VoicePlay has set the golden standard for arrangements -- so innovative, creative, interesting, and straight-up awesome. I LOVED this piece, and I know you guys will too! Big shouts to Ashley Diane for stepping into the scene like a boss and immediately making a great impression with powerhouse vocals and outstanding agility. Also, stick around to the end if ya wanna see Geoff earn himself another Pit Viper status 😎🐍

Layne (while doing the arrangement): "Geoff, how long can you hold an F1?" Geoff: "Yes."

Dude, I love how you're like the only reaction KZfaqr who actually applies your musical understanding after you say that you're a vocal teacher. It's such a relief to see someone who's not just riding their job title for clicks, but is actually applying their knowledge to teach their viewers a few things along the way. I love and and highly respect it. Thank you man! Keep at these reactions if you can find the time

You're right about the Phrygian mode! It's actually the Phrygian Dominant, as it's used to reflect the style of music used for Hebrew Prayers and Klezmer music. A huge musical nod to the roots of Fiddler on the Roof.

Love how Ashley just says "What?" (meaning you didn't think I could do it!!!) LOL

Eli has been known to take over the bass when Geoff sings the lead. Layne can also go bass if needed

Is it not just the Layne-est arrangement ever? It's so crisp and novel, with the colour-blocking and liminality in the video and everything.

Hello, thank you for the video. I would like to see your reaction to the performances of Diana Ankudinova. This young singer with an amazing voice and artistry will surprise you

Love your reactions. Two small things on this one: Eli pronounces his name L-E, which you can’t tell from the written name. And Layne did this wonderful arrangement. And one bigger miss (although understandable with so much going on.). When you spoke of text painting, you missed that Layne’s percussion was also going up, then down in reaction to Ashley’s vocals at that spot.

Yes Eli can sing bass when in live but, when in videos Geoff double tracks

That Phrygian riff was another word play..... the lyrics went ‘in the eastern wall’ and then they drop riff, cuz’ Phrygian scale is common in eastern (middle eastern) music. 😜

A few things for those interested: 1. Yes. The original is meant for a mid Baritone however, depending on the arrangement and the natural range of the person singing it, I have seen countertenors and basses do it rather well. 2. Eli's range is stupidly large. Most of the time when Geoff is singing main Eli will end up picking up the bass. Their arrangement of Oogie Boogie from the Nightmare Before Christmas is a really good example of that as that melody is pretty much all Geoff. Which I would highly recommend a watch. 3. When they brought this from the Fiddler version, the brought in a lot aspects from Klezmer music (Augmented 4ths, syncopation, Phrygian mode {16:37}), which is a rather traditional Eastern European/Ashkenazi Jewish musical style. Also, they brought a slight "latin/Pop" (That Kick/Snare pattern) sound from the Gwen Stefani version and mixed with certain modern pop/hip hop themes. 4. Ashley, if my ears were working, she was also in Phrygian during that Pit Viper riffing.

On that "sweetest thing of all" drop for Geoff. He does this sometimes, where instead of just dropping an octave, he drops slightly lower to then slide back up to the right note. (so C3 -> G1-->C2)

This is such a fun arrangement, and I love the way you “pull the tapestry apart” to discuss the inner workings. Also, major props to the arrangement for being new and interesting but still having that subtle internal nod to the original Russian Jewish thematic material.

Loved your reaction, thanks. I'm absolutely addicted to VoicePlay and baffled that everyone else isn't. I ALWAYS know Layne's arrangements before I check. I think maybe it's the level of surprise.... Geoff's arrangements are always beautiful and sometimes impossibly smooth, but Layne makes me sit up and pay attention. Love to hear you talk about the detail, maybe some day I'll figure out why I always know his arrangements. Would love to hear you respond to Warriors - Layne plays violin and transformed my understanding of what a violin IS and what it sounds like. Mind blowing. Someone mentioned True Colors below (Cindy Lauper cover) - it's another Layne mindblower. You won't regret giving it a listen. And each of the three: this one, Warriors, True Colors - couldn't be more different from each other.

You should react to oogie boogie song from voice play you will not be disappointed!

Wow, Peter, I love your analysis so much! Not one single wasted word, I mean it! Plus I love your voice, singing and talking, but that's another story! 😜 You and Elizabeth (Charismatic Voice) are my fav reactors. Both of you Opera singers, it had to be, right? 🤣 My analytical brain has a hard time understanding why I enjoy some music so much (like this song), and you make it totally clear! Thank you! 💖 I think Ashley has an amazing voice, and fits seamlessly with the rest of the group. I hope she becomes the 5th member! She has both experience and education in music. The arrangement is by Layne, he's really creative! Thanks for this, Peter! Looking forward to your once a week reactions and analysis! 🔥💖

You are correct. Tevye is usually performed by a baritone. Also, this is the first reaction I've seen make mention of Phrygian mode. Well played my man.

I've seen Voiceplay's Oogie Boogie song performed at Valley Forge Casino and I'm 99% sure that the bassline is being performed by Layne because he did that super deep bass in the dubstep drop portion of that song. He's a beast.

you have to react to Home Free - Honey I'm good, it probably is one of the bassiest songs of home free

Ayyy great video as usual man, these reactions are always very fun to watch, and very educational as well. 👌🏼❤️ Also I truly believe that Layne Stein is one of the most talented arrangers in the acapella scene, I've had this song on repeat since the day it came out. 👀😂

Please React to Voiceplay's Go the distance or True Colors! These 2 are underated!

Never thought you would do this song🤩💫. I sleep with this on everyday😭🙈

I'd love to see your reaction to Phantom of the Opera by VoicePlay feat. Rachel Potter. This one is a much older version of the group, more than 5 years before this one, with Tony Wakim taking lead and way before Geoff started growing his hair long.

he went C3-A1-C2 in that drop during the "sweetest thing of all" part also it was chest fry lol

I absolutely love your reactions because you do something similar to The Charasmatic Voice. What makes yours unique, though, is that you provide all of the technical insight to the arrangement itself, whereas Elizabeth does the vocal technique. Both insights are incredibly valuable to the community, and I appreciate it so much. Keep doing what you do, Peter.

I'm sure I'm not the first but just to be safe: Eli's name is pronounced "Elly" - it's short for "Eleazar", if memory serves. :)

👏grow👏out👏the👏beard👏

You noticed! I really enjoyed your interview with Geoff Castellucci. Marwan, thanks for referring this to Peter! The Eastern Wall riff is my very favorite musical line.

This is what reactions should be. KZfaq got me started watching them with Elizabeth Zharoff and I loved her analysis of the songs as she goes through them, if your other content is like this you deserve as many subs. I’m no musician at all but this was entertaining and I fell as though I’ve learned something. And I want to Ursula your speaking voice. One suggestion - get a new chair. I listened with earbuds and the first half I kept turning around thinking someone was sneaking up on me, then I realized I was hearing your chair every time you moved. Great mic to pick up all that!

Layne appeared in My Mother Told Me as well. Seems like Eli, Layne and Geoff can drop a solid bass with Geoff hitting the subs.... I think.

Hi Peter. I absolutely agree with you. We know that these artists are simply off the hook, but man oh man, the arrangement is simply mind BLASTING (mind blowing is not good enough). What craft, what effort, what precision, what grace!

This is just so much fun. Not Aliens, That was X-Files. We ladies love Geoff's low notes. We are on the edge of our seats waiting for them to drop. This song makes me feel like a teenager again with a new 45 single, playing it over and over again.

Whoa lordy, could you read me a book as I fall asleep? Your voice is soooo relaxing 😌 more importantly, amazing analysis. As a fellow past a capella group alto/tenor/(also bass in sweet adeline groups) I appreciate an actual analysis rather than just a first impressions reaction. You've got a new subscriber for sure!

This is my favorite breakdown of yours. (so far). The music theory stuff just confuses the heck out of me, but you brought so much info to the table that I did understand. Several reactors, including yourself, have made me aware of what the non-lead singers (they are so much more than background!) are actually singing. And that it isn't always the predictable notes either. (I was pretty excited when I actually caught it in their Oogie Boogie.) I don't have the words for it, but I love that build up for Ashley's amazing trip up and down the scale. I don't always understand much but I ALWAYS learn something from you. I can hear things when you point them out, but would not have noticed on my own. The text painting part was so interesting. I need to re-listen several times to be able to catch it, but it was fascinating. I find it funny when you and a few of my other faves describe the arrangements. The words unpredictable, surprising and discordant come up along with comments about the tight harmonies. VP is my clear favorite and now when someone asks me why, I actually have some buzzwords to toss out. 🤣

12:53 I had the same reaction to that section! It was so creative and cool, and I think Cesar's pop-oriented voice fits the melody really well

Hi Peter! I just wanted to say that I've been loving your reaction videos. I watch others, but find myself drawn to yours, I think because of your analysis. Really cool that you have a wealth of experience in many different styles of vocals as well, so thanks for sharing and being down-to-earth/fun. Thanks again for your videos and I hope you keep the 1/week schedule up even with your performing! (found the video just browsing your home page, figured I'd put that in there since you asked below!)

Thank You. I started watching reactions because it is fun to see other people react to something I like for the first time. YOURS however gives me so much more. I am not a musician and I love to hear You explain WHY I find something that great.

Topol, who played Tevya in the Film was a baritone. It is nice to hear Layne's tenor voice. I also like the upbeat they do.

I love VoicePlay! I've gotten my son hooked on Geoff C, Tim F, and Avi K. He found you and the bass gang. I had my "boss" Maggie Renee React to "my boy" on twitch Sunday. Will hopefully be one day edited out for YT. Anyway love your reaction!

I love the ending where Layne said ( we don't talk about him no more ).

Love your reaction/input! I don’t think I noticed that note that Geoff dropped that you said it may not have been necessary. It did sound a little out of place, but not bad. I hope you do more Voice Play, and some of Geoff’s solo work, and more Home Free.

What an awesome reaction and analysis! Really appreciate your honest views on whatever you're listening to, even if it's not 100% positivity about the piece. I absolutely love this one by VoicePlay. Layne did the arrangement and really knocked it out of the park. So creative!

You ought'a give Home Free's Folsom Prison Blues a listen!

Try and react to go the distance by voiceplay it's really underrated

my God, YOU have a gorgeous voice!

Not sure if anyone commented on this: Layne was originally a baritone for the group but learned vocal percussion when Scott Porter who was their original beatboxer left to pursue acting. And he does sing or rap from time to time in their productions.

hey, peter. i would really recommend you to listen to home frees cover of brothers in arms, tim goes insanely low.

Greetings Peter, I have listened to this song so many times I’ve lost count. Thanks to you I heard little detail things I hadn’t heard before 😳 which just add to the listening experience. I really appreciate you and anxious for your next video. I hope you can get back to your singing soon. Stay safe and stay well. 😎✌🏻🤟🏻🖖🏻🤙🏻

12:55 I did exactly the same thing as you, looking around thinking things were falling from the ceiling. 😂😂😂

Just react to Sixteen Tons. Guaranteed 2-3 pit vipers

I watched this for more than 1h 😂 it was good! The song, voiceplay and Ashley, the reaction / comments, loved everything😊

I love your breakdowns more than vocal coaches that I watch on KZfaq. It's so interesting to hear more than just vocal breakdowns and getting more into the arrangement and choices made within the arrangement. Have you ever reacted to the Pentatonix version of 'Hallelujah"? And if not, and even if you have, it would be kool to see your take on the arrangement and the choices made within the arrangement. Subscribing.

In this one geoff was doubled. Geoff's doing the basslines as well as his main parts

I love how much you were enjoying the grove at the start knowing what comes later… hehe popcorn ready

Just found you and have to say your reactions and analysis are some of the best out there. I love Bass singers as there is something primal in the stupidly low notes that make me tingle all over. Having a good quality Bass singer comment on other good quality Bass singers is wonderful. I would ask you to listen/react to Geoff's version of sixteen tons as well as voiceplay's covers of the Oogie boogie song and you're a mean one mr grinch (some seasonal opportunities coming up for those)

I cannot get enough with your reactions 😂👏👏👏

Please don’t stop these, really loving your commentaries on these arrangements/videos :)

I love your reaction to the low sustained c followed by the trap remix because it’s exactly how I felt when I first heard it

Great reaction Peter! I love your analysis and music theory. I've yet to see a KZfaqr do that as much as you. I would like to see your analysis on barbershop music. Not many people look at that kind of music.

2 things 1) shout out to Marwan for recommending this to you & 2) Thank you so much for doing this one. As always i love your reactions they are always informative & fun. I always find something really good that i missed when i watched the videos. I'm never disappointed with your knowledge or your music you have an amazing singing & speaking voice. I truly hope you will be able to continue your reactions with your hectic schedule. Even just 1 a week is better than none at all. Be safe & see you next time😊❤️

Love your reactions, a great experience to watch! As someone that is not a music major or professional, but a lover of vocal music, you really break down what is happening. More understanding helps me add another layer of enjoyment to this type of music. I mean "Phrygian Riff" what the heck is that... now I know and with an example. Thanks to you, Geoff Castellucci, and David Larson I thought that the low and subharmonic range was super-human, but with about a weeks practice and inspiration I was able to hit a G1 at least twice... Mind blown. I am too timid to sing in groups, but love it, so keep singing those low covers songs so I can sing along. You definitely deserve a double Pit Viper😎😎

You’re a gifted teacher Peter. Thank you for elevating my understanding and appreciation with the approachable way you share your analysis.

Really appreciate all the knowledge you just dropped on us! Thank you! Voiceplay is an incredible a capella group and, as a fellow bass, I truly appreciate Geoff’s amazing range.

what a pleasure to see REAL analysis of a cappella music - thanks Peter - and I also agree that Geoff's extra low note at around the 20 min mark seemed unnecessary.

You reaction and analysis videos are fast becoming my favourites. Good job :)

Love your reactions and I certainly agree VoicePlay (and Geoff) can leave you speechless! So creative!

I love your break downs it helps me see the magic of the artistry behind music

Thanks for your great reaction!! Love how you explain and highlight the interesting aspects of what we are listening to. I LOVED this arrangement, and picked up on the small background riff that reminded me of Hebrew prayer. Love the details of your reaction! Love Voice Play! Thanks again 😎👍

So interesting watching your reaction. I studied song, but gave uip going down a career and became a house wife instead. You´re the first one I´ve seen that reacted the same way as me on a lot of things. The minutes flew by and it shore didn´t seem like 25 minutes

So this version is very clearly a cross between the song from fiddler on the roof, and the Gwen Stefani if I were a rich girl, which sampled a lot from the show tune, but had it's own lyrics (mostly). The lyrics from this are the show lyrics, but the cadence and feeling is very pop like the Gwen Stefani version. And the rhythm of the na na na parts feels much more like the Gwen Stefani version than the show tune.

Hello! Thank you for the video!Please pay attention to the young singer Diana Ankudinova.Make reactions to the songs of Wicked game, Human🌞🌞🌞DIANA ANKUDINOVA is a talented young singer. I would like to know your opinion. I think you will be surprised. Diana has a very unusual voice and artistic presentation for her age.🌹🌹🌹 Thanks in advance

Peter I love that you're pumping these videos out. Each one is a treat to watch please keep it up.

Love these videos Peter keep it up

Dude love your reaction/analysis, it's awesome having someone who knows this stuff break it down like this...keep 'em coming!

Voiceplay, my favourite acapella group, loved your reaction/review 👌🥰

Thank you so much for your wonderful reactions and all the knowledge you give along with it! I absolutly love it and you are fun to watch as well!

First time I've ever heard you and I love the in depth details, teaching ability, and appreciation you provide. Subscribing for sure!.....been a VoicePlay fan for yeeeaaaarrrrs

Love Love Love this arrangement. Thanks for a great breakdown. Look forward to more reactions.

I can't listen to this often enough!!!

Thank you for your informative reaction....now I have more things to listen for when I listen to this in the future.

Great reaction with detailed analysis

It was just plain FUN to listen to! And I liked your analysis too.

Cool analysis and fun to watch...

For acapella, I have to point you toward Colm McGuinness. He's started doing some songs that include instrumental accompaniment, but a lot of his work is straight acapella. On top of that, he specializes (not exclusively) in sea shanties. His cover of Randy Dandy O or Santiana are great covers, though I'd almost be more curious to see your take on his cover of Óró 'Sé do Bheatha 'Bhaile.

Peter, I just discovered your channel today, and I LOVE it. I learn so much. You are the fourth ‘reactor’ I have subscribed to, and quite frankly, after only watching 4 or 5 of your videos, you have become my favorite. I repeat, I learn so much. Thank you for your outstanding commentary!

Your insight is so interesting. I like that you bring in the theory as well. 💜

in high school after over yelling at a sporting event ....if we had a concert the next day i could really rock the low c

Very cool video, thanks so much. You're quickly becoming my favourite reactor, so I'd wish for daily uploads if I could. But I'm also very happy that artists are finally starting to see the end of this tunnel and getting back to regular work again 🤑👏👏👏❤

Love your analysis Peter

This came up on my feed and I had to watch again. This arrangement of Layne’s is just genius, and you’re the only reactor I’ve seen who really digs into it and appreciates the details. Great take, Peter!

Your channel is amazing. I know nothing about music and I learn so much from your videos!

I love watching you and the charismatic voice do these reactions. I’m always learning things about the music I love that I would not have picked up on myself.

Eli is singing the bass when he doesnt! Its super cool tho :)

Please, make a reaction to the songs of the singer Diana Ankudinova.

I'm so glad to find your channel ❣️ Usually it is a tenor or soprano giving commentary, and they are from the classical world only. I find your experience in all different fields of music performance an opportunity to learn more about a genre of music I love. I will look, but I hope you might cover some Home Free stuff. I recommend these, Man of Constant Sorrow, Helplessly Hoping, and for a dash of laughs and fun The Butts Medley. Looking forward to more Vids!

Thank you for teaching the technical stuff. Interesting!

I wonder if having Geoff do the "please" is like how Pentatonix had Avi do the "listen to me" from their cover of Problem

Thanks. I enjoy the musical learning.

Goeff's bass notes are phat and his bass lines are just as powerful