And with you one of the best guitar shredders of her generation. The Gap, always. The lead guitarist is a delicate and highly polite woman with an Economics degree who could play alongside Angus Young or Jimmy Hendrix without missing a note. The main singer is overwhelmed if she has to attend to more than four or five friends, and in return she can mesmerize ten thousand people with a gesture. The drummer is notoriously unable to multiply 4x4... while she is able to create and play smiling the most original and intricate drum patterns in Music History. The bassist is an introverted and shy woman, who has to take a bourbon shot before going out to play, and in return she drives fans crazy playing brightly her black bass barefoot and wearing fancy stockings. And finally, a woman who failed in the idol scene of Japan who, while deceives you with a cute pose saying she is a pigeon, she puts together the biggest concentration of talent in the world and tenaciously manages a fierce determination to dominate the world. Who can resist?
Add to that the fact that Miku, who writes the lyrics (which, if you've ever looked up the English translations are pure poetry), had the good sense and lack of ego to step back from being lead singer when she realized that they needed someone with more power in their voice (not that Miku has a bad voice, mind you - but Saiki...wow).
What's even more amazing to me, is that Miku was able to gather these fantastic musicians on the first try. Miku has never had to have the "sorry, your just not the right fit" talk.
Gary Holloway, they are the biggest rock band in the world, our family is worldwide brother! As far as I’m concern, you, me, and everyone here makes that world
Only took me 40 years to find my favourite band, there will be no surpassing band maid, all the rock greats i love so much bow down and honour these amazing women. 🤟🤟
I'm an old freeze-dried hippie guitarist. I've played 45+ years. I've played metal to top 40 to blues. I've seen Zeppelin, Floyd, Stones everybody... I stumbled across these ladies three years ago. After my initial WTF moment, they continue to amaze me. My Western preconceptions soon melted away and Band Maid has caused me to fall down the rabbit hole of Japanese Rock. I know they've played here and in Europe. I hope when This Covid thing settles down They will visit again maybe as part of an Oz fest kinda show where America fans and bands can see them. This is one of the most talented, skilled and entertaining bands I've ever seen. Plus they're serious eye candy. Take it easy
Agree, it is breathtakingly beautiful. There's a fan version of the full song with English lyrics that helps with the vibe of the original - ua-cam.com/video/aT3N4EAh_bM/v-deo.html
Kanami has so much talent and an absolutely fantastic understanding of guitar theory. And Saiki is just flatout one of the best vocalists ever, can never enough praise for either of them.
I have the same feeling about them. I was never a person to listen to the same song twice except on very rare occasions my whole life, not because I didn't like the music but I just never had interest. Then I found Band-Maid and they just fit with me perfectly. It's like they play what I want to hear before I even knew I wanted to hear it and I never get tired of hearing it again. It's kind of an inexplicable feeling.
That is what makes you a fellow Maidiac. It is like a frequency that only some can even hear let alone have it affect one at such a visceral level. Band-Maid Nation. Citizenship available for any and all of good will. Sacramento loves Band-Maid.
Kanami used to be a solo singer songwriter before joining Band-Maid that's why she do also has an amazing soft voice. Edit: IMO, the princess Kanami is the most talented among the 5 of them, musically wise.
MISA isn't far behind, she is the only one who doesn't play to a click track. She just feels/knows what to do, & writes all of the bass licks. She has perfect pitch according to the rest of the band.
Akane isn't far behind, in fact she might be as talented as Kanami, she just uses a different instrument, her drum skills are insane imo and make up most of what makes a lot of Band-maid songs special. Kanami's songwriting, composing and producing skills are insane. MISA's bass is just awesome, the way she incorporate it into the songs and just her skill are very very good and quite unusual for a band like this where you would expect the drums and guitar to be the most prominent in their songs but here the bass is actually a big part of them and it always sounds good. Saiki is a great singer, singing that much songs in their live performances without loosing quality is insane. Miku is just a genius for making such a band, and she a good song writer, her choruses are always catchy, although I don't understand a lot of her lyrics since it gets most of the time lost in translation, and props for her for knowing her weaknesses as a hard rock singer and recruiting Saiki (Miku singing is very good though, she just doesn't have the same voice tone as Saiki) and for learning rythm guitar along the way. Overall the whole band is great, hard to compare their talend, but I agree that Kanami plays a huuge role in the band.
@@lordvorador5735 The more interviews I read and learn about MISA the more impressed I become. They way she creates is really unique and, in my opinion, she has a lot more compositional talent than people give her credit for. Her intro solo to Alone during the recent live stream was a work of art. I hope she continues to experiment and push her creative boundaries. Truly a world-class talent.
@@lordvorador5735 And Kanami trusts her completely. MISA is allowed to do whatever she wants because, as Kanami says “she always does exactly the right thing”.
This band just floors me every time. I discovered them a few months ago. I kept seeing their videos pop up on my UA-cam and I just didn’t give them a chance because of my stupidity. But I finally checked out the video to Dice and I was instantly hooked. I bought their albums on iTunes then I purchased their CDs as well to support them. Amazing band
I wasn't the only one that bought the albums on iTunes and then decided that I also had to have a physical copy too even if it meant paying for the same thing twice then? :-)
When you read the lyrics for Puzzle you will see why this beautiful song is so heart wrenching!!!! Miku's lyrics are the perfect compliment for Kanami's amazing music. When you said “Nice to meet you.”, It’s like hearing a puzzle piece fell into place. Although I certainly don’t remember but that’s fine with me. You’ve given my light a place, Amidst the melancholic darkness. Don’t ever lose that innocent smile, Even if my love will render futile. I don’t mind how you prioritize me. Hey…those are just lies. I can’t see nor know, All I feel is pain. But I long for the truth, So I can’t just resist it. Just for the meantime, Go and get encroached. There’s no stopping once I voice out Knowing that, you embraced her. It won’t hurt for you two to go outside. That’s only my wish. Like sweetly melting candy, Someday you’ll disappear, too. Your sneaky stare and scent will only remain. but that’s fine with me. On this lonesome night, I wonder where are you and what’re you doing? The harder I think about it, the more I can’t sleep. I can’t say that’s selfish, Since such a good girl is waiting for you. The answer should obvious by now. I can’t do it or even say it, Actually I know That holding isn’t permitted. But you softly touched me With your finger, no doubt about it. I felt love along with it, So don’t do things like apologize. Do enchant me and I will avert my eyes. I’m addicted to this incurable wound as it deepens more. I’m still falling for you. Useless lighters, The lined up glasses, The new clothes, Don’t cry, those are your remnants. I can’t see the end to it, All I want is to dream of you. Will I ever wake up? Don’t cry, let me believe in them. I can’t see nor know, All I feel is pain. But I long for the truth, So I can’t just resist it. Just for the meantime, Go and get encroached. There’s no stopping once I voice out Knowing that, you embraced her. It won’t hurt for you two to go outside. That’s only my wish. The puzzle is crumbling, It’s like the memories won’t go away. My eyes are still closed. I’m still falling for you.
If you are thinking Kanami is too talented (she's also great on the piano, as well as writing all of the Band's songs now) I do remember reading an interview stating that it's just as well Miku can write the lyrics, as Kanami's were meant to be "a bit weird". It is a shame that the original youtube clips of her as a singer/songwriter (which is how Miku discovered her) are gone, as they would be interesting to see.
I don't even try to hide it. It is public knowledge that these women make me cry tears of joy because I had been waiting forever to hear the sound they make together. They do what I could not.
Im glad you got to experience this side of theirs. Now you also need to do "Anemone" (the song they played right after this one), its as good if not even better! Another great showcase of Saiki's vocals apart from Wonderland that you already did its "I Cant Live Without You" LIVE, they really push Saiki's vocals on that one.
The acoustic version of Anemone was played right before this. It was also stunning. BTW Kanami was a singer/songwriter before she joined the band. She has a nice voice as well (and live sometimes adds background vocals as well. Most notably in "Rock in Me" which features Miku singing lead while Saiki takes a break), but the timbre of her voice is very soft, so it's not really well suited to being featured heavily in this genre of music. What I love about this version is that it has a very jazzy, lounge feel. Like something you'd be listening to sipping a martini in a Vegas lounge.
Kanami is the gift that keeps giving. Pre Band Maid she was singer/songwriter, and while obviously able to shred and rock, it's pretty clear she's also the "romantic soul", very exposed and vulnerable when she's not blazing away with her ax. Misa brought me into Band Maid. Akane kept me. But Kanami is the multi layered beating heart of everything they do.
Band-Maid has given the acoustic treatment to at least five songs: Daydreaming, Puzzle, Anemone, Yolo and Awkward. Musical taste and preferences will always be opinion driven but if there is a better rock band anywhere on this planet they either have zero potential for any sort of "world domination" because they are too niche driven or they simply do not exist. Consider if you rated every member of Band-Maid at the ten they so richly deserve the total rating is not 50. It is more like 100. The total of Band-Maid far exceeds the sum of its parts. Sacramento loves Band-Maid.
I've just spent the last hour looking and can't find it. I think it was some of their self shot stuff back when this quarantine first started, but those videos I think have taken down.
@@RLB9844 Shame, but thanks for trying. I've seen Akane providing back up vocals in an old fan cam video and Misa said she tried singing in her pre-Band Maid days! They like to surprise us so maybe one day a whole band a cappella song?
The band of dreams...yes! Legend has it... When Miku was working at the maid cafe...she heard a voice...a voice that said "If you build it..... they will come po"
Kanami is actually an amazing singer. She says she finds it hard to sing and play though. Shes the third vocal on many songs and also has an acoustic gig with Akane called Rice Cakes and Cheese...fits Akane well I think. Kanami was also classically trained on the piano from a very young age and at the moment MISA is teaching her bass. And she does most of the composing for Band-Maid while Miku heads up the lyrics.
Mochi to Cheese hasn't released anything in a very long time. I don't know if any of the members have specifically mentioned it, but I strongly doubt Kanami or Akane have done anything with them since Band-Maid started getting some success following the release of "Thrill" and their second mini-album.
The single Ame Hare. / Anata to. is the only release they have back in 2015. As a side note, the two songs on the single are the first published songs where Kanami is credited for the arrangement.
@@curtisi4403 haha I know. She always says that. Every time I see them, they're just normal, humble, quirky people and really good friends, who just so happen to be incredibly talented.
The banter between Puzzle and Anemone is great too and pretty funny. Kanami makes it quite clear if anyone didn't know, that she has a major girl crush on Saiki.
Pigeon wrote these lyrics, I can feel her pain. Saiki and Kanami are amazing, actually she and even Akane have a nice voice also. I love Band Maid - Freedom, Kanami was backing vocals. Tnx for the reaction and input...also the audience is polite because it's japan....hahaha
This is the band of my dreams as well! I have been listening and watching for over 8 months now! I am addicted to this band! My personal opinion is that this is the best band in many many years that has this huge amount of talent all rolled into one phenomenal group. Yes they should share it - they are doing a damn good job of doing that! Every song has been impressive - oozing talent like no other! Jimmy Page has even remarked on them - loves Akane Hirose drumming!
One of my favorite performances! Also it will probably mentioned but the music box intro is a preview of the other acoustic song “anemone” which they play after this
So much feeling and emotion in Saiki's voice. Kanami's accompaniment, vocals and guitar, fabulous. Wonderful acoustic version of an already excellent song. A very cool thing is the music box rendition of the song Anemone at the beginning. Kanami could not resist to write such a version as well.
I grew up with Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and was 13 when Van Halen erupted on the scene. I Began losing interest in current music as the early 90's grunge movement faded and have waited over 25 years for a band like this to emerge - never in my lifetime would I have imagined that 5 young Japanese ladies would revitalize Rock as I enjoy it, but here we are - I appreciate how you make technical notes throughout your reactions - their mid-song tempo/genre change ups are mind boggling and they throw in incredible riffs like confetti... still to come you have to check out Play (live), Blooming, Moratorium (my fave,not only for the sheer awesomeness, but also to witness how only this band could repeat the phrase "Don't Dilly-Dally" and make it sound hard AF :) ... and for something completely different - you've seen them go hard, soft, and acoustic - so check out "Rock in Me" if you wish to see Miku lead the band in full blown catchy bubblegum-pop mode.... last, I can't wait to see these ladies continue to experiment and expand their range- there are 2 classically trained pianists in the band - image the possibilities....
I have waited around 2o years to be this impressed by a band again. Floyd, YES. Zep, Sabbath, I would buy their music with out a secound tgought. Band Maid occupies the same space. PEACE
In 60 years of listening to bands of all sorts and genre I don't think I can remember a band that contains so much musical talent. Kanami is a trained classical pianist and was a singer/songwriter before Band Maid. She didn't write or play rock until 6 years ago and she may just be a true musical genius. In one sense she IS Band Maid but all the others are so multi talented they take her composed demos and together develop them into complex masterpieces.
Puzzle/Anemone is my favorite MV from Band-Maid, it’s different and it showcases the expressions of Saiki’s ability to make you love her even more! Kanami is so adorable when she is backing voice! Brother you just wait until you hear Anemone! Like I said Kanami is so adorable!
Kanami can sing like this on top of being an incredible guitar player as well as the composer of ALL BANDMAID SONGS! UNBELIEVABLE! She is an INCREDIBLE TALENT!
The other live video they dropped a couple weeks back (Cross) features Miku and Kanami both doing backing vocals. They don't do verse trade offs with Saiki, but both voices are there.
I know you've got to move on to other bands for a while after you do Thrill, but when you come back to Band-Maid, I HIGHLY recommend doing Band-Maid's Secret my lips, and then Secret maiko lips by Band-Maid's alter-ego Band-Maiko as maybe a double reaction video. I seriously do not understand why this song gets overlooked. It is essential Band-Maid. Both songs are on Band-Maid's channel.
YES!!! Secret My Lips is still my favorite Band Maid song although usually whatever Band Maid song I am listening to is also my favorite song.. Also, . Awkward and the album version of Anemone do not get enough attention . They are the most beautiful and amazing band on the planet and they have revived this 68 year old jaded former jazz, fusion, prog rock drummer's love for music, They are my new Beatles, they are that talented, creative and important
These ladies and this band are something very special. The music box intro is actually the next song Anemone they do in this 2 song acoustic set ! Band Maid, making rock and roll great again !
Great Reaction to a great striped down song. Regarding your question about Kanami doing back up vocals, she does al the vocal fillings in the outro of Moratorium, check that live, it is very notorious how Miku is doing her Pigtail head banging and Kanami is doing the back up melody
Great reaction and yes this is great acoustic version, the music box intro was probably put together by Kanami. I'd bet that when she was composing this song it started out like this version and Miku is just a genius lyricist.
Puzzle, live and acoustic. It's a heartbreaking song. - I swear Saiki almost cracks, but she just manages to bring it back from the brink. There's a little catch in her voice, and it gets me every time. TBH if she had broken down and cried at that point, I'm sure everyone in that hall would have put their arms around her and given her a hug. - So moving. So talented! Kanami smashed it too. :)
Another great reaction. You're spot on regarding Saiki's stage presence, if you compare her (as well as the rest of the band) to their early performances you can see how much they all have progressed as performers both as musicians and entertainers. Kanami began as a singer song writer and she also plays piano. Yes, favorite band.
They are so deep they will have to show us in small bite-size steps so we can digest it all. Your analysis is right on and you have a talent for expressing yourself. Can you imagine how deep their personalities are? Man, they would be great just to watch in their daily routines. They are unbelievable! All I can do is Marvel.
Kanami is doing such a good "job" there, Saiki got such a smooth voice too... It´s also a funny side-note: Kanami has a little crush on Saiki, there are several interviews to proof it. And she also said it a lot of times in videos etc.... That makes this "acoustic-duo" even more amazing in my opinion. With english subtitles f.e.: ua-cam.com/video/YzWETTu-4iE/v-deo.html
Crush you say? Kanami is on record as saying her two goals in life are to build a home studio and to marry Saiki. Saiki, who is alternatively flattered and mildly irritated by Kanami's unrequited love loves Kanami like a sister.
@@Slippy6582 It is from the interview where they sit at the counter in a small Japanese restaurant and are interviewed. I believe you can still find it on UA-cam. Very best regards.
Thrill will be an interesting one, as it's very early, like the bare bones of Band-Maid, where Miku's guitar was still almost an ornament, and they'd just taken the first step in a new musical direction.
Actually, before joining band maid kanami is a singer/songwriter. Also, if you interested, there is song with miku as the lead vocal. "Beauty and the best", "time", and "rock in me". You can also check out "freezer", i really love the chorus.
the members personalities: Introverted > Kanami, Misa, Saiki, Akane, Miku < Extroverted. This is one of the rare times you get to hear Kanami's beautiful voice
the only extrovert is Akane. the other 4 are introverts. Miku is completely different irl. She just has a "Kobato-mode"-button. She knows exactly what she is doing.
Miku revealed in an interview that BM as a group is very reserved and awkward around others so even in music festivals where they get to interact with other artists they often end up huddling together in a corner. She speaks about how they debate on if they should try talking to some but almost always eventually deciding on keeping to themselves 😅 Akane seems to be the only one who has a lot of friends and often introduces them to the members in such events. There’s a reason why Akane is considered the most ‘normal’ and was agreed upon as the leader. The rest of them are just an eccentric, goofy bunch but I feel that’s also what makes them stick closer and be more comfortable around each other.
surprisingly, MISA was on lead vocals in a band before BAND-MAID.. i can't imagine there are times in the live vids where you see Kanami doing backup on a chorus, but i've never been able to pick out her voice
Kanami was a singer/song writer before joining the band so she can really sing but she usually leaves it up to Miku since Miku syncs up better with Saiki's voice. I think Motorium Live from the Zepp Tokyo show Kanami does a little singing with Miku. Kanami can also play a bunch of other instruments too. If you find the Daydreaming Live from Zepp tokyo, she plays a piano solo to start the song. If I have time this weekend I'll upload a bunch of band maid videos if you want them. If you really want to see a REAL different side and style for band maid: you should watch their Secret my Lips MV (on their youtube webpage) then watch Band Maid's official rival band Band Maiko and their song Secret Maiko lips which is also on Band Maid's official youtube page. Trust me you will be truly amazed.
That's one thing you always seem to get with Japanese audiences.. respect. It makes watching live concerts a joy. As for Saiki, she seems to take her opportunities for putting emotions into her singing, and that really shines in the acoustic performances, where it's all stripped down. They did two back to back, Puzzle and Anemone.. both beautiful. I highly recommend sourcing these live concerts man.. If I remember rightly they're sourced on the Japanese Domination album, the CD/DVD single release of Start Over and the latest one from Feb '20, which I think is the first actual stand alone concert DVD.
Wow this was emotional. Shout out to Saiki for one of the best vocal performance I've heard in some time. And Kanami's voice... this must be what Angel's Hair gossamer sounds like.
One of the saddest songs that they perform. With the pain and emotion that Saiki delivers, you would swear that it all happened to her. Miku wrote the lyrics and I deeply hope that it wasn't from personal experience. I would hate to think that the sweet little creature ever felt such pain.
I wrote a long comment on your org Puzzle reaction video, so I'm not going to repeat myself here ;) the thing you said at 5:15 - you are actually pretty spot-on on this. most of the time Kanami does background vocals are "group chanting". You don't see her doing vocals on official live videos very often, but when they play their "normal" gigs, she does - plently of fan-cams shows that. But it's not like she goes crazy with it... she has an even softer singing voice than Miku, but she is lacking "range". Her speaking voice is soft too, unlike Mikus "normal" speaking voice. And it works perfectly here for Puzzle (and Anemone, which they performed right after). Miku has some solo-songs singing lead. In the beginning they were very dual-vocals with Saiki, and as Miku took more guitar playing parts and got better, she moved more and more into pure background vocals, leaving Saiki as the sole lead vocalist. The newest album doesn't even have a Miku solo-song ie. At the time of the first two EPs, with Miku/Saiki v-duo, Kanami and Akane did more background vocals (live esp.), something they don't do often these days. MISA never did in "Band-Maid" afaik, she did before, in her previous band. Keep in mind their previous songs were very pop-punkish... think "Scandal". They did a couple more acoustics with everyone, not just Saiki/Kanami, but the quality isn't on par (also production related), so do it sometimes in the future maybe... btw The Band has an inside joke going on, that Saikis biggest fan in the world is Kanami. I look forward to your videos of their older stuff, as the progress they made over the years is just baffling...
Saiki's voice can be as smooth as butter, but it hasn't always been that way. Before her surgery for vocal polyps in 2017, her voice was raspier. You can hear it in some early Band-Maid live videos. She talks all about it and many other subjects in this excellent translated interview: www.reddit.com/r/BandMaid/comments/cbf5p9/translated_saikis_interview_from_the_day_before/ P.S. Saiki's remarks about Kobato Miku in this interview were surprising to me. She really depends on her. It changed the way I viewed Miku at the time. These ladies seem to mesh so well together, which isn't always the case.
The ZEPP TOKYO show is completely amazing. 2 hours of EVERYTHING you want to see about Band-Maid. Furious songs, acoustic section, the unreleased instrumental ONSET, and one of my favorite moments. "The Miku song", Rock in Me.
I was at the Nagoya show on this tour about eight days earlier. And, like I say on all the reactions to this version, best part is getting to hear Kanami sing.
Just a few Band Maid suggestions. Video “YOLO “ has a lot of background Kanami lead work. Old school Band Maid from 2014 video “Don’t Let me Down” also video “Don’t You tell Me”
Thanks for giving them another listen. Agree with doing Thrill next - it's really the first song that got them on the radar of a lot of people, especially Americans on YT. Would recommend following that up with Blooming or Glory off their most recent album. Would give an interesting contrast between their early stuff (Producer driven, not written by Kanami) and what they are putting out currently with full control of the songwriting process.
Awesome reaction and I am with you in how you feel about the band. They are my go to band when I want to simply feel good or need to feel better. They are the perfect band for me. I am looking forward to more of your reactions.
For yet another view of them thats quite different I suggest their side project Band Maiko. They made a small album that changes some of their songs into traditional japanese songs, while still keep it rock. I suggest to react to the original Band Maiko song: Gion-cho. The music video is on their official Band Maid UA-cam Channel. :)
It was their first release on Revolver Records on April 3, 2019. Seven song mini album. Mini by Band-Maid's standards. Gion-cho is the only song written by the band solely for Band-Maiko. And it is not credited Kobato-Tono. It is listed as lyrics by Band-Maiko, music by Band-Maiko and arranged by Band-Maid. And kudos to you for realizing that Band-Maiko is indeed a side project of Band-Maid. Best regards.
Miku, in forming B-M, founded Kanami performing solo (singing/playing guitar) on the internet. Maybe as time goes on Kanami will be the singer of some songs - kinda like George Harrison of The Beatle.
If you watch some really old Bandmaid live videos, Saiki was actually a bit pitchy, she would struggle at times. I think she has worked really hard, totally confident singer, those struggles are a thing of the past.
Part of the problem was polyps on her vocal chords. She had an operation (2017?) and her voice has blossomed. She didn't used to be able to use her falsetto. Now she can produce the Wonderland performance.
definitely need a double shot next time of Anemone studio version (it's on their channel but no video), which is fantastic and a more traditional ballad unlike the original Puzzle, and then the acoustic version which they play right after Puzzle at this same show.
I'm with you! Band-Maid is only the second band I've ever called "my favorite!" The 1st was Van Halen when I was a teen. I enjoy Band-Maid's music more!
So glad to see you give Saiki the praise she so richly deserves. While everyone constantly praises the instrumentalists in the band, I think Saiki's huge vocal talent often gets overlooked a bit. I'm certain it's not because anyone underestimates her or doesn't realise she is so good, but more that there's so often so much else going on that people just simply forget to mention her.
So I'm guessing there have been others who've commented this, but in case there haven't... The toy-box intro? That was the intro that they "Cut out". They turned it into a music-box, which to me is absolutely Amazing, and goes with the rest of the song so well. But yeah, if you listen to the two, you'll catch the same notes/beats as the two go along. Juuust thought I'd share my two cents. Love the music, love the reaction, keep it up!
Miku found Kanami performing on the internet, in an interview she said she wanted to be in band as she would not have to sing. She composes on the piano that she has played since was 3 yo. She picked up the guitar in High School because she wanted to be cool. She plays a PRS as Carlos Santana is her Guitar Hero. Kanami has degrees in economics and marketing, apparently because her parents her wanted to a trade in case the music thing didn't work out!! Pretty good guitar player for an Economist, Huh.
Great reaction I always learn something new or pick up on something I never did before. I know everyone has said the next acoustic is Anemone from the same concert and it is awesome. But there are five more with the whole band from 2017. They did a tv show and played Thrill ,love passion matador , knockn on your hart, Forward and one other I think is Bye my tears but I mite be wrong on that one. The best part is they’re all still up just type acoustic after anyone of them and you’re good. This came out in the early days so maybe check them out. Been a subscriber since I found you keep up the great work. 😄
The hardest thing for a singer to do is detach enough from their emotional response to the song they're singing to maintain sufficient vocal control while allowing enough of an emotional response to enliven the lyric. I've seen pros succumb...It takes a lot of courage to flirt with the limits...
Definitely can't break the set, this and Anemone were played during the Zepp Tokyo Concert on April 13th, 2018, one right after the other, during a kind of intermission starting a little before the fifty minute mark (on the dvd). There's a short conversation with the audience in between but other than that these two songs were presented together. Not that Thrill isn't good, but it can wait in my opinion.
And with you one of the best guitar shredders of her generation.
The Gap, always.
The lead guitarist is a delicate and highly polite woman with an Economics degree who could play alongside Angus Young or Jimmy Hendrix without missing a note. The main singer is overwhelmed if she has to attend to more than four or five friends, and in return she can mesmerize ten thousand people with a gesture. The drummer is notoriously unable to multiply 4x4... while she is able to create and play smiling the most original and intricate drum patterns in Music History. The bassist is an introverted and shy woman, who has to take a bourbon shot before going out to play, and in return she drives fans crazy playing brightly her black bass barefoot and wearing fancy stockings. And finally, a woman who failed in the idol scene of Japan who, while deceives you with a cute pose saying she is a pigeon, she puts together the biggest concentration of talent in the world and tenaciously manages a fierce determination to dominate the world. Who can resist?
Add to that the fact that Miku, who writes the lyrics (which, if you've ever looked up the English translations are pure poetry), had the good sense and lack of ego to step back from being lead singer when she realized that they needed someone with more power in their voice (not that Miku has a bad voice, mind you - but Saiki...wow).
What's even more amazing to me, is that Miku was able to gather these fantastic musicians on the first try. Miku has never had to have the "sorry, your just not the right fit" talk.
The only puzzle i can't solve is " Why aren't BAND-MAID the biggest rock band in the world when they're already the best".
Because there are stupid people on the planet.
@@kent-oveprestberg3578 And your excellent comment proves there are clever people too.
so incredibly good but unfortunately much too unknown, which is a shame
because the damned sheep only listen to auto-tuned bullshit that the radios play, or mumble (c)rap.
Gary Holloway, they are the biggest rock band in the world, our family is worldwide brother! As far as I’m concern, you, me, and everyone here makes that world
Only took me 40 years to find my favourite band, there will be no surpassing band maid, all the rock greats i love so much bow down and honour these amazing women. 🤟🤟
Agree, it took 38 years for me, but we did it
Saiki's voice sounds like she's just on the edge of angry tears, while Kanami sounds like a soothing angel. Such a wonderful combination.
I'm an old freeze-dried hippie guitarist. I've played 45+ years. I've played metal to top 40 to blues. I've seen Zeppelin, Floyd, Stones everybody... I stumbled across these ladies three years ago. After my initial WTF moment, they continue to amaze me. My Western preconceptions soon melted away and Band Maid has caused me to fall down the rabbit hole of Japanese Rock.
I know they've played here and in Europe. I hope when This Covid thing settles down They will visit again maybe as part of an Oz fest kinda show where America fans and bands can see them. This is one of the most talented, skilled and entertaining bands I've ever seen. Plus they're serious eye candy. Take it easy
Well, now that you heard this acoustic version, the "Anemone" acoustic version should be next! That one got me in tears dude!
Agree, it is breathtakingly beautiful. There's a fan version of the full song with English lyrics that helps with the vibe of the original - ua-cam.com/video/aT3N4EAh_bM/v-deo.html
Agree!!
Anemone acoustic is a must. The chemistry between Kanami and Saiki on that live version is 👌
@@internetjesus Jesus has spoken, Amen!
Do not overlook the album version of Anemone! PURE MAGIC ua-cam.com/video/aT3N4EAh_bM/v-deo.html
Kanami has so much talent and an absolutely fantastic understanding of guitar theory.
And Saiki is just flatout one of the best vocalists ever, can never enough praise for either of them.
I have the same feeling about them. I was never a person to listen to the same song twice except on very rare occasions my whole life, not because I didn't like the music but I just never had interest. Then I found Band-Maid and they just fit with me perfectly. It's like they play what I want to hear before I even knew I wanted to hear it and I never get tired of hearing it again. It's kind of an inexplicable feeling.
That is what makes you a fellow Maidiac. It is like a frequency that only some can even hear let alone have it affect one at such a visceral level. Band-Maid Nation. Citizenship available for any and all of good will. Sacramento loves Band-Maid.
Kanami used to be a solo singer songwriter before joining Band-Maid that's why she do also has an amazing soft voice.
Edit: IMO, the princess Kanami is the most talented among the 5 of them, musically wise.
MISA isn't far behind, she is the only one who doesn't play to a click track. She just feels/knows what to do, & writes all of the bass licks. She has perfect pitch according to the rest of the band.
Akane isn't far behind, in fact she might be as talented as Kanami, she just uses a different instrument, her drum skills are insane imo and make up most of what makes a lot of Band-maid songs special.
Kanami's songwriting, composing and producing skills are insane.
MISA's bass is just awesome, the way she incorporate it into the songs and just her skill are very very good and quite unusual for a band like this where you would expect the drums and guitar to be the most prominent in their songs but here the bass is actually a big part of them and it always sounds good.
Saiki is a great singer, singing that much songs in their live performances without loosing quality is insane.
Miku is just a genius for making such a band, and she a good song writer, her choruses are always catchy, although I don't understand a lot of her lyrics since it gets most of the time lost in translation, and props for her for knowing her weaknesses as a hard rock singer and recruiting Saiki (Miku singing is very good though, she just doesn't have the same voice tone as Saiki) and for learning rythm guitar along the way.
Overall the whole band is great, hard to compare their talend, but I agree that Kanami plays a huuge role in the band.
@@lordvorador5735 The more interviews I read and learn about MISA the more impressed I become. They way she creates is really unique and, in my opinion, she has a lot more compositional talent than people give her credit for. Her intro solo to Alone during the recent live stream was a work of art. I hope she continues to experiment and push her creative boundaries. Truly a world-class talent.
@@lordvorador5735
And Kanami trusts her completely.
MISA is allowed to do whatever she wants because, as Kanami says “she always does exactly the right thing”.
@@powbobs That is true. Kanami let's MISA do whatever she wants.
This band just floors me every time. I discovered them a few months ago. I kept seeing their videos pop up on my UA-cam and I just didn’t give them a chance because of my stupidity. But I finally checked out the video to Dice and I was instantly hooked. I bought their albums on iTunes then I purchased their CDs as well to support them. Amazing band
I wasn't the only one that bought the albums on iTunes and then decided that I also had to have a physical copy too even if it meant paying for the same thing twice then? :-)
Stups99 My Friend, I don’t know of a band that is more talented than BANDMAID? UNBELIEVABLE!
I too bought the CDs to support the band.
Their music video"Endless Story" shows another side of our Maids of Thunder!
When you read the lyrics for Puzzle you will see why this beautiful song is so heart wrenching!!!! Miku's lyrics are the perfect compliment for Kanami's amazing music.
When you said “Nice to meet you.”,
It’s like hearing a puzzle piece fell into place.
Although I certainly don’t remember
but that’s fine with me.
You’ve given my light a place,
Amidst the melancholic darkness.
Don’t ever lose that innocent smile,
Even if my love will render futile.
I don’t mind how you prioritize me.
Hey…those are just lies.
I can’t see nor know,
All I feel is pain.
But I long for the truth,
So I can’t just resist it.
Just for the meantime,
Go and get encroached.
There’s no stopping once I voice out
Knowing that, you embraced her.
It won’t hurt for you two to go outside.
That’s only my wish.
Like sweetly melting candy,
Someday you’ll disappear, too.
Your sneaky stare and scent will only remain.
but that’s fine with me.
On this lonesome night,
I wonder where are you and what’re you doing?
The harder I think about it, the more I can’t sleep.
I can’t say that’s selfish,
Since such a good girl is waiting for you.
The answer should obvious by now.
I can’t do it or even say it,
Actually I know
That holding isn’t permitted.
But you softly touched me
With your finger, no doubt about it.
I felt love along with it,
So don’t do things like apologize.
Do enchant me and I will avert my eyes.
I’m addicted to this incurable wound as it deepens more.
I’m still falling for you.
Useless lighters,
The lined up glasses,
The new clothes,
Don’t cry, those are your remnants.
I can’t see the end to it,
All I want is to dream of you.
Will I ever wake up?
Don’t cry, let me believe in them.
I can’t see nor know,
All I feel is pain.
But I long for the truth,
So I can’t just resist it.
Just for the meantime,
Go and get encroached.
There’s no stopping once I voice out
Knowing that, you embraced her.
It won’t hurt for you two to go outside.
That’s only my wish.
The puzzle is crumbling,
It’s like the memories won’t go away.
My eyes are still closed.
I’m still falling for you.
If you are thinking Kanami is too talented (she's also great on the piano, as well as writing all of the Band's songs now) I do remember reading an interview stating that it's just as well Miku can write the lyrics, as Kanami's were meant to be "a bit weird". It is a shame that the original youtube clips of her as a singer/songwriter (which is how Miku discovered her) are gone, as they would be interesting to see.
I don't even try to hide it. It is public knowledge that these women make me cry tears of joy because I had been waiting forever to hear the sound they make together. They do what I could not.
Im glad you got to experience this side of theirs. Now you also need to do "Anemone" (the song they played right after this one), its as good if not even better!
Another great showcase of Saiki's vocals apart from Wonderland that you already did its "I Cant Live Without You" LIVE, they really push Saiki's vocals on that one.
This just proves how a simple song can become a full band electrified monster!
The acoustic version of Anemone was played right before this. It was also stunning. BTW Kanami was a singer/songwriter before she joined the band. She has a nice voice as well (and live sometimes adds background vocals as well. Most notably in "Rock in Me" which features Miku singing lead while Saiki takes a break), but the timbre of her voice is very soft, so it's not really well suited to being featured heavily in this genre of music. What I love about this version is that it has a very jazzy, lounge feel. Like something you'd be listening to sipping a martini in a Vegas lounge.
*After Puzzle, not before...
@@MatiiGalarza Thank you for that correction. I know they were played back to back, I just don't remember in what order.
I know i'm repeating myself but,... Kanami is my Queen
so as Puzzle is the best! Also Yuragu is great.
But my favorite song will always be the last i heard
@@bastiknolle5155 OIH OH another Yuragu fan excellent
No, she is mine.
@@puffdadico6063 you can still dream guys but there's only one person in kanami's heart
Kanami is the gift that keeps giving. Pre Band Maid she was singer/songwriter, and while obviously able to shred and rock, it's pretty clear she's also the "romantic soul", very exposed and vulnerable when she's not blazing away with her ax.
Misa brought me into Band Maid. Akane kept me. But Kanami is the multi layered beating heart of everything they do.
You gotta check out Anemone Acoustic now. They play it after this one and Saiki's shell does crack a bit towards the end.
The whole acoustic segment from the Zepp Tokyo show was amazing. I just wish the band would make that show available again.
@@jamie4993 Right?
Band-Maid has given the acoustic treatment to at least five songs: Daydreaming, Puzzle, Anemone, Yolo and Awkward. Musical taste and preferences will always be opinion driven but if there is a better rock band anywhere on this planet they either have zero potential for any sort of "world domination" because they are too niche driven or they simply do not exist. Consider if you rated every member of Band-Maid at the ten they so richly deserve the total rating is not 50. It is more like 100. The total of Band-Maid far exceeds the sum of its parts. Sacramento loves Band-Maid.
@@threemonkeysk on UA-cam. Just Kanami and Saiki.
There was a video floating around YT of Kanami playing and singing. She has a beautiful voice. Her level of overall talent is just amazing.
I'd like to see that. Can you tell us where to find it?
I've just spent the last hour looking and can't find it. I think it was some of their self shot stuff back when this quarantine first started, but those videos I think have taken down.
@@RLB9844 Shame, but thanks for trying. I've seen Akane providing back up vocals in an old fan cam video and Misa said she tried singing in her pre-Band Maid days! They like to surprise us so maybe one day a whole band a cappella song?
Kanami is a musical genius. Staggering talent
The band of dreams...yes! Legend has it... When Miku was working at the maid cafe...she heard a voice...a voice that said "If you build it..... they will come po"
Kanami is actually an amazing singer. She says she finds it hard to sing and play though. Shes the third vocal on many songs and also has an acoustic gig with Akane called Rice Cakes and Cheese...fits Akane well I think. Kanami was also classically trained on the piano from a very young age and at the moment MISA is teaching her bass. And she does most of the composing for Band-Maid while Miku heads up the lyrics.
Mochi to Cheese hasn't released anything in a very long time. I don't know if any of the members have specifically mentioned it, but I strongly doubt Kanami or Akane have done anything with them since Band-Maid started getting some success following the release of "Thrill" and their second mini-album.
@@Doug_Hannon yeah I've looked for anything on UA-cam and cant find anything
The single Ame Hare. / Anata to. is the only release they have back in 2015. As a side note, the two songs on the single are the first published songs where Kanami is credited for the arrangement.
Kanami is so humble saying "I will try my best". Besides her music, there's so much to like about her.
@@curtisi4403 haha I know. She always says that. Every time I see them, they're just normal, humble, quirky people and really good friends, who just so happen to be incredibly talented.
The banter between Puzzle and Anemone is great too and pretty funny. Kanami makes it quite clear if anyone didn't know, that she has a major girl crush on Saiki.
She also mentions how they suffered and sacrificed to stay together.
@@powbobs their friendship shows in their performances.
Pigeon wrote these lyrics, I can feel her pain. Saiki and Kanami are amazing, actually she and even Akane have a nice voice also. I love Band Maid - Freedom, Kanami was backing vocals. Tnx for the reaction and input...also the audience is polite because it's japan....hahaha
This is the band of my dreams as well! I have been listening and watching for over 8 months now! I am addicted to this band!
My personal opinion is that this is the best band in many many years that has this huge amount of talent all rolled into one phenomenal group.
Yes they should share it - they are doing a damn good job of doing that!
Every song has been impressive - oozing talent like no other!
Jimmy Page has even remarked on them - loves Akane Hirose drumming!
You get on the internet to find a guitarrist for your band and you end up finding Mincho. Damn Miku, you lucky girl.
One of my favorite performances! Also it will probably mentioned but the music box intro is a preview of the other acoustic song “anemone” which they play after this
So much feeling and emotion in Saiki's voice. Kanami's accompaniment, vocals and guitar, fabulous. Wonderful acoustic version of an already excellent song.
A very cool thing is the music box rendition of the song Anemone at the beginning. Kanami could not resist to write such a version as well.
I grew up with Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and was 13 when Van Halen erupted on the scene. I Began losing interest in current music as the early 90's grunge movement faded and have waited over 25 years for a band like this to emerge - never in my lifetime would I have imagined that 5 young Japanese ladies would revitalize Rock as I enjoy it, but here we are - I appreciate how you make technical notes throughout your reactions - their mid-song tempo/genre change ups are mind boggling and they throw in incredible riffs like confetti... still to come you have to check out Play (live), Blooming, Moratorium (my fave,not only for the sheer awesomeness, but also to witness how only this band could repeat the phrase "Don't Dilly-Dally" and make it sound hard AF :) ... and for something completely different - you've seen them go hard, soft, and acoustic - so check out "Rock in Me" if you wish to see Miku lead the band in full blown catchy bubblegum-pop mode.... last, I can't wait to see these ladies continue to experiment and expand their range- there are 2 classically trained pianists in the band - image the possibilities....
I have waited around 2o years to be this impressed by a band again. Floyd, YES. Zep, Sabbath, I would buy their music with out a secound tgought. Band Maid occupies the same space. PEACE
@paco acosta yes, on re-readiing their backgrounds you are correct
In 60 years of listening to bands of all sorts and genre I don't think I can remember a band that
contains so much musical talent. Kanami is a trained classical pianist and was a singer/songwriter before Band Maid. She didn't write or play rock until 6 years ago and she may just be a true musical genius. In one sense she IS Band Maid but all the others are so multi talented they take her composed demos and together develop them into complex masterpieces.
Kanami sings like an angel! Rock and roll can't handle it...
Kanami has the voice of an angel in this song. i wish this was uploaded somewhere.
Puzzle/Anemone is my favorite MV from Band-Maid, it’s different and it showcases the expressions of Saiki’s ability to make you love her even more! Kanami is so adorable when she is backing voice! Brother you just wait until you hear Anemone! Like I said Kanami is so adorable!
Kanami can sing like this on top of being an incredible guitar player as well as the composer of ALL BANDMAID SONGS! UNBELIEVABLE! She is an INCREDIBLE TALENT!
The other live video they dropped a couple weeks back (Cross) features Miku and Kanami both doing backing vocals. They don't do verse trade offs with Saiki, but both voices are there.
I know you've got to move on to other bands for a while after you do Thrill, but when you come back to Band-Maid, I HIGHLY recommend doing Band-Maid's Secret my lips, and then Secret maiko lips by Band-Maid's alter-ego Band-Maiko as maybe a double reaction video. I seriously do not understand why this song gets overlooked. It is essential Band-Maid. Both songs are on Band-Maid's channel.
I second that. Both amazing versions of the same song.
YES!!! Secret My Lips is still my favorite Band Maid song although usually whatever Band Maid song I am listening to is also my favorite song.. Also, . Awkward and the album version of Anemone do not get enough attention . They are the most beautiful and amazing band on the planet and they have revived this 68 year old jaded former jazz, fusion, prog rock drummer's love for music, They are my new Beatles, they are that talented, creative and important
These ladies and this band are something very special. The music box intro is actually the next song Anemone they do in this 2 song acoustic set ! Band Maid, making rock and roll great again !
Great Reaction to a great striped down song. Regarding your question about Kanami doing back up vocals, she does al the vocal fillings in the outro of Moratorium, check that live, it is very notorious how Miku is doing her Pigtail head banging and Kanami is doing the back up melody
I agree. They're the band I've always wanted. Just never knew I wanted them lol
Great reaction and yes this is great acoustic version, the music box intro was probably put together by Kanami. I'd bet that when she was composing this song it started out like this version and Miku is just a genius lyricist.
Puzzle, live and acoustic. It's a heartbreaking song. - I swear Saiki almost cracks, but she just manages to bring it back from the brink. There's a little catch in her voice, and it gets me every time. TBH if she had broken down and cried at that point, I'm sure everyone in that hall would have put their arms around her and given her a hug. - So moving. So talented! Kanami smashed it too. :)
Another great reaction. You're spot on regarding Saiki's stage presence, if you compare her (as well as the rest of the band) to their early performances you can see how much they all have progressed as performers both as musicians and entertainers. Kanami began as a singer song writer and she also plays piano. Yes, favorite band.
I saw them in LA last September and you are right. Saiki owns the stage.
Hes gotta be my favorite reactor at the moment. And reactions are mostly what I watch on UA-cam. Band-Maid first of all though..all day every day.
They are so deep they will have to show us in small bite-size steps so we can digest it all. Your analysis is right on and you have a talent for expressing yourself. Can you imagine how deep their personalities are? Man, they would be great just to watch in their daily routines. They are unbelievable! All I can do is Marvel.
I really love this song. I like how they present the song gives a whole new mood to the lyrics.
Kanami is doing such a good "job" there, Saiki got such a smooth voice too... It´s also a funny side-note: Kanami has a little crush on Saiki, there are several interviews to proof it. And she also said it a lot of times in videos etc.... That makes this "acoustic-duo" even more amazing in my opinion.
With english subtitles f.e.: ua-cam.com/video/YzWETTu-4iE/v-deo.html
Crush you say? Kanami is on record as saying her two goals in life are to build a home studio and to marry Saiki. Saiki, who is alternatively flattered and mildly irritated by Kanami's unrequited love loves Kanami like a sister.
@@sacluvsBM I need to see this... That´s awesome, never heard of that :D
@@Slippy6582 It is from the interview where they sit at the counter in a small Japanese restaurant and are interviewed. I believe you can still find it on UA-cam. Very best regards.
Slippy6582
Yah, man. Given Kanami’s deep love for Saiki, she’s definitely living her best life on that stage right there.💪🏻🤘🏻
You are right, dream band is here.
Thrill will be an interesting one, as it's very early, like the bare bones of Band-Maid, where Miku's guitar was still almost an ornament, and they'd just taken the first step in a new musical direction.
Yes I was just wandering how kanami had to structure here writing to accommodate mikus inexperience
Actually, before joining band maid kanami is a singer/songwriter.
Also, if you interested, there is song with miku as the lead vocal. "Beauty and the best", "time", and "rock in me".
You can also check out "freezer", i really love the chorus.
Freezer is awesome.
Would love to see reaction to some lesser reacted to songs, like Endless Story or Secret My Lips
the members personalities: Introverted > Kanami, Misa, Saiki, Akane, Miku < Extroverted. This is one of the rare times you get to hear Kanami's beautiful voice
the only extrovert is Akane.
the other 4 are introverts. Miku is completely different irl. She just has a "Kobato-mode"-button. She knows exactly what she is doing.
Miku revealed in an interview that BM as a group is very reserved and awkward around others so even in music festivals where they get to interact with other artists they often end up huddling together in a corner.
She speaks about how they debate on if they should try talking to some but almost always eventually deciding on keeping to themselves 😅
Akane seems to be the only one who has a lot of friends and often introduces them to the members in such events.
There’s a reason why Akane is considered the most ‘normal’ and was agreed upon as the leader.
The rest of them are just an eccentric, goofy bunch but I feel that’s also what makes them stick closer and be more comfortable around each other.
surprisingly, MISA was on lead vocals in a band before BAND-MAID.. i can't imagine
there are times in the live vids where you see Kanami doing backup on a chorus, but i've never been able to pick out her voice
Well, MISA has a couple of lines as Maiko. ;)
@paco acosta it was one of her first bands. she was on guitar and on lead vocals. no video i've seen.
Kanami was a singer/song writer before joining the band so she can really sing but she usually leaves it up to Miku since Miku syncs up better with Saiki's voice. I think Motorium Live from the Zepp Tokyo show Kanami does a little singing with Miku. Kanami can also play a bunch of other instruments too. If you find the Daydreaming Live from Zepp tokyo, she plays a piano solo to start the song. If I have time this weekend I'll upload a bunch of band maid videos if you want them. If you really want to see a REAL different side and style for band maid: you should watch their Secret my Lips MV (on their youtube webpage) then watch Band Maid's official rival band Band Maiko and their song Secret Maiko lips which is also on Band Maid's official youtube page. Trust me you will be truly amazed.
Those devilish girls from Band Maiko as talented as our girls but with an assassin screamer
Mincho is an Angel. :-)
MISA MISA MISA! when Mika found Ms Tono she was a singer songwriter, so yea add singing to the looooong list of things she can do
Kanami's vocals are so sweet in this one. 🖤
And saiki is just dominating as always. 🤘
You are not alone... The world is under siege by maids! They own that stage!!
That's one thing you always seem to get with Japanese audiences.. respect. It makes watching live concerts a joy. As for Saiki, she seems to take her opportunities for putting emotions into her singing, and that really shines in the acoustic performances, where it's all stripped down. They did two back to back, Puzzle and Anemone.. both beautiful. I highly recommend sourcing these live concerts man.. If I remember rightly they're sourced on the Japanese Domination album, the CD/DVD single release of Start Over and the latest one from Feb '20, which I think is the first actual stand alone concert DVD.
Man I wish I could get this version of the song. Great video
I would love to see them do an unplugged set
@@Dan-mc7xg Same Bro, they def have the range for it. I saw them live (front row let's goooo) and it blew me away.
Wow this was emotional. Shout out to Saiki for one of the best vocal performance I've heard in some time. And Kanami's voice... this must be what Angel's Hair gossamer sounds like.
I m so happy. I received a mail today i have a ticket to the Budokan. First time see the Band live 🤘🤘 Vive band-maid 🤘🤘
Band-Maid is the sound I’ve been wanting to hear for 20 years now. The first time I heard them I was like, “Oh my god! This is the sound!”
First. Not sure why that's important. It's really not. Still, I'm first. Line starts here.
Everyone follow the chicken-like entity!
The toybox song's name is "Anemone". Their acoustic version is also available. They actually sang the 2 songs back to back.
One of the saddest songs that they perform. With the pain and emotion that Saiki delivers, you would swear that it all happened to her.
Miku wrote the lyrics and I deeply hope that it wasn't from personal experience. I would hate to think that the sweet little creature ever felt such pain.
I wrote a long comment on your org Puzzle reaction video, so I'm not going to repeat myself here ;)
the thing you said at 5:15 - you are actually pretty spot-on on this.
most of the time Kanami does background vocals are "group chanting". You don't see her doing vocals on official live videos very often, but when they play their "normal" gigs, she does - plently of fan-cams shows that. But it's not like she goes crazy with it...
she has an even softer singing voice than Miku, but she is lacking "range". Her speaking voice is soft too, unlike Mikus "normal" speaking voice. And it works perfectly here for Puzzle (and Anemone, which they performed right after).
Miku has some solo-songs singing lead. In the beginning they were very dual-vocals with Saiki, and as Miku took more guitar playing parts and got better, she moved more and more into pure background vocals, leaving Saiki as the sole lead vocalist. The newest album doesn't even have a Miku solo-song ie. At the time of the first two EPs, with Miku/Saiki v-duo, Kanami and Akane did more background vocals (live esp.), something they don't do often these days. MISA never did in "Band-Maid" afaik, she did before, in her previous band.
Keep in mind their previous songs were very pop-punkish... think "Scandal".
They did a couple more acoustics with everyone, not just Saiki/Kanami, but the quality isn't on par (also production related), so do it sometimes in the future maybe...
btw
The Band has an inside joke going on, that Saikis biggest fan in the world is Kanami.
I look forward to your videos of their older stuff, as the progress they made over the years is just baffling...
Maybe in the future, BAND-MAID MTV UNPLUGGED just like the old days of MTV
Saiki's voice can be as smooth as butter, but it hasn't always been that way. Before her surgery for vocal polyps in 2017, her voice was raspier. You can hear it in some early Band-Maid live videos. She talks all about it and many other subjects in this excellent translated interview: www.reddit.com/r/BandMaid/comments/cbf5p9/translated_saikis_interview_from_the_day_before/
P.S. Saiki's remarks about Kobato Miku in this interview were surprising to me. She really depends on her. It changed the way I viewed Miku at the time. These ladies seem to mesh so well together, which isn't always the case.
The ZEPP TOKYO show is completely amazing. 2 hours of EVERYTHING you want to see about Band-Maid. Furious songs, acoustic section, the unreleased instrumental ONSET, and one of my favorite moments. "The Miku song", Rock in Me.
I was at the Nagoya show on this tour about eight days earlier.
And, like I say on all the reactions to this version, best part is getting to hear Kanami sing.
Just a few Band Maid suggestions. Video “YOLO “ has a lot of background Kanami lead work. Old school Band Maid from 2014 video “Don’t Let me Down” also video “Don’t You tell Me”
"Awkward" live next
Thanks for giving them another listen. Agree with doing Thrill next - it's really the first song that got them on the radar of a lot of people, especially Americans on YT. Would recommend following that up with Blooming or Glory off their most recent album. Would give an interesting contrast between their early stuff (Producer driven, not written by Kanami) and what they are putting out currently with full control of the songwriting process.
Awesome reaction and I am with you in how you feel about the band. They are my go to band when I want to simply feel good or need to feel better. They are the perfect band for me. I am looking forward to more of your reactions.
For yet another view of them thats quite different I suggest their side project Band Maiko.
They made a small album that changes some of their songs into traditional japanese songs, while still keep it rock.
I suggest to react to the original Band Maiko song: Gion-cho. The music video is on their official Band Maid UA-cam Channel. :)
It was their first release on Revolver Records on April 3, 2019. Seven song mini album. Mini by Band-Maid's standards. Gion-cho is the only song written by the band solely for Band-Maiko. And it is not credited Kobato-Tono. It is listed as lyrics by Band-Maiko, music by Band-Maiko and arranged by Band-Maid. And kudos to you for realizing that Band-Maiko is indeed a side project of Band-Maid. Best regards.
Miku, in forming B-M, founded Kanami performing solo (singing/playing guitar) on the internet. Maybe as time goes on Kanami will be the singer of some songs - kinda like George Harrison of The Beatle.
I'm glad you got to react to this version. It's very emotional and nice to hear Kanami voice. She did some singing before joining Band-Maid
As long as he listens to everything they've ever put out..I'm cool. Lol
If you watch some really old Bandmaid live videos, Saiki was actually a bit pitchy, she would struggle at times. I think she has worked really hard, totally confident singer, those struggles are a thing of the past.
Part of the problem was polyps on her vocal chords. She had an operation (2017?) and her voice has blossomed. She didn't used to be able to use her falsetto. Now she can produce the Wonderland performance.
definitely need a double shot next time of Anemone studio version (it's on their channel but no video), which is fantastic and a more traditional ballad unlike the original Puzzle, and then the acoustic version which they play right after Puzzle at this same show.
I'm with you! Band-Maid is only the second band I've ever called "my favorite!" The 1st was Van Halen when I was a teen. I enjoy Band-Maid's music more!
Just beautiful, nothing else needs to be said 😍😍
Check out Anemone , that they played right after this! It's so good
So glad to see you give Saiki the praise she so richly deserves. While everyone constantly praises the instrumentalists in the band, I think Saiki's huge vocal talent often gets overlooked a bit. I'm certain it's not because anyone underestimates her or doesn't realise she is so good, but more that there's so often so much else going on that people just simply forget to mention her.
Anemone studio ver. and acoustic (which is played after puzzle acoustic) is awesome too.
Kanami was a singer songwriter pre Band Maid.
So I'm guessing there have been others who've commented this, but in case there haven't...
The toy-box intro? That was the intro that they "Cut out". They turned it into a music-box, which to me is absolutely Amazing, and goes with the rest of the song so well. But yeah, if you listen to the two, you'll catch the same notes/beats as the two go along.
Juuust thought I'd share my two cents. Love the music, love the reaction, keep it up!
Miku found Kanami performing on the internet, in an interview she said she wanted to be in band as she would not have to sing. She composes on the piano that she has played since was 3 yo. She picked up the guitar in High School because she wanted to be cool. She plays a PRS as Carlos Santana is her Guitar Hero. Kanami has degrees in economics and marketing, apparently because her parents her wanted to a trade in case the music thing didn't work out!!
Pretty good guitar player for an Economist, Huh.
I don't know if I or anyone said it but the toy box intro is actually the song Anemone which is the next song right after this one, acoustic too.
Am tearing up again. Perfect song to close the book on bad relationships.
Kanami is often singing backup on choruses along with Miku, to give a little extra depth. Band of your dreams? Mine too.
Great reaction I always learn something new or pick up on something I never did before. I know everyone has said the next acoustic is Anemone from the same concert and it is awesome. But there are five more with the whole band from 2017. They did a tv show and played Thrill ,love passion matador , knockn on your hart, Forward and one other I think is Bye my tears but I mite be wrong on that one. The best part is they’re all still up just type acoustic after anyone of them and you’re good. This came out in the early days so maybe check them out. Been a subscriber since I found you keep up the great work. 😄
The album version is the angry version while the acoustic version illustrates the pain.
The hardest thing for a singer to do is detach enough from their emotional response to the song they're singing to maintain sufficient vocal control while allowing enough of an emotional response to enliven the lyric. I've seen pros succumb...It takes a lot of courage to flirt with the limits...
Definitely can't break the set, this and Anemone were played during the Zepp Tokyo Concert on April 13th, 2018, one right after the other, during a kind of intermission starting a little before the fifty minute mark (on the dvd). There's a short conversation with the audience in between but other than that these two songs were presented together. Not that Thrill isn't good, but it can wait in my opinion.
Also, I highly recommend checking out their Band-Maiko vids (my fave is Secret Maiko Lips). These ladies are - and have - so much fun!
Saiki brings out the best in Kanami Kanami wants her approval so badly
fell in love with Kanami on this and Anemone