I love it when Justin picks up his guitar thinking he will have a go at playing it and then just says never mind. Welcome to the club Justin ! :)

@jackryan444

Жыл бұрын

Polyphia is great for when you want to show your guitars the neglect they are receiving and let you consider if you should just throw them away.

@mindofmatter071

Жыл бұрын

🤣

@mikehammer1221

Жыл бұрын

Yep,,,, ditto,,,LMFAO!!!!

@stumpydino

Жыл бұрын

🤣reminds me of those petrucci psycho videos "just stop. put your guitar on ebay"

@tommymango5604

Жыл бұрын

@@stumpydino custom made strings that can withhold the temperature of the sun 😂

Making us listen to you chew ice was such a power move, I respect it.

@sins1549

Жыл бұрын

What in the world are you talking about lol

@samuelbarham8483

Жыл бұрын

@@sins1549 2:02 and following. I thought exactly the same thing, Alex.

@alexanderpleydell7937

Жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly. Who will stop this madman!

@mindofmatter071

Жыл бұрын

🤣

@hardlygospel374

Жыл бұрын

@@sins1549 you trying to sandbag him by not understanding the comment? maybe don't post until the frontal lobe has had a little bit more time to develop.

you nailed it on the head with “music for musicians”… i often find myself more interesting in the playing and intricacies of it than the song itself because im a musician

@lasagnahog7695

Жыл бұрын

And what makes them special is that it's also music for the masses. I'm not a musician and have a hard time getting into bands like Animals as Leaders (they're absolutely nuts, it's a failing on my end not any lack on their end) because I can't notice much less appreciate things like funky time signatures or why two 8 strings were chosen. It's in turn what makes them such KZread darlings. I, as a non musician, like listen to talented musicians talk about what Polyphia (and other musicians) are doing and how. They bridge that gap and allow both sides to compliment each other.

@gluedtogames

Жыл бұрын

This is why I listen to this song so much.

@dragonballfanscantread2383

Жыл бұрын

It's music for zoomer twinks.

@8ulls3y3

Жыл бұрын

I also am a musician, but I find this kind of stuff boring, masturbatory and extremely self-referential.

@mr.e8432

Жыл бұрын

For me it’s interesting because I play guitar but it’s something you watch or listen to a few times and think “that’s amazing playing” and then you go about your day and forget about it.

2:58 : THBB10 stands for "Tim Henson Black Beauty 10". Tim calls his signature guitar the "black beauty". So, there you go.

@unbearifiedbear1885

Жыл бұрын

*Gibson:* 😠

@auntjenifer7774

Жыл бұрын

@@unbearifiedbear1885 it won't be Gibson unless THEY sue him !

@wah0wah

3 ай бұрын

Should be a Bad Boi 😅

@soumavbose8780

3 ай бұрын

@@auntjenifer7774 yeah it won't be Gibson of they did an IP of the names seperately with the guitar shapes. 😂

@samouellette5130

3 ай бұрын

Yeah he was inspired by those old Les Paul Customs for the color scheme

Just discovered you and it's pretty awesome that you're dressed like you just landed a Cessna full of blow on a homemade runway in the Everglades. Love it.

The talent of those musicians is astounding. For me personally I prefer more melodic sound. Sometimes one can say alot with just a little.

@darkdudironaji

Жыл бұрын

Perhaps check out their song "Playing God" or their older stuff like "Euphoria"

@VVVY777

Жыл бұрын

This track is loaded with melodies if you think beyond "vocals". Melodies, counter-melodies and recurring motifs. Just listen.

@blakesimmons5130

Жыл бұрын

Listen to aviator

@kwacker45

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!

@kwacker45

Жыл бұрын

Less can be more imo. Often over complicated to the detriment of the actual tune..just my opinion

You legit have a Matthew McCounaghey vibe going on with your kit on this video. Awesome video, as always.

"If you oil something it stops it from squeaking. Apart from mice. You can't stop them ones from squeaking." Dad joke game is on point. Love it 🤣

its like taking a modern pop and trap song and letting the guitars do the talking instead of vocals. they are very much a band you appreciate more if your a musician and their melody and song crafting is phenomenal, they've essentially created a new genre just based on their style of playing

@turtleneckless

Жыл бұрын

Those guitars be mumbling?

@doinkson

Жыл бұрын

@@turtleneckless frfr

@_thanakin

Жыл бұрын

@@turtleneckless I'm dead 💀

@Chaelsonen

Жыл бұрын

melody wise I kind of have to disagree. Theres too much actually and its just so varied and strange that you dont really find any one part that stands out enough to be the essence of that song. Technically its outstanding, but in this song what do you catch yourself repeating all day in your head?

@charizardmaster13

Жыл бұрын

@@Chaelsonen you really dont hear the catchy af lead line in the chorus? Its repeated at least twice and i couldnt stop humming it when i first heard it. They also write some of the most singable solos with catchy little melodies between some of the faster more all over the place lines.

Whether or not it's your flavor, it's nice to see artists with a real appreciation for musicianship. You can really tell just how much effort each of these guys put into their day-to-day. Great stuff.

@TheTransitmtl

Жыл бұрын

I feel it's technically excellent yet completely devoid of any soul. I'm an electronic music fan since the mid 90's so it's not the processing that bothers me. I just don't feel anything but amazement. I don't feel sad or happy, nostalgic or elated. It's cool but empty.

@beanlegume9965

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTransitmtl your brain is preoccupied trying to figure it out, so there’s no room for emotion yet. Kind of like if you tried to juggle a soccer ball while flipping pancakes and spinning a basketball on your finger. You’re not going to have the processing capacity left for emotions.

@almister

Жыл бұрын

@@beanlegume9965 it’s great if you’re anxious ,adhd or just an over thinker, really helps me chill on out

@joshuarinaberger7689

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTransitmtl I completely agree with you for this song. I think some of their other stuff like OD or Playing God is a better representation of the techincal side mixed with emotion, especially as an electronic fan. I've seen a lot of current electronic musicians wanting to collab with them, so I hope the band takes them up on that.

I love watching your videos. Calming, interesting and informative, whilst also introducing me to new music. You’re an absolute joy, Mr Hawkins. 🤘🏻👊🏻 🎸

I'm not a musician but love stuff like this because it's different and not boring. To me, the musicianship is top notch and amazing. I'm also a fan of Rush.

@artcamp7

Жыл бұрын

It's so boring. But I also hate Rush. But even Rush is miles more interesting that this. This is like elevator funk

@sonortubelug3853

Жыл бұрын

You should have set off earlier.

@beautifulagonization

Жыл бұрын

Rush sucks

@jaegervand2112

Жыл бұрын

No doubt guys like you just lack the necessary brainpower to enjoy this level of musical complexity.

@Exgrmbl

Жыл бұрын

@@jaegervand2112 It's not about complexity or brainpower or other elitist babble. The music is good and competently produced, it just evokes no emotion in most people.

They’re earlier music is definitely more “rock” sounding. Their album from a couple of years ago sounded like the background music for a rap album. Definitely a unique band.

As someone several years past you, I absolutely love seeing you play the old man.

This is like the 39th best polyphia song. Can’t wait to see your reaction to their other tracks

Video game music, it's like listening to someone tap, slap and shred the Super Mario theme. A band with three bass players, two of which happen to be playing guitar.

I dont listen to them a ton but i do seriously appreciate them. This is modern fusion: metal/video game/electronic (trap/hiphop). I think its really cool what theyre doing, essentially reacting to electronically made music and finding a way to transpose it to electric guitars. Originally you had jazz guys learning from horns then keyboards etc and now you have them learning what once seemed impossible and playing it on guitar… pretty rad for the instrument but it puts them in this interesting place that their music is so so intricate and complex but its also very palatable and “simple” at its core harmony so a part of your brain definitely latches onto it, just absurd technically. Tim has talked about how he’ll write electronically then figure it out on guitar

@coryleblanc

Жыл бұрын

no, chiptune/nintendocore is video game music

@supernothing77

Жыл бұрын

Well said

@seanriley2534

9 ай бұрын

​@@coryleblancName a single actual video game with an actual chiptune or nintendocore soundtrack, I'll wait.

Have you heard Yvette Young play guitar before? Her band "Covet" is fantastic and her guitar playing and guitar melody choices are really something to behold: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eIistbqOqsafZqQ.html

@chancer1369

Жыл бұрын

Incredibly underrated player

@Trowa71

Жыл бұрын

I also really like Chon

@andywilson6802

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this

@bogmon

Жыл бұрын

another band is Hikes ... Nay Mapalo is an incredible guitar player. Saw them on tour with Covet this past spring and they really blew me away.... Floral is impressive as hell too.

@marcellointraina4887

Жыл бұрын

@@Trowa71 Yeah, Mario Camarena is excellent. Covet are excellent as well, and I like also Toe, and Ichika Nito.

Catching up and binge watching all your latest videos. Great work Justin. Never heard of these and love finding new artists. Would you consider doing a video on one of the following….. Courteeners, Blossoms or catfish and the bottlemen? Pretty please 🥺

Oh my god. When you flipped up your glasses, I couldn't help but burst out laughing. You are fast becoming a channel / person I look forward to watching whenever a clip is released. I'm late to the party I know. Hell I had never even listened to The Darkness before, as I've almost entirely listened to thrash metal and the like. I love your humor, and your musicality when working out riffs . Rock on Justin. Your doing everything right :D. P.S. With those colored glasses, you could get a role in a Hollywood film as a pawn broker who's a bit dodgy and not to be messed with....specialising in musical instruments and gear. Just thinking out loud :)

If this had lyrics, they’d go something like this: “All of our agents are currently assisting other callers. Please stay on the line and your call will be answered in the order it was received.”

@AlanAverill666

Жыл бұрын

or in an elevator

@WitchyWagonReal

Жыл бұрын

bwahahaaaaa 🤣

@pseudonymeantipersonnelle2190

Жыл бұрын

It is somewhat mean but hilariously true 😂

@Compton3clipsed

Жыл бұрын

Like "Left of the Dial" by The Replacements, nice.

@tjbaileymusic

Жыл бұрын

Omg that is fucking hilarious

It's kind of funny, I would say that polyphia is one of the math Rock virtuoso type bands who are outstanding in their lyricism and ability to create hooks that are appealing on a non musicianship level.. like this is so singable, like a pop trap type rap song.. the whole flow of the soloing feels like listening to Ludacris mixed with I don't know what the modern rappers are nowadays, but yeah that

You have to be one of the most casually funny dudes ever. Thanks for reacting and sharing. Subscribed!

Justin, That bit you added on about mice haha!!! Thank you✨🙏🏼 😄😄 (Never stop the channel)

man... i have a confession to make... i watched like 4 or 5 of your videos before i realized you were the voice of "the darkness"... "get your hands off of my woman" still has a special place in my heart.. thank you... and also, in the unlikely event that you see this comment on a 5 month old video... i'm somewhat ashamed that i didn't realize who you were at first... and therefore, i would like to extend a sincere apology... necessary or not. Me and my buddies used to try our damnedest to hit your notes... and the "ya cunt" after "get your hands off of my woman, mothafucker" was absolutely epic... not to mention the grooviness of the band as a collective... i can still hear the bassline in my mind after years of not hearing the song... with that being said... i must leave you now... and enjoy your works... but know this... i WILL return and finish this video... come hell, or loose women... i will return.

@rferguson3

Жыл бұрын

Outstanding comment. Now, I'm off to listen to this song you speak of. I've only ever heard the, thing called love, song.

@mankillsquare

Жыл бұрын

I think GYOOMW was the first darkness song I ever heard late one night on MTV or something slightly inebriated. And I thought, how do I not know who this awesome but clearly 80s band are?? 😅 That song kicks ass.

@hawnyfox3411

Жыл бұрын

@@rferguson3 = Well, what didya think of it then ?? - (assuming ya DID listen to it ?) Strong recommendation from me = LISTEN TO 'THE DARKNESS' track, called "BARBARIAN" Powerful track, great guitar throughout, it tells of the Norsk Invasion of the East Coast of England** (1,000+ years ago) - In fact the whole album ("Last of Our Kind") is highly recommended .

@therealandrock

Жыл бұрын

Didn't realize it, thanks for your comment xD

@rferguson3

Жыл бұрын

@@hawnyfox3411 Yeah, I actually dig it. Not exactly my favorite, but def pretty cool. Now I'm gonna go check out this other one that you recommended. He's def an underrated, badass of a guitarist.

I love watching and listening to them, precisely because I don't get it. I can't decide if they're trying to be modern-pop sounding, or if they're calling back to some older, very non-rock/pop genres, or both. You'll hear a passage of music that you swear you've heard before in a completely different context, like soul jazz or something. But it's presented with this insanely masterful shreddy vibe. I love the confusion it gives me.

@svenjansen2134

11 ай бұрын

Yes and no. Virtuosity gets boring real quickly.

Stumbled on this channel this morning. I thought “that name sounds familiar, wait that voice, oh wait! The picture on the wall!” In short I didn’t recognize you dude, and now I’m going to have to listen to The Darkness at work today :p

I saw them play with Vai in Dallas a week ago. Great players no doubt. It's the kind of thing that I appreciate live more than I would listen to on a regular basis. Shredding, regardless of how amazing, gets kind of old after a while.

@Fiveash-Art

Жыл бұрын

It's wank

@Moodymongul

Жыл бұрын

I like the music ..but, it currently seems to lack that 'jam' ability (that i also like). Which allows you to play well with others.

@Fiveash-Art

Жыл бұрын

@Rachel Forshee Na man .. Listen to Obituary or maybe some Megadeth 🤘🏻

@ant2312

Жыл бұрын

@@Fiveash-Art Megadeath are wank

@Fiveash-Art

Жыл бұрын

@Rachel Forshee It's not 'brainy' just because it's complicated. Complexity is a completely different concept than 'complicated' .. that's exactly what Polyhia is. You're not intelligent just because you listen to this crappy band. 😂

“Polyphia”, comes from the word, “Polyphony”, meaning: “music whose texture is defined by the interweaving of several melodic lines” Playing off this definition, as a band, we capitalize on musicianship, and that, musically, each member of the band is a cornerstone of our sound.

@TheMightyYak

Жыл бұрын

Is that a quote? or are you claiming to be a member of the band?

@Butternose

Жыл бұрын

Oh Yawn! Right what to do first? Eat everything or register a name change for my daughter.

@ronniewrong1539

Жыл бұрын

The etymology breaks down this way ....Words that descend from the Greek word phōnē are making noise in English. Why? Because phōnē means "sound" or "voice." Cacophony comes from a joining of the Greek prefix kak- (from kakos,meaning "bad") with phōnē, so it essentially means "bad sound." Symphony, a word that indicates harmony or agreement in sound, traces to phōnē and the Greek prefix syn-, which means "together." POLYPHONY refers to a style of musical composition in which two or more independent melodies are juxtaposed in harmony, and it comes from a combination of phōnē and the Greek prefix poly-, meaning "many." And euphony, a word for a pleasing or sweet sound, combines phōnē with eu-, a prefix that means "good."

@crackerjack588

Жыл бұрын

Music is interpretation and there's different interpretation and skill sets. I couldn't ever play like because its not my interpretation and I certainly ain't got the chops. Its just amazing how people can make music and give different stories and flavours. Its fantastic not my thing as I'm a straight down the middle rock n roll chap basic skills but bravo all the way

@IchorLupus

Жыл бұрын

@@TheMightyYak Not OP but Polyphia fan, that's originally a quote from one of the band members if I remember right! :)

This is definitely not my kind of music but it's hard not to appreciate their incredible technicality and precision while playing. I enjoy their live videos way more than their music videos, though.

@MJ-803

Жыл бұрын

@@nateparso Can confirm

@VictitiousStudios

Жыл бұрын

Silly things like this are high up there within the scope of Fail Army video collections of people who send their guitar flying when trying to do the Yngwie shoulder-throw.

@theirishpotato6588

Жыл бұрын

@@VictitiousStudios wha

@RanchoBurger

Жыл бұрын

@@VictitiousStudios huh?!

I love after the joke about mice u can see visible shame cross Justin's face as he quietly returns to the music, inspirational

regarding the pickup selection, it definitely sounds single-coil to me so it's in the neck position but sounds split and if you look between the two knobs there's a mini toggle which is probably to split the humbucker coils. Most players in this style use some sort of single-coil sound to get a thinner quacky/slappy sound.

I would recommend listening to more of their stuff. New Levels New Devils is a phenomenal album with some really captivating tracks on it. They seem to be in ultra exprimental mode right now. Which is a joy to fan's familiar with what they are about. But could be quite alienating to new listeners. Their "The Most Hated" EP is a fun thing to check out.

@SpacemanXC

Жыл бұрын

New levels New Devils changed my life.

@auntjenifer7774

Жыл бұрын

@@SpacemanXC changed your life !? Like Pink Floyd ?

@SpacemanXC

Жыл бұрын

@@auntjenifer7774 Funny you say that. Yes, actually. When I first started playing guitar in 1996, I was part of the hardcore/crossover scene. Like most kids, I got bored with all the straight edge mumbo jumbo and mosh pits after a while. So I got into weed and Pink Floyd. My guitar playing took a different direction. Gone were the days of angsty riffs and breakdowns. And in came jazzy chords and psychedelic guitar solos. Now I'm a grown ass man, and I cant spend all day smoking weed. So my music tastes got very aggressive once again. For the last 12 years I've been really up on all the new prog metal and the thrash metal revival. Then Polyphia happens. And I realize that I love it. They're doing something people havn't done before. They're using all the technicality of modern prog metal, and combining it with pop/hip hop, while using compressed clean tones. It blew my mind. I still love my thrash metal shreds, and screaming high gain, but the last couple years i've been experimenting with playing clean and using compression instead of gain. I can't play like Tim Henson, but it's a lot of fun using his techniques. The way he hybrid picks has really rubbed off on me. And actually improves the way I play some old Van Halen songs, for example. So yes. Life changing.

Thanks, different sort of music but good nonetheless!! I loved your subtle change of guitar at end Justin :)

@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Rachael!

Every day is a school day with you, young Justin. Being a wizened [relatively] old progster - this truly brushes up against my musical glans...

Love the channel Justin. It’d be cool to see you react to a song by Plini, maybe I’ll tell you someday or electric sunrise. He combines feel, odd time sigs and technical ability amazingly well.

Been waiting for a Polyphia reaction. You’re staying on top of it. Love it. You should check out Playing God. This is a little heavier on the electronic. Playing God is on nylon guitars. You’re ability to appreciate even things that don’t strike an emotional string is great. Some other bands in this realm that you may like, especially if you like stranger time signatures is Animals as Leaders, Sithu Aye, Chon, and Periphery. Hope you like it 😁

@andrewsantana454

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@guciowitomski3825

Жыл бұрын

How did you get an impression that he appreciates and enjoys this?

@Whoisjulien

Жыл бұрын

@@guciowitomski3825 Not sure if he “enjoys it” but he shows appreciation for the technicality of it. Certainly not everyone’s cup of tea but I’m happy to see his covering it. Thanks for asking Witmoski.

Their "New Levels New Devils" album is probably the most well received piece of work and one which i think you'd enjoy much more if you listened too - much closer to modern day rock/metal but keeping the experimental sounds

@VictitiousStudios

Жыл бұрын

This whole "devil" stuff is nothing new, and its boring.

@nordstrandmusicinternation9518

Жыл бұрын

Well received ? by who you ? Speak for everyone do you ? lmao

@matthewhughes5619

Жыл бұрын

@@nordstrandmusicinternation9518 Well received by critics and thd majority of the prog metal scene

@philpants44

Жыл бұрын

@@matthewhughes5619 don't think I really trust anything "critics" come out with Tbh.

@CastleVaniak

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a load of robotic diarrhea

Found my way here from your recent Band-Maid reaction. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on another Japanese band that often gets the math rock label applied to them. They’re called Sokoninaru. The songs Gou Ni Moyu and Tenohira De Odoru are good places to start.

@nondescriptcat5620

Жыл бұрын

Sokoninaru is my favorite band and big agree, if he likes Math Rock he needs to check them out.

@2:56 I’m pretty sure the “BB” in Tims signature Ibanez THBB10 stands for Black Beauty as he took inspiration from a Gibson LP Custom hence the black body with gold hardware and block inlays

They are doing their own thing. There's nothing like these guys and that's very hard to accomplish.

@keshawnrose2897

Жыл бұрын

I agree along with Intervals, Chon, Covet and Shrezzers

@Crosshatch1212

Жыл бұрын

@@arseymcpherson agree 😂

@lucifer-ic9th

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately that doesn't mean it's any good. You can throw rice up in the ceiling and call it a new genre

@user-gl5kj1fm5x

4 ай бұрын

yer there was but he died in 1993

Yay! I'd hoped you would give them a look. Thanks. Polyphia are kind of their own genre at this point... whatever that is.

Hello, from New York! I have been a fan of The Darkness for many years; since 2005-06. Something like that. However, I was unaware of your podcast until now. I have found myself binge watching and now my neck hurts but that's ok. I thoroughly enjoy your content as well as your dry, sarcastic sense of humor. So, Polyphia is a new one for me. I am going to investigate further. I am happy to have found your podcast. I wonder if you read your comments. I chew ice too, incidentally.

Great insights Justin! Would also love to see your take on the group "Chon", more specifically their track "Story". Think similar guitar-virtuoso similar vibes, however with less processed/electronic elements & more jazz-influenced & raw in the execution/production side of things. Their album "Grow" where the recommended track hails from is a very blissful & calming experience that any musician/guitarist can appreciate.

@skyDN1974

Жыл бұрын

Story rocks!

8:16 genre-wise I'd probably call it math rock, but with a strong influence from 'djent', a style of metal which has been hugely influential on heavy music over the last 10-15 years (arguably ad nauseam at this point). Djent came out of progressive metalcore bands in the mid-late 2000s who took a lot of inspiration from Meshuggah (essentially the grandfather of the style), but some bands, like Polyphia, haven taken that influence in a more intricate direction drawing more on math rock, jazz and funk. Polyphia also has more of an electronic music production approach which is why it's so clean and tight. I'm not really a fan of their style personally but the production quality is pretty much as impressive as the playing. I think a key element of djent that separates it from other prog/math rock styles is that there's usually a solid 4/4 groove with a backbeat as opposed to lots of playing with time signatures and tempos. The rhythmic complexity is more in the syncopation and longer polyrhythmic patterns that revolve asymmetrically around that core groove. No one does it like Meshuggah though!

@smokingdrowdndarkelf976

Жыл бұрын

tim hendson has come out to say that a lot of his music is based on appreciation for hip hop and in his new album he has worked with trippie redd

@sione_etc

Жыл бұрын

​@@smokingdrowdndarkelf976 oh sick, yeah that doesn't surprise me you can definitely hear the trap influence in the production

So much talent, so little musicality. (Nearly) anyone can learn technique, but it's all of the other intangible, unteachable stuff that makes music interesting (likewise w/ painting, literature, and virtually all creative endeavors). Indeed, "music for musicians," and very possibly only for the musicians in Polyphia.

@aspaceproductions

Жыл бұрын

These takes are insane. These guys jist dont generically shred like some 80's generic metal guitarists lol. Actually check out their music.

It is 11pm in Hobart, Tasmania right now, and I love Polyphia, but Im going to do some late night gardening and listen to Permission To Land from The start. Cheers Justin. Much Love.

You're lowkey very funny. This was the most tiring but also interesting reaction I've watched in a long time

P - “Polyphia”, comes from the word, “Polyphony”, meaning: “music whose texture is defined by the interweaving of several melodic lines” Playing off this definition, as a band, we capitalize on musicianship, and that, musically, each member of the band is a cornerstone of our sound.

@lordmarega

Жыл бұрын

getgetgetgetgotgotgotgot blood rush to ma head

@danialiskshah1

Жыл бұрын

I could've sworn polyphia was a std

@JuanMorales-qe3ym

Жыл бұрын

Justin should react to "Playing God" but it would be divine overload

@VictitiousStudios

Жыл бұрын

NO. Body. Cares.

@matthewhughes5619

Жыл бұрын

@@VictitiousStudios yet you cared enough to comment

I like how he picked up the guitar to jam along... Heard one bar and thought "sod that", even with being an insanely good guitarist as Justin is.

@willspeakman2461

Жыл бұрын

Yeah made me laugh as well. He reminds me of my old guitar teacher. Insanely talented and would say exactly the same haha.

A little late to the party with this, Justin, but have to say that I love, love, LOVE those cool trousers you are sporting in this installment, you stylish devil, you. Nice one! Also, you mentioned Virgil Donati. Saw him in 2005 with Marco Mendoza, Neal Schon, and Jeff Scott Soto in the US and the UK. He is one of the most amazing drummers I have ever seen/heard.

Hi Justin! I'm a 30 year old hard rock guitarist and I love your channel and The Darkness. Would you consider doing a video on the solo career of John Sykes? I feel that your audience would benefit from such a discussion.

I had the same reaction when I first heard them. I appreciate the technical talent of Polyphia but to me it lacks any kind of soul and feeling. It's like programing all the scales into a computer and hitting the make a song button.

@jamiedingwall1819

Жыл бұрын

There's a great band called Unprocessed that have a similar (not AS technical as Polyphia) but they offer much more of an injection of feeling that helps through the vocal performance too. If you want to check them out I'd suggest their songs 'Abandoned' and 'Real' which Tim Henson of Polyphia actually featured on.

@JerryLeeHowell2

Жыл бұрын

@@jamiedingwall1819 Wow, this is good.

@Chaelsonen

Жыл бұрын

It reminds me of listening to my friend demonstrate every setting on a line 6 kidney bean for the first month after he bought it

As a guitarist, I was floored when I heard GOAT for the first time and I immediately bought the album ! I don't think I ever listened to it since. I appreciate and I"m in awe of their musicianship but it bores me pretty fast.

@syncops834

Жыл бұрын

Why would you buy the album if you didn’t know if you actually liked it haha

@mrthingamabob8117

Жыл бұрын

@@syncops834 In order to know whether I liked it or not I had to listen to it first, right ? So I had to bit it. I know, I'm old school.

@holliswilliams8426

Жыл бұрын

@@syncops834 You know....support the musicians who put a lot of time into making it?

@syncops834

Жыл бұрын

@@holliswilliams8426 What? You’ve just completely changed the subject. Of course I know that buying a physical copy of an album supports the artist, but I’m asking the person; if they don’t particularly like the band, why would they pay money for the album

Jesus! THE DARKNESS! I didn't realize I recognized you until you mentioned the spaceship set.

Love your shirt. Just as an aside to the usual lovely musical analysis!

I’m really surprised at a lot of the comments on this video - although I realize everyone is different and all opinions are valid. The ones I relate to the least are the ones calling their music robotic or that it doesn’t evoke emotion - I often get goosebumps and sometimes even tears when I listen to Polyphia - their music touches my soul. Edit: I might add I’m a lifelong musician and math nerd who has played multiple instruments and genres of music - that may explain it as others have mentioned

@micdraypr1855

Жыл бұрын

It's like watching a modern big budget hollywood movie, where the CGI and editing are good on a technical level, with some gorgeous set pieces.. but the writing/dialogue, acting, directing etc all come across as unrealistic and manufactured, making it harder to relate to and get immersed.

@dmaikibujin

Жыл бұрын

I get the exact same thing myself. It reminds me of when I get excited about something in astrophysics and I'll show someone a video about it and they're like, yeah... that's nice. I used to think it was an intelligence thing, then I tested that out multiple times with highly intelligent people, and they could explain it to me very clearly and precisely, so they got it, but they didn't get IT. We're just built differently I guess. And yeah musician as well.

At first I was blown away by the skill of this band. Now I'm over that, what I have left is playful charming music that makes me feel an 'emotion' but I couldn't tell you which one , but not ones I'm familiar with.

Looking very sharp in this video JH 👌🏻😎

holy shit, your aesthetic in this is top tier!

Good lord, a Virgil Donati reference by a non drummer. You've impressed me Justin.

@stellaotto5654

Жыл бұрын

He is insane. My dad took me to his show when I was around 8. 🤣I was listening to planet x at that point. Probably the reason I like progressive music

I got into Polyphia with their "the most hated" ep. Their follow up album New Levels New Devils was quite something. The best part is it's both catchy and musically complex. Personally don't think Neurotica or Playing god were as good as the above records, but I'm still excited for the rest of it.

@stephanyampolsky7187

Жыл бұрын

they went downhill after muse imo

@njc119

Жыл бұрын

@@stephanyampolsky7187 L take

Ooooh what a pick! great band, definitely check out their back catalogue Justin!

Forget about math rock, Justin - your miraculously executed guitar change right at the end - that's proper entertainment!

Looking very Begbie today!

funny thing is, i have SO many friends who don't care about shred at all, and some who don't even listen to metal or rock, yet they love polyphia - it's really peculiar but it definitely doesn't lack soul or any of that, it's special.

@Kali-Yuga-Peace-Corp

Жыл бұрын

Because they use catchy poppy chord progression that "everyone" likes, but changes it up to make it interesting.

Hell Justin, I couldn't focus on Polyphia when my misophonia kicked in at the 2 minute mark when you crunched on the ice cube!!!

I love polyphia and find their leads super catchy, I was humming this song constantly last year. The bass and drums are killer too they sound like modern trap (a genre I love) and are so damn groovy.

You’d definitely like the song Wenceslas, by Gnome... they are pretty much the opposite of that polyphia thing. Check them out, they do a little dance in the video too and it’s hilarious. Smashing song

@bottleimpbooks

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation, that was brilliant

@violinmke

Жыл бұрын

Thats funny as hell. " If I can stay alive today I'll kill them all and say We are alive "

@zedudli

Жыл бұрын

@Grimmlord Blakk yes they are! a breath of fresh air i’d say

@zedudli

Жыл бұрын

Let’s hope Justin sees this thread 😊

I took lessons with clay Gober (the bassist) a couple years ago and he explained that they typically record each individual phrase separately and then learn how to play it later, that’s probably why you don’t hear any string noise

@ThatFilmisGnarly

Жыл бұрын

Noise reduction/gating helps too. A bunch of amp sims do this out of the box.

@j0rdeh

Жыл бұрын

Yeah they literally pencil in midi notes into a DAW and then learn the song that way. It's a pretty mad way of doing things but they really make it work!

@cbr9914

Жыл бұрын

pretty sure none of these new wave technical guys (tosin, these guys, etc) use amps at all

@guitaristssuck8979

Жыл бұрын

Laptop music

@matthewhughes5619

Жыл бұрын

@@guitaristssuck8979 why don't you do it then?

Love the channel and your insights Justin, fab stuff indeed, not to mention that outfit ❤ I enjoy Polyphia when it passes me by, but i haven’t ever sat and listened to them purposefully. It’s impressive, but i just don’t really feel much beyond that listening to it… 🤷‍♂️ It’s funny you mention oiling the strings- Greasing the strings was common practice amongst early session players in the ‘50s, to achieve a cleaner sound on early country and rock n roll recordings!

Justin. I seen the Darkness play at godiva Festival in 2018. All of you were on fire man

You'd be surprised with their fan base. It certainly isn't made up of just musicians. For me, their "The Most Hated" EP really stands out as an ideal mix of musicality and pip sensibility.

This is cute boi video game prog. It's very impressive technically, but every song sounds like anime intros or the type of music you hear in a video game when the spiky haired skinny hero starts flying around while swinging a comically large sword. We're in the era where musicians are more influenced by the Wii menu music than albums they sought out because they love music. The never ending tapping is just them doing combos.

@nanchou7139

Жыл бұрын

Hey, Wii Music is at least subtle, interesting harmonically and rhytmically, and doesn't scream "i'm impressive" all the time.

@auracle6184

Жыл бұрын

old man yells at cloud vibe

@nanchou7139

Жыл бұрын

@@auracle6184 where's the yelling? he just stated his opinion. your comment adds nothing, there is no counteropinion or anything.

@auracle6184

Жыл бұрын

@@nanchou7139 what adds nothing is "they're all very talented but there's no //artistry// in this technical music" as if they get to define what art has value. Similar people no doubt said "we're in the era where musicians are more influenced by the punk ideology than great albums like Elvis Presley, the never ending strumming is just them having nothing important to say with their guitars"

@nanchou7139

Жыл бұрын

@@auracle6184 While I agree that saying that this isn't artistic is wrong, I think the artistry here is comparable to the paintings of Thomas Kinkade. There's skill, there's a story, there's nice little details, but the whole thing is so over-the-top without any real emotional value, that it ends up being annoying or tiring. With Punk music, although there's a lot of astounding bands that are remembered, back in the day there really was a lot of crappy ones. Listening to them now in the future they are no better then they were. That is to say - good music, even if new/innovative/experimental, is appreciated if it's good. This song just isn't good.

i love polyphia. got to meet them at the afterparty to one of their shows and did the typical guitar nerd thing and told them how much their technique blew me away and asked for a selfie with time and clay (the bassist). i specify that its he bassist because their drummers name is also clay.

The guitar solos have always been my main focus of any song. These guys immediately grab my ear.

id call it like Groove Prog at this point, the style of music that is.

If you want a Polyphia song to react to on a more emotional level, I've always found their song Aviator to have a lot more feeling to it. That or something more recent like GOAT or Playing God. Polyphia are def worth getting into!

@AcidicDelusion

Жыл бұрын

No they’re not.

@Butternose

Жыл бұрын

@@AcidicDelusion 😂😂 Touché

Your point about it being like square Planet X was spot on. Polyphia inhabit the Djent scene but have made their thing as of late doing so but sticking to 4/4 and primarily more traditionally tuned guitars with an emphasis on super smooth pop style production and writing techniques that involve experimenting with other genres and then translating those ideas onto guitar (if you check out Tim Henson's youtube clips of him writing it will make much more sense). They say more about how production is it's own creative medium these days than they do about a percieved trend towards 'industry sanitisation', so shouldn't be too worried that they spell the end of guitar based music in it's purer forms in the mainstream just yet.

Justin with the shout-out for Planet X seemingly outta nowhere … awesome! Love Planet X. Mind-bending goodness.

Hi Justin. Every album the Darkness have released sounds so unique and different to the next. My question is.... Through this channel, have any of the bands featured inspired you musically and given you food for though on song writing and influenced songs you are writing for another album? Every album that has been released I love unconditionally so excited to see what's next 😊. Hope to pop over to Leeds or Cardiff to see u next year. 🤟

5:34 most relatable thing to happen whilst listening to Polyphia haha

You could have been David Sylvian there with that rides again intro…!!!! X First time I’ve watched one of your videos Justin - You’re like a well bathed fear and loathing in Las Vegas - a right bit of whimsy. Xx

Just discovered this channel, Justin has a great sense of humor.

love the take here, totally agree. their playing is exceptional and they are incredibly talented. I just don't really groove with it, it seems emotionless in a way. Robotic like you alluded to.

@markcampbell2491

Жыл бұрын

100% disagree. There's tons of emotion in their work , check out the first guitar break in "Euphoria"

@chrisivers91

Жыл бұрын

Different strokes different folks :)

@diogogomes3238

Жыл бұрын

Must tell u that your opinion is very unpopular x) and i kinda agree with u aswell

@robbieadam8667

Жыл бұрын

I guess you’re just not ready for it yet but our future AI robot overlords are going to love it!

@nathanward3888

Жыл бұрын

couldn't agree more. I can appreciate the talent here, but to me it just comes off as people playing scales as fast as possible. I had the same reaction way back in the 80s with Malmsteen. Just not my bag.

They're amazing musicians, but I tend to get bored with so much technicality. I like the classic progrock better. But without a doubt they're extremely talented musicians.

@voldren

Жыл бұрын

absolutely the same for me, so much technicality gets almost overwhelming and often it sounds very chaotic to me like it doesn't have any specific concept, just throwing some complex technical stuff onto the pile without much of a thought and calling it a day having said that, i admire their skill, i just feel like when having such great tools at their disposal, they could make something more interesting than just use all of their cooldowns in first minute of a song

@nemesis8626

Жыл бұрын

Technicality only goes so far, sometimes stuff like this comes across abit pretentious, I kind of prefer to listen to music not listen to a talent contest

@voldren

Жыл бұрын

@@nemesis8626 also nowadays you see so much even bedroom players performing so much complex stuff, so there's not even any shock value anymore it's like "alright dude, you are good at playing guitar, great", like 2 decades ago when i started learning playing guitar, i saw some clips of great guitarists (live performances of musicians like paul gilbert, buckethead, neil zaza, even kirk hammett seemed quite impressive to me back then), thinking like it's almost impossible to play like that, and since i was much into this stuff, i was genuinely impressed now it's just normal stuff to see, there are probably more skilled guys when it comes to pure accuracy and technicality sitting in their bedrooms and uploading stuff on youtube, than professional musicians actually able to do that stuff

@charizardmaster13

Жыл бұрын

@@voldren ngl it feels like your ignoring the fact that this is essentially a pop song structure with guitar shred on top. Its also been heavily thought of as every aspect melodically and rhythmically intertwines and the way phrases end and conntect to one another is musically genius.

@bigshwanz607

Жыл бұрын

@@voldren Why do you think that is? You realize you can make way more money on KZread than signing a deal to record company that just takes all the money and gives you a sliver. Can't knock musicians for doing it on their own to actually reap the benefits of the thousands of hours they spend perfecting their craft.

We've all been there listening to Polyhpia. Blowing the mind and giving up on trying to play it. I love the band and it's pushing guitar playing to another level.

Hey Justin. Would love for you to react to Meshuggah. At first I found their music so hard to get into because of their different time signatures and polyrhythms. You mentioned planet X being hard to listen to much for the same reason. I'm sure you'll have heard Meshuggah before as they've been around for ages. Almost creating the genre their music envelops.

Welcome to the club, Justin! Have discovered Polyphia about a year ago, and they are amazing. Even if you do not like their music per se, one has to admit that Tim Henson is definitely pushing the boundaries of guitar playing. Unique sounds, unparalleled style. And the band's technical proficiency is otherworldly.

@Gixsir

Жыл бұрын

Ya Scottie is just there strumming along, not creating music with Tim for years ????

@TimoDick

Жыл бұрын

@@Gixsir Of course wasn't meant like that, and you know it. Have huge respect for all, yet Tim is the most present and, as it seems, the mastermind.

Great band, part of the new wave of “tech metal” or “math rock”. Loads of bands out there although Polyphia, Animals as leaders, Sarah longfield are all top of their game! My personal favorite is Plini! A bit more traditional in style but mega talented musician.

@supremelordoftheuniverse5449

Жыл бұрын

Math rock tends to have intricate and unusual chord progressions and time signatures, while this has the most simple and predictable chord progression and rhythm possible

@holliswilliams8426

Жыл бұрын

trap prog rock maybe

@spazco8669

Жыл бұрын

I call it glitch rock. In production using a lot of short, wildly different samples to create a new melody is considered glitchy. they're technique is similar as it uses a lot of very short, wildly different guitar techniques. Even the drum pattern could be considered glitchy.

@BarstucksCoffee

Жыл бұрын

They're Prog Fusion to me, since I've always considered Polyphia to be a Prog band

@slartybartfast1112

Жыл бұрын

Plini is also my favorite of the new gen of instrumental guitarists.

Love your shirt 😍 Had a very similar shirt in 1976 and adored it.

He has a guitar plug in amp and it's honestly one of the best I've ever used if not THE best. The sounds you can get out of it and the look of the 3 amps are beautiful. £100 is literally an absolute steal for this, plus you don't need a DAW either. Amazing product

I think the “emotional value” actually comes from how genuinely mental Scottie and Tim’s virtuosity is. As you said I think it’s very much music for musicians but I do believe that anyone can access the emotional value when you actually grasp how difficult and technical Polyphia’s arrangements are. If that is too much then simply marvel in how talented every single member is. Another instrumental band I recommend is the prog-metal band Animals as Leaders.

@T_i_O_P_A_

Жыл бұрын

yeah no

@DocBree13

Жыл бұрын

That’s interesting that you recommend Animals as Leaders after I commented about how I don’t get how people don’t get Polyphia. I want to like AAL, and I’ve really tried - but I don’t “get” their music, although I certainly am impressed with and respect their talent and proficiency.

@Atomic1710

Жыл бұрын

Is that how you rationalize it, let me guess you’d be starstuck if you ever seen yngvie malmsteen eh 😂😂

@Atomic1710

Жыл бұрын

Self indulgent fad that ain’t timeless, analogous to the “80’s” sound

@PaddyBoyBKLYN

Жыл бұрын

Marveling in how talented they are doesnt have a fraction of listenability, or enjoyment of a really catchy simple rhythm that provokes an emotional feeling in listeners. Im also a musician and its certainly interesting and impressive, but i cant say this is very inspirational music, because it feels as souless as calculus, especially with everything sounding programmed.

Of the 2 songs I've heard off the upcoming album, I much prefer "Playing God" to this. I really like the production and arrangement of their music. Working with younger hip-hop producers has really worked out well for them IMO, and it's a big part of what makes their music seem new and fresh. I think it also helps widen their appeal, cos it's very technical, yet somewhat approachable as well. I know people who like Polyphia songs such as "G.O.A.T." who would never listen to Planet X, who Justin mentioned, cos they find that kind of music too far "out there".

@Konfide4043

Жыл бұрын

I preferred Playing God over Neurotica as well. But now they are at an even tie for me. I've dissected Neurotica so many times now with each listen and parts of it are just so damn good 👍

I remember your "tree of life" Ibanez when you were on the cover of Total Guitar... Looked very nice.

Justin Hawkins has become one of my favourites to watch. He's a legend. Just a funny dude. Witty. Just great.

If you wish to look at polyphia again I would highly recommend their songs G.O.A.T and Playing God. I am a fairly casual fan of polyphia but I really do not like this new song, however those guitars are sexy

@bartonamon

Жыл бұрын

I think GOAT would be the appropriate reaction vid

@thoin1

Жыл бұрын

Yup my 9 yr old daughter loves G.O.A.T. great chewen

@KennyDenzer

Жыл бұрын

I listen to polyphia often and all I was thinking is “there are much better songs to react to”.

@BobGnarley.

Жыл бұрын

@@bartonamon Not so sure lol, personally I love Playing God but GOAT gets stale fast

I don't mind them, they are technically gifted and the music they make is cool and interesting. I just find it a bit sterile though. There's other instrumentalists out there that make music that makes me cry but the closest I get with these guys is "that's cool".

@stellaotto5654

Жыл бұрын

What musicians? Steve vai eg? I'm just curious. Kinda feel the same. Dont really touch me

@SineEyed

Жыл бұрын

@@stellaotto5654 check out Ewan Dobson - not the Paganini stuff, but the original stuff from his acoustic metal years or the stuff from 2016. "Blood and Ice" might change your life..

@stellaotto5654

Жыл бұрын

@@SineEyed Thanks, I'll check that out

@SineEyed

Жыл бұрын

@@stellaotto5654 🤘

@chrishexx3360

Жыл бұрын

@@stellaotto5654 Plini has many tracks that light my brain up like an xmas tree and will make me cry. Some Snarky Puppy tunes too. Polyphia are still very good, they have passages that give me goosebumps, but they don't have the emotional punch others do.

The BB stands for Black Beauty because the artist chose some options he liked from the classic Les Paul of that name, including the finish.

Another great video! Also... does anyone know where I can buy that shirt?