Miku is truly the hardest working rock star on the planet, my love and respect for what Miku's accomplished so far in her career is remarkable, I don't think enough recognition is rewarded towards Miku for just what she does for the whole sound of Band Maid, a band that has so many layers it's mind blowing.
The Band-Maid storytelling in this was awesome 😁😁😁 This is my favorite album 😍 I love them all, don't get me wrong (Unseen World basically carried me through the worse of the pandemic) but this one just hits all the right spots for me. It's so tasteful and beautiful ❣️ Man, I always enjoy your reactions cause it just feels like sitting down with a fellow Maidiac and chat about how much we love this band 🖤 Rock on, Po! 😎🕊️🖤🤘 Edit: hey! Just saw you hit 5.000 subs! Congrats! 🍻🤘🖤
I used to listen to Les Zeppelin the same way. Listen just to Jimmy Page’s guitar all the way through. Then listen to John Paul Jones’s bass all the way through. Then listen yet again, but focus on John Bonham’s. Each musician is so talented that they hold and reward your attention through the entire song.
I can hear you, listened to Zeppelin since the 70s, great to have Band-Maid at same or even higher level :-) I listen to music much like you, comes from being both guitar and bass player. Band-Maid songs need many play thru's fore sure to figure out what's going on.
Yep. You kinda have to block out 4 of them to fully appreciate everything one is doing throughout a song without being distracted by all the other awesomeness. And then focus on just two at a time to hear the interplay and how they complement or make room for the other.... Also the different dyadic role-relationships form a really complex web: The two guitarists; The two vocalists/front-women;; The drums/bass rhythm section; The two writers (music/lyrics); The two youngest, black-clad, introverted members; The two offstage goofballs; The two taskmasters/leaders (Kanami & Akane)
Miku has the good fortune of playing with some of the best musicians in the world. When you have that encouragement, drive & challenge every day your talent can blossom.
It is so cool you and your other musicians compatriots dig into these songs for us non-musician. Love the level of detail. I've always been happy being, like Mick sang, "I'm no schoolboy but I know what I like". Well, now I have some inkling of why I like what I like, thanks to you and others.And yes, the Miku part of the BM story is the most amazing, but it is also true all us Maidiacs love all 5 equally.
Mr.Ryan Mear Thank you for your always fun reaction. Please rate the last song of the album New Beginning, Shake That !! Personally, I think this song is the origin of the rhythm and sound of the band's guitar, drums and bass. It's a very cool song.
This band never fails to amaze me.....I have never heard this song and it's a total banger. I totally agree with you on how good the even vocal mix sounds. Thats why Freezer is one of my favs !!!!!
I could never be a reactor for Band-Maid. I'd cheat and listen to all the songs 10-20 times before my broadcast. I'd be more like Vlad and just do analysis rather than a first time reaction. I don't see how reactors who really appreciate and want to hear the best music restrain themselves from listening to all the B-M songs or new album. My cap is off to you reactors. Now back to more B-M! Thx, Ryan!
Hello, thank you for the video. I advise you to make, if you haven't done it yet, a reaction to the wonderful young singer Diana Ankudinova. This girl will surprise you with her artistry and rare timbre of voice. She has covers of famous songs, and also performs her own songs.
When I get bombarded for requests for the save person by a few people, I feel a bit like...no, I'm not doing that. Speak about BAND-MAID or the video... maybe I'll think about it. Quit spamming my channel.
Come on Ryan....new favorite? You're getting to be a cliche like the rest of the Maidiacs when asked "What's your favorite song?" Uhhh, "The last one I listened to" 😂 Good job on the video
Conqueror is quite an underrated album and the album for "purists" to hate since the album has different kinds of songs. The album has 5 rock ballads (Page, Mirage, At the drop of a hat, endless story and Wonderland) and that ticked BM metalhead fans. And about Miku, she's a super hard worker, she practices the guitar 8 hours a day that sometimes her fingers get blistered enough to draw out blood, you can see Miku have bandages on her hands in a couple of their live concerts, 8 hours a day... that's like the average practice time for professional classical musicians like pianists and violinists. Yeah, Flying High is a premier of Unseen World would sound like along with Catharsis.
So well said! That reminds me of Bob Dylan being called a traitor at concerts because he was performing only his new songs then. A fan who cannot evolve with his/her favorite band is not a real fan! About Miku, she is such a tough nut, is she not! Kudos for your comments, mate!
Conqueror is a great album, full of great songs as usual. Saiki's singing is awesome. The starter song "Page" is very emotional IMHO, makes my eyes tear up every time. Page is Daydreaming level stuff :-)
Ryan couldn't say it better, their vocals are essential at this point on every song, I really can't phantom their music without Saiki and Miku's voices blend together... I really love good vocalist but when some bands have twin vocals or really awesome "backing vocals" that just makes it really better for me...
Once again great reaction to a f-ing great song! You are totally right on everything you said about Miku, she is freaking awesome on everything she does and being surrounded by that much amount of talent could have make her feeling out of the place but she managed to reach that level in her own way! All hail the 810 years old mighty pigeon 🕊 PO! Want another gem from Conqueror? Try Catharsis or Mirage...
Before Band Maid was truly writing their songs and Miku took to writing lyrics, she was hustling, being front and center in promoting the band and handling interviews. There are early performances where she had no guitar and was a vocalist only. The speed at which Miku became a solid rhythm guitarist is impressive. Flying High is one of my favorites from Conqueror. Akane’s drumming is amazing, Misa heavy yet subtle thumping bass line, and especially Kanami’s scorching guitar solo takes the cake. Saiki & Miku’s vocals are wonderful. I’m glad you reviewed this song.
A small correction on the story of how Miku started her rhythm guitar. When Saiki joined in to be a five-piece band, Kanami thought that the band needed the second guitarist. My guess is that Kanami wanted to have the rhythm guitarist so that she can do Kanami things freely. Anyway, Kanami asked Miku and Saiki if one of them could be a guitarist. Saiki immediately said "Nope!", so Miku said "I will do it, then!". Kanami promised her to teach how to play guitar, and the rest is history as you know. An interesting recent story is that Saiki has started learning guitar and piano. She is interested in composing and already working on writing lyrics. The lyrics of upcoming new song "Corallium" is written by Saiki. They all are really hard working Maids!!!
Conqueror shows off Band-Maid's versatility with songs of different tempos and dynamics. Flying High is one of my fav hard rock oriented songs, but there are other mid-tempo and soft rock songs that are truly awesome. Critics sometimes point out the album's studio engineering flaws, but you can't totally smother the great songwriting.
This is complete speculation, but I can imagine after working with Tony V on The Dragon Cries, Kanami wanted to write their own song with a similar sound. This song is more pop-y than Dragon. I tell people to imagine Taylor Swift collaborating with Jimi Hendrix! The juxtaposition is enigmatic, but it works! Killer tune! And fits perfectly in the album right after Dragon.
There hasn't been a band I can listen to again and again for years. I will have their music from their albums playing on happily and keep on finding new things to enjoy. Then miss them when I come to the end so start again.
"Shall we?" why yes, we shall..... By my Apple Music metrics Flying High is apparently my favorite BM song as it has by far the most spins :). Probably because I can never listen to it just once at a time, have to repeat at least once. I love everything about this song but especially the vocal interaction. The vocal melodies are insanely good. I hear a lineage from Beauty and the Beast to Flying High to Why Why Why. Or at least shared cool vocal approach. :). Beauty and the Beast is truly flipped as its Miku vocals primary with Saiki backing up.
When BAND-MAID put out Manners (live), I realized how much bass I missed by not focusing enough on MISA and the Giovanni instrumental stunned me with how much guitar work was hiding behind Saiki's vocals, you are right about being able to focus on different members through multiple listens. You also have the New Beginning CD. You could do a 2fer of "Arcadia Girl" and "Beauty and the Beast" or if you're in the mood to just rock out you could do a 2fer of "Don't Let Me Down" (video) and "Shake That".
One thing that doesn't get mentioned much about Miku is the fact that she is a shrewd business woman. Her sense of what to do to promote her band is amazing. I know they must have a manager but she is the force that drives the Maids on.
Yeah! Nailed the comments on dual vocals here... or just the vocals period... amid great and consistent support from instrumental talent. You could easily react again and just talk us through the guitar! Some other time. Cheers.
Miku normally sings a octave higher than Saiki but she can also do the lows as well. Not so much on "Unseen World". I don't know why i'm telling you this, you already know.😆
it makes sense! the are soo good, that, its hard to notice particuilar things they do so well at times cause it all just comes together so perfectly. this song this attitude..this band maid!! i looove conqueror!!!
Ready? YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH COME OUT!!!!!! I get chills EVERY. TIME. this song plays. This is easily one of my Top 5 Band-Maid songs of all time. Its just such an AWESOME song. SOOOOO much going for what is, let's be honest, a rather straight forward rock song with a good blues riff from MISA. Aaaaaand once again, MISA just carries the melody in this song. Her tone on this song is godly. I'm getting chills just from typing this out about her. That fill that both MISA and Akane do at the end of the second verse leading to the pre-chorus.... SO CHOICE *chef's kiss*. Now, let's talk about Miku in this song. Her guitar tone in this song is SIIIIIIICK as FZCK... and her little yells during the chorus.... OMG the first time I heard them I was smiling like a fool... until her shout at the end of the bridge.... I lost it and every time since I giggle when I hear it. Kanami just goes full ham in this song doing these constant runs up and down the neck that combined with both Miku's and MISA's rhythm parts just makes this song EPIC. When she comes in during the second verse... totally ups the energy of the song. Her little solo, GOD TIER with an awesome bluesy foundation to it all the while MISA and Akane are just laying this THICCCCCC-ass chonky as fuck sonic canvas for her to just go all Jackson Pollock on while Miku is laying some massive power chords with her gloriously sounding Zemaitis. The bridge.... possibly one of my all time favorite bridges from them... fits this song perfectly and gives yet another showcase for Saiki's amazing voice. I love when she sings in this key as, to me, it is when she really add sooo much color to her vocals. Not to deep, not too high... just right in her sweet spot with that little bit of huskiness and sooooo, soooo sultry and smokey. The last verse with the stacatto vocals from Saiki and then when Akane comes in 1/2 way through with the double kicks just elevates it to another level. Now... do you understand what we were saying about Flying High vs. The Dragon Cries? Its like they took what they learned from working with Tony and then dunked it in the Band-Maid secret sauce and served it up on a silver platter with Moe Moe, Kyun Kyun! You really need to listen to Conqueror in its entirety. And do it in order as the band was very specific about track order on this album thanks to Saiki's direction. Keep up the good work! Thanks!
If these ladies aren't Goddesses (they are), then they have been Goddess sent. All hail Miku, the multi-linguistic magical miracle worker! Oh, and this song is phuchun' AWESOME! I have it now listed as song #5 on my Band-Maid dream set-list which will be revealed shortly (along with the venue). I'm still noodling it. Thanks Ryan!
What? A reaction to one of the most underrated BAND-MAID song + talking about one of my favorite band (Pantera)? = Automatic like. Another band which I like to listen to all the instrument parts is Rage Against The Machine. You also mentioned Billy Sheehan (and I've already told you that in an old reaction video of yours) so you have to check out the song "One More Chance Is Enough" by the japanese band Li-Sa-X Band because Billy Sheehan plays the bass on this track. This band has Li-sa-X (the young guitar prodigy, who was 15 at the time of the MV), Rina (an amazing singer) and Hazuki (from NEMOPHILA) ua-cam.com/video/PzsqmnEa89c/v-deo.html Thank you Ryan
Another "what a f*ckn cool song" in the list. The girls have a ton of songs that can be tagged with that phrase. I don't remember many bands that can boast such a tight catalog. Your comment on the members of the band, at the same time complementary and irreplaceable, is very appropriate. In Saiki´s words: “Kobato has what I don’t have, and I have what she doesn’t have”. About Miku: she´s a complete rock star and and an extraordinarily intelligent woman. You don't bring up a stars poker up your sleeve without being like that.
Miku! Miku! Miku! Yes, everyone needs to accept that her contributions really do equal those of the other maids. It’s just that hers are a bit more varied, but add up the same.
This song is so good. Misa does not do anything too crazy but I like her bass lines. It fits perfectly with the groovy guitar work. The vocals are perfect. The whole album is great.
Thanks for all the hard work you put into these reactions (Bevis and Butthead). Agree 100% on you talk about Miku, she is an amazing person, glad she got hooked by rock instead of going in a different direction. On the Miku and Saiku radio show, she explained that she saw the light when she saw the Ringo Sheena MV "Gunjō Biyori" ua-cam.com/video/yHQQnY1I09E/v-deo.html - not for a reaction but to show who Miku considered as her muse and gave her the dream of being a rock star and to start a band - and notice the guitar Ringo is playing.
This and "Azure" and probably my fav out of "Conqueror"...But this one... this one, I freaking love to head-bang to this one ... can't figure out why they never played this in any live show yet! Miku is really someone to look up to... apart from the backing vocals, most of the lyrics and guitar playing ... she made Band-Maid happen - THAT alone is... *opens arms* Saiki is just .... *opens arms again* ... and I can open my arms for all of them of course! I made a fan-tshirt of Kanami... I love this band. They are up there with all the big names, Pantera and other big(er) ones!
Great reaction again but no suprise anymore, its time all youre subscribers bring on atleast 1 new subscriber, you deserve to grow faster with youre channel
It's one of my favorite songs from Conqueror. Miku's ability and talent to write lyrics is absolutely amazing. We know her efforts..! Her stiff shoulders and back are so severe that she doesn't get better with a regular massage 😭 I saw Akane hitting Miku's shoulders and back with a drumstick on Instagram. It should hurt a lot for a normal person, but Miku said it feels good..! Miku, who we usually see, is quite energetic and her smile is like sunshine. However.. it's easy to imagine that she's working hard under pressure and stress 😭 I can't help but respect her 🕊 Thank you for the wonderful reaction video as always 😊
@@RyanMear If I remember correctly, all the members appeared on TV when BAND-MAID released Conqueror, and Miku talked about it. I watched the TV show on youtube, but unfortunately it seems to have been deleted. One of the members(I forged who it was, sorry) said about her terrible stiff shoulders, "I tried to massage her shoulders, but it's too stiff to do with my fingers." 😭
There's backstage video of Akane using her sticks on Miku's back, of course it's in one of the dozens of compilation videos but hopefully someone will remember and link it.
4:39 This section ~Theyare all so good together that you sorta' miss how great they are indiviually.~ When I first found Band-Maid I listened to some instrumental at 75% to "unpack" how much each of them are putting into the piece. Seems to me they are "evolving" rock composition to the level of great jazz.
Dear Ryan Mate, you are getting used to a certain standard with Band Maid to the point you take it for granted. Probably the best compliment you could make to them!
Miku's growing skill as rhythm guitarist also helps create a space for mighty Misa to do wonderful creative bass lines. Another way she blesses us. Oh, and I love Conqueror!
That song was sick just sick kanamis solo coupled with misas bass lines in the back was perfect for this song.everything about it both guitars at the beginning got to stop or this will turn into a book . great react Long Live the PO!
Not taking styles of the albums into account, I think Conquerer might be their all around best album, along with Unseen World. It's also the album I came in on, so I may be a little bias. The only thing I would bing it on is some of the post production. This album Actually (I know people alway say it) is, in my opinion, best in their live performances. I shot some concerts to you a while ago that have a lot of this album, or I can send them again if you want to give it a listen in your own time.
Honestly, Ethan, I rarely make it back to listen to the links people send. I'm usually at break or in between things when I look at comments....I look at them ALL. The Discord is a good place to share and it stays attainable. 👍 I intend to look at them, I really do, but it's difficult!
Ryan! Returning to this particular reaction of yours, I can only concur with you! We'd better draw a line across Miku's haters, they just do not have a case! I was listening again to one of the greatest guitarists in the World, namely Rory Gallagher (RIP). Back in the 70's and 90's his group sounded good enough to me then, but last night it came to me, as you perfectly explained, that here was not much beside him like so many artists, in spite of his band-mates' enthusiasm. I will have to listen again to all these favorites of mine from Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin and see if they all withstand a belated listening. Apart of of Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green) I should not be disappointed but what the hundreds of others? LOL Best regards, Robert-Gilles
One of their songs that isn't in my playlist. I was actually listening to it last night, vocal sound great. It hasn't grown on me as much as dragon cries have, maybe because they haven't played this live.
You cannot listen to a Band Maid song once or twice and truly appreciate it. You have to listen to the song as a whole and then go back and listen to each member and what they are doing. The craftsmanship that goes into their songs is stunning. It only works because every member respects each other and knows when you step forward and step back. I hope this ride never ends.
Give CONQUEROR some time. It took me awhile to get over the more poppy themes prominent on this album, but once I did it became my favorite album from them as a whole. I mostly listen to death and prog metal, but the pop elements here mixed with the best hard rock on the planet is like crack for my ears.
Its interesting that you mentioned FREEZER because I always loved this song because it reminds of the very first BAND-MAID songs. I'm so grateful to PinD for his photo collages bringing attention to those old songs that many BAND-MAID fans have never heard.
I was lucky and went to a public school in Ontario Canada that was built in the late 80's, back when investing in the arts was still a thing. We had band class starting at grade 7 till grade 8. Not knowing any better I picked clarinet, but I liked enough to take music class in grade 9. Again I was lucky that the High School was built in the early 70's and had all the instruments on hand. I know in The US and the Arts are always struggling for funding. Now it was in grade 9 I figured out I had no talent for music and switched to taking shop classes and now I'm a cabinet maker by trade. But if I wanted too I could of kept taking Music all the way up till grade 12, who knows where that would of led if I was serious about music. When you start looking into all these Japanese bands very few of the members have not been playing some instrument since they were little, and music is part of the education growing up that you can have an opportunity to explore in the clubs that schools have. Its a big reason why the North American Music scene is so stagnate, Kids are not getting enough opportunity at a young age to discover music. I think the the whole Japanese music scene, even the Pop scene witch is pretty toxic but full of talented people is proof of this. The number of crazy talented young musicians is just insane.
I cant believe that some people would thumbs down on any Band Maid song. There always seems to be around 7 thumbs down on any channel that plays Band Maid but never any comments that reflect not liking them.
Absolutely love this album and song. I love Miku, I did not have a favorite for a long time but Miku has won my heart over. She works the hardest to promote the band, great lyric writing, getting great at rhythm guitar and then puts out a solo project to fulfill her desire to be lead singer that she set aside for the good of Band-Maid! Plus, her songs are positive and encouraging. Miku has earned my respect many times over. The rest of the band are some of the best in the world today! Thank you for reacting to this video.
The guitar for Miku was just a prop until Akane said if you want to continue, you are going to have to learn how to play an instrument. Kanami said, "I will teach her."
I personally feel like Conqueror is the most divisive album that Band Maid has. This is the Album where they started to really experiment with some different sounds, and some fans weren't happy. I still like the Album overall, but there is 1 or 2 songs I don't really listen to much.
Miku is truly the hardest working rock star on the planet, my love and respect for what Miku's accomplished so far in her career is remarkable, I don't think enough recognition is rewarded towards Miku for just what she does for the whole sound of Band Maid, a band that has so many layers it's mind blowing.
Perfectly said, mate!
The Band-Maid storytelling in this was awesome 😁😁😁
This is my favorite album 😍 I love them all, don't get me wrong (Unseen World basically carried me through the worse of the pandemic) but this one just hits all the right spots for me. It's so tasteful and beautiful ❣️
Man, I always enjoy your reactions cause it just feels like sitting down with a fellow Maidiac and chat about how much we love this band 🖤
Rock on, Po! 😎🕊️🖤🤘
Edit: hey! Just saw you hit 5.000 subs! Congrats! 🍻🤘🖤
Thanks, Vere!
Thank you for flying high with Band-Maid. Please watch your step exiting the starship and have a great day!
I used to listen to Les Zeppelin the same way. Listen just to Jimmy Page’s guitar all the way through. Then listen to John Paul Jones’s bass all the way through. Then listen yet again, but focus on John Bonham’s. Each musician is so talented that they hold and reward your attention through the entire song.
Zactly
I can hear you, listened to Zeppelin since the 70s, great to have Band-Maid at same or even higher level :-) I listen to music much like you, comes from being both guitar and bass player. Band-Maid songs need many play thru's fore sure to figure out what's going on.
Yep. You kinda have to block out 4 of them to fully appreciate everything one is doing throughout a song without being distracted by all the other awesomeness.
And then focus on just two at a time to hear the interplay and how they complement or make room for the other....
Also the different dyadic role-relationships form a really complex web:
The two guitarists;
The two vocalists/front-women;;
The drums/bass rhythm section;
The two writers (music/lyrics);
The two youngest, black-clad, introverted members;
The two offstage goofballs;
The two taskmasters/leaders (Kanami & Akane)
@@stevehall5128 You forgot the two animals: pigeon/gorilla
@@glenkelley6799 You're right! And the guitarists are also teacher & student.
EDIT: I just remembered: Saiki and Akane, the dynamic dance duo.
This song is best listened to loud in the car with the windows down, cruising through the country lanes in the summer! Love it!
Great reaction and I love it how much you focused on Miku in this reaction, because she is definitely one of the highlights in this song.
Conqueror is an underrated album and flying high with mikus vocal work is fantastic, got to be played live someday.
Bro, that's my fucking wish since I heard this song for the first time!!! I hope they play this song live soon and recorded it!!!
My favorite album.
@The True MRH That's the reason I want this song being performed live again and hopefully they put it on BD....
Miku has the good fortune of playing with some of the best musicians in the world. When you have that encouragement, drive & challenge every day your talent can blossom.
It is so cool you and your other musicians compatriots dig into these songs for us non-musician. Love the level of detail. I've always been happy being, like Mick sang, "I'm no schoolboy but I know what I like". Well, now I have some inkling of why I like what I like, thanks to you and others.And yes, the Miku part of the BM story is the most amazing, but it is also true all us Maidiacs love all 5 equally.
Miku is a true role model for young girls. The things this woman has accomplished is impressive.
Mr.Ryan Mear Thank you for your always fun reaction.
Please rate the last song of the album New Beginning, Shake That !! Personally, I think this song is the origin of the rhythm and sound of the band's guitar, drums and bass. It's a very cool song.
This band never fails to amaze me.....I have never heard this song and it's a total banger. I totally agree with you on how good the even
vocal mix sounds. Thats why Freezer is one of my favs !!!!!
I could never be a reactor for Band-Maid. I'd cheat and listen to all the songs 10-20 times before my broadcast. I'd be more like Vlad and just do analysis rather than a first time reaction. I don't see how reactors who really appreciate and want to hear the best music restrain themselves from listening to all the B-M songs or new album. My cap is off to you reactors. Now back to more B-M! Thx, Ryan!
Their music is so good that what I've heard sustains me until I get to the unhesrd stuff!
When you talk about how great Kanami is, with me anyway, you are preaching to the choir. The very best, period.quire. The very best, period.
Their music is worth spending more money to buy good quality headphones or sound systems to enjoy. At least i am.😂
MISA MISA MISA! LLLOOOVVVEEE Flying high or Dragon Cries Mincho Style they are to me parts 1 and 2
Miku is my Life-Coach! And I wish I could subscribe to you again.💪🏻🤘🏻
yes, yes, YES!
My favorite song
Well it looks like your chipping away on your *BAND-MAID* playlist 😀
Hello, thank you for the video. I advise you to make, if you haven't done it yet, a reaction to the wonderful young singer Diana Ankudinova. This girl will surprise you with her artistry and rare timbre of voice. She has covers of famous songs, and also performs her own songs.
When I get bombarded for requests for the save person by a few people, I feel a bit like...no, I'm not doing that. Speak about BAND-MAID or the video... maybe I'll think about it. Quit spamming my channel.
Miku is the soul of BAND-MAID !
Come on Ryan....new favorite? You're getting to be a cliche like the rest of the Maidiacs when asked "What's your favorite song?" Uhhh, "The last one I listened to" 😂 Good job on the video
"the last one I listened to" 🤣🤣🤣 this is so true!
Don't know what you're talking about.......😉
Ryanさんの言うとおり！
BAND-MAIDって本当に全員の役割、重要性、人気も含めて全てが「イコール」なんですよね。
こんなバンド本当に無いと思います。
Conqueror is quite an underrated album and the album for "purists" to hate since the album has different kinds of songs. The album has 5 rock ballads (Page, Mirage, At the drop of a hat, endless story and Wonderland) and that ticked BM metalhead fans. And about Miku, she's a super hard worker, she practices the guitar 8 hours a day that sometimes her fingers get blistered enough to draw out blood, you can see Miku have bandages on her hands in a couple of their live concerts, 8 hours a day... that's like the average practice time for professional classical musicians like pianists and violinists. Yeah, Flying High is a premier of Unseen World would sound like along with Catharsis.
So well said!
That reminds me of Bob Dylan being called a traitor at concerts because he was performing only his new songs then. A fan who cannot evolve with his/her favorite band is not a real fan!
About Miku, she is such a tough nut, is she not!
Kudos for your comments, mate!
Love Conqueror, all the way through! Shall We? Yes. Yes. Yes! All hail the Mighty Small Pigeon! Great song, the harmonies are terrific!
Conqueror is a great album, full of great songs as usual. Saiki's singing is awesome. The starter song "Page" is very emotional IMHO, makes my eyes tear up every time. Page is Daydreaming level stuff :-)
This album has really grown on me. Yeah, it's not as heavy as other albums, but it's still great.
Not since Layne staley & Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains have there been vocal melodies so good as Saiki's & Miku's vocals.🙂
Oh, that is going to get Ryan's attention... in a good way. Nice one Gary.
You're not the only one with that thought my friend, Saiki and Miku are definitely putting themselves on that list with Cantrell and Staley...
Where have I heard THAT before??🥴 I agree!
Ryan couldn't say it better, their vocals are essential at this point on every song, I really can't phantom their music without Saiki and Miku's voices blend together...
I really love good vocalist but when some bands have twin vocals or really awesome "backing vocals" that just makes it really better for me...
This song has my favorite Saiki and Miku harmonies. Miku brings so much flavor that you can almost taste it.
Not a bad song on this album and well said on Miku! And all points really.
Once again great reaction to a f-ing great song! You are totally right on everything you said about Miku, she is freaking awesome on everything she does and being surrounded by that much amount of talent could have make her feeling out of the place but she managed to reach that level in her own way! All hail the 810 years old mighty pigeon 🕊 PO! Want another gem from Conqueror? Try Catharsis or Mirage...
Mirage is one of my fave bro!!! I really love Kanami's guitar on that song.
Miku's primal scream during the break.... "Shall we? YEEAAAH COME ON!!!" .... cures my E.D.
Before Band Maid was truly writing their songs and Miku took to writing lyrics, she was hustling, being front and center in promoting the band and handling interviews. There are early performances where she had no guitar and was a vocalist only. The speed at which Miku became a solid rhythm guitarist is impressive. Flying High is one of my favorites from Conqueror. Akane’s drumming is amazing, Misa heavy yet subtle thumping bass line, and especially Kanami’s scorching guitar solo takes the cake. Saiki & Miku’s vocals are wonderful. I’m glad you reviewed this song.
A small correction on the story of how Miku started her rhythm guitar.
When Saiki joined in to be a five-piece band, Kanami thought that the band needed the second guitarist. My guess is that Kanami wanted to have the rhythm guitarist so that she can do Kanami things freely. Anyway, Kanami asked Miku and Saiki if one of them could be a guitarist. Saiki immediately said "Nope!", so Miku said "I will do it, then!". Kanami promised her to teach how to play guitar, and the rest is history as you know.
An interesting recent story is that Saiki has started learning guitar and piano. She is interested in composing and already working on writing lyrics. The lyrics of upcoming new song "Corallium" is written by Saiki.
They all are really hard working Maids!!!
Conqueror shows off Band-Maid's versatility with songs of different tempos and dynamics. Flying High is one of my fav hard rock oriented songs, but there are other mid-tempo and soft rock songs that are truly awesome. Critics sometimes point out the album's studio engineering flaws, but you can't totally smother the great songwriting.
This is complete speculation, but I can imagine after working with Tony V on The Dragon Cries, Kanami wanted to write their own song with a similar sound. This song is more pop-y than Dragon. I tell people to imagine Taylor Swift collaborating with Jimi Hendrix! The juxtaposition is enigmatic, but it works! Killer tune! And fits perfectly in the album right after Dragon.
There hasn't been a band I can listen to again and again for years. I will have their music from their albums playing on happily and keep on finding new things to enjoy. Then miss them when I come to the end so start again.
"Shall we?" why yes, we shall.....
By my Apple Music metrics Flying High is apparently my favorite BM song as it has by far the most spins :). Probably because I can never listen to it just once at a time, have to repeat at least once. I love everything about this song but especially the vocal interaction. The vocal melodies are insanely good. I hear a lineage from Beauty and the Beast to Flying High to Why Why Why. Or at least shared cool vocal approach. :). Beauty and the Beast is truly flipped as its Miku vocals primary with Saiki backing up.
Band-Maid's music makes me feel 18 years old in the best ways possible.
There is not an "I" in team, but their is a Miku Kobato in team.
When BAND-MAID put out Manners (live), I realized how much bass I missed by not focusing enough on MISA and the Giovanni instrumental stunned me with how much guitar work was hiding behind Saiki's vocals, you are right about being able to focus on different members through multiple listens. You also have the New Beginning CD. You could do a 2fer of "Arcadia Girl" and "Beauty and the Beast" or if you're in the mood to just rock out you could do a 2fer of "Don't Let Me Down" (video) and "Shake That".
One thing that doesn't get mentioned much about Miku is the fact that she is a shrewd business woman. Her sense of what to do to promote her band is amazing. I know they must have a manager but she is the force that drives the Maids on.
Yes! You're quite right
In sports she'd be the "playing manager" :)
Yeah! Nailed the comments on dual vocals here... or just the vocals period... amid great and consistent support from instrumental talent. You could easily react again and just talk us through the guitar! Some other time. Cheers.
Miku normally sings a octave higher than Saiki but she can also do the lows as well. Not so much on "Unseen World". I don't know why i'm telling you this, you already know.😆
Give the public what they need to know Gary! Through every channel!
She often does complex harmonies, switching what relative harmony she's doing mid-line
it makes sense!
the are soo good, that,
its hard to notice particuilar things they do so well at times
cause it all just comes together so perfectly.
this song
this attitude..this band maid!!
i looove conqueror!!!
I feel like this is the most Unseen World like song on Conqueror.
Flying High begat Why Why Why
Ready? YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH COME OUT!!!!!! I get chills EVERY. TIME. this song plays. This is easily one of my Top 5 Band-Maid songs of all time. Its just such an AWESOME song. SOOOOO much going for what is, let's be honest, a rather straight forward rock song with a good blues riff from MISA. Aaaaaand once again, MISA just carries the melody in this song. Her tone on this song is godly. I'm getting chills just from typing this out about her. That fill that both MISA and Akane do at the end of the second verse leading to the pre-chorus.... SO CHOICE *chef's kiss*.
Now, let's talk about Miku in this song. Her guitar tone in this song is SIIIIIIICK as FZCK... and her little yells during the chorus.... OMG the first time I heard them I was smiling like a fool... until her shout at the end of the bridge.... I lost it and every time since I giggle when I hear it.
Kanami just goes full ham in this song doing these constant runs up and down the neck that combined with both Miku's and MISA's rhythm parts just makes this song EPIC. When she comes in during the second verse... totally ups the energy of the song. Her little solo, GOD TIER with an awesome bluesy foundation to it all the while MISA and Akane are just laying this THICCCCCC-ass chonky as fuck sonic canvas for her to just go all Jackson Pollock on while Miku is laying some massive power chords with her gloriously sounding Zemaitis.
The bridge.... possibly one of my all time favorite bridges from them... fits this song perfectly and gives yet another showcase for Saiki's amazing voice. I love when she sings in this key as, to me, it is when she really add sooo much color to her vocals. Not to deep, not too high... just right in her sweet spot with that little bit of huskiness and sooooo, soooo sultry and smokey.
The last verse with the stacatto vocals from Saiki and then when Akane comes in 1/2 way through with the double kicks just elevates it to another level.
Now... do you understand what we were saying about Flying High vs. The Dragon Cries? Its like they took what they learned from working with Tony and then dunked it in the Band-Maid secret sauce and served it up on a silver platter with Moe Moe, Kyun Kyun!
You really need to listen to Conqueror in its entirety. And do it in order as the band was very specific about track order on this album thanks to Saiki's direction.
Keep up the good work! Thanks!
What teenager did you hire to co-write that for you?! LOL thanks, Brian!
@@RyanMear Band-Maid brings out my inner adolescent. :)
great reaction..very introspective chatting in this one and even managed to get a pun in 😛
If these ladies aren't Goddesses (they are), then they have been Goddess sent. All hail Miku, the multi-linguistic magical miracle worker! Oh, and this song is phuchun' AWESOME! I have it now listed as song #5 on my Band-Maid dream set-list which will be revealed shortly (along with the venue). I'm still noodling it. Thanks Ryan!
My #5 spot has at least 10 others
What? A reaction to one of the most underrated BAND-MAID song + talking about one of my favorite band (Pantera)? = Automatic like.
Another band which I like to listen to all the instrument parts is Rage Against The Machine. You also mentioned Billy Sheehan (and I've already told you that in an old reaction video of yours) so you have to check out the song "One More Chance Is Enough" by the japanese band Li-Sa-X Band because Billy Sheehan plays the bass on this track. This band has Li-sa-X (the young guitar prodigy, who was 15 at the time of the MV), Rina (an amazing singer) and Hazuki (from NEMOPHILA) ua-cam.com/video/PzsqmnEa89c/v-deo.html
Thank you Ryan
I have one of hers recorded and waiting for the lazy editor to get to it.....
@@RyanMear So many lazy editors these days…😆💪🏻
@@2abug If the IATSE goes on strike, I know an film editor that might need some work :)
Another "what a f*ckn cool song" in the list. The girls have a ton of songs that can be tagged with that phrase. I don't remember many bands that can boast such a tight catalog. Your comment on the members of the band, at the same time complementary and irreplaceable, is very appropriate. In Saiki´s words: “Kobato has what I don’t have, and I have what she doesn’t have”.
About Miku: she´s a complete rock star and and an extraordinarily intelligent woman. You don't bring up a stars poker up your sleeve without being like that.
I think Miku🕊is pretty fuckin' awesome, too.
Miku=Flavor Flav, BOY!
Miku! Miku! Miku! Yes, everyone needs to accept that her contributions really do equal those of the other maids. It’s just that hers are a bit more varied, but add up the same.
Your praise for Miku..👏👏❤ perfect. Love to hear it. He gets it.
This song is so good. Misa does not do anything too crazy but I like her bass lines. It fits perfectly with the groovy guitar work. The vocals are perfect. The whole album is great.
did you notice that Ryan totally ignored MISA's contributions and, in fact, didn't mention her name once.
I just hope you, Michael Nolen, never get close to MISA in real life, because you are obviously dangerously obsessed.
@@MichaelNolen there it is kpop fans
always and always polluting society
Thanks for all the hard work you put into these reactions (Bevis and Butthead). Agree 100% on you talk about Miku, she is an amazing person, glad she got hooked by rock instead of going in a different direction. On the Miku and Saiku radio show, she explained that she saw the light when she saw the Ringo Sheena MV "Gunjō Biyori" ua-cam.com/video/yHQQnY1I09E/v-deo.html - not for a reaction but to show who Miku considered as her muse and gave her the dream of being a rock star and to start a band - and notice the guitar Ringo is playing.
Thanks!
This and "Azure" and probably my fav out of "Conqueror"...But this one... this one, I freaking love to head-bang to this one ... can't figure out why they never played this in any live show yet!
Miku is really someone to look up to... apart from the backing vocals, most of the lyrics and guitar playing ... she made Band-Maid happen - THAT alone is... *opens arms*
Saiki is just .... *opens arms again* ... and I can open my arms for all of them of course! I made a fan-tshirt of Kanami... I love this band. They are up there with all the big names, Pantera and other big(er) ones!
Wow, congratulations on your growth to 5K subscribers 🎉
Some great company to have them with👍
Congrats on 5K!
Great reaction again but no suprise anymore, its time all youre subscribers bring on atleast 1 new subscriber, you deserve to grow faster with youre channel
Thanks, Marcel👍
It's one of my favorite songs from Conqueror. Miku's ability and talent to write lyrics is absolutely amazing. We know her efforts..! Her stiff shoulders and back are so severe that she doesn't get better with a regular massage 😭 I saw Akane hitting Miku's shoulders and back with a drumstick on Instagram. It should hurt a lot for a normal person, but Miku said it feels good..!
Miku, who we usually see, is quite energetic and her smile is like sunshine. However.. it's easy to imagine that she's working hard under pressure and stress 😭 I can't help but respect her 🕊
Thank you for the wonderful reaction video as always 😊
I didn't know about her back and shoulders😶
@@RyanMear If I remember correctly, all the members appeared on TV when BAND-MAID released Conqueror, and Miku talked about it. I watched the TV show on youtube, but unfortunately it seems to have been deleted. One of the members(I forged who it was, sorry) said about her terrible stiff shoulders, "I tried to massage her shoulders, but it's too stiff to do with my fingers." 😭
@@mamiackerman_1004 Kanami said it and Saiki says they're worried for her sometimes...
@@IamStrangreen Thank you for information xD
There's backstage video of Akane using her sticks on Miku's back, of course it's in one of the dozens of compilation videos but hopefully someone will remember and link it.
進化し続けて居る。現在進行形の伝説！
4:39 This section ~Theyare all so good together that you sorta' miss how great they are indiviually.~
When I first found Band-Maid I listened to some instrumental at 75% to "unpack" how much each of them are putting into the piece. Seems to me they are "evolving" rock composition to the level of great jazz.
Dear Ryan Mate, you are getting used to a certain standard with Band Maid to the point you take it for granted. Probably the best compliment you could make to them!
Miku's growing skill as rhythm guitarist also helps create a space for mighty Misa to do wonderful creative bass lines. Another way she blesses us.
Oh, and I love Conqueror!
That song was sick just sick kanamis solo coupled with misas bass lines in the back was perfect for this song.everything about it both guitars at the beginning got to stop or this will turn into a book . great react Long Live the PO!
That guitar solo is FIRE.
MISA MISA MISA!
Not taking styles of the albums into account, I think Conquerer might be their all around best album, along with Unseen World. It's also the album I came in on, so I may be a little bias. The only thing I would bing it on is some of the post production. This album Actually (I know people alway say it) is, in my opinion, best in their live performances. I shot some concerts to you a while ago that have a lot of this album, or I can send them again if you want to give it a listen in your own time.
Honestly, Ethan, I rarely make it back to listen to the links people send. I'm usually at break or in between things when I look at comments....I look at them ALL. The Discord is a good place to share and it stays attainable. 👍 I intend to look at them, I really do, but it's difficult!
They did a lot of experimenting with Conqueror, like what Miku is doing with her vocals... and a lot of those translated into Unseen world.
Ryan!
Returning to this particular reaction of yours, I can only concur with you!
We'd better draw a line across Miku's haters, they just do not have a case!
I was listening again to one of the greatest guitarists in the World, namely Rory Gallagher (RIP).
Back in the 70's and 90's his group sounded good enough to me then, but last night it came to me, as you perfectly explained, that here was not much beside him like so many artists, in spite of his band-mates' enthusiasm.
I will have to listen again to all these favorites of mine from Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin and see if they all withstand a belated listening. Apart of of Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green) I should not be disappointed but what the hundreds of others? LOL
Best regards,
Robert-Gilles
Still my favorite Conqueror track and one of their best songs overall. Can't believe they've only played it live once so far.
Dilemma, put together in "boot camp" in two weeks to make it in time for inclusion on the album is a great tune on Conqueror.
DUDE! You haven't done Gion Cho!
One of their songs that isn't in my playlist. I was actually listening to it last night, vocal sound great. It hasn't grown on me as much as dragon cries have, maybe because they haven't played this live.
You cannot listen to a Band Maid song once or twice and truly appreciate it. You have to listen to the song as a whole and then go back and listen to each member and what they are doing. The craftsmanship that goes into their songs is stunning. It only works because every member respects each other and knows when you step forward and step back. I hope this ride never ends.
So did you record this before The Dragon Cries and released them in the wrong order or did you just forget?
I recorded it before LOL
Give CONQUEROR some time. It took me awhile to get over the more poppy themes prominent on this album, but once I did it became my favorite album from them as a whole. I mostly listen to death and prog metal, but the pop elements here mixed with the best hard rock on the planet is like crack for my ears.
Thank you for the Flying High review. I really enjoyed this one. This is one of my top 10 Band Maid songs.
The English band YES, is one that I can listen each member
Yes was truly a Supergroup. One of my top bands.
Good performance, I like rock. Thanks for the reaction. My like and comment.
Be still my heart. ❤
I love this.
The solo section reminded me of Aerosmith a bit
Other my favorite song by band-maid ! The best rock band of the world !
5000✨✨✨👏👏👏
Shocker!!!! Another killer tune from Band Maid. Who would of thought.....
Sacramento loves small pigeon. She is becoming a legend.
Its interesting that you mentioned FREEZER because I always loved this song because it reminds of the very first BAND-MAID songs. I'm so grateful to PinD for his photo collages bringing attention to those old songs that many BAND-MAID fans have never heard.
You'll love Gion-cho by their alter ego Band Maiko!
Band Maid , and Ryan Mear both Flying High .
I was lucky and went to a public school in Ontario Canada that was built in the late 80's, back when investing in the arts was still a thing. We had band class starting at grade 7 till grade 8. Not knowing any better I picked clarinet, but I liked enough to take music class in grade 9. Again I was lucky that the High School was built in the early 70's and had all the instruments on hand. I know in The US and the Arts are always struggling for funding. Now it was in grade 9 I figured out I had no talent for music and switched to taking shop classes and now I'm a cabinet maker by trade. But if I wanted too I could of kept taking Music all the way up till grade 12, who knows where that would of led if I was serious about music. When you start looking into all these Japanese bands very few of the members have not been playing some instrument since they were little, and music is part of the education growing up that you can have an opportunity to explore in the clubs that schools have. Its a big reason why the North American Music scene is so stagnate, Kids are not getting enough opportunity at a young age to discover music. I think the the whole Japanese music scene, even the Pop scene witch is pretty toxic but full of talented people is proof of this. The number of crazy talented young musicians is just insane.
I couldn’t agree more - sadly.
This right here.
I cant believe that some people would thumbs down on any Band Maid song. There always seems to be around 7 thumbs down on any channel that plays Band Maid but never any comments that reflect not liking them.
Because they are anti-Japan korean.
This song was immediately one of my favs when i first listened to the album. Not many bands put it all together like this.
Absolutely love this album and song. I love Miku, I did not have a favorite for a long time but Miku has won my heart over. She works the hardest to promote the band, great lyric writing, getting great at rhythm guitar and then puts out a solo project to fulfill her desire to be lead singer that she set aside for the good of Band-Maid! Plus, her songs are positive and encouraging. Miku has earned my respect many times over. The rest of the band are some of the best in the world today! Thank you for reacting to this video.
OMG! Your pause is longer than the song!
Well, hopefully you're learning something
I have the CD in the I will listen to for you .
Have you checked out Rex Brown's solo album "Smoke On This..."?
No I have not
The guitar for Miku was just a prop until Akane said if you want to continue, you are going to have to learn how to play an instrument. Kanami said, "I will teach her."
Everything you said about Miku is spot-on, she is a remarkable & unique person/pigeon and a formidable force in the world of Rock!
I personally feel like Conqueror is the most divisive album that Band Maid has. This is the Album where they started to really experiment with some different sounds, and some fans weren't happy. I still like the Album overall, but there is 1 or 2 songs I don't really listen to much.