If you sound good the looks are not important imo

@Jeroen_K

Ай бұрын

I think it's just novice, inexperienced players, on probably their first gig, with a song they weren't fully ready for yet. You don't learn if you don't throw yourself into the deep end every once in a while, so kudo's to them. Can't blame them for the stage antics. When out of their comfort zone, some tend to overact and some go invisible mode, like the bass player. Equally forgivable.

@inrainbows1829

Ай бұрын

Or too much money All that equipment ain't cheap

@onlyfromadistance7326

Ай бұрын

Ok bass player...

Always here to support the drummers! This one's SOLID 🎉🎉🎉

The great drummer and vocal cover everything for that show, i'm enjoying

Another great watch! Imma say this is at a college (looks like some of the shows we got booked to run sound for). I'm also gonna say that the singer probably owns the PA (also from past experience).

@inrainbows1829

Ай бұрын

Agreed my band played plenty of outdoor the dorm shows at CMU

@thenewyolowithsolo609

Ай бұрын

Surprisingly I'm the lead guitarist that was our first show because I had to buy all that equipment not cheap

The cowbell was off the charts

And nobody here noticed Mike wearing a "They Live" t shirt. Love the reference to a great 80s cult classic

Such a great series Mike, please keep it up!

been waiting for this series to come back!

I love these, Mike keep it up!! doing great as always

a fair and honest review.

This is a great series! The criticism is done in a helpful manner yet portrays what the audience is thinking. It makes for great viewing nice job!

I swear when the second guitar came in playing the lead clean it totally reminded me of The Who- Eminence Front. It's only for a split second when the two guitars play a couple specific notes. Edit: 1:25

And that’s why the Metal Zone gets a lot of criticism! Good singer and drummer.

Love your take on these videos, Mike. I think you hit the nail on the head that is literally the dad and I think he’s one of them overpowering dad‘s who thinks that he knows everything seems like he’s trying to relive his teenage years through his son, the lead guitarist and the lead guitarist just wants to punch him in the face.

Could hardly wait !❤ Man, I love me a grass stage! Great drummer! Pro Singer! I use a Metal Zone with an ODR-1!

Hope to see a "HOW DO THEY SOUND NOW?!?) series along with this.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Many with potential here.

@unknownkingdom

Ай бұрын

Most people never improve

@jeremyparker7569

Ай бұрын

They did amazing their 2nd show. That was their first event and it was outside and really windy. Bass player is my daughter Chloe

@joshkaylagulick8022

Ай бұрын

I cannot love your insight and kindness enough. They are getting really good! From first show til now (in just 2 months) lots of growth. Still a ways to go to reach full potential, but growing and working every day!

GREAT VID MIKE SO SURPRISING WITH THE DAD SINGER! LOVE IT!

They looked like young whippersnappers just learning. I was happy to see that no one was 'hopeless' and there's a lot of potential!

@caminodeltrovador

Ай бұрын

Whippersnappers ahahahahah never heard that term ahahahah

Drummer and singer are solid on this one!

Love this series, keep 'em coming.

Welcome to the comments, we have everything you read!

@anotherxangryxaries

Ай бұрын

We got lots of insults and words to make you scream

@caminodeltrovador

Ай бұрын

​@@anotherxangryxaries "If you don't know a fucking thing or have some expertise You can say anything you want Because commenting Is for free. In the Comments, welcome.to.the Comments..."

Rewind. Cool name for a cover band. Like the logo on the shirts too.

That fumbled Jungle intro is way too relatable, lol!

Dude your knowledge on how to fix bands is incredible You should come help me fix my band lol really good job on breaking it down your becoming a favorite

11:27 "Now let's go to the George of the Jungle part of the song..." NGL, I laughed.... 😂

I love that you also forgot to engage the distortion pedal. lol very charming and made me smile :)

Your critique is gentle, but firm. Nice job. I enjoyed watching just to observe the wreck unfold. 😊

Looks to me like the singer and the lead guitarist are father/son.

@seangarland

Ай бұрын

Agreed. Whenever the lead guitarist made a mistake, he instantly looked at the singer every time, like “Sorry, Dad”.

I love this series mike! I love rock and roll/metal music so these are right in my ballpark 🔥

I’ve played at bars and had someone in the audience who I kinda know and had them sing on song with us at a previous jam session a few weeks earlier and, (since it was a loose and fun crowd) we brought her up to sing that song. We had not rehearsed it since that one-off with that singer. It turned out kinda like this, I imagine. She crushed it, but as a band, we lacked a lot of the finer points of “I want you to want me.” It’s a seemingly easy song that is made great by the subtly. I don’t know if something like that was going on here, but I hope that band keeps going

You have a great way of giving constructive criticism without sounding completely full of yourself and condescending. Major props bro🤘🏻

Dad murdered it. My first thought is that drummer needs to find a better band. He’s solid. My second thought is that the tempo is too fast which really ruins the pacing of the song. The bassist and guitarists will improve, I’m sure. But they weren’t prepared for a live setting at all. I’ve sucked live, and it’s quite humbling. As far as stage presence goes, I care so little about it. I don’t care if nobody moves an inch during the performance. I care about accuracy and sound. This is true for famous bands, or local bands. How it sounds matters to me. I don’t care if the monkeys are dancing or not during the show.

@ZigbertD

Ай бұрын

It's not so much that they're not moving around, it's just giving off an energy of being very uncomfortable and lacking confidence. John Entwistle of The Who famously stood stock still on stage, but he projected an air of complete authority over his playing.

@jhopkins213

Ай бұрын

Nah the drummer rushed the SHIT out of this. He needs to play with a metronome for a while.

@greenmonster9913

Ай бұрын

Stage presence may not matter to you, but it absolutely matters

This performance was great unintentional comedy 😂 but we’ve all been there

Kudos for really constructive feedback for this band.

It takes some skill to control the distortion level with your volume knob and make smooth transitions between different parts of a song, so it's understandable why this guy is using a pedal. But it also takes some skill to dial in a usable sound with whatever equipment you've got.

@demonoising

Ай бұрын

But he had the pedal on during almost the whole song so I don't think it's a valid reason. Maybe the Orange head was damaged and only sounded clean.

They did great! Keep it up!

Hey Mike I'm a huge fan of yours and have learned a lot from you on my guitar journey and I appreciate all you do, do you do private lessons?

Not enough love for the bass player. I think she did a solid job there considering everything. And that Hartke rig sounded great.

DONT DISS THE METALZONE MIKE

@lovescarguitar

Ай бұрын

He didn't. He even has a metal zone in the video where he demonstrates how you can still get a good sound out of it. These people just didn't know how to dial a tone in

@travisspaulding2222

Ай бұрын

@@lovescarguitar I think there might be something wrong with the Orange. Happened to me one time. Had an amp that had a faulty effects loop jack. The result was I had no preamp controls. Stuck with a clean tone and only volume control. I had to use a distortion pedal until I could get it fixed. The way everyone is reacting, it isn't business as usual. His amp sounds like shit, and they all know it. If he normally played that way, they would be acting normal.

I LOVE this series!!! Keep them coming!! I have a boss metal zone pedal in my Amazon cart. Just deleted lol

@TheArtofGuitar

Ай бұрын

Hehe. Naw they can sound awesome. Just keep the gain tamed and the treble down. ;)

You always have a great tone Mike! 🔥

I love this series!

Love this series

Gonna steal the phrase 'uncooked and gooey' when describing band rehearsal :) Great vid, man - thanks!

4:51 if they were this good for the whole song it would have been an excellent show

Great episode, great series! The guitar players are kinda swapping parts - the opening bit (the part you talk about at 1:53) is actually Slash's part, and the guitar player coming in first with the clean tone and then the mtlzone tone is playing Izzy's part. But then they swap back. And honestly - Izzy's part on this song is sooooo much fun. I prefer it to Slash's part, which I can play in my sleep (I mean, that's the only place I can play it, but still).

@godcat_thing

13 күн бұрын

Lmao good joke

Let's go Mike! Love your videos

He was a BACK-UP singer for someone famous!! Guarantee it......I've seen lots of tribute bands and this is usually the reason.

I enjoy these.

as long as they're enjoying themselves and the audience, who the hell cares? i've seen many professional bands mess up over the years and believe me no one is perfect. I myself have had amp problems, pa problems etc and just about everything you can think of playing live,even forgetting the words to songs I've known for years, it happens. I'm just glad yt was never around in my early days.

Freakn sweet..every time you post it hope it's one of these.

I really like this series, would love it to be a weekly feature

"...might as well be the White Stripes at this point" 🤣🤣🤣 The dad can wail, though!

Yay, these are always fun

This is too funny...and we all went through this ourselves. Love these local band critiques.

It's ok to use the knobs on your guitar...volume...tone...and your pickup selector...which Slash goes to the top pickup alot to give his solos a nice warm tone.

I’ve had the same Boss metal zone since 1993. I love it! Is that good or bad?

The uncle is a total pro. He saved the entire performance

The way the lead guitarist keeps looking at the singer for approval... I'm fairly certain that's his dad haha.

Credit to them for having a go but i couldn't imagine going up on stage to perform until i knew i had my parts 100% down pat

Axl Dad is my new hero! What a set of pipes!

The real pro is the rhythm guitarist. He knows if it's not perfect there's no point in playing.

no one is mentioning how tight the drummer is as well! like goddamn, note for note perfect

@joshkaylagulick8022

Ай бұрын

Nailed it!!

There is talent for them to mine here. I hope they see this, take the constructive notes and rock on.

He have more voice than axl. The drummer and the singer make it just bearable.

just saw the guitarist bought a Les Paul - that’s so perfect. i recognized the issue right away, the Tele is really thin (great for country and blues, not so much for hard rock) and so you end up with so much gain to try and compensate. i did the exact same thing in my high school ska band, complete with trying the metal zone. he’ll be unstoppable with a proper LP now! that thick tone will really round out the bands sound. that and the rhythm player needs to get his chops up lol