It’s funny you bring up listening to Band Maid all the time. I’m the same way. I have a thumb drive with 98 Band Maid songs plugged in my car. When I start my car Band Maid automatically plays. Also, my license plate says MAIDIAC, so yes, I’m a fanatic. LOL.
Excellent analysis Ryan. WTF would we do without BAND-MAID? It would be a boring journey through the edm and auto tune world of so called pop music. These five ladies have taken music composition and performance to another level, and couldn’t care less whether I’m branded a fan boy... it’s about the music.
It's not a "fan boying" Ryan, I can't stop listening to them either.............😵 I keep thinking "when am I going to get bored of this?" Their music is just too interesting, each song needs at LEAST six listens, one to hear it overall then five more to listen to each band member individually.
The brilliance of Kanami is she's a great guitarist, but she's willing to drop all the way down in the mix to be part of the orchestraic "wall of sound" adding a bit of spice here and there to pepper throughout the entire song in order to make it epic 😉
The reason MISA is trying not to laugh is that Akane farted loudly on the previous take causing MISA to sprawl out in the floor in paroxysms of laughter.
@@K.H.D710 I'm building up for the acoustic show on Maidmas day, Mr K. When i bought my ticket i left the Maids a ¥500 tip. It's not a lot but they deserve it :)
These women have brought me more happiness in this world gone mad than any non-family member or non-feline I know in real life, so if someone wants to call me a fanboy for loving them, have at it. When I say they're the best band in the world, it's not to denigrate other bands at all, but it's just no contest for my tastes. The Maids have the highest batting average I've ever heard from anyone and it's really not even close anymore. Pretty much every single song remains fresh and exhilarating after a year or 2 and countless listens. I simply have never encountered a band that does that as consistently as they do. And I love and appreciate and respect hundreds of bands. The run Band Maid is on right now is magical, it's uncanny, it is a Happening. And dear god they are just so incredibly sweet and silly and fun....none of which would matter in the slightest without their work ethic and otherworldly talent and instincts.
I had been bored by music for too long when some years ago I heard Band Maid. I listened to one track after another and couldn't find a song that didn't either make me smile OR just want to replay. Then I checked if they were on TH-cam. Noticed the different way they do things live. A band of Unicorns is right. It is rare and fun and each song has great repeat value. Each member is a piece of a jigsaw that just makes a great picture to enjoy time and time again.
Akane's hair flying around like a rag doll's makes me giggle because of the contrast with the perfect hair of the rest of them. Oh and you mentioning the toms, I love the way she plays around the toms, somehow she makes her kit sound huge.
I am a Band-Maid fanboy and damn proud of it. As a musician myself I understand what they do and appreciate it. If anyone call me a fanboy for pointing out how great Band-Maid are I'm all good with it. Because Band-Maid are great musicians, they compose great songs, and perform their songs live flawlessly, and they have crowd participation like no other band I know of.
Come for the Gion-cho breakdown, stay for the Band-Maid ramblings. I didn’t expect you to be so into a Band-Maiko song but I’m all for it. 😁 It’s going to be harder to break down all the instruments as there are at least 4 sampled Japanese instruments and multiple vocal tracks plus ad lib call outs by the band (you can really hear Akane’s voice in them) I believe in Band-Maiko songs they’re adding the flute (shuhaku), the big flat Chinese style harp (koto), the shamisen, and the little hand drum. Then there could be more drums (taiko) plus the usual backing synth track. It’s a lot of sounds they jammed in and it seems they really had fun with it.
Ryan, you're not alone. I am 56 and have been listening to hard rock since the 70s. The last 30 years I've had Dream Theater as my #1 band, and DT are amazing, but I don't love all their records and on the records I like I do not like all songs, except Octavarium. With Band-Maid, which is now ny #1 band, I love all their albums and nearly every song in their catalog. This has not happened to me with any other band ever. I hope you got to see the acoustic live on December 25th, amazing consert. Every one of them are great musicians, Saiki's voice and vocal performance are top notch, and her feel of rythm is top as well. She was asked in an interview what instrument was the most important in her monitors, Saiki said A-chan, she cannot sing without hearing Akane's drums !!!!
say what you like were they rank individually but as a band they are at the top not just now but possibly top 10 ever.. the synergy between everything is crazy in its inivation and its not just a single person making it all then talented people playing it...its a top level band fusing together different talents to creat magic
Your struggle to explain what makes them so special...I felt that. It's so obvious to me what sets them apart but so hard to put into real, meaningful words.
This song is a masterpiece, I love it. The different melodies and turns express a kind of longing. I think for this song it is very important to understand the meaning of the lyrics. Only then you really understand the song. ...a girl who has chosen her path in life and is determined to follow it. Perfect, until the very last scene. I can't say which are my five favorite Band-Maid songs, but "Gion Cho" is one of them.
Well, If your " fan boy " Ryan, count me in! I have to listen to them Every Day. As you say, you listen to a song then listen again 5 more times to each part! They are outstanding, absolutely outstanding!!!!
I understand exactly what you mean by wall of sound. I would also call it a sonic canvas as it is creating the space (so to speak) for the other instruments and vocals to shine on top of.
I just saw earlier on Facebook, that they've announced a 2022 US tour. More details to be released sometime later. You might get lucky if they're heading near your area. 😎🎸🎶🎶🎶
I love your deep dives. I´m 55 and this is my fifth year in the groupie van. The reason this band has impact so fierce on me doesn´t have to be with their skills playing, even their awesome master skills songwriting. The reason is the emotion. The way they make me feel. That way they look for the perfect song, every time, without let pass the objective: your soul. Music is the language of the soul, and for me, nobody speaks that language better that these five tiny unicorns. They are actually a miracle because they have found each other in the world to fit the perfect team where every one contribute with their best 100% AND something personal, in each case, that the rest would lack. They are sincere in what they do, they are tough workers, they are brave to innovate and, over all, they are original and distinct and that is the mark of the genious Bands that have made history. Oh, and if someone wants to cross me off as a fanboy... perfect.
I’m with you on finding all you listen to is Band-Maid once you fall past the event horizon… it’s like they cast a spell on you! I have some 5,000 CDs, but this past 6-8 months it’s Band-Maid or Band-Maiko or Cluppo. Did I lose my mind? 😀🤘🤷♂️
Completely normal, once you've been exposed to Miku's Omajinai or magic spell time you are forever lost to the small pigeon. Moi moi kyun kyun kuruppo po
One thing that always gets me is the level of dedication they put into things. I read somewhere that they rewrote all the lyrics to be in the proper Kyoto dialect to be appropriate for the maiko role. All of that effort and work, for an April fools gag. No one goes that far, and that's why they're amazing. As you said, they may not have the greatest guitar player, or other individual, but together they are great. Thrown in the dedication and work they put in, they are truly on another level.
Wonderful deep dive. This whole production - song and visuals - is just gorgeous. And yes, I know after 6 years with Band-Maid I shouldn't be surprised anymore by all the incredible details in the songs and the sheer beauty of the composition, but I always am - still. And yes, I might be a fanboy too then, if it means dedicated music lover of a band, and we also know that the ones who blame others as fanboys usually are the most fanatic fanboys themself - just from another band 😊 therefore, nothing happened, just the usual nagging of the usual suspects.
Saiki really looks like a Japanese princess from another century sitting in the rickshaw. Fantastic! You know that's what the characters in her name mean?
If you want to hear a female Japanese singer that's different from the norm, I recommend Glim Spanky. The singer is like the Janis Joplin of Japan. They do more like alt-bluesy type rock. Another one that's pretty different too is Ado. She's hard to define. I'd say Saiki's voice is one, of many, things that made me love Band-Maid. I never really cared for the higher pitch of most female Japanese singers. I've gotten more used to it but Saiki is still by far my favorite singer. And then the team up with Miku is just amazing! It's a fantastic pairing.
It sounds like you have a serious BAND-MAID addiction, but as diseases go, I think it's one of the better ones. Maybe reacting to Arcadia Girl and the Miku song Beauty and the Beast will help.
I love how you break down MISA's part. I must admit, that my ears are not very tuned towards the bass when I listen to music. I really enjoy a good bass tone when it stands out, it is often my favorite part, but I don't have a bass sensibility. I am starting to learn how to listen more to the bass playing just by watching your reactions Ryan, so thank you for that 🙂
It also helps with the awesome panning mix they have on studio songs. I find it easier now to concentrate on a particular instrument...Of course that's not when i'm jumping around like a lunatic :)
@@GaryHolloway-810 I love the mix and production of the Band-Maid songs, so much clarity. Jumping around like a lunatic is something I'm definitely going to do when I get to see them live.
@@madsstavang I told you you will get to see them live. In 2019 i saw 3 guys in front of me standing like statues for the entire show, WTF!🤷♂️ The bonus was i had an unobstructed view of the Maids :)
I also like every detail of this song (visually and musically). I'm always waiting for this insane bass slide drop from Misa (I know it's just a slide but somehow it's extraordinary has something of a delicious giant praline). I have probably heard this song 100 times, and it excites me every time. The vocal performance and the whole entitle you to a DEEP DIVE in any case. Great analysis great reaction
I love this song. The guitars are kind of in the background in this production but that’s perfectly fine. It fits the vibe. The rhythm section and vocal harmonies are outstanding.
@21:10 "Let's start here" - straight into Akatsuki's most crushing fill! You couldn't have timed that any better. @28:00 I just love how Akatsuki does a 4 bar snare roll that doesn't resolve into a huge cymbal crash. So classy! Thanks for a great deep dive. That was awesome!
Spot on, reaction, Brother. They are incredible. No denying that. This video is just so beautiful sonically and visually. Your clear love of the band, it’s members and music makes perfect sense the way you explain it. Just keep calling it like you see it. You have many kindred spirits out here thinking the exact same thing. Rock on, good sir. Rock on! 🎸🎤🎸🥁🎸
Great analysis again. If somebody pejoratively accuses someone of being a fanboy because they have a different favorite band...they're the one actually acting like a fanboy. This applies to Maidiacs too, especially as it goes against everything the band stands for and real fans should know better. Pretty sure Nightwish doesn't think too highly of that kind of thing, either.
That was great. You expressed what so many of us think. Just incredible to get 5 women who are so creative but make their own egos secondary to the band. Otherwise their songs would be a disjointed mess. I'm thankful that all of you musician reactors look at these songs from various angles. Really enhances my knowledge
I understand you perfectly, Ryan. Now, don't let anyone tell you your not special. You are. I know this very nice lady you might like to meet. She only likes to have you visit one hour each week, but you'll come to like her soft, comfortable chaise longue. She always writes stuff in her black notebook, which is a little irritating, but she also told me she likes to play the zither with her toes, so you'll have much to talk about. ;-)
I play them all the time as well. So do all my bus passengers. I had the same decision when i first clicked on them - do i want to pay attention to a non english band? Decision was made when i couldn't find a bad song and the fancams showed what a fun band they are.
From one Maidiac to another i have to admit watching a professional like yourself grasping to define Band-Maid is oddly satisfying :D excellent breakdown as usual oh and i am going to order one of your hoodies as a xmas gift to myself . Merry Christmas sir!!
No, you're right that their music isn't like a "wall of sound". It's not like having a bag of chips that assaults you with flavor. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts.
I struggle a bit with the Maiko stuff. It is 100% Band Maid with a twist but I can't help but make the Wagakki Band comparison. As good as this is, Wagakki is the gold standard for this style of fusion. I know I'm not alone in this thought but I also know I'm in the minority. I'll always be a fan but like Cluppo, it needs to stay a side project. Before I get skewered, I KNOW it's an April Fools thing and was meant as a fun distraction. Not hating at all.
I've been through Wagakki Band phase so I agree with you. And I bet you are not in minority. Band-Maiko is a band using the wagakki sound as sound effect kind of way in my opinion. I enjoy the different sound.
@@RyanMear lol! Did you nuke the comment or did the poster delete it? It came up in preview but was gone when I came here. I understand having different opinions and strong feelings for the band (I'm over invested both emotionally and financially in Band Maid) but direct insults are for weak minds who cannot convey their opinions. Regardless, keep up the good work Ryan. I like reactors who really peel the songs apart because no matter how many times I've heard a song, there is something that gets pointed out makes the song better.
This song has one of my favorite performance of Umemisa her tone is nothing less than fantastic and her lines are impossible, I'm always wondering how can she makes her bass lines work because it clearly shouldn't... Fujiki's low register is always so good I love it. I get your point about the "wall of sound" neither can I really hear Kanoemi and Hatoko's guitars very well but this song is still great nonetheless Great video as always! Really enjoying those deep dive please do more of them!
Fun fact- the scene with Misa, Akane and Mincho seated side by side had to be done again because Akane farted and the other girls lost their shit laughing.
I'd like to thank you Ryan for getting me to listen to these songs in a new way. I look for reaction videos not to find new things to hear but to gain insight into why I love something I already love. Your reactions and explanations have given me a deeper love of this band's music. I'm not a musician just a long-long time, 50 plus years, lover of rock. Thank you again.
That is a great thing to read, thank you! That was one of my goals when I started doing these..... and tricking people into listening to my music 😉 Seriously, studying BAND-MAID has done the same for me!
@@RyanMear Your "trick" worked as I've listened to some of your music and bought a "shut up Kanami is speaking" t-shirt. BTW, I'm glad they have put out both acoustic and instrumental versions as they allow me to concentrate on different aspects of their music. I can't wait for my "Unseen World First Press Limited Edition CD+DVD" with the 4 instrumental videos to arrive.
Nightwish are a fantastic, great band, but Band-Maid are uniquely wonderful and you're not alone in listening to then a damn lot, you're right Kanami is wildly busy, never noticed it until you mentioned. 🤘🤘
Nice shout out to other reactors like JBF. Found both of you through Band Maid, and it's fun just listening to other (better than me) players talking music. The Kyoto dialect... yes, it does give the song a much different lyrical feel, even if you can only make out a handful of Japanese words (like me). The extra instruments, pretty sure there's some loose pluckety pluck koto or shamisen there, with some chorus added, plus flute. Not sure what they call the melodic percussion thing, but it's a familiar sound, too. Almost like a gamelan organ. Great feel, but like you, I lost track of the girls' own playing under the layers. (Except Misa. That bass can cut through steel) This is one that needs an extra listen to to catch everything. Not feeling the comparisons to the Waggaki Band... Band Maiko's tracks still sound very much like Band Maid in rhythm and tempo, very hard rock and heavy, where Waggaki feels more prog. Be interesting to see a Collab between this band and Drum Tao, which almost exclusively features traditional Japanese instrumentation.
Gidday Ryan if wanting to immerse yourself in musical brilliance that runs fingers down your soul equals being a fanboy then colour me madiac fanboy anytime, anywhere. Great breakdown on this band of talented, creative, caring and daring unicorns 😄 and these stellar artists perhaps best enjoyed with Stella Artois (sorry couldn't resist), now I need a beer 🍻 and of course more BM, stay happy Sir and to quote the Maids " I don't care what the people say"🦄
Thanks Ryan for another Heart felt review of a band that started my journey into the black hole of the Japanese music scene and God willing I never come out!!
Hi from France: Nice, very nice t-shirt!!! These 5 musicians are not necessarily the greatest musicians each in their field, but they have such a beautiful personality and above all there is such alchemy between them that they transcend themselves and end up surpassing everyone... One for all, all for one, all are Band Maid, a unique BAND... Enjoy Maidiacs, Masters & Princesses...
Don't apologise for being passionate about music Ryan. Music is a personal experience. Every time I listen to music I don't always pick out something new, with Band-Maid it tends to be three of four new things. The only way I can explain this is the composition and arrangement of the music is five solo musicians playing solo's though the whole piece.
I just realized...Is Gion-Cho structured entirely different from basically everything else by anyone else (at least that I've noticed)? For example, after the Misa howl intro, doesn't the song jump straight into either a pre-chorus or a chorus? They also seem to change or combine different sounds and "feels" of the pre-chorus/chorus/post-chorus..and verse/s, depending on at what point in the song you are? Plus, there's at least two "breakdowns" (three?) AND the song ends with a post-chorus, where it BLASTS open into the "atmosphere", and then...the MAIDS repeat it, sending the listener deeper into "space". Do I have this even close to right? Do other bands do this...in an unfamiliar dialect?... 🦄 Whatever. It sure makes my brain smile. This was great! Thanks much, Mr. Mear! 🕊
Dang dude, make your own video! Jk, yes, you're right. Yet another thing that should have been pointed out. I know I thought about it, the different intensities of repeated parts almost seeming like a different part the first time around!
FYI, the reason why the faces of Maiko (Geisha apprentice) and Geisha (Well-educated female entertainer) are painted white is a remnant from the Edo period. At that time, it was an idea to clearly show their faces and remember to customers in a dark room with only candlelight. (There was no electricity or light bulb in the Edo period, obviously, duh!) Similarly, Kabuki actors wear make-up with white faces and emphasize eyes and mouth to clearly show their facial expressions of them to the audience. By the way, there are some scenes where Misa and Kanami hold an umbrella in this MV, but the correct way to hold a Japanese umbrella (Wagasa) is to hold it with the handle down. That's for functional reasons. (There is a handle on the top of the umbrella to keep your hands dry.) I really like your reaction videos. I think your approach as a blues musician is also very good. I also like blues and BAND-MAID. Please keep on great work!
Really nice job as usual. I also love (again as usual) Mincho's little added touches - a dissonant chord here, a counter melody WAY in the background and barely noticeable, and it truly goes without saying that the composition itself is yet another masterpiece. (or masters&princessespiece)
Hey Ryan I'm only 3 min in but you mentioned 28 days later. I don't know a lot of the details but quite a bit of the score for that movie, I know for sure the first part where he is wondering around around London is from a band called Godspeed You! black Emperor. I'm sure you've heard of them but if not their worth a listen. Maybe not a reaction though since their songs are like 15 min each lol.
There are only two things that irk me about this band. 1. They aren't more well known and 2. People automatically write them off because of the language.
Honestly, its weird sir.. Really really weird for someone to love this song n did a deep dive for this but you.. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 This song so underrated by "some" fans n "a lot of" reactor (no heart feeling).. Its not catchy as the others, but for me personally, this is gold.. The structure of the song, the harmony of the vocal, the drum fills n the bassline by umemisa just *chef kiss* 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 Band-maiko is the only band who can compete with band-maid 🤣🤣🤣 PS : can jump into the crazy discord channel cz i've got some prob irl but i'll join soon 😁 Btw, SHUT UP!!! KANAMI IS SPEAKING..!!!!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 #bandmaid #takeovertheworld
Great in-depth look, interesting thoughts and some of the things you point out, I completely missed, And by the way, at my age, I can't be a fanboy but I am a fan elder.
You are either fanboy or a fangirl. OK, you may also be a fanqueer. What matters is the soul, not the body, after all. And a soul of a Maidiac is a phenomenon which crosses dimensions!
Ryan! Mount Fuji has put on its white cap! Important piece of news for you! The following video have just appeared on TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/ZVFOs3WQsi4/w-d-xo.html Long, but so interesting for the sheer fun and reference! Very useful English explanations, too! Probably impossible to react on but do enjoy it! Best regards, Robert-Gilles
I guess I don't actually understand the language problem. People have listened to Italian operas, Latin Gregorian chant, Bach's German chorales -- and Piaf's French. A good song communicates by music, not words.If they are putting feeling into the song -- and Saiki puts feelings, hands, and feet into her singing -- you don't need to understand the words. If you immerse yourself in the music, it communicates. In fact, it teaches you to listen more to the music, because that is where you will find the meaning. I love the fact that Akane alone eats -- a joke reference because she is well-known to have an enormous appetite in real life and can out-eat most men (watch their "Gold Rush" interview where she and the show host discuss the amount of food she can eat -- the male host gave up at 18 bowls, but Akane can eat 30). She and another drummer friend are both enormous eaters -- probably because they are so active when they practise and perform.
It may be more American-centric because, for most of us, the next country is never even encountered, let alone needing to speak at least some of multiple languages just to travel several hours away in order to communicate. If that makes sense....
Ice Bear uploaded a behind the scenes video. I don't know what it's from. It makes for interesting viewing for a fan. th-cam.com/video/M4LuyZ6WYow/w-d-xo.html
It's from O-MEI-SYU-SAMA content: 2019.04.03 BAND-MAIKO MAKING VIDEO (other ver.) day1 2019.04.11 BAND-MAIKO MAKING VIDEO (other ver.) day2 I would give you a link, but TH-cam will probably block it.
I'm not musician so it might be wrong but in this song they might using 篠笛(Shinobue) Woodwind instrument. 鼓(Tsuzumi) like a drum. 三味線(Shamisen). 拍子木(Hyoushigi) (The difference between Wagakki Band is the instrument that they use.) Wagakki Band uses 三味線(Shamisen) 尺八(Shakuhachi) 箏(Koto) 和太鼓(Wadaiko)
Check out at the 1:42 mark on the official video and tell me what Kanami is doing .....looks like she is slapping her PRS and has the pick in her mouth....no? Found It! here th-cam.com/video/14XMk5iW1Lg/w-d-xo.html go to time mark 00:23 ....you were on it with regards to MISA wanting to crack up....I knew I saw it somewhere.
It’s funny you bring up listening to Band Maid all the time. I’m the same way. I have a thumb drive with 98 Band Maid songs plugged in my car. When I start my car Band Maid automatically plays. Also, my license plate says MAIDIAC, so yes, I’m a fanatic. LOL.
I pretty much listed to Band Maid constantly
License plate? Damn!
Excellent analysis Ryan. WTF would we do without BAND-MAID? It would be a boring journey through the edm and auto tune world of so called pop music. These five ladies have taken music composition and performance to another level, and couldn’t care less whether I’m branded a fan boy... it’s about the music.
Such a miracle for Bandmaid to host 2 top notch singers together. Most great bands have only one.
I can only thing of 1 other band that had two great singers at this high level, ABBA back in the 70s-80s.
It's not a "fan boying" Ryan, I can't stop listening to them either.............😵 I keep thinking "when am I going to get bored of this?" Their music is just too interesting, each song needs at LEAST six listens, one to hear it overall then five more to listen to each band member individually.
I FEEL THE SAME DAMN WAY! I found them March 2020 and I haven't stopped listening since! HOW? When will I get tired of it? It's a fucking drug!
Yes,yes,yes......
Yes, yes yes, yes, 😊😊😊
Do I make myself clear? 😊
The brilliance of Kanami is she's a great guitarist, but she's willing to drop all the way down in the mix to be part of the orchestraic "wall of sound" adding a bit of spice here and there to pepper throughout the entire song in order to make it epic 😉
The reason MISA is trying not to laugh is that Akane farted loudly on the previous take causing MISA to sprawl out in the floor in paroxysms of laughter.
@@powbobs yes!! i have the video of that
At moments BAND-MAID can move me to tears or make me feel euphoric. That's not fan boying, that's just appreciating the band i love :)
That's also bi-polar, you need to get that checked out :)
@@glenkelley6799 HAHA. Glen i think i've already been diagnosed with a form of Maidness :)
You are embracing the Maidmas Spirit...definitely🎅😊
@@K.H.D710 I'm building up for the acoustic show on Maidmas day, Mr K. When i bought my ticket i left the Maids a ¥500 tip. It's not a lot but they deserve it :)
@@GaryHolloway-810 Haha. It's not the amount of money, your feeling is much more important. But you know that, so I'm just saying...😏
Nowadays, when I see this MV I can't help seeing MISA goofing around in the store. The band was having so much fun on this set 😄
" A band of unicorns " I can see another t shirt their Ryan 😂😂
These women have brought me more happiness in this world gone mad than any non-family member or non-feline I know in real life, so if someone wants to call me a fanboy for loving them, have at it. When I say they're the best band in the world, it's not to denigrate other bands at all, but it's just no contest for my tastes. The Maids have the highest batting average I've ever heard from anyone and it's really not even close anymore. Pretty much every single song remains fresh and exhilarating after a year or 2 and countless listens. I simply have never encountered a band that does that as consistently as they do. And I love and appreciate and respect hundreds of bands. The run Band Maid is on right now is magical, it's uncanny, it is a Happening. And dear god they are just so incredibly sweet and silly and fun....none of which would matter in the slightest without their work ethic and otherworldly talent and instincts.
I agree with you 100%!
I had been bored by music for too long when some years ago I heard Band Maid. I listened to one track after another and couldn't find a song that didn't either make me smile OR just want to replay. Then I checked if they were on TH-cam. Noticed the different way they do things live. A band of Unicorns is right. It is rare and fun and each song has great repeat value. Each member is a piece of a jigsaw that just makes a great picture to enjoy time and time again.
Akane's hair flying around like a rag doll's makes me giggle because of the contrast with the perfect hair of the rest of them. Oh and you mentioning the toms, I love the way she plays around the toms, somehow she makes her kit sound huge.
I am a Band-Maid fanboy and damn proud of it. As a musician myself I understand what they do and appreciate it. If anyone call me a fanboy for pointing out how great Band-Maid are I'm all good with it. Because Band-Maid are great musicians, they compose great songs, and perform their songs live flawlessly, and they have crowd participation like no other band I know of.
Come for the Gion-cho breakdown, stay for the Band-Maid ramblings. I didn’t expect you to be so into a Band-Maiko song but I’m all for it. 😁
It’s going to be harder to break down all the instruments as there are at least 4 sampled Japanese instruments and multiple vocal tracks plus ad lib call outs by the band (you can really hear Akane’s voice in them)
I believe in Band-Maiko songs they’re adding the flute (shuhaku), the big flat Chinese style harp (koto), the shamisen, and the little hand drum. Then there could be more drums (taiko) plus the usual backing synth track. It’s a lot of sounds they jammed in and it seems they really had fun with it.
Ryan, you're not alone. I am 56 and have been listening to hard rock since the 70s. The last 30 years I've had Dream Theater as my #1 band, and DT are amazing, but I don't love all their records and on the records I like I do not like all songs, except Octavarium. With Band-Maid, which is now ny #1 band, I love all their albums and nearly every song in their catalog. This has not happened to me with any other band ever. I hope you got to see the acoustic live on December 25th, amazing consert. Every one of them are great musicians, Saiki's voice and vocal performance are top notch, and her feel of rythm is top as well. She was asked in an interview what instrument was the most important in her monitors, Saiki said A-chan, she cannot sing without hearing Akane's drums !!!!
say what you like were they rank individually but as a band they are at the top not just now but possibly top 10 ever.. the synergy between everything is crazy in its inivation and its not just a single person making it all then talented people playing it...its a top level band fusing together different talents to creat magic
Your struggle to explain what makes them so special...I felt that. It's so obvious to me what sets them apart but so hard to put into real, meaningful words.
This song is a masterpiece, I love it. The different melodies and turns express a kind of longing. I think for this song it is very important to understand the meaning of the lyrics. Only then you really understand the song. ...a girl who has chosen her path in life and is determined to follow it. Perfect, until the very last scene. I can't say which are my five favorite Band-Maid songs, but "Gion Cho" is one of them.
Well, If your " fan boy " Ryan, count me in! I have to listen to them Every Day. As you say, you listen to a song then listen again 5 more times to each part! They are outstanding, absolutely outstanding!!!!
I understand exactly what you mean by wall of sound. I would also call it a sonic canvas as it is creating the space (so to speak) for the other instruments and vocals to shine on top of.
BTW we all saw Akane eating noodle about 10 times 😂😂
I just saw earlier on Facebook, that they've announced a 2022 US tour. More details to be released sometime later. You might get lucky if they're heading near your area. 😎🎸🎶🎶🎶
Yes! I am pretty excited
I love your deep dives.
I´m 55 and this is my fifth year in the groupie van. The reason this band has impact so fierce on me doesn´t have to be with their skills playing, even their awesome master skills songwriting. The reason is the emotion. The way they make me feel. That way they look for the perfect song, every time, without let pass the objective: your soul. Music is the language of the soul, and for me, nobody speaks that language better that these five tiny unicorns. They are actually a miracle because they have found each other in the world to fit the perfect team where every one contribute with their best 100% AND something personal, in each case, that the rest would lack. They are sincere in what they do, they are tough workers, they are brave to innovate and, over all, they are original and distinct and that is the mark of the genious Bands that have made history.
Oh, and if someone wants to cross me off as a fanboy... perfect.
I’m with you on finding all you listen to is Band-Maid once you fall past the event horizon… it’s like they cast a spell on you! I have some 5,000 CDs, but this past 6-8 months it’s Band-Maid or Band-Maiko or Cluppo. Did I lose my mind? 😀🤘🤷♂️
They cast a mean musical spell
Moe Moe Kyun Kyun!
(Sorry, I had to renew the Magic Spell which Kobato-san has cast on you)
Completely normal, once you've been exposed to Miku's Omajinai or magic spell time you are forever lost to the small pigeon. Moi moi kyun kyun kuruppo po
@@tommcfall1274 it may not be mean, but it's quite effectiv and impossible to get rid of, but who want to do that LOL
there are super groups which are full of talent and they showcase their talent withing the songs Band-Maid showcases the song with their talent
Great point!
One thing that always gets me is the level of dedication they put into things. I read somewhere that they rewrote all the lyrics to be in the proper Kyoto dialect to be appropriate for the maiko role. All of that effort and work, for an April fools gag. No one goes that far, and that's why they're amazing. As you said, they may not have the greatest guitar player, or other individual, but together they are great. Thrown in the dedication and work they put in, they are truly on another level.
Wonderful deep dive. This whole production - song and visuals - is just gorgeous. And yes, I know after 6 years with Band-Maid I shouldn't be surprised anymore by all the incredible details in the songs and the sheer beauty of the composition, but I always am - still.
And yes, I might be a fanboy too then, if it means dedicated music lover of a band, and we also know that the ones who blame others as fanboys usually are the most fanatic fanboys themself - just from another band 😊 therefore, nothing happened, just the usual nagging of the usual suspects.
Saiki really looks like a Japanese princess from another century sitting in the rickshaw. Fantastic! You know that's what the characters in her name mean?
If you want to hear a female Japanese singer that's different from the norm, I recommend Glim Spanky. The singer is like the Janis Joplin of Japan. They do more like alt-bluesy type rock. Another one that's pretty different too is Ado. She's hard to define. I'd say Saiki's voice is one, of many, things that made me love Band-Maid. I never really cared for the higher pitch of most female Japanese singers. I've gotten more used to it but Saiki is still by far my favorite singer. And then the team up with Miku is just amazing! It's a fantastic pairing.
It sounds like you have a serious BAND-MAID addiction, but as diseases go, I think it's one of the better ones. Maybe reacting to Arcadia Girl and the Miku song Beauty and the Beast will help.
Thank you this, when i say i love this song is because i actually love this song.
I love how you break down MISA's part. I must admit, that my ears are not very tuned towards the bass when I listen to music. I really enjoy a good bass tone when it stands out, it is often my favorite part, but I don't have a bass sensibility. I am starting to learn how to listen more to the bass playing just by watching your reactions Ryan, so thank you for that 🙂
It also helps with the awesome panning mix they have on studio songs. I find it easier now to concentrate on a particular instrument...Of course that's not when i'm jumping around like a lunatic :)
That's just you jumping around, innit?
@@GaryHolloway-810 I love the mix and production of the Band-Maid songs, so much clarity. Jumping around like a lunatic is something I'm definitely going to do when I get to see them live.
@@RyanMear Yeeeaahh.😔
@@madsstavang I told you you will get to see them live. In 2019 i saw 3 guys in front of me standing like statues for the entire show, WTF!🤷♂️ The bonus was i had an unobstructed view of the Maids :)
I also like every detail of this song (visually and musically). I'm always waiting for this insane bass slide drop from Misa (I know it's just a slide but somehow it's extraordinary has something of a delicious giant praline). I have probably heard this song 100 times, and it excites me every time. The vocal performance and the whole entitle you to a DEEP DIVE in any case. Great analysis great reaction
I love this song. The guitars are kind of in the background in this production but that’s perfectly fine. It fits the vibe. The rhythm section and vocal harmonies are outstanding.
Great deep dive, Gion-cho is one of my favorites! Also... Stella! 👍🍺🍻
I'm with you Ryan. This is one of their best songs :-)
@21:10 "Let's start here" - straight into Akatsuki's most crushing fill! You couldn't have timed that any better.
@28:00 I just love how Akatsuki does a 4 bar snare roll that doesn't resolve into a huge cymbal crash. So classy!
Thanks for a great deep dive. That was awesome!
"... I didn't even talk about Akane."
*cLiCk ClicK cLick CLiCk cLicK*
I just love how they all got into character
Spot on, reaction, Brother. They are incredible. No denying that. This video is just so beautiful sonically and visually. Your clear love of the band, it’s members and music makes perfect sense the way you explain it. Just keep calling it like you see it. You have many kindred spirits out here thinking the exact same thing. Rock on, good sir. Rock on! 🎸🎤🎸🥁🎸
Great analysis again.
If somebody pejoratively accuses someone of being a fanboy because they have a different favorite band...they're the one actually acting like a fanboy. This applies to Maidiacs too, especially as it goes against everything the band stands for and real fans should know better. Pretty sure Nightwish doesn't think too highly of that kind of thing, either.
Passion comes first. Theory can be next. I love your point of view towards music.
That was great. You expressed what so many of us think. Just incredible to get 5 women who are so creative but make their own egos secondary to the band. Otherwise their songs would be a disjointed mess. I'm thankful that all of you musician reactors look at these songs from various angles. Really enhances my knowledge
I understand you perfectly, Ryan. Now, don't let anyone tell you your not special. You are. I know this very nice lady you might like to meet. She only likes to have you visit one hour each week, but you'll come to like her soft, comfortable chaise longue. She always writes stuff in her black notebook, which is a little irritating, but she also told me she likes to play the zither with her toes, so you'll have much to talk about. ;-)
😆
I play them all the time as well. So do all my bus passengers. I had the same decision when i first clicked on them - do i want to pay attention to a non english band? Decision was made when i couldn't find a bad song and the fancams showed what a fun band they are.
100%
From one Maidiac to another i have to admit watching a professional like yourself
grasping to define Band-Maid is oddly satisfying :D excellent breakdown as usual
oh and i am going to order one of your hoodies as a xmas gift to myself .
Merry Christmas sir!!
More deep dives please.
No, you're right that their music isn't like a "wall of sound". It's not like having a bag of chips that assaults you with flavor. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts.
I struggle a bit with the Maiko stuff. It is 100% Band Maid with a twist but I can't help but make the Wagakki Band comparison. As good as this is, Wagakki is the gold standard for this style of fusion. I know I'm not alone in this thought but I also know I'm in the minority. I'll always be a fan but like Cluppo, it needs to stay a side project.
Before I get skewered, I KNOW it's an April Fools thing and was meant as a fun distraction. Not hating at all.
I've been through Wagakki Band phase so I agree with you. And I bet you are not in minority.
Band-Maiko is a band using the wagakki sound as sound effect kind of way in my opinion. I enjoy the different sound.
Musical comparisons happen because of what we're exposed to. No need to insult someone. (The remaining comments, here, are fine)
@@RyanMear lol! Did you nuke the comment or did the poster delete it? It came up in preview but was gone when I came here. I understand having different opinions and strong feelings for the band (I'm over invested both emotionally and financially in Band Maid) but direct insults are for weak minds who cannot convey their opinions. Regardless, keep up the good work Ryan. I like reactors who really peel the songs apart because no matter how many times I've heard a song, there is something that gets pointed out makes the song better.
This song has one of my favorite performance of Umemisa her tone is nothing less than fantastic and her lines are impossible, I'm always wondering how can she makes her bass lines work because it clearly shouldn't... Fujiki's low register is always so good I love it. I get your point about the "wall of sound" neither can I really hear Kanoemi and Hatoko's guitars very well but this song is still great nonetheless
Great video as always! Really enjoying those deep dive please do more of them!
Thanks, Ben! I think I will!
And you forgot to mention the beautiful and fascinatingly complex percussions by Akatsuki-chan! 💖
Fun fact- the scene with Misa, Akane and Mincho seated side by side had to be done again because Akane farted and the other girls lost their shit laughing.
I think that what miko sings "yoisa yaiyesa" is like a cheering call in Japanese which is used in public ceremonies
That part that seems like pipes or such is actually Miku singing out a series of sustained notes.
I'd like to thank you Ryan for getting me to listen to these songs in a new way. I look for reaction videos not to find new things to hear but to gain insight into why I love something I already love. Your reactions and explanations have given me a deeper love of this band's music. I'm not a musician just a long-long time, 50 plus years, lover of rock. Thank you again.
That is a great thing to read, thank you! That was one of my goals when I started doing these..... and tricking people into listening to my music 😉 Seriously, studying BAND-MAID has done the same for me!
@@RyanMear Your "trick" worked as I've listened to some of your music and bought a "shut up Kanami is speaking" t-shirt.
BTW, I'm glad they have put out both acoustic and instrumental versions as they allow me to concentrate on different aspects of their music. I can't wait for my "Unseen World First Press Limited Edition CD+DVD" with the 4 instrumental videos to arrive.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my music, which is NOTHING like BAND!
Yes, and another loopable is Onset
Incredible Band, BAND-MAID, my playlist of it is already more than 25 hours long and it is my constant companion.
My TShirt arrived today! Thanks, Ryan!
Great! Is it a advertised??
@@RyanMear Yes. Perfect. Just in time to wear on Christmas Eve during the Band-Maid Acoustic concert. Did you get your ticket yet?
Great! Another buyer got his and there was an extra grey line on it....
Yes I have my ticket!
Nightwish are a fantastic, great band, but Band-Maid are uniquely wonderful and you're not alone in listening to then a damn lot, you're right Kanami is wildly busy, never noticed it until you mentioned.
🤘🤘
Nice shout out to other reactors like JBF. Found both of you through Band Maid, and it's fun just listening to other (better than me) players talking music.
The Kyoto dialect... yes, it does give the song a much different lyrical feel, even if you can only make out a handful of Japanese words (like me).
The extra instruments, pretty sure there's some loose pluckety pluck koto or shamisen there, with some chorus added, plus flute. Not sure what they call the melodic percussion thing, but it's a familiar sound, too. Almost like a gamelan organ.
Great feel, but like you, I lost track of the girls' own playing under the layers. (Except Misa. That bass can cut through steel) This is one that needs an extra listen to to catch everything.
Not feeling the comparisons to the Waggaki Band... Band Maiko's tracks still sound very much like Band Maid in rhythm and tempo, very hard rock and heavy, where Waggaki feels more prog. Be interesting to see a Collab between this band and Drum Tao, which almost exclusively features traditional Japanese instrumentation.
Gidday Ryan if wanting to immerse yourself in musical brilliance that runs fingers down your soul equals being a fanboy then colour me madiac fanboy anytime, anywhere. Great breakdown on this band of talented, creative, caring and daring unicorns 😄 and these stellar artists perhaps best enjoyed with Stella Artois (sorry couldn't resist), now I need a beer 🍻 and of course more BM, stay happy Sir and to quote the Maids " I don't care what the people say"🦄
Lol, nice thank you!
Thanks Ryan for another Heart felt review of a band that started my journey into the black hole of the Japanese music scene and God willing I never come out!!
Hi from France:
Nice, very nice t-shirt!!!
These 5 musicians are not necessarily the greatest musicians each in their field, but they have such a beautiful personality and above all there is such alchemy between them that they transcend themselves and end up surpassing everyone...
One for all, all for one, all are Band Maid, a unique BAND...
Enjoy Maidiacs, Masters & Princesses...
Don't apologise for being passionate about music Ryan.
Music is a personal experience.
Every time I listen to music I don't always pick out something new, with Band-Maid it tends to be three of four new things.
The only way I can explain this is the composition and arrangement of the music is five solo musicians playing solo's though the whole piece.
I just realized...Is Gion-Cho structured entirely different from basically everything else by anyone else (at least that I've noticed)? For example, after the Misa howl intro, doesn't the song jump straight into either a pre-chorus or a chorus? They also seem to change or combine different sounds and "feels" of the pre-chorus/chorus/post-chorus..and verse/s, depending on at what point in the song you are? Plus, there's at least two "breakdowns" (three?) AND the song ends with a post-chorus, where it BLASTS open into the "atmosphere", and then...the MAIDS repeat it, sending the listener deeper into "space". Do I have this even close to right? Do other bands do this...in an unfamiliar dialect?... 🦄
Whatever. It sure makes my brain smile. This was great! Thanks much, Mr. Mear! 🕊
Dang dude, make your own video! Jk, yes, you're right. Yet another thing that should have been pointed out. I know I thought about it, the different intensities of repeated parts almost seeming like a different part the first time around!
@@RyanMear Exactly. I can't believe I just realized that stuff. That's why your deep dives are so cool!
FYI, the reason why the faces of Maiko (Geisha apprentice) and Geisha (Well-educated female entertainer) are painted white is a remnant from the Edo period.
At that time, it was an idea to clearly show their faces and remember to customers in a dark room with only candlelight.
(There was no electricity or light bulb in the Edo period, obviously, duh!)
Similarly, Kabuki actors wear make-up with white faces and emphasize eyes and mouth to clearly show their facial expressions of them to the audience.
By the way, there are some scenes where Misa and Kanami hold an umbrella in this MV, but the correct way to hold a Japanese umbrella (Wagasa) is to hold it with the handle down.
That's for functional reasons. (There is a handle on the top of the umbrella to keep your hands dry.)
I really like your reaction videos. I think your approach as a blues musician is also very good. I also like blues and BAND-MAID. Please keep on great work!
Thank you for the comment and for listening to my music!
@@RyanMear You're very welcome. I like your blues songs and cover of RED HOUSE. Great works! 😀
Arigato!
@@RyanMear Doitashimashite 😀
Really nice job as usual. I also love (again as usual) Mincho's little added touches - a dissonant chord here, a counter melody WAY in the background and barely noticeable, and it truly goes without saying that the composition itself is yet another masterpiece. (or masters&princessespiece)
I understand what you're saying, we're all addicts!!! lol
Cheers!
I can quit Band Maid anytime I want to . OK I LIED
@@tommcfall1274 It's very easy to quit BAND-MAID. I myself have quit it at least 50 times.
Hey Ryan I'm only 3 min in but you mentioned 28 days later. I don't know a lot of the details but quite a bit of the score for that movie, I know for sure the first part where he is wondering around around London is from a band called Godspeed You! black Emperor. I'm sure you've heard of them but if not their worth a listen. Maybe not a reaction though since their songs are like 15 min each lol.
U.S. TOUR 2022 JUST ANNOUNCED NO DATES OR VENUES RELEASED YET
There are only two things that irk me about this band. 1. They aren't more well known and 2. People automatically write them off because of the language.
Honestly, its weird sir.. Really really weird for someone to love this song n did a deep dive for this but you.. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This song so underrated by "some" fans n "a lot of" reactor (no heart feeling)..
Its not catchy as the others, but for me personally, this is gold.. The structure of the song, the harmony of the vocal, the drum fills n the bassline by umemisa just *chef kiss* 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Band-maiko is the only band who can compete with band-maid 🤣🤣🤣
PS : can jump into the crazy discord channel cz i've got some prob irl but i'll join soon 😁
Btw, SHUT UP!!! KANAMI IS SPEAKING..!!!!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
#bandmaid #takeovertheworld
sorry for my bad english 😅😂🤣
Please, come back!
Hey there is nothing wrong with being a band maid fan boy I always and proudly declare myself a band maid fan boy
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Ryan
Thank you, Robert, merry Christmas to you too!
Good Stuff!
Kanami's silhouette T-shirt.→
It's maniac.😆
There was a whole movement, "Don't wear the T-shirts of the bands you don't listen to!" 🤘😂
I think (my wife’s smart ass remarks echo) Kobato wants to emphasize the story and the guitars would be a distraction. Bonus: Akane gets lunch.
Hello! Maiko paints her face white to make her face look beautiful even at night. So I think she has a scene to play at night.
When you say "Interesting!" in Japanese, it literally means "white face," right? Omoshiroi
In Japanese, it is called "shironuri". It means to paint it white. Simply put, it's a white face.
Great in-depth look, interesting thoughts and some of the things you point out, I completely missed, And by the way, at my age, I can't be a fanboy but I am a fan elder.
That just makes you the Elrond of Maidiacs then :)
You are either fanboy or a fangirl.
OK, you may also be a fanqueer.
What matters is the soul, not the body, after all. And a soul of a Maidiac is a phenomenon which crosses dimensions!
@@VladimirChupin I heard you had a chat with Mr B, Vladimir. Can't wait to see it.👍
@@GaryHolloway-810 He recorded the first two hours, out of total six 🙈 It seems it's not easy to cut something meaningful out of that, though.
Wow!
Hi. If you don't know it, I recommend it to the ratings. Great fun and surprise.
BAND-MAID - The band all have a go at drumming - The Dome, London
Ryan!
Mount Fuji has put on its white cap!
Important piece of news for you!
The following video have just appeared on TH-cam:
th-cam.com/video/ZVFOs3WQsi4/w-d-xo.html
Long, but so interesting for the sheer fun and reference!
Very useful English explanations, too!
Probably impossible to react on but do enjoy it!
Best regards,
Robert-Gilles
I guess I don't actually understand the language problem. People have listened to Italian operas, Latin Gregorian chant, Bach's German chorales -- and Piaf's French. A good song communicates by music, not words.If they are putting feeling into the song -- and Saiki puts feelings, hands, and feet into her singing -- you don't need to understand the words. If you immerse yourself in the music, it communicates. In fact, it teaches you to listen more to the music, because that is where you will find the meaning.
I love the fact that Akane alone eats -- a joke reference because she is well-known to have an enormous appetite in real life and can out-eat most men (watch their "Gold Rush" interview where she and the show host discuss the amount of food she can eat -- the male host gave up at 18 bowls, but Akane can eat 30). She and another drummer friend are both enormous eaters -- probably because they are so active when they practise and perform.
It may be more American-centric because, for most of us, the next country is never even encountered, let alone needing to speak at least some of multiple languages just to travel several hours away in order to communicate. If that makes sense....
We are spoiled because we speak a language most of the world has adapted... that's what I mean.
Umemisa Umemisa Umemisa! it's almost like Umemisa is doing melody and KANOEMI is doing Rhythm
I'm beginning to think you like that MISA girl a lot Dave.😏
Dave "Umemisa Umemisa Umemisa" Cook... A twin brother of the guy we knew before...
@@GaryHolloway-810 she's as good as MISA
@@VladimirChupin lol
Akane almost sounded like Danny Carey. She's doing some funky stuff in there.
awesome!
Steve Vai was heavily influenced by Frank Zappa. And MISA is never not playing, even under Kanami's solos.
Ice Bear uploaded a behind the scenes video. I don't know what it's from. It makes for interesting viewing for a fan.
th-cam.com/video/M4LuyZ6WYow/w-d-xo.html
It's from O-MEI-SYU-SAMA content:
2019.04.03
BAND-MAIKO MAKING VIDEO (other ver.) day1
2019.04.11
BAND-MAIKO MAKING VIDEO (other ver.) day2
I would give you a link, but TH-cam will probably block it.
Band Maid is bliss.Saiki and Miku!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a few CD's (that I could find) and listen to them all the time too.
8:46 Kanami slaps guitar
I'm not musician so it might be wrong but in this song they might using
篠笛(Shinobue) Woodwind instrument.
鼓(Tsuzumi) like a drum.
三味線(Shamisen).
拍子木(Hyoushigi)
(The difference between Wagakki Band is the instrument that they use.)
Wagakki Band uses
三味線(Shamisen)
尺八(Shakuhachi)
箏(Koto)
和太鼓(Wadaiko)
I mentioned the "whistle sounding" instrument lol..DUH... yeah that's a flute. Spaced it!
Ryan, I agree with you, especially about Misa. I play bass and she is outstanding!
Have you seen the BMCD cover of this?? I play the bass!th-cam.com/video/NdCBMoqVlEM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=1RvtfuD0bY6zauAr
@@RyanMear Oh that's sweet! Good job on the bass and a nice tone coming through!
I believe this is about a caste of women slightly below the Geisha class. At least that was my understanding.
Ok,thanks
You are not a fanboy Ryan. You are a Maidiac.
🤘🎶🥁🎸🎤🤘
@@RyanMear I now own #introductions
Just after the 22:00 mark, did you notice Kanami "slapping" her guitar part??
I did, I mentioned it briefly in the first vid!
@@RyanMear Sorry, I must have missed it!
Check out at the 1:42 mark on the official video and tell me what Kanami is doing .....looks like she is slapping her PRS and has the pick in her mouth....no?
Found It! here th-cam.com/video/14XMk5iW1Lg/w-d-xo.html go to time mark 00:23 ....you were on it with regards to MISA wanting to crack up....I knew I saw it somewhere.
I mentioned that briefly in the first video! But yes, a bit of a slap and pop from Kanami!
@@RyanMear Sorry, didn't know you had another video of this...
は！！ ほ！！
Otanomoushimasu!
Destined to last... until they have kids. Enjoy the ride...
Very presumptuous
@@RyanMear I guess you could say, I pray so! (The presumptuous part...) not what I said.