Another awesome cover from VP! Are there any songs I still need to react to and analyze from them?

Geoff was very open in his recent interview with Tara simons that voiceplay double track a lot now because they don’t sing live often. So most of the bass you heard is just Geoff double tracked and not layne

What do you mean 'effect' of fire in Geoff's eyes? Its simply Geoff, shedding his mortal skin and returning to his original, non-human form.😂

For the longest time Geoff said he wasn't doing this song. So Layne had to go out of his way with an arrangement that Geoff couldn't refuse! 🤣. The final product sounds like Frollo was created just for Geoff to sing his part! I hope you'll provide R&A for Geoff's "Jack's Lament", it's amazing!! 🤯

VoicePlay did an amazing job with this song. The Latin both in this and the original is the cathedral choir basically calling Judge Claude Frollo a liar. It's a great touch.

Definitely the darkest Disney villain song. One little fact I found fascinating about the original: Tony Jay could not hit the final high note and asked Alan Menken to change the key. This song was basically the whole reason Menken himself picked "Hunchback" to be Disney's next project, and he refused to change it. Instead, he sent Jay to voice lessons until he could hit and sustain the note. Also, Disney execs worried that the whole sequence would cost them their G rating. Every single frame was analyzed, particularly the "fire spirit" of Esmeralda, to make sure nothing was inappropriate, and it was clear in every frame that she was fully clothed. However, the MPAA didn't like that the song used the word "sin." So if you listen to the original, that word is buried in sound effects, much like how Geoff's sub "sinnnnnn" gets a bit buried by Layne's perc. It still ended up being controversial; Southern Baptists boycotted the entire movie. Still, among Disney villain fans, "Hellfire" is seen as the darkest (and therefore one of the best) Disney villain songs. The animation was just the right level of terrifying to be on par with Chernabog while not crossing the line into "inappropriate for small children." Now, the THEMES... definitely not appropriate, but that's what makes Frollo the darkest Disney villain. He isn't doing this for power, riches, or to take down the do-gooder heroes. The "if I can't have her than no one shall" attitude is a horror that has ruined the lives of many women, including the teen daughter of a co-worker of mine, who had broken up with a guy and reported him to police for abuse, yet he managed to buy a gun and took her life, saying he simply couldn't handle the idea of her having another boyfriend. Her mother became a major voice in my state banning the purchase of firearms for people accused of domestic violence. It's what makes Frollo horrifying. He's realistic. We have likely already met someone just like him in our life, and we never even knew it.

The bass line goes: Geoff sing/Layne bass, Layne sing/Geoff bass, Geoff sing/Layne bass, Layne “Burn It”, Geoff double tracked. Layne’s bass part only lasts up until he says ‘burn it’, then Geoff is doubled tracked for the rest of the song.

That section where you demonstrate how to beatbox and sing a bassline at the same time pretty much sums up why I watch your channel. I'm subscribed to a bunch of R&A youtubers and I love every single one of them for what they bring to the table individually. But this here, this is *your* field of expertise! Also very hyped for the interview with Layne!

As always, an outstanding reaction. I don't think Geoff will disagree about this not being a favorite Disney tune. For a long time he said he really did not want to sing this one. I assume Layne may have talked him into doing it.

Completely fair that this isn't your favorite Disney song & I'm not surprised it isn't everyone else's either. Personally, it is my favorite Disney villain song just because of how dark & real it can get. How Frollo justifies his view of his lust as Esmerelda's fault as since he's a holy man it couldn't be him. And to atone she either submits or dies is completely fair in his eyes. The internal conflict with his own desires & views through the song is so interesting to me. Also, I love a good bit of dark Disney. I think VP did an absolutely amazing cover that is currently living rent free in my head

J None has been promoted to sing in the Washington area with the Sea Chanters. He is singing base. So that’s a possibility for some of the bass. But Layne arranged this. If you haven’t already recorded your interview, these are some great questions for him!

The first time I heard this I found it very disturbing. I didn’t know where it was from, but I loved the arrangement. I can never get enough of Geoff and VoicePlay. And I agree, getting to hear Layne is always a treat. Love, love how these fellows harmonize so effortlessly.

Love the flames in Geoffs' eyes in this one and He has glowing pumpkins in JACKS' LAMENT.

Imagine if Geoff ever breaks out this "What?" For his son when he gets older....chills!

Great reaction!! This was just so damned good!! When I watched it the first time, I thought it was Geoff that said "Burn It", but no, that was Layne. And It was cool that Tony got to participate as the guard, but Eli voiced the guard. Completely Blown away by how epic this cover was!! It has been a long long time since I have seen Hunchback of Notre Dame. And Did you see Cesar briefly playing the air guitar?? lol

9:45 You sounded EXACTLY like Mortius, that's his favorite singing technique. You even used the same hand gestures and sound effects, LOL! I guess it makes sense, what with you two both being in my top five favorite reactors (and pretty high on the list, too, though I don't want to name names...)! And great reaction and analysis as usual, Peter. I hope you had a nice time in Santa Barbara!

I had never seen the movie or heard the song before Voiceplay did this version. It was absolutely mesmerizing, I can't begin to tell you how many times I've watched them do it.

I love how you're not even bothering to wear the Pit Vipers when Geoff sings a G1 now 😂

leaned music for 16 years and yet you still teach me things through your videos. keep it up

I love how they felt the need to add bell tones to a Notre-Dame song (get it?)

Having the closed captions on makes the latin phrases clear behind the solo singing. They have them for a reason. They certainly helped meI This is one I have now heard many times and it doesn't get stale.

My son requested the original and I realised it no longer impresses me after this epic Voice Play upgrade. I always love watching your analyses Peter, picking up on every layer.

Geoff released his Halloween special- Jack’s Lament from Nightmare Before Christmas. Both musically and theatrically, it’s one of his most complex covers to date. I’d love to see your reaction to it!

As ever, many thanks for your R&A.

VoicePlay brought the heat with this one, lol. Great reaction and analysis, as always! Can't wait for the next one!

Jack’s Lament by Geoff!

VP knocks it out of the park again!

Yesssssss I've been waiting for this! The shirt made me smile, very clever. (Or should that be "clefer"? #sorrynotsorry 😅) Also made me laugh a little that you put the vipers on while Geoff was still on the highest note he hits in the entire song, but i guess it just highlights that range and how quickly he can go from one extreme to the other. (I've seen this referred to as a "Geoff bombing run", a phrase which i am unapologetically swiping for my own use because yes. Accurate.) Fantastic analysis as usual! I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but i really love the bass perspective since I'm a soprano but always trying to work on my low notes. (I have a decent range, but *very* little power below G4-ish.) I did, however, recently discover that i actually figured out subs when i was about 12! Not, mind you, because i wanted to sing low or anything; i was trying to make... wait for it... dolphin noises. In the pool. 😂 (Try it underwater sometime though, it does legitimately sound like dolphin clicks and creaks! Though admittedly probably more so when it's coming out of a 12yo girl than a grown man. 😂) Edit: Aaaand I've just realized I entirely forgot what I intended to say when I first started this comment. *facepalm* Anyway, what I wanted to say: I initially had very mixed feelings about this cover because while it's gorgeous and I could listen to it all day, Geoff's delivery in the beginning humanizes Frollo somewhat, which I find morally repugnant. The more I think about it, though, the more I like it. The Latin (which is in the original) is taken from an old prayer, the gist of which is "I'm a dirty rotten sinner and i take responsibility for it, please forgive me". Having that going on in the background sets up this back-and-forth between what the church teaches--something Frollo would know very well, being a highly educated man--and his attempts to justify and shift the blame for his behavior. (Textbook narcissist move, that.) Basically, it refutes everything Frollo says about himself from the get-go and points out what an utterly craptastic human being he really is. Geoff making him feel a little more sympathetic (somewhat confused rather than just completely terrible) seems like an odd choice, but what it does really nicely is show his thought process and the kind of twisted logic that makes him such a terrifyingly realistic villain. (When your premise is "I'm perfect" , your conclusion is never going to be "I'm at fault". Which, again, narcissist.) He has the chance to turn away from his destructive course and *chooses* not to take it, which imo makes him far worse than if he were unaware of his hypocrisy. So what Voiceplay have done is take the brilliant storytelling already present in the original (which I'm convinced that Menken wrote with book Frollo rather than Disney Frollo in mind) and amplified it, highlighting all the things that make Frollo simultaneously compelling and despicable. Which makes my little writing-nerd heart all kinds of happy. 😀

Great reaction on this great version from VoicePlay!! Really enjoyed your analysis!!

As to beatboxing while carrying a simultaneous bass line, there is video footage of Geoff doing just that from years ago when he worked at Universal (I believe). You can find it on one of the fan YT posts. Regarding the Layne bass line: he did contribute to the bass early in the song, other than that it is Geoff, as they usually record their harmonies and then any leads and any double tracks. For the record, J., Layne, and Eli can also reach the bass register and Eli has taken the bass line in areas of their live performances when it's called for. Im not sure how low Cesar can go, but he has a high falsetto with some power behind it. You can hear it in "Dream On". Geoff hates the lyrical message of this song so it took a lot of work on Layne's part to get this done. And we all thank him.😂 Great R&A, as always and I'm looking forward to your conversation with Layne.

At the point where you mentioned Geoff sounding like he was doing a Catholic Mass, he was doing the traditional sign for a blessing lol (on ‘God have mercy on her’)

One time J None did the bass when they did ACA Top 10 Disney Villain's or Hero's or Sidekick's I am not sure which one it was

I never would have guessed that Layne could have hit those notes. So I assumed it was a Geoff overlay. Thats why I love these reacts. Good job Layne lol

Loved Geoff in the lead and the really dow there in the end! Great job Guys and I think the theatrical sing is what sets Voice Play aside from any other a cappella group. It just might the their signature sound… but I love it!😊❤

I agree Hellfire isn't a song one usually goes for, but Voiceplay did such an amazing job that it's been buzzing around in my head for at least a week now. I think my favorite parts are when Geoff slipped into that deep bass on the "Tell me Maria", just had an amazing buzzy rumble, and Layne's "Burn it" was such a badass segue!

I've found that I learn more stuff by watching your reaction to voiceplay before I go watch their original, which is odd but it's fun! Also at 7:58 it could also be Geoff singing the Bassline and have Layne lip sync to it, just like they did in Moana Medley with Eli and the A1 Bassline.

I never knew how into voice analysis I would be until I randomly came across your (Dan Vasc) video. And truly, I’m not here to learn, I’m here to watch your pure enjoyment and passion for what sets your soul on fire. Thank you for doing what you do.

If I remember correctly Geoff stated that when he was learning to do the subs, everyone in the group was playing around in doing it. It may have been Layne with those subs, but I would not doubt the layering of Geoff's vocals.

YES. The first time I heard this performed by VoicePlay it sounded so passionate that it made me think it was a totally unsuitable song for a Disney film! Well done the guys for their interpretation! He is the nastiest creepiest of villains.

We learned that J None was transferred to the East Coast and is singing bass so maybe he is carrying some bass lines Just a thought

Finally! I have been waiting for this😊

I’m glad you caught Cesar’s guitar bit-F#5. I’m really curious what his full range is. Great reaction, as always, Peter!

I love this song, in my humble opinion this is the best Disney villain theme of all time. My VoicePlay boys never disappoint! ❤❤❤❤❤

Great reaction and analysis! J None has changed his work with the military and transferred to a different area. He will now be a bass in his group.. It will be interesting to see how they work him in as bass surprises.. I wonder if that questionably Lane note might have been J None?

Layne does the bass until “Burn it”, after that Geoff is multitracked. Thanks for this, I enjoyed it as always!

I discovered VoicePlay on your channel and I'm liking them more and more :)

Voiceplay always delivers. But with these kind of song they really take it to a new level

VP's work and the responses from the better reactors/analysts, yourself included, helped carry me through the worst of the pandemic years, so I know I'm biased--but yeah, even accounting for that, I agree they're the best a cappella group out there at this point. IIRC you once said even when they make choices that don't work for you, they're still *interesting* choices, and I think the willingness to take risks is a big part of their appeal. Once could make a loose analogy with The Beatles in their studio years, and for similar reasons--not having to focus on live performances and touring leaves more energy for the music (and in VP's case, visuals).

8:07: "Burn it!" This of course reminds me of SUGA saying "bultaoreune" in the BTS song "Fire". (Yeah, it's the same me who just posted a comment about Thomas Tallis.)

Something a lot of folks tend to forget: JNone can cover bass, too. That's his position in the Navy group he's in at the moment. Though a good bit of what we're hearing is Geoff double tracked it's entirely possible that some of what we hear is him, JNone.

Appreciation for VoicePlay will never stop. Listening/watching you is informative.

A villian's song for Halloween was perfect. It highlights the villian's disdain for eneryone but himself and how everyone else is at fault...including God! Four of the guys can sing bass when needed. However we dont know if Caesar can or not.

I have been waiting for you to do this one and love your analysis. Thank you!!!

Loved this arrangement and your analysis as always!

Been watching your videos for a while. I love your style of analysis in these videos and your unique understanding of the bass vocals that not many people have. Keep up the good work, you've earned yourself a sub 👏

Thanks for the analysis 😊

Thank you so much for this wonderful reaction and analysis.

Wonderful R&A, as always. Nice job on VoicePlay's part.

Thanks for your analysis! 😊

Great breakdown Peter! Loved it! Geoff has has cover of Jack's Lament out now from the nightmare before Christmas. I can't wait for you to hear this one. He went all out.

Your analysis always points out things I missed. Thanks Peter!

Thanks for your reaction, I always enjoy and appreciate your perspective and analysis.

I absolutely loved this arrangement of Hellfire. Your analysis always makes me appreciate it even more.

I have been waiting for you to react this. I learn so much from you for sure. That belt of Geoff’s was so satisfying to listen to. Through your analysis I learned so new terminology. Thank you so much. Your videos are so satisfying to watch. I often wait with bated breath to see when you react to Voiceplay music videos.

Love this song!

Another full of knowledge reaction from you brother! I guess we also have to start calling Layne a Bassboxer now!

Yaaasss! I've been waiting for your R&A for this one to drop. So good, as always. Also, THANK YOU for acknowledging Geoff's fry in the first verse. It fits the character so well as he's essentially lying to himself at first. The fry pulls that emotion of confliction.

I have been WAITING FOR THIS!!! Absolutely knew those subs from Geoff were going to call for vipers. 😁😁 What a brilliant song, and love your commentary for it as well. Definitely psyched to see the interview with Layne - I loved your one with Geoff!

Amazing video again. I find it funny that whenever its quiet, you and hear in the background someone singing

Another great reaction & analysis! Can't wait for the Layne interview, you always ask the right questions.

💙🩵💙🩵 How did I miss you did this one!!😱😱 Better late than never I guess!!🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Been waiting for your reaction! Looking forward to the Layne interview. That's exciting!!

Very insightful analysis with a lof of information to digest for the viewer. Loved it. Have subscribed.

Have you done This is Halloween from them yet? Man these guys are lifting their game every single time!

Thank you for the reaction and analysis. Yes I definitely learned things.😊

I always enjoy your R&A's because of how you experoment with the beatboxing and show us how the low notes sound live. I agree that they did an excellent arrangement and it's still not my favorite song that I'm going to put on repeat on a playlist. Also, just a funny side note. Several of us that saw your interview with Geoff still tease him about how you called him out about being a bass not a tenor. Great reaction as always! ✌️❤️🔥

22:38: Peter, I love the glasses for the subharmonics! So cool.

Thank you for the wonderful reaction (& analysis). Interesting, I have always loved Hellfire. It is a special song for me, not sure why. Maybe just love it more because how it fits into the story and paints that awesome, terrifying villain.

Ha ha! I was just asking myself where your glasses were at 10:00 and then at 10:35, you looked around for them. I really enjoy watching your videos because you talk about what it takes to make the incredible bass sounds Geoff can hit. You also talk about the other guys and their amazing talent, as well, which is great because I think each of them is important to the overall sound of Voice Play.

Always enjoy when the Vipers come out. Great reaction.

The song needed 2-3 repeats to grow on me, but now I love it. It’s really sinister 😈 From the videos, your analysis etc. I already knew that Layne does crazy amazing beatboxing (and singing etc.), but to learn that you can hum/sing and beatbox at the same time and then you showing that sooo casually (like “oh, let me try this… yes, that’s definitely how Layne did it…”) BLEW MY MIND 🤩🫠 I love your videos 🤗

Been waiting for you to get to this one! I actually found this to be an earworm, at night, trying to fall asleep, but not as comforting as Jeff ear worms usually are.

As always, interesting details from you, thank you. Voiceplay are so incredibly good that you have to honor them!! Next up is definitely...Geoff Castellucci's 'Jack's Lament'!!! 🤩👍👍🫶🫶

GAHHH I'm picking up on so much more this time around with your analysis. I listened to this a couple times on my own right when it came out, and somehow I didn't pick up on Geoff's moving bass line, or Cesar's freaking guitar riff XD Thank you for your insight and explanations. Jaw. Dropping. XD Hugs and love from California!

It's so cool that Peter Hollens is one of your patrons! He does a really good version of this too, but my favorite is his "Be Prepared."

Great reaction, and "Hello, loading circle" 2:40 made me laugh as hell

I know most people focus on Geoff for his incredible bass, but Eli so often hits some amazing notes, and goes unregarded cause he blends.

I just totally love this version. Peter Hollens did another rendition a couple years ago. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it!

Thank you for this video🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 this video was the one I recommended and I don’t know if you knew this but Mea Culpa is Latin for My Fault and Maxia Mea Culpa means My great Fault

I can't decide what is more impressive and crazy... Geoff's range or how easily he can switch from one extreme to the other.

You liked Jeff's spoken interlude, i wondered if you have listened to some of his recitations on his channel? He's performed several poems and stories.

God have mercy on her/on me sounds absolutely freaking amazing

Another reactor bites the dust lol...there's nothing VoicePlay can't do. They are that good

Geoff recently released his version of Jack's Lament from Nightmare Before Christmas. It's awesome and you'd really enjoy it! Try that one too! I'll be watching for it soon! Thank you for your great reaction! ❤🎉

Great reaction and analysis, thank you Peter! Very much looking forward to your interview with Layne. Also hearing you mention "How Far I'll Go" from Moana makes me kind of want to hear you do that song, just putting it out there 😃❤

So you've talked to Geoff, and now Layne...how much longer until we see you as a guest in a Voiceplay song? :p

Makes you wonder if the decision to have Geoff take the lead was influenced by Tomi's cover of Hellfire (which I love). Thanks for reacting to this...The one I'd like you to react is to Geoff's latest, Jack's Lament.

9:27 there’s plenty of bass techniques he could be doing, throat bass I don’t believe can go as low as G1 but he might be doing inhale singing. Or it might just be multitracked. Just to name two others, he could be doing: Subharmonics (a lot of beatboxers know subharmonic just because of the difference between true fold subs and false fold subs, which is throat bass) Vibration bass (basically an extension of throat bass) My best bet is inhale singing or just multitracked

It was really interesting seeing you demonstrate the beatboxing/singing at the same time - that seems crazy difficult to me, since I can't do either! Huldra Draco has a video on her channel of Geoff doing beatboxing, and also beatboxing while still singing the bass line. So we know Geoff can do that, and since he started Layne beatboxing, and Layne has the range down there to sing the bass line, he might very well be doing both - either that, or they just layered Geoff singing the base line as well as his solo. Down there, my hearing isn't good enough to be able to really tell who's actually singing.

J None has Bass capabilities too :) If you look you see J's chin dropped low, he'll do that to reach the bass notes.