I wish i could go back in time to hear this for the first time again. These 3 will always be my favorite from spiritbox.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

It's funny you say that. Personally I can't wait till I've heard it the 100th time. By that time I would have taken it all in, and have a better understanding of it all. 😀🤘

The “radio frequencies” are an actual spiritbox, which is a radio that flips through frequencies to relay messages between the living and dead worlds. As someone stated before, the song is about Mikey (IWABO, and early Spiritbox drummer) and his struggles with sleep paralysis. The Mara, depending on translation language, is basically either a demon or god/goddess of nightmares, which fits right into the sleep paralysis thing.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

That's a really clever use of the audio! Not only does it tie into the sleep paralysis but obviously the name of the band. It's subtle too. I never would have picked up on it because so many tracks use textural samples all the time now. Thanks for the info!

This is Spiritbox's "prog" era. This song... well, the 4 of them ("10:16" counts!). It blows my mind they've been around for such a short time....

That was a great reaction! I'll probably repeat some things that people have already said, but here goes in case it's of interest. Michael Stringer (the guitarist) does indeed write all the instrumentals (no doubt with input from the other band members too as the process goes on). Apparently their producer/mixer/engineer Daniel Braunstein is a bit of a synth expert and Michael says he is learning a lot about synths from him and they work together on that aspect of the music. As you suspected, Courtney LaPlante writes the lyrics and the vocal melodies - she is married to Michael Stringer, so they probably work together a bit earlier in the process than you initially imagined! The bass player is Bill Crook, a good friend of theirs, who fine-tunes his parts (and I believe does some backing vocals from time to time - as I think Michael maybe does too, but in both cases not as much as you may expect, as Courtney has a very warm, rich alto as part of her range). The drummer here is Ryan Loerke, who was with them long-term but decided to leave when he became a father, so their drummer is now Zev Rose. Courtney has said that she writes her lyrics based on several approaches - she pays a lot of attention to the phonetics, will write from personal experience but will also imagine herself into other characters' points of view, and clearly has an ear for quite dark, metaphorical poetry as well. I remember that she said this one is basically about sleep paralysis - the Mara is a (Norse, mainly) female embodiment of nightmares and other sleep disturbances, characterised by pressure on the chest (which is mentioned in the lyrics) but Courtney does - as she usually will - leave things open to personal interpretation, just as you suggested is the best way to approach lyrics. The scratchy background soundtrack of radio static and snatches of voices is a recording of a spirit box (see what they did there?!). This is something they used in their earlier tracks, of which The Mara Effect is one (or three!). A spirit box is a fast-scanning radio device used by people interested in the paranormal, who suggest that spirits speak to them as the voices heard. Spiritbox aren't active in this field as far as I know (I remember seeing Courtney mention that she's fairly terrified of even the thought of ghosts!) but they used it purely artistically/musically - they don't seem to use spirit box sounds as background tracks any more. Spiritbox have had two EPs - first their eponymous one, which contained the three Mara Effect tracks plus the short intermission between Parts 1 and 2 which is called 10:16, and three other tracks - Everything's Eventual, Aphids and the The Beauty of Suffering (that last one being the first track they released). They followed up with another EP, The Singles Collection, which contains Perennial (no relation to the Jinjer track of the same name and released slightly before Jinjer's), Electric Cross, Trust Fall, Belcarra and Bleach Bath. I really should double-check, but my recollection is that the singles were released in that order. They followed with the two stand-alone singles, Rule of Nines and Blessed Be, and then the album Eternal Blue (released in September 2021) - from which singles were released starting in July 2020 (not 2021 - it was a really long wait for Eternal Blue!) with Holy Roller, only about 3 months after Blessed Be. They then released from the album, in order, Constance, Circle With Me, Secret Garden and Hurt You. The two stand-alones are, I believe, not on the album due to the precise date they signed with Rise Records. You might be interested in something I read in one interview: Michael Stringer apparently felt he was getting a bit self-indulgent with writing such complex, progressive music (particularly for the guitar) with the earlier tracks and decided to be a bit more direct. There's maybe a tiny hint of this beginning to show in Bleach Bath, but it really seemed to start with Rule of Nines (which is probably my favourite track of theirs, though it's hard to single one out actually). Even so, Secret Garden from the Eternal Blue album, which was the fourth single released from it, is still progressive in style and a masterpiece of guitar work in my opinion (purely as a non-musician listener, so that opinion may well be worth very little!!). Whatever the case, Spiritbox is the only band I can remember that consistently gives me goosebumps on pretty much any track whenever I listen to them, and even has me shedding tears of joy on many a chorus. Which perhaps makes me sound mildly insane! 😁

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks so much for taking so much time to fill me in on the band's history. When I started this channel I suspected that if I had any kind of interaction at all, it would be from passionate fans of the genre. I was NOT disappointed. So far I've been overwhelmed by the feedback and I truely appreciate it! Now, first off, the greatest guitar work/solo ever performed is the one that you connect with most as the listener. Doesn't matter if you understand the nuance of it as a player or not. People who gatekeep musical preferences are missing the point of the joy of music. It's interesting that you mention Courtney has Alto notes. Now I'm wondering if that lower double track could have possibly been her. My partner is a Mezzo Soprano which is higher than Alto, and she has some pretty low notes! As far as their writing process goes, that's largely what I suspected. Now knowing that Michael and Courtney are partners, I suspect that she would definitely have more input earlier on, even if it's just humming a proto melody so that Michael knows what notes not to step on guitar-wise. Or even how much leverage he has as rhythmically. Eg if she has a complex melody, it's best to keep the music straight and if she has a simple rhythm it's better to go for syncopation or polyrhythms in that part. It's just works better that way. In reference to him discussing his self indulgence, you may have noticed that I often mention "complexity for complexity's sake" fairly often.. one of the hardest thing about composing, after having become proficient in your instrument, is learning to let your ego take a back seat and just write to serve the song. As a young man that concept never occurred to me, every moment had to demonstrate my capability. Now that I'm older I just wanna write songs that people connect with. I suspect this is what Michael was referring to. Thanks again for your amazing feedback! Can't wait to do more Spiritbox reactions.

@jhamilton1007

4 ай бұрын

@@PrymalChaos You nailed it with this comment, as far as the writing process between Mike and Courtney, and how they match the guitar tones with the tones in her voice. Her and Mike have been in bands together for over 15 years. They were both in Iwrestledabearonce for their last album as a band. If you listen to any of those songs you really see Mike let loose. He is a great guitarist and oftentimes will tone down and simplify his playing to let Courtney and the other band members shine.

That rhythmic click from the bass that you're hearing was definitely intentional. That particular section you were referring to was palm muted 8th notes in-between the groove, and YES he does play with a pick. He does also have a particularly clanky tone on this track. Great reaction!! Diggin' the content!

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Oh awesome! I'm glad I picked that up. Often that's the kind of thing I notice in subsequent listens and then I kick myself cause I missed something at the time. That's the danger of doing first reactions. I may even have to revisit some of these tracks as "reviews" further down the line. Honestly my main goal is to point out things that people who love the tracks may have missed and it allows them to rediscover new elements of their favourite songs. Maybe add some anecdotes of nuance from my personal experience. But the main goal is to serve the song and the invested listener.

You earned just another sub. I love how much time you take to analyze the music instead of just listening. Keep it up 🤘🏻😊

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Timbo! If I sit there just listening for too long I feel awkward. Like the viewer might as well just watch the music video themself. 😂 The pressure is always on to come up with something interesting to say. Glad you enjoy the videos! 🤘

You mentioned Bjork, and Courtney has stated that Bjork is one of her influences. Along with Kate Bush and Beyonce. Among others.

Idk if it's been said but the bass is so attack-y because there's a back track of two hard stereo panned guitars that are clean playing with him. Pm all of thier "funky" bass sections will have a guitar layered over them. It's definitely an interesting choice but I like that it focuses the ear on the bass and makes it a bit more clear since they usually tune to F# or even lower. Also, I would call Spiritbox's old work more progressive or math-y kind of hard rock / metal, but their new material is less complex and more "metalcore" in a lot of ways especially in the song composition. It's still really good and unique in it's own ways for sure, but it definitely takes a more contemporary or" pop "approach than their old material.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Thanks so much for the insight. I never would have picked that up but it's a cool technique! I feel like the current stuff might have a wider appeal. Maybe that's the idea. 🤘

old enough to remember Flyleaf? I hear Shirley Manson in there....

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! Also.. "old enough?" Look at you! You're sweet! 😆😎. I'm as old as Star Wars!

Great reaction once again! If I remember correctly Courtney said these lyrics didn't have much true meaning. I think she said it had something to do with a dream, but I could be wrong. Anyway, on the note of lyrics, if and when you check out Silent Planet, I do highly recommend reading the lyrics along with the song. The vocalist Garrett Russell is one of the best lyricists of the genre. (also check out their song Understanding Love as Loss forgot to mention before). As for how Spiritbox writes music, Mike writes pretty much every single part with a bit of collaboration with the drummer or bassist, depending on the part they are working on, as well as their producer. Mike is incredibly talented and obviously Zev, the drummer, and Bill the bassist are as well considering they can perform the parts. Haha.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

He writes pretty awesome riffs! I can't wait to hear more from them.

@NiamorH

2 жыл бұрын

@@PrymalChaos There is a podcast from rocknrollbeerguy Ep42 w/ Courtney LaPlante (SpiritBox). At about 10 minutes she talks about The Mara Effect being made up by their first drummer Mikey Montgomery (also from iwrestledabearonce) which suffered from sleep paralysis. A Mara is a demon from scandinavian folklore which sits on top of your chest at night and causes nightmares. First part is about somebody who is awake and unhappy with meaningless life, just going through the motions. Second part they are sleeping and experiencing anxiety dreams (like teeth falling out etc.) and sensing something sinister lurking in their subconscious. Third part is the Mara coming.

@bradkohl99

2 жыл бұрын

@@NiamorH Mara has many different origins. In some, it’s a demon, in others it’s a god or godess of nightmares.

@HK_8

2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of suggesting Silent Planet too. Understanding Love as Loss is one of my favorite tracks and the drums are killer. Definitely give the lyrics a look as you go through their work. They are in the descriptions of the video and are mostly all referenced. Newer Silent Planet I would recommend is starting with Trilogy then Terminal/(liminal). Trilogy lyrics were written when Garrett was placed in a mental hospital while on tour. He had a mental break and was diagnosed with Bi-polar. Terminal/(liminal) is sort of a continuation of that journey. Fun fact- Garrett Russell (vocalist) has a degree in Psychology and is a licensed therapist so most of their songs deal with things involving Mental Health. Their song about PTSD called Panic Room is a fantastic song to react to as well.

@philiplee1624

2 жыл бұрын

@@HK_8 I recommend Silent Planet on almost every reaction video I watch. 😂 they are far too underrated. Loved everything you mentioned in your comment!

So you heard Jinher songs before? I`d recommend "Wallflower"! Very nice build-up. Composed in a very intricate way, also a four members band (as you may know already but anyway) And almost all Jinjer songs take you with them in insane rollercoaster journeys. And, by the way, great reaction! You know what you`re talking about! 😁👍

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I need to get around to their stuff. The singer is crazy, but I'm also super interested in the band. Pisces had some amazing instrumentation.

Once I went from a 6 to a 7, I never went back.. And its not for the heaviness, its for the versatility. In most of the music I wrote in my early 20s, I would go from the low B to the high E constantly.. To a point where I bought a 7 string Ibanez acoustic.. Standard E is to a degree boring without the low B being an option. I played a Tele in standard tuning from my teens till 18, and it makes you so limited.. imo anyway haha

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

I rarely use my 7 much anymore because my 6 is just so easy to play. Maybe I need a professional setup on the 7. Thinking of detuning the b string to an A to see if I can get some insane low riffs out of it.

@traviscue2099

2 жыл бұрын

@@PrymalChaos The A can be fun to change things up for sure!

Interesting discussion about the genre of Metalcore and the tie to her vocals. I’m not really sure about the genre either but she is hugely influenced by Sam Carter the vocalist from Architects (which you have now reacted to). Architects is kind of Metalcore royalty. Sam actually did the only feature they have ever had on the track Yellowjacket from their new album Eternal Blue. Courtney said they didn’t want to ask anyone to be on the album but Sam approached them and asked to be on it and she couldn’t say no. Courtney said she picked the weirdest song on the album for him. I agree, Yellowjacket is just a very different track overall and really interesting vocals from both of them.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

That's crazy, imaging having someone like that popping in and asking to do a guest vocal! I will probably do Yellowjacket soon.

@HK_8

2 жыл бұрын

@@PrymalChaos that would be awesome! Just a heads up, there isn’t an official video for it. I know they put out an audio only video or maybe there is a lyric video floating around out there.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

@@HK_8 I just did Yellowjacket this morning, but I didn't finish editing it. Hopefully it will go up sometime before tomorrow!

@HK_8

2 жыл бұрын

@@PrymalChaos that is great! I’m curious what you think. To be honest the chorus didn’t sit well with me at first.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

@@HK_8 I actually talk about that. It sounds like two different songs, but for me it totally worked as a juxtaposition of synthetic and organic. I really liked it. I'll also be posting Vortex by Jinjer in the next day or two. That song blew me away.

I didn't know this one, I thought it was very good! I'm gonna look for more on this band. I'd like to recommend a song I haven't found anywhere else that would react to it. "Voice of the soul - Death". It's an instrumental song. Just close your eyes and listen. it's amazing. Thank you for the content :)

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

I'm in! I haven't done any instrumentals yet. Good work!

I am so glad you did that one, like you said it will probably grow on you the more you listen to it. I often listen to it while commuting ;) The official version on spotify is nice but nothing beats this version imho, she gives so much during that ending. The other one I would recommend to check out on their KZread channel is the first song from Spiritbox - SiriusXM Liquid Metal "Metal Detector" Live Show (Pt.3) kzread.info/dash/bejne/pnVkj7mRo9CThJM.html "The Beauty Of Suffering" also better version than the official release imho.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips! Glad you are digging the reactions. So may people seem to be extremely passionate about Spiritbox! (Seems to be with good reason 😆) I think I'll definitely be open to doing more live performances in future!

@HK_8

2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking that same thing. The SXM live performances are great to watch each of the band members play. The Beauty of Suffering is stunning!

A really great song that's about 10 min long that a journey. Check out outlier by avations. Such an interesting song.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll take a look!

What is "The Mara Effect?" "It's The Effect of the Mara"...

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Perfect.

Courtney did say in an interview she writes her lyrics and melodies after she hears the instrumentals. And the guitarist Mike writes all the music for the instruments i believe.

@PrymalChaos

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah thats what I figured. Everyone has their process, but these days, with home studios as good as they are, it seems to be the way things often go.

@bradkohl99

2 жыл бұрын

This one was definitely written in that fashion, but their process has changed, and she is just as much of the process with Mike, instead of Mike just giving her songs and saying “good luck.”