"It's not very long, it's just under seven minutes" Yep, a classical composer.

"it's not let me settle into a groove, it's constantly changing meters" Matt Gartska: *laughs in 11/16*

"It's constantly changing" like my brain... dancing...

Did you know the band has a pet Parrot? Tosin and Javier taught it how to say, "Poly wants a rhythm"

I'm sure if you reached out to Tosin Abasi (the guy on the acoustic) he's have a chat with you about theory and why they choose what they do. He's not only a phenomenal player, but he's super interesting on his music theory concepts and depth. Would be great to see a deep conversation on the theory... as a creative myself (visual), it's not so much the what but the why... why are certain choices made types of things.

"That was a weird little section" "Welcome to AAL"

"My only complaint is that it wasn't twice as long" That's my complaint about every AAL tune! Nice breakdown. Liked and subbed!

I love seeing classical musicians reacting to their first taste of Animals As Leaders. Classical is already Prog in itself, but Animals As Leaders is a whole new level of mind-bending musical brilliance. The Brain Dance is a perfect first choice as well.

As others have already mentioned, the song is all over the place for a reason. The title is Brain Dance - it doesn't let you settle on any one thing, constantly moving into something else

i believe Tosin Abasi once said in an interview that they use their instruments to convey emotion, and when you hear those notes that seem very out of place it’s used to convey something like anxiety

Tosin is the absolute greatest emergence for the guitar of the last decade as far as I'm concerned.

If you want a longer piece, I highly recommend listening to their whole album "Weightless" from beginning to end continuously. That's an experience.

I saw the Generation Axe tour and Tosin Abasi was playing alongside the likes of Steve Vai, Ingwe Malmsteen, Zakk Wylde, and Nuno Bettencourt. Tosin made the biggest impression on me and wowed me the most. That really says something about how excellent he is.

Your interpretation is excellent. I really appreciate the technicality of your analysis. I would love to hear what you have to say about Plini's music!

4:41 was the section that sent me down a flamenco rabbit hole that I'm still in today. Discovering Paco de Lucia has been a massive influence on my music.

I like people talking in a musical languages.. Listen to this song a lot of times and it will sink into your heart❤️

Here are few choices for you: Pain of Salvation - Beyond the Pale Wintersun - Sons of Winter and Stars Ne Obliviscaris - And Flowers Plague the Kaleidoscope

CHON - "Bubble Dream" on Audio Tree live Young boys at the apex of talent

This is a fantastic performance, but in the studio version, the section when the drums come back in after the solo acoustic midsection is one of the greatest passages they've ever written. It's incredibly beautiful and almost inspirational.

I love how you break downs these works of music. I don't have the understanding of the vocabulary or music theory to fully understand what you're saying, but I love the depth. It really sets you apart from most typical "reaction" videos.

could there be a Snarky Puppy reaction coming up? hmm.. I feel like it's right up your alley

I'm immensely pleased to see and hear all the new musical talent out there.

Tosin has said since they dont use a singer they have to convey emotion through chord progression that where one note or chord seems off to create an uneasiness or anxious feel. Their thought process and raw skill is incredible

Thats the best part Doug.... Music that makes you unsure......unsure of what's actually going to happen next....

Wait until you hear their song "CAFO". It's a monster. Would love to see you analyze Polyphia, CHON, Plini and Intervals; they're similar to AAL. For something a little different, check out The Omnific, who run with two bassists and a drummer. For a real treat, Dance Gavin Dance sounds like the aforementioned bands but with two singers.

This is their greatest song in my opinion. Was great to see it live.

Loved your analysis of this mind-bending track! Getting a slight peek at the theory working within this song helped me appreciate it a whole lot more!

I like the woven web. Saw them live back in Chile and I still can't digest it.

Very cool! I would love if you did Sons of Winter and Stars with the band Wintersun it's epic, has some really cool arrangements and off the hook musicianship. Thanks for a great video.

Hell yea! Animals as leaders is so good. And some of their songs (ie brain dance) have elements that remind me of Tinariwen, psych, and jazz fusion in addition to the prog(ressing) metal they're known for... and it's so cool!

Animals as Leaders is just the top.. There's so much in the genre as a whole you'll enjoy!

this is one of my favorite recordings of all time. its just legendary!!

I liked the distortion. I think we're supposed to listen to it more than once :) - first time I hear them but so thankful for your analysis and bringing them up on your channel!!!

Awesome band, got to see them live about 3yrs back, incredible, was first time hearing them and knowing of them.

I love that you have actual critiques. I've seen a few reaction videos and they just love everything all the time. Makes it hard to value their opinion if everything is favorable. Really loving this channel as I'm trying to learn music theory.

the sections are like the conscious vs unconscious mind. or being awake (where things are always changing) vs dreaming (major key w/ neat voice leading meddling) and then waking again.

"They move too much" my only issue with AAL lol.

i love music and love when people like this have such a developed ear. I wish I understood music on this level.

Frankly this is the first time I've seen Tosin Abasi playing an acoustic in an Animals As Leaders performance. I'm used to seeing him play an eight string electric. After a long relationship with Ibanez, Tosin is now his very own guitar manufacturer: Abasi Concepts. Lately I have seen several guitarists using two guitars in a performance; one on a stand and the other on a guitar strap. Band-Maid's Kanami Tono starts "About Us" with an acoustic guitar on a stand and then steps back from it to switch to her electric.

Animals as Leader are the top!

AAL are so incredible. Again, I really think you would love The Dear Hunter, wonderful prog music with lots of classical instrumentation and rarely fits into a genre lol.

What a great guy, AAL is one of my favorite bands and I really enjoyed to revisit the band through his eyes/ears. Well done!

keep in mind that they use 8 string and 7 string guitars with drop tunings also (this is where the low B is coming from) 😊 ... nice review... keep checking out other tracks for them 🤘

Scale the Summit is another great band. They're instrumental only, like Animals as Leaders, but their style is a bit different. Totally worth a listen since you really dig Animals as Leaders.

Glad you enjoyed them!!

Nice to come across reactors who can offer a valuable input and not just watch the video with us 🤦 Loved your explanation of theory and appreciation for their music. I'm subbing to hear more of your thoughts!

I really think this is the best song they've ever written! That being said, I agree that in this live version of the song, Javier has too much distortion on his guitar. The album version sounds much better!

React to Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence from Dream Theater, it's amazing. Greetings from México!

On impulse is a great song, I think that'd be a cool one to analyze. One of the first songs I heard from animals as leaders, still one of my favorites to this day

yes!! so glad you picked this song

The 8 and the 6 string together are really cool it’s amazing to see them play with the difference in range.

4:22 "Cha ba la wah"

Ya. Animals as Leaders tends to have some songs that are purely technical exercises as music. They have a number of songs that are just pure flexing on their prowess. Some are much easier to get a groove on though. Like, I love The Woven Web for a groove.

Man, you should do And Plague Flowers the Caleidoscope from Ne Obliviscaris. Is an absolute masterpiece

What a great comment "I love watching pros at whatever they're a pro at". Stealing that.

So glad you finally got to them! Please do more Animals as Leaders! I really appreciate your analysis. Try to dissect their (poly)rhythms more. You should do a breakdown of Tempting Time next.

"Extremophile Elite" by Between the Buried and Me!! Theres a tiny little wind section in the middle that I love. You'd like it too 🙂

Thanks for this. Your insight adds to my enjoyment of this band. Subbed!

When you paused the 1st time and hit me with the theory I was in at that point .. Ive never seen/heard someone deconstruct a section so deeply from 2 mins of listing .. Amazing .

The zenith passage is phenomenal

Hey Doug, new to your channel but I really enjoyed your analysis of this piece. AAL is one of my favorite bands ever. I'd love to hear more music theorizing about this band! They have a great catalog. I'd recommend a song, but they're all so good.

The drummer, Matt Garstka is in a project called GEM. There are a couple videos from Meinl (his cymbal company) of this project. I'd recommend "Vertigo".

Tip for listening to such music: Find the underlying rhythm(s) that is compatible with as many sections as possible, grove to it and enjoy the dynamics as your rhythm goes in and out of harmony with their rhythm.

I really appreciate your reaction videos while I'm quarantined! Keep up the good work! Have a nice day.

I‘d love to dig in deeper in the whole rhythmical concept… that’s what’s REALLY mindblowing!

"REALLY." hahaha that got me. great review.

yeah i'm also as equally amazed to how well they managed to fit a catchy djent part in the middle of the song

Doug, Not much of a KZfaq user, but definitely a fan of your videos! Opeth is my favorite band and I enjoy watching your genuine reactions to their music. Watching your reaction to this song in particular reminded me of another favorite musician of mine, Yussef Dayes. I'd love to see you react to his drum-centric videos. Yussef Kamaal is a good place to start, with the song Caligraphy.

Love to hear the knowledge on music. Keep it up man!

Might possibly could be the best band on the planet. Def on another level from most. Been a fan of them since their first album.

Thank you for sharing. This is the first video of yours where I don't have a clue about the musicians.

I love to watch pros, watching pros and explaining just how pro it is 😊

Check out Fives by Guthrie Govan.

"huh" is a perfect comment to so many AAL riffs haha

Another amazing Symohony X track is When all is lost. That one is Epic! A must listen!!

Would love to see you react to Between the Buried and Me - Extremeophile Elite live in the studio

Nice video! I would like to see another AAL-based video as their technique and composition is just so interesting. Really enjoyed your take!

4:40 Javier thumping the sickest and tightest background ever.

There is no grooving to this, it’s Math Prog Jazz Fusion Rock lol. 🤣😂😅

AAL perfect early morning wake up tunes

Didn't know (probably heard) this exact song, but when I saw the name "Brain dance" by Animals As Leaders I knew that it will please you :) They are great band... I love songs Ectogenesis or The Woven Web. Both are a bit more agressive but the musicionship behind it is just awesome! And it's just f***** crazy that Tosin (the black guitarist) is playing all those fast and rythmical parts just with fingers.

Great band. I would recommend Air Chrysalis, colorful track with a beautiful melody. Para Mexer as a great jam with some groove sections. The Joy Of Motion is an even starting point for the band. Madness Of Many is more technical and experimental but a fun listen.

I'd love to hear a classical composers reaction to Polyphia

More groovy songs from Animals as Leaders are "CAFO" or "Wave of Babies". Excellent reaction and analysis, I'd love to see more!

I'm surprised he didn't make any comment about the 8 string LTD that Javier Reyes is playing. The blue guitar that Tosin Abasi is playing is a nylon string electric.

If you want to check out another one of theirs, either do Physical Education or Woven Web next!

I think Beyond this Life (Live at Budokan) would be ideal too see on this channel.

I mean, just do what we do and listen to it again lol

I think the guitar is most likely using a piezo electric pickup which would be at the bridge of the guitar (the black bar holding the strings). It uses crystals to generate an electrical signal as apposed to magnets in traditional pickups. The piezo pickup helps give the guitar the more acoustic sound.

Very glad to see you doing some Instru-metal. AAL is one of the bands I listen to when working. Also recommended Russian Circles and Pelican.

listening to Opeth and animal as leader after listening to TOOL, literally made rabbit hole from TOOL just like a jokes

2 things about this review made me laugh. That a man as advanced as Dr. Helvering is just hearing of a band that has been around for 14 years, and that I watched this with a friend of mine who, despite owning 8 guitars, can only play the intro to Smoke On The Water. As we sat here and watched this his eyes kind of glazed over like what you would see in a 2nd grade student if you tried to explain advanced calculus to him. Yet here I sat, with only a BA in Music, understanding every word. To my friend's credit he only asked me to stop the video once to explain dissonance. (They way he grasped it was when I used "absent of harmony" to describe it.) After that he kind of just heard the teacher from Charlie Brown cartoons "Wah wah-wah wah wah wah". Despite having spent an hour with him twice trying to explain how moving from one fret to the next was the same as moving from one key on a keyboard to the key immediately left or right with no consideration of black and white and sending him home with homework to learn where every E is, every F, etc... he came back with more questions than answers, making me understand that he is tone deaf to where he can't match an E to an E. So he doesn't have enough of "the music gene" to try and teach him. But I have subscribed to this channel as I enjoy critical analysis from someone at this level.

Hard to top! Tosin and his companions are in beast mode all the time!

I am 'satie'sfied with what I've listened to. This is kind of a 'harmonic textures' instead of explicit, linear melodies. Nice, fresh (what they do is not a recent thing or a breakthrough, but fresh as in style+sound). Digworthy 😊

Matt garstka AAL drummer said your last bit about loving watching pros do their craft almost word for word in an interview I heard with him, it's so true

7:04 onwards is my favorite part of this reaction hahaha this is so cool

"sounds like the bassist" with 8 guitar strings, who needs a bassist? JK, the ability to hear which chord it is and how it's modulated is fucking incredible

This is my favorite all song ehe

Oh yes sir... they are the GODS OF ODD TIME SIGNATURES!!!

This is my favourite 🍄 band 😁