Onset by BAND-MAID is one of the best songs I've ever heard in my life. In this video, I try to explain why. I don't think I did, but I sure talk a lot! Hopefully you get something out of this
Very nice re-review of that masterpiece and I agree with most of your comments and reasons to love it. As everybody will talk about Kanami, Misa and Akane, I'd like to focus on Miku. This is from 2018, so this means she was playing since three or four years back then. As much as I know, she had no musical education and she had never play any instrument before. She was around 22 when her bandmates placed a guitar in her hands - it's late! (I know Midori stated at 20 and Miyako at 18, but they had a HUGE musical backgroud and were proficient on another instrument). More, it was not a decision like "I WANT to play guitar" but more like "I have to play guitar for the band". But here, three or four years later, she's playing on stage along amazing musicians with the thankless and yet demanding task of a rythm musician, with complex time signature, constant stop-and-go, fast chords changing ...and she manage to do it like a champ. Btw I started my musical path as a punk guitarplayer at 16 - and the 16 years-old me just LOVES the Miku part just after Kanami's solo 😉 . And I can't think of another band where a member started to learn to play AFTER the band forming. One more Band-Maid peculiarity.
I love that Kanami uses tapping for actual melodic reasons, not just as a show-off technique. With BAND-MAID it really is all about the feel. They put cool progressive technical things in and have outstanding technical ability but it's always in service of the song. Kanami's solos never feel like just random wank fests, which is all too common in rock and metal. Also what I love about her delay in this is that she has it set for perfect intervals for the song. Too many guitarists just throw a delay on without much thought to the intervals. Kanami thinks about everything though. It's one of BAND-MAIDs magic things... highly structured and composed material that sounds free and spontaneous.
I totally agreed. 日本にはkanamiさん以上に指の動くプロのギター女子が沢山いるものの、基本的にタッピングは「飛び道具」や「一発芸」としてしか使われておらず、彼女のようにちゃんと曲を推し進めるために使う人はほぼ皆無。ここが「好きなようにギターが弾ければいいや。」というギタリストと、楽曲の作成やアレンジといった重責まで担っている彼女との大きな違いであり、彼女が「偉大なギタリスト」として尊敬される所以なのかと。 (日本語でゴメンねー。Sorry for my Japanese reaction. )
Akane’s smile is one of my favorite things - just in general. It epitomizes who they are as a band for me and what their music does for me when I listen to them. They are simply a joy to listen to.
Misa's "now you see my pick, now you dont"-slapbass technique is one of the great things of this song. :D Kanami is one of those "feel" guitarists, even though she probably could be a technical player. She doesnt play too long on solos, plays just what is needed and flares in where she feels it(but wont go outside the lines of the song).
It is hard to explain why we love Band Maid so much. At least for me, there are times when I’m listening to the music and I’m so happy I feel like crying. I think it has a lot to do with their personalities also. These girls are just awesome and sweet and humble. I don’t know, I just love them.
Your comment at 10:30 is what, to me, sets this band apart. They love their own music, they don't write/perform for glory, praise or to impress. They do it cause they absolutely love it! Their smiles aren't fake or practiced, they are actually enjoying what is coming out of the speakers. The band is about to be eight years old and they never fought or change members, they actually enjoy each others company and when they are on stage is absolute bliss for them, which translate to bliss for us as well. This band is special in every way!
Unlike any other band I feel they are putting their hearts into everything they do and that the payoff for them is threefold; the joy of playing, the actual income, and the happiness of the audience. They want the listener to be made happy by the music and that shines through to me. Their music is alive and the lyrics often go to the theme that "this is it, take this life and do your best". I feel like they want to help everyone in the struggle life can be by giving us positive, beautiful music to enjoy. I am glad to be alive while they are and experiencing what I consider to be greatness.
Band-Maid came up from relative anonymity in that the members were not members of well-known other groups. As a result they are bonded to each other in the same journey.
I've heard one of the reactors keeps commenting how their songs don't technically impress him. I can appreciate his honesty, but the point is, band-maid is not trying to technically impress us, they strive to make great music, 💯 as you described.
I never get bored of B-M's instrumentals. Never. It reminds me of Jeff Beck in a way where it's more about the feel and groove rather than technical mastery. And that the whole band is equally important and not just the guitarist.
Band Maid has also changed the way I listen to music, first thing is I enjoy listening to music because of BM, before I found them 5 yrs ago I didn't enjoy listening or playing music anymore, what was available to me was either old ugh, or garbage barf, because of BM I became interested in they're unique composition and the execution of their music, now I listen to many Japanese band's and have never been happier, the music drought is over.
Great explanation. To me, "Onset" is not a song. It's a piece of music, like a classical symphony. Since it's instrumental, there are no language barriers, so everyone can appreciate the piece equally. It's the universal language of music. A great composition in which each of the 4 musicians are playing their own separate movements, but yet, on a drop of a dime, they all line up and pause on the same beats. Amazingly tight band. Either they've practiced together a million times, or they share the same brain.
To me , it's the respect for the music and for the listener. These women are so insanely talented and could go off in any tangent, but it's not what the song wants. Even when you throw in Miku's lyrics and Saiki's vocals in other songs, it's all about respect. They all said in an interview they all want to get better with their respective craft, when do you ever hear that from a band that is so great already. I wake up with Band Maid in my ears and I go to sleep with Band Maid in my ears, no other band has done to me in 60 years.
Hi Ryan, what can I say, Akane a monster changes time like it's the easiest thing in the world and adds something out of nothing. Misa there are no words. Kanami is a genius one of the most versatile guitarists I have ever heard in any style, the tapping control fluid and never static "see solo in Bloomig". Miku is special as she naturally follows Kanami and fits in with changing rif. One thing i love about Maid is that the second verse is always different from the first in every song, queens of transitions and choruses, never banal...as i already told you i met them with "the non fiction days" and i was impressed by all of them, wow the song that i wanted to write
Band-Maid always brings an ONSET of love, appreciation and happiness to their viewers. Why? Because they're so damn good -- good-natured, good-hearted, good-looking, and beyond good as writers, players and performers. Wow, right?! Thx, Ryan!
MISA MISA MISA! between the Miku solo and the A-chan mini solo you mentioned the 2 Guitars one static the other moving but to me all I hear is MISA doing the BEST Bass run I have ever heard so twangy and deep (you can tell I know nothing about proper terms to use)
I have the same opinion as you this song /arrangement is one of those defining moments where all the best parts come together and make something wonderful and Kanami new it, any one that plays at any level can see that its a masterpiece .And Kanami does not make one mistake with the tapping and the solo is crazy at first not a shred yet fit in so well with the entire vibe . The Bass is like a continues solo yet fits in with every thing else seamlessly , the drumming it almost looks random and all over the place shouldn't work yet perfect and Miku, i can hang with these 3 now and add my part to the mix as well .Being around Kanami and having her as a teacher has elevated what was already a very good band into one of the best .
I really appreciate your thoughts on the song. I know what you mean about trying to explain in full why their music is so great. I'm going to go into a bit of a fanboy mode about them here for awhile, so forgive my indulgence. I think their attitude about music is a big, big reason why I love them as a band so much. If we can all be honest for a minute, alot of the famous guitarists of 80's and 90's rock music were ego-driven pricks. If you watch some "making of" videos of them in the studio or their behind-the-scenes on tour, you can very easily tell that. But Band-Maid doesn't do that stuff. For instance as you probably already know, Miku stepped down from lead vocals when the band was young because she felt her voice wasn't strong enough for the music they wanted to make. A decision made with a complete lack of ego. Kanami doesn't have to make the most insane show off solos ever, because it's not about showing off. Kanami and the others don't have to show off constantly that they are badasses, we all already know they are. Everything about the song writing process is done with the sole purpose of making the song as great to listen to as possible, because they want the people listening to feel the music and have a really good time. Kanami's famous quote is "A good guitar solo will trigger emotions. I always keep that in mind." And if you listen to them in interviews, you can tell they are sincere in all of that. Like in this interview (it has English captions): th-cam.com/video/JKvQ34ZYT9A/w-d-xo.html They did it to promote their album "Unseen World" which wasn't out just yet. They were asked what their goals for the year were. Their answer: "We all hope to improve and expand our talents so our next album will be even better". And when asked about the album, they always talk about how their hope is that people will enjoy it and find one song at least that the listener can really connect with. Can you imagine that? As amazing as they all are and their only hope is that they can work to get better. They love music, they love their fans, they love performing. Everything they do just serves as evidence of that.
This may seem really odd but some of that interview brought me to tears. To see such amazingly honest humans share why they do what they do and to see the dedication and love that they approach music with, life with, made me happy. They inspire me with the way they approach things with a combination of confidence and humility.
All of their instrumentals are epic: Without Holding Back, Don't Be Long, and even the ones that came out of "real" songs, like Giovanni, or the other way around with Play, the instrumental maid into a song... Kanami's just a little mad genius
When they played TDC at Line Cube it was amazing. Kanami was channeling Hendrix I think and the sound had that organic, emotional feel that their music gives me.
To me it's like the perfect stadium song. I can totally see it being used at a basketball game. Sort of like The Fratellis, Chelseas Dagger is at Blackhawks hockey games.
I have seen several music breakdowns of Band-Maid. All of them talking about the technical aspects only. This is the first breakdown that talks about the music the way I am experiencing it, straight from the gut. Onset conveys a feeling which cannot be captured in technical terms, and you managed to put them into words. Love it!
Wow, this is the first time I really caught the time signature change. Really enjoyed your break down. I learn a lot from these types of reactions. When I discovered BAND-MAID, Thrill was the first song I heard. TH-cam kept suggesting it so I finally gave in. The song took me by surprise like it has many others. I listened to a few other songs but was on a major Nightwish journey of rediscovery. A little later TH-cam suggested this song, "Oh yeah, they're cool". Listened to this and went down the pigeon hole and haven't looked back.
"Onset" is the song that sold me on Band-Maid. I started watching reactions to Nightwish "Ghost Love Score," Wacken 2013 because I really love that song. Many of the same reactors were reacting to an all-female Japanese band called 'Band-Maid' whose members dressed as maids. Having already watched a couple of Baby Metal videos and thinking 'This isn't music, this is theater,' I was not impressed with the Band-Maid notion. However, after many mentions, I decided one video couldn't hurt. So, I watched the one with the most views: "Thrill." I liked it but I didn't love it, so I didn't try to watch any more Band-Maid videos. Stupid me. Months later, Chase Carneson, a reactor I respect, reacted to "Onset." So I watched it, to get Chase's opinion. That lasted about 20 seconds. The first thing I noticed was that the drummer was insanely good in a music sense, best new (to me) drummer I'd heard in years. Since Bonham and Peart, probably. Later I noticed the bass was actually playing lead lines in parts, reminded me of Entwistle. The guitarist was also good, although there are a lot of good guitarists, so she didn't stand out as much. Of course, I later found out she writes the music, so she truly is a genius. By the time the song was over, I thought it was the best song I'd heard in decades. I became a Band-Maid fan at that moment.
Nice, very well said. Iput if listening to them because of the outfits too. But I tried babymetal first, it got blocked, so I went to BM, Thrill. I chopped the hell out of it too get it to clear and Madiacs told me I didn't need to do that.... do more lol. Off I went!
Love Onset as well. Says a lot when instrumental moves you. For me it’s the whole band, but I love Kanami. Her tapping runs act like a chorus in this, beautiful. There is a music video of this, you can get which guitar is being played. Onset is a favorite of mine with Puzzle live, Moratorium live. Blooming is really good, Kanamis solos are art. Kanami is an artist, they all are. With Kanami, Carlos Santana, and Larry Carlton are influences. And her beautiful tweet, tribute to EVH, she praised his phrasing and tapping. Watch Moratorium live in NYC, Kanami plays a soulful, bluesy solo before.
If you purchase Conqueror with the DVD or Blu-ray you will get a special version of onset that has a white background similar to the original Thrill video each instrument is better isolated so neophytes like me can more easily see which sound is coming from which instrument.
Soz I'm late. Ryan you could do a breakdown of why corn flakes go soggy in milk & I'd still enjoy it as long as you have BAND-MAID playing. Mmm, bowl of B-M.😋
Why do I love BAND-MAID? I'll not live long enough to fully understand why. My mere mortal mind can only comprehend so much before it gives up trying to convert emotion into logic. Logical thought has no real place in this landscape of feelings and emotions created by 5 peerless artists. They put their heart and soul into their music and it comes through on a level that can't really be explained, it needs to be experienced. You either resonate on their frequency or you don't. In the simplest of terms -- It's just BAND-MAID doing BAND-MAID things.
Music is a language that conveys emotion without literally translation, that is what Band Maid is doing here, and that is what makes them so great. Your snapshot of Kanami just "feeling it" that is what music is all about. Great job sir! As usual! 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂
At 10:27, anyone whose played a Guitar like you do and I used to....understands your statement perfectly. I love that image of her. She's just left the building for a few moments gone..... lol
Over the last year I've seen a few reviews that have made me aware of things I've noticed, but never was able to put my finger on exactly what it is. However, most of these reviews can quickly become too much for non-musicians like me, because they often try to explain things with terms that simply aren't part of my everyday life and almost seem like a foreign language to me. As much as I would like to, I have never had a talent for playing an instrument or had a feeling for creating melodies. And at this point I'll just say a big 'thank you' that you obviously make an effort to explain it in a way that people like me can understand it too. For example, the simple counting with your fingers when you mentioned the time signatures. So I can reply to your video description with a good conscience that I will definitely take something with me from this video. Thank you very much for that! 🙏🏻 【 'Our rock never dies ever. Forever!' - Band-Maid 】🕊️
Thanks for pointing out some of the finer details, Ryan. Great point that Band-Maid employing some advanced stuff without overdoing it (e.g. MISA's bass line, time sigs, etc.). No egos spoiling the overall song.
Don't hear too many reactors state the different aspects of WHY they LOVE a song. Not easy to explain. I just know certain songs hit my soul. I couldn't really tell you why. It's just a feeling you get and you need to play that song again and again and again. NEVER get tired of it. And when it does happen, the bands have done their job 100 fold. That's why music is my drug of choice over any other medium of entertainment for the past 50+ years. Thanks again Ryan. Peace.
Thank your for the analysis! For Bandmaid, I prefer analysis ore review over reaction since we all know Bandmaid is awesome! Kanami got her inspiration from Carlos Santana, one of the first record she got from her father. Also love you mentioned about Miku's part. Can't believe she pick up her first guitar in 2013. Off course, Misa Misa Misa and Akane was on fire 🤘
just my opinion but I think Kanami should go down in the history books as one of the greats as a music composer (I realise this most likely won't happen but I can dream). Her knowledge of music and creativity is masterclass. And of course, we the fans are exceptionally lucky that she has such a talented bunch of musicians around her to bring her creations to life.
It's like a composer with a great orchestra, or a choreographer with a great dance company. The proper performers bring out the best in the composer, and vice versa.
Any form of art that is done out of love can often not be appreciated until years later. Look at RUSH for example, their music from the 70's & 80's is way more appreciated today than it was when it was released. So she just might! 😉🤘
Great one! Thanks, Ryan... You will LOVE "Puzzle" and "Without holding back". Last one is also an AWESOME instrumental with the same kinda vibe, but totallty different, if that makes any sense HAHA! Greetings from Germany I am so glad Band-Maid gets so much attention right now and can bring positive energy all over the world. Good for you, you discovered them, they will not stop to impress you :)
This was awesome 👌 . You have that image of Kanami looking up as iconic. One of the most iconic images for me, is the Kanami spotlight solo in 'Puzzle' live . Think it was at Zepp tokyo. Epic! Throuroughly enjoyed this breakdown
Hey the best reactions are when someone takes the time to break down the music. Its always interesting to hear a musicians take on a song that I love. Pauses during a reaction are a good thing. Enjoyed this man, chat with you soon!
This is the best one you've done so far. The reason a lot of us follow certain reactors and not others is because you are able to provide context and insight in a way that others can't.
Precision, precision, precision. The tightest band I have ever seen. Every member in perfect sync. Kanami you are a musical Einstein. Kanami is completely into every aspect of her music. She honestly lives it. Sometimes I worry for her as she seems sometimes like she is maybe working continually on new stuff without a break. Relentless. But I guess for a genius that is what it takes.
Hoping there might be more of this, absolutely enjoyed this. Every time I talk about Onset I tend to talk about "dreamlike" melodies. It's hard to explain, but the way the instruments are intertwined just makes you feel....content? Like you said "Everything will be ok". No matter what state of mind I'm in, Band Maid is able to enhance positive feelings and eradicate negative ones.. It simply touches your soul (as cliché as it sounds) and there's not a lot of music which can do that. Man, I WISH the live version of 'Don't you tell me' of their Zepp Tokyo concert would be still available on TH-cam. There's a part in there where they extended the solo part of Kanami compared to the original and Misa and Kanami are having a conversation with their guitars. Most would describe it as a guitar battle, but it doesn't do it justice in my opinion. And while this is happening Akane is supporting everything in the most creative way you could even imagine. I don't even know how to explain it, it's ridiculous. I have no idea if maybe someone in your Discord can help out with that? However, like I said, great video! Not easy to explain why you like something, especially music. I can't wait for you to discover the rest of their songs. One would imagine after this many songs, that you probably know what to expect. Not Band Maid. Their song catalogue will keep surprising you.
Another excellent reaction. First time I heard this I thought it was just ok. Sometimes their songs are so intricate it takes this non musician time to catch up. I've heard it numerous times now and it gets better with every listen. Not sure if you've heard Without holding back. Another great instrumental on the same level as this one. Cheers
Thanks for shout out! That was great and you did a fine job answering my question. It is fascinating how they use their musical bag of tricks to convey a feeling or emotion. Kanam's solo sounds very different than rest of song. At first it seems a little jarring but for me it also builds anticipation for what is about to come.
Kanami's solo gives the song a certain edge/roughness, even if only for a few seconds, and is also a good contrast to the groovy bass solo by Misa before it. If there's one thing these ladies can do, it's to make their music interesting with lots of (little) details.
@@phaeron Kanami's instincts for what a song needs is remarkable. Like the Daydreaming solo...who would have thought to put that kind of solo in a ballad. I remember when Champ reacted to it he said "Woah...I did not see that coming" But he also said it was exactly what the song needed. Remarkable instincts.
@@falconsooner Oh, and how I remember that video. Daydreaming is my undisputed favourite and his description of the solo that is has the same feel of desperation as Saiki's singing echoes exactly what I think about it too. And if I remember correctly, he also used the phrase 'Everything is so precise and specific'. And again, I think he's absolutely right. I just love these ladies for the way they understand and deliver their music.
Akane has a wrist action I've never seen before. A while back on another reactors channel, a fan pointed it out and there is a name for it. She learned this in her formal music studies. Being an old drummer I noticed it, but didn't think too much of it, when I first started watching Band Maid but never knew it was a "technique/style" of drumming....very interesting. Hopefully a Maidiac out there can give more insight on this. It seems to me Band Maid NEVER ends until there's their famous "All In", as I call it...very prevalent as in "Blooming", "Manners" and many more. Good Stuff RM... I know why you like abrupt endings.
Ohhh let's start a debate In the first meter change section lol. Structurally I hear 4 measures of 5/4, 2 measures of 4/4 and 1 one measure of a 2/4 tag. Akanes part is the give away. In the 1st 4/4 measure she does 2 groups, 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and then the 2nd 4/4 measure a syncopation before she does her 2/4 solo tag. Let me know what you think. Although I see what you are saying about the last 3 measures can be counted 5/4 also. The 2nd time through it does 3 measures of 5/4 and 3 measures of 4/4. And that really follows the compositional ideas Kanami has about constantly changing things up, like she does in the songs that are sung and 2 verses are never played exactly the same. I would love to see an interview with her about these ideas. That moment you froze Kanami is also one of my favourite visual elements in the video. She is just so in the moment it seems to me. I also love how happy Akane is playing. And she does all this great playing on a pretty basic set for todays standards. I'm an old rocker from the 70's who went on to music school to study for 6 years and have been an orchestral musician for 40+ years. But I've never lost that rocker in me and also I've delved into world music for the last 25 years. Sometimes my classical colleagues tell me I have too much fun on stage. Party poopers lol.
Five beautiful women but thats not important, I love how much female Japanese bands are changing our outlook on the previously male dominated rock scene. I hope it inspires women all over the world, It is a movement indeed and I love it.
Their songs are layered with melodies over melodies. There are different instruments playing lead at any point. You can take out Kanami and the song still sounds good. You take out 2 instruments and it still sounds good.
love this! by breaking down each parts, you give me more details i missed, even though i listen it many times. please do for other songs too! as for instrumental, here's the list: "dont be long", "without holding back", "want more" there's still more ;-)
Really like your break downs Ryan.. You high lighted a few bits I haddn't heard in this song.. I, like you, see that Image of Kanami every time I hear this song.. Every one seems to go stupid about Misa and Akane, and don't get me wrong, they are awesome musicians, and I can't get enough of them, but very few seem to say much about Kanami... In a word, Genius.. All five together!! They are from another planet.. There is nothing I've heard that comes close to them.. Looking forward to your next reaction... Still hoping you will do their live Don't you tell me and Turn me on bass/lead battles.. You will be laughing all the way through.. Best wishes from France..
Well, 80 to 90% of what I've written in the comment sections on TH-cam is about Kanami. I think she is Mozart of modern hard rock. Yes, in a word, genius.
Agree that so much about this song is feel, and some of that evoked even by the visuals, like that Kanami image and each of the Maids performing, each in their own relaxed but cohesive way. The sum is greater than its parts, and anticipation of feeling is set up from the Onset.
Yes! You can absolutely tell when Kanami is one with the music because her head goes back. Now that may be a conscience decision. In fact everything we think is spontaneous may be scripted. But you have to be one with the music to play like that. It's partly because she wrote it, but it just inhabits her and she it. They are one. That's why it's an instrumental. You can see it happen in the Guitar & Bass Battle in 'Don't You Tell Me' as well. And a lot of people make a big deal over the maid uniforms. If it was guys wearing them, THAT would be a gimmick.
It was because of Akane's drumming that I learned of Band-Maid. A few years ago, I was at a party and ran into an old friend I hadn't seen in a while. (We've known each other since the 6th grade. Now we're both quickly closing in on 60) We got to talking about music and bands. We ended up discussing who our favorite drummers were, and what it was that was special about them. When my friend and I began talking about John Bonham's use of triplets, it became quite obvious that a young lady (13-14) sitting across the table from us, was listening to our conversation. In almost perfect unison, my friend and I asked her, "You know who John Bonham is?" Turns out, she did, as well as the other drummers we'd mentioned. We were both impressed that a girl her age knew about the drummers and bands we'd been discussing. She told us that she has been playing drums since she was 8, and she regularly listens to her grandparents old vinyl albums from the 60's and 70's. I told her I thought the idea of lady drummers was cool, but I wasn't familiar with any. She told us, "there's a bunch of really good girl drummers now". She thought it was cool that I knew what TH-cam was, and it was "super cool" that I had the app on my phone. (Apparently, I look older than her grandparents.😕) After asking, she went to YT on my phone and showed us; Sina, Yoyoka (she's incredible), and Band-Maid. I loved Band-Maid instantly, and have been listening to and learning about them ever since. All I know about that young lady, is her first name is Sarah (assumed spelling), she's got great taste in music, and I owe her a great big "Thank you". Up until then, my interest in new music had pretty much died. It makes me happy to know that there are still "real musicians" making "real music" in this world. So long as that is true, I believe the human race still has a chance.
Great breakdown and analysis. Like you I can't put into works exactly what it is about this band that grabs me. Your analysis talks about the different parts and how they meld together, but at the end, for me, it just sounds so right, something that just sits in my brain and makes me happy. There are some songs by Jeff Beck when he and Rod Stewart worked together (Shapes of Things, Let Me Love You) that are on a par with how B-M makes me feel.
If this were a reaction video then definitely too many pauses but as a breakdown, it was perfect. For a breakdown and explanation of what's going on I want you to pause as much as you need to and tell me what is happening and, as a musician, why you think it's cool or interesting or inspired. Point out the little things that you love (Akane's smile, Kanami lost in the music, etc.) When I watch a reaction video I want pauses so I can hear what the reactor thinks or feels but not so often that both the reactor and I lose the groove or feeling of the song. I want those pauses so they're not talking over the music and missing things I love because their thoughts are elsewhere. Unfortunately, some reactors just pause to get around copyright and dont actually have anything interesting to say and some just talk and talk as the song continues to play. Loved this breakdown and I hope you do more.
I made the comment to you on one of your reactions about how they made me listen to music differently. One of the things besides their insane talent, is their lack of ego. The way they support each other. Their sense of space. I understand that Kanami writes most of the music now. However the collaboration must be crazy to see. All the effort that goes in to each song. You never know what to expect from them. Somehow they seem to give you everything you never knew you needed. I think how can they do this over and over again? Your not alone my friend on saying its hard to explain why you love it so much. Its a feeling you get by hearing them i suppose. You hear all the time. This or that band is special. Well this band is SPECIAL! Keep up the great work on the reviews and i really enjoyed the in-dept video. I hope you do more......
Nice breakdown Ryan. Just like a Band-Maid breakdown. Very satisfying. The triumvirate are so trusting of each other. Miku is an excellent student and adds more and more during live performances. I don't understand all the technical stuff. I just know that Band-Maid checks off all the boxes I need checked and then some. Their combination of music, stage presence and personality is unparalleled IMO. They didn't change the WAY I listen to music, but they did change that I now listen to much more NEW music to see if I can catch lightning in a bottle and find another Band-Maid. Peace.
@@GaryHolloway-810 I'm just checking off all the boxes just like Band-Maid. I have no problem mentioning "jk" but it needs to sort of fit. What do you think I just throw those non sequiturs around willy nilly? I have scruples you know. 😆😆😆
@@jkkansasband7056 Haha. Hey if it hadn't been for our Japanese Maidiac friend Mr K.Higa we'd still be none the wiser. So it's agreed then, we blame him. Lol
That's what catches me when I see them, those moments when they are so into the music they just flow, all of them do it, of course Akane does it with big smile!
Sometimes folks will say "oh they sound great but it's not really live, its post production" I show them the small venue vids where you can clear here how tight they are every time. They are a perfect storm; a miracle as Miku said.
Precision and deliberate decisions of notes, or hits are insanely hard to execute as it means saying THIS IS WHAT I MEAN! No room for discussion. That and their insane transitions make BAND-MAIDs "sound" very iconic to a musicians ear I think.
Appreciate deep-dive and re-visit of a great Band-Maid track. You offer a good question of how Band-Maid has influenced your listening or if you are a musician your own playing. I would like to present my feelings about why I believe this band is a rare, special and important band to the world of music. There is no question of their music abilities and possess members that are world class instrumentalists, as great as it is to have such a lineup in and of itself cannot make a band Great. Ultimately It is songwriting that makes this band great! And with this band we must start with Lead Guitarist and Primary Songwriter Kanami. I totally agree with you on nobody sounds like her on guitar and has her own unique style. I can't recall ever hearing other guitarists incorporating chord progressions woven into a guitar solo like Kanami does. This gives her solos a unique rhythmic quality to them in addition to the melodic expression. Her playing is not only technically flawless but full of soul with her precise note bends. I had always been a sucker for pinch harmonics and other accents and Kanami has it down to perfection. And can't forget the classic pick slide which you will find in virtually all Band-Maid tracks. How many bands ever do that anymore? With all that said about her playing ability, which is undeniable. It is her songwriting ability that makes her an indispensable member of this band. Kanami and her fellow bandmates are proficient in many musical styles and posses an extensive musical vocabulary that has allowed them to draw from the best elements of Hard Rock/Progressive Rock/Metal/Funk/Blues/Punk and Pop to construct a unique yet familiar song that is both musically complex and interesting, all while at the same time memorable and catchy. Needless to say is a rare feat. I think it is this bands overflowing intangibles that make them great. I believe TONE is an x-factor that cannot be overlooked. I believe their ability to shape and craft the tone from their gear is a massive yet overlooked quility of their greatness. It is more than just a signature it is was resonates and what impacts the dynamics within all of their songs. ATTITUDE is another intangible, their stage presence and their sheer enjoyment of performing and sharing their music leaves a lasting impression. AUTHENTICITY and their genuine presentation of their personalities provide an honest sense they are not much different in their life away from the band. I also feel they remain humble even though they would be justified not to be by being such massive BAD ASS MUSICIANS. Lastly This appears to have a burning hunger to improve and innovate their skills beyond the incredible level they are already at, which is a crazy thought. This hunger has yet to satisfy them which keeps them striving and keeps them away from the status quo. This has convinced me that the best has yet to come. They also happen to one of the prolific musical artists I have ever encountered. What band produces an album of 12 to 14 tracks on a yearly basis. And it not just quantity but quality. A legendary band like Gun & Roses produced just 3 studio albums and the classic rock band Boston took nearly 15 years to produce 3 albums. The same can be said for Alice in Chains and Rage against the machine, and a large majority of so-called legendary bands. Lastly they possess something that cannot be said about my favorite bands. Most of the greatest band have all had a period which one can categorize as a sell-out period or that of a drastic diviation from their sound towards a commercial slant which pisses off of their hardcore fans. Even a band like Rush has had this so-called diviation experimental period. I guarantee you if you were to ask any Rush fan to choose between Pre or Post 1985 Rush, Pre would win out Everytime. Now that has yet to be something present with Band-Maid, they have had the commercial slant built in from day one and have slanted towards less commercial progressive with the release of Unseen World. So good luck calling them a bunch of sellouts.
I think you might like this for the same reason you liked that Radar Men From The Moon band. But also I think we both like this better. I mean they’re different but, well you probably know what I mean.
You might want to put Asterism "Rising Moon" on your list. A 3 piece instrumental band from Japan. It wont get you a lot of views...but you will be impressed :)
You should send a link of this to that Rick Beato chap - he seems firmly stuck in the last century, mostly in the seventies - fair enough as that's, overall, my favourite decade for music - but he needs to learn there's still great music being made nowadays, too 😉😎👍
Excellent work sir. 12:36 I'm pretty sure that is a prerecorded guitar track, not Miku. She's still playing her rhythm part there. They use tracks a lot. Mostly for synth or piano. I really can't think of another song where they use a guitar track.
Yeah, I thought it was that. I actually meant to address it, but quickly forgot. Can you see my brain processing? "Wait.... there's the high part, but there's still rhythm, is it the bass or..... is this actually live or.... but all the notes match up when the video.."
@@RyanMear Yes, they're playing live. The extra tracks are just for a fuller sound for certain songs I guess. They're probably controlled by computer. It's all them otherwise.
@@RyanMear Actually yes, I think she has a sample board next to her sometimes. Misa and Akane were messing with Miku during one of the online concerts when she was addressing the fans. They kept hitting voice samples and throwing her off. =)
Love the joy on your face as Kanami is tapping! I’m glad someone else values the humble pause button to really let it breathe and appreciate what you just saw!
Dont get me wrong I love Onset. But I like Without holding back even more. top 3 instrumetnal ranking would be: Without holding back Onset Dont be long
BAND-MAID is unique. They haven’t tried to model themselves after any other band or artist. There’s no overbearing egos trying to upstage the other band members and they are genuinely having fun in live shows. Where else can you find a drummer who’s always smiling?
Akane’s drum fills are so tasty as another reactor said. This song, while an instrumental, is written like a regular song, with an intro, verse, pre chorus, chorus, etc. The way the pre chorus builds up to the ‘drop’ to the chorus is so satisfying. Taking a small page out of the EDM book. I’ve always assumed the “wah wah wah” counter melody of the 2nd and 3rd chorus was a synth track, because it doesn’t sound like something Miku would play. Does anyone know? I freaking love love love this song. I wish it was available (along with other live versions) for Apple Music. This song just takes you for a ride and gets you amped up.
Onset - a chance saiki to cooldown her voice Don't be long - practice song for miku to master song 'different' They make it masterpiece even it's not intended for 😁
Not sure how old you are, but for me this is reminiscent of the great fusion bands of the late 70's. There is no straight-up rock band that could pull this off. You have to go back to Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Jeff Beck and Return to Forever to find bands doing anything like this. Great analysis.
Thank you, and, yes those bands deserve more attention. Because of these reactions I've done, I've been listening to music in headphones and nice earbuds. Yesterday, on a whim, I searched up Mountain. The quality of the sound blew me away. I Then realized that I had only heard music from that era on mostly shitty car stereos, and was missing out on an entire generation of beautiful sounds. It was kind of like seeing a colorized picture from the twenties... that make sense?
@@RyanMear I totally get it. And I love Mountain! I have all those groups on vinyl. I still have an old pair of speakers from the days of "hi fi" and they sound great, but of course headphones are the way to go now.
I once helped out with a cover band as a drummer, and when we were rehearsing "White Room" by the famous "Cream", I noticed that the beginning was also in 4/5.
@@joki5346 Yes! Great song! And that’s so funny. I had almost that exact same experience for a talent show in high school, a fellow guitarist asked me to play drums for his White Room cover, and I had never heard the song before. Love Ginger’s work in it!
I think it was a triggered secondary rythm. Kanami is tapping, Miku is playing her part, then there's a higher part played behind them. I noticed something was up and forgot to get back to it.
Great reaction. One thing I think that gets overlooked here is that Miku really shines. She is doing so much for the progression of this masterpiece. It shows how she has elevated her talents.
Ryan! it seems I am getting addicted to your reactions as they constantly entice me to listen to them again every time from a different angle! This time I concentrated on Miku's rhythmic guitar Her demeanor is not really that of a usual rhythmic guitar player. Since she is actually doing far more work than it sounds at first her body language seemed have been taught by Kanami with the guitar playing as well. It is my belief that she acquired such body movement to help her instrument playing which at times has become nothing else but rhythmic solos. Mind you, I did have to follow your advice and close my eyes to not be distracted by the screen to separate her playing from Kanami's that you distinctively hear on different ears (left one for Kanami and right one for Miku). Great fun and satisfaction! Thanks again, mate! Run out of booze again. Back on tea before hitting the sack and dreaming about Maids playing in a band! lLOL
![โกหกเธอทั้งนั้น (Pinocchio) - SERIOUS BACON [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P1HhTYwrR5A/mqdefault.jpg)
The Discord link! discord.gg/hGXhs6pe
Of you don’t have the app you can find it in any App Store just by searching “Discord”
"you don't have to be pissed off to play heavy music" that is something that Japanese rock and metal music has also taught me
Very nice re-review of that masterpiece and I agree with most of your comments and reasons to love it. As everybody will talk about Kanami, Misa and Akane, I'd like to focus on Miku. This is from 2018, so this means she was playing since three or four years back then. As much as I know, she had no musical education and she had never play any instrument before. She was around 22 when her bandmates placed a guitar in her hands - it's late! (I know Midori stated at 20 and Miyako at 18, but they had a HUGE musical backgroud and were proficient on another instrument). More, it was not a decision like "I WANT to play guitar" but more like "I have to play guitar for the band".
But here, three or four years later, she's playing on stage along amazing musicians with the thankless and yet demanding task of a rythm musician, with complex time signature, constant stop-and-go, fast chords changing ...and she manage to do it like a champ.
Btw I started my musical path as a punk guitarplayer at 16 - and the 16 years-old me just LOVES the Miku part just after Kanami's solo 😉 . And I can't think of another band where a member started to learn to play AFTER the band forming. One more Band-Maid peculiarity.
I love that Kanami uses tapping for actual melodic reasons, not just as a show-off technique. With BAND-MAID it really is all about the feel. They put cool progressive technical things in and have outstanding technical ability but it's always in service of the song. Kanami's solos never feel like just random wank fests, which is all too common in rock and metal.
Also what I love about her delay in this is that she has it set for perfect intervals for the song. Too many guitarists just throw a delay on without much thought to the intervals. Kanami thinks about everything though.
It's one of BAND-MAIDs magic things... highly structured and composed material that sounds free and spontaneous.
That was well said!
agreed! I'm also a big fan of Hendrix. Both of them can do krazy things, but it's always in service of the song
I totally agreed.
日本にはkanamiさん以上に指の動くプロのギター女子が沢山いるものの、基本的にタッピングは「飛び道具」や「一発芸」としてしか使われておらず、彼女のようにちゃんと曲を推し進めるために使う人はほぼ皆無。ここが「好きなようにギターが弾ければいいや。」というギタリストと、楽曲の作成やアレンジといった重責まで担っている彼女との大きな違いであり、彼女が「偉大なギタリスト」として尊敬される所以なのかと。
(日本語でゴメンねー。Sorry for my Japanese reaction. )
Akane’s smile is one of my favorite things - just in general. It epitomizes who they are as a band for me and what their music does for me when I listen to them.
They are simply a joy to listen to.
Misa's "now you see my pick, now you dont"-slapbass technique is one of the great things of this song. :D
Kanami is one of those "feel" guitarists, even though she probably could be a technical player. She doesnt play too long on solos, plays just what is needed and flares in where she feels it(but wont go outside the lines of the song).
It is hard to explain why we love Band Maid so much. At least for me, there are times when I’m listening to the music and I’m so happy I feel like crying. I think it has a lot to do with their personalities also. These girls are just awesome and sweet and humble. I don’t know, I just love them.
It's all about the chemistry between them. You can't manufacture it, they have effectively caught lightning in a bottle.
Your comment at 10:30 is what, to me, sets this band apart. They love their own music, they don't write/perform for glory, praise or to impress. They do it cause they absolutely love it! Their smiles aren't fake or practiced, they are actually enjoying what is coming out of the speakers. The band is about to be eight years old and they never fought or change members, they actually enjoy each others company and when they are on stage is absolute bliss for them, which translate to bliss for us as well.
This band is special in every way!
Unlike any other band I feel they are putting their hearts into everything they do and that the payoff for them is threefold; the joy of playing, the actual income, and the happiness of the audience. They want the listener to be made happy by the music and that shines through to me. Their music is alive and the lyrics often go to the theme that "this is it, take this life and do your best". I feel like they want to help everyone in the struggle life can be by giving us positive, beautiful music to enjoy. I am glad to be alive while they are and experiencing what I consider to be greatness.
Band-Maid came up from relative anonymity in that the members were not members of well-known other groups. As a result they are bonded to each other in the same journey.
I've heard one of the reactors keeps commenting how their songs don't technically impress him.
I can appreciate his honesty, but the point is, band-maid is not trying to technically impress us, they strive to make great music, 💯 as you described.
Wtf said that??? Not technically impressive?? What'd they do, listen to a metronome isolated track??!!
@@lurkmerchant Just another man stating the world revolves around him. Does he show at any point how impressive *he* is?
BAND-MAID... Evidence that rock does not have to be angry to work.
This is one of the things I love about Band-Maid. You can see that they love what they do and I love watching them because of that.
I never get bored of B-M's instrumentals. Never. It reminds me of Jeff Beck in a way where it's more about the feel and groove rather than technical mastery. And that the whole band is equally important and not just the guitarist.
The instrumental version of Giovanni is great as well… but i get goosebumps watching Onset live.
Band Maid has also changed the way I listen to music, first thing is I enjoy listening to music because of BM, before I found them 5 yrs ago I didn't enjoy listening or playing music anymore, what was available to me was either old ugh, or garbage barf, because of BM I became interested in they're unique composition and the execution of their music, now I listen to many Japanese band's and have never been happier, the music drought is over.
Great explanation. To me, "Onset" is not a song. It's a piece of music, like a classical symphony. Since it's instrumental, there are no language barriers, so everyone can appreciate the piece equally. It's the universal language of music. A great composition in which each of the 4 musicians are playing their own separate movements, but yet, on a drop of a dime, they all line up and pause on the same beats. Amazingly tight band. Either they've practiced together a million times, or they share the same brain.
I believe there is a typo in your last sentence. That "or" should be "and". 🙂
@@bob2161 hahaha! You're right
To me , it's the respect for the music and for the listener. These women are so insanely talented and could go off in any tangent, but it's not what the song wants. Even when you throw in Miku's lyrics and Saiki's vocals in other songs, it's all about respect. They all said in an interview they all want to get better with their respective craft, when do you ever hear that from a band that is so great already. I wake up with Band Maid in my ears and I go to sleep with Band Maid in my ears, no other band has done to me in 60 years.
Hi Ryan, what can I say, Akane a monster changes time like it's the easiest thing in the world and adds something out of nothing. Misa there are no words. Kanami is a genius one of the most versatile guitarists I have ever heard in any style, the tapping control fluid and never static "see solo in Bloomig". Miku is special as she naturally follows Kanami and fits in with changing rif. One thing i love about Maid is that the second verse is always different from the first in every song, queens of transitions and choruses, never banal...as i already told you i met them with "the non fiction days" and i was impressed by all of them, wow the song that i wanted to write
Band-Maid always brings an ONSET of love, appreciation and happiness to their viewers. Why? Because they're so damn good -- good-natured, good-hearted, good-looking, and beyond good as writers, players and performers. Wow, right?! Thx, Ryan!
Oh, well said and I'm in total agreement!
It is simply damn good rock!!!
I see this as a poorly disguised reason to listen to the song again! No need to hide that! Its SO DAM GOOD!
You got me!
Yeah, and . . .
Why do I love Band Maid so much? Simple, they make me feel things.
MISA MISA MISA! between the Miku solo and the A-chan mini solo you mentioned the 2 Guitars one static the other moving but to me all I hear is MISA doing the BEST Bass run I have ever heard so twangy and deep (you can tell I know nothing about proper terms to use)
I have the same opinion as you this song /arrangement is one of those defining moments where all the best parts come together and make something wonderful and Kanami new it, any one that plays at any level can see that its a masterpiece .And Kanami does not make one mistake with the tapping and the solo is crazy at first not a shred yet fit in so well with the entire vibe . The Bass is like a continues solo yet fits in with every thing else seamlessly , the drumming it almost looks random and all over the place shouldn't work yet perfect and Miku, i can hang with these 3 now and add my part to the mix as well .Being around Kanami and having her as a teacher has elevated what was already a very good band into one of the best .
Onset is certainly one of the bests, it would be nice if they throw this in every live set list.
I really appreciate your thoughts on the song. I know what you mean about trying to explain in full why their music is so great. I'm going to go into a bit of a fanboy mode about them here for awhile, so forgive my indulgence.
I think their attitude about music is a big, big reason why I love them as a band so much. If we can all be honest for a minute, alot of the famous guitarists of 80's and 90's rock music were ego-driven pricks. If you watch some "making of" videos of them in the studio or their behind-the-scenes on tour, you can very easily tell that. But Band-Maid doesn't do that stuff. For instance as you probably already know, Miku stepped down from lead vocals when the band was young because she felt her voice wasn't strong enough for the music they wanted to make. A decision made with a complete lack of ego.
Kanami doesn't have to make the most insane show off solos ever, because it's not about showing off. Kanami and the others don't have to show off constantly that they are badasses, we all already know they are. Everything about the song writing process is done with the sole purpose of making the song as great to listen to as possible, because they want the people listening to feel the music and have a really good time. Kanami's famous quote is "A good guitar solo will trigger emotions. I always keep that in mind." And if you listen to them in interviews, you can tell they are sincere in all of that. Like in this interview (it has English captions): th-cam.com/video/JKvQ34ZYT9A/w-d-xo.html They did it to promote their album "Unseen World" which wasn't out just yet. They were asked what their goals for the year were. Their answer: "We all hope to improve and expand our talents so our next album will be even better". And when asked about the album, they always talk about how their hope is that people will enjoy it and find one song at least that the listener can really connect with. Can you imagine that? As amazing as they all are and their only hope is that they can work to get better. They love music, they love their fans, they love performing. Everything they do just serves as evidence of that.
Agreed
This may seem really odd but some of that interview brought me to tears. To see such amazingly honest humans share why they do what they do and to see the dedication and love that they approach music with, life with, made me happy. They inspire me with the way they approach things with a combination of confidence and humility.
Why do I love "Onset"......because I have ears :)
PERFECT comment!!!!!
All of their instrumentals are epic: Without Holding Back, Don't Be Long, and even the ones that came out of "real" songs, like Giovanni, or the other way around with Play, the instrumental maid into a song... Kanami's just a little mad genius
You should check out the MV for The Dragon Cries. To me it has very much a blues feel to it.
When they played TDC at Line Cube it was amazing. Kanami was channeling Hendrix I think and the sound had that organic, emotional feel that their music gives me.
How about Band-Maid 'Blooming' ?
To me it's like the perfect stadium song. I can totally see it being used at a basketball game. Sort of like The Fratellis, Chelseas Dagger is at Blackhawks hockey games.
Love that switch to 5/4 time. It just catches you by surprise.
I have seen several music breakdowns of Band-Maid. All of them talking about the technical aspects only. This is the first breakdown that talks about the music the way I am experiencing it, straight from the gut. Onset conveys a feeling which cannot be captured in technical terms, and you managed to put them into words. Love it!
Wow man, that's great! Thank you!
Mads I don't swear unless I'm pissed at someone so I'll say "What an awesome comment" .B-M convey emotions that grab you just as tight as the music.
@@GaryHolloway-810 What an awesome comment 😉
@@stimproid 😆👌
@@GaryHolloway-810 not as awesome as you Maidiacs 🙂
Wow, this is the first time I really caught the time signature change. Really enjoyed your break down. I learn a lot from these types of reactions. When I discovered BAND-MAID, Thrill was the first song I heard. TH-cam kept suggesting it so I finally gave in. The song took me by surprise like it has many others. I listened to a few other songs but was on a major Nightwish journey of rediscovery. A little later TH-cam suggested this song, "Oh yeah, they're cool". Listened to this and went down the pigeon hole and haven't looked back.
"Onset" is the song that sold me on Band-Maid. I started watching reactions to Nightwish "Ghost Love Score," Wacken 2013 because I really love that song. Many of the same reactors were reacting to an all-female Japanese band called 'Band-Maid' whose members dressed as maids. Having already watched a couple of Baby Metal videos and thinking 'This isn't music, this is theater,' I was not impressed with the Band-Maid notion. However, after many mentions, I decided one video couldn't hurt. So, I watched the one with the most views: "Thrill." I liked it but I didn't love it, so I didn't try to watch any more Band-Maid videos. Stupid me. Months later, Chase Carneson, a reactor I respect, reacted to "Onset." So I watched it, to get Chase's opinion. That lasted about 20 seconds. The first thing I noticed was that the drummer was insanely good in a music sense, best new (to me) drummer I'd heard in years. Since Bonham and Peart, probably. Later I noticed the bass was actually playing lead lines in parts, reminded me of Entwistle. The guitarist was also good, although there are a lot of good guitarists, so she didn't stand out as much. Of course, I later found out she writes the music, so she truly is a genius. By the time the song was over, I thought it was the best song I'd heard in decades. I became a Band-Maid fan at that moment.
Nice, very well said. Iput if listening to them because of the outfits too. But I tried babymetal first, it got blocked, so I went to BM, Thrill. I chopped the hell out of it too get it to clear and Madiacs told me I didn't need to do that.... do more lol. Off I went!
Love Onset as well. Says a lot when instrumental moves you. For me it’s the whole band, but I love Kanami. Her tapping runs act like a chorus in this, beautiful. There is a music video of this, you can get which guitar is being played. Onset is a favorite of mine with Puzzle live, Moratorium live. Blooming is really good, Kanamis solos are art. Kanami is an artist, they all are. With Kanami, Carlos Santana, and Larry Carlton are influences. And her beautiful tweet, tribute to EVH, she praised his phrasing and tapping. Watch Moratorium live in NYC, Kanami plays a soulful, bluesy solo before.
If you purchase Conqueror with the DVD or Blu-ray you will get a special version of onset that has a white background similar to the original Thrill video each instrument is better isolated so neophytes like me can more easily see which sound is coming from which instrument.
Soz I'm late. Ryan you could do a breakdown of why corn flakes go soggy in milk & I'd still enjoy it as long as you have BAND-MAID playing. Mmm, bowl of B-M.😋
They'rrrrrre Grrrrrrreat!
@@stimproid LOL. Yeah, corn flakes are great!😆🤘🎵
@@stimproid Lol. Stimproid B-M's new cereal has Grrrrrrreat Gorilla on the box dive bombing a bowl of Kanami shreds :)
@@GaryHolloway-810 Kanami O's?
Po Krispies?
Akane Crunch?
Frosted Mini MISAs?
Saiki Charms?
🤔
@@stimproid Haha. Love 'em. But I'd put the "Frosted" & put it with Saiki charms. She is the ice queen after all :)
Why do I love BAND-MAID?
I'll not live long enough to fully understand why. My mere mortal mind can only comprehend so much before it gives up trying to convert emotion into logic. Logical thought has no real place in this landscape of feelings and emotions created by 5 peerless artists. They put their heart and soul into their music and it comes through on a level that can't really be explained, it needs to be experienced. You either resonate on their frequency or you don't.
In the simplest of terms -- It's just BAND-MAID doing BAND-MAID things.
Music is a language that conveys emotion without literally translation, that is what Band Maid is doing here, and that is what makes them so great. Your snapshot of Kanami just "feeling it" that is what music is all about.
Great job sir! As usual! 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂
At 10:27, anyone whose played a Guitar like you do and I used to....understands your statement perfectly. I love that image of her. She's just left the building for a few moments gone..... lol
Yup. Totally agree.. that's why I love her so much!
Over the last year I've seen a few reviews that have made me aware of things I've noticed, but never was able to put my finger on exactly what it is. However, most of these reviews can quickly become too much for non-musicians like me, because they often try to explain things with terms that simply aren't part of my everyday life and almost seem like a foreign language to me. As much as I would like to, I have never had a talent for playing an instrument or had a feeling for creating melodies. And at this point I'll just say a big 'thank you' that you obviously make an effort to explain it in a way that people like me can understand it too. For example, the simple counting with your fingers when you mentioned the time signatures. So I can reply to your video description with a good conscience that I will definitely take something with me from this video. Thank you very much for that! 🙏🏻
【 'Our rock never dies ever. Forever!' - Band-Maid 】🕊️
Thanks, that's actually one if my goals with this channel!
Great video… it’s basically a love letter to the maids. They deserve it, for all they give us.
this band is a dream come true. to so many people, me included...
I listened to this song on repeat for a week after I first heard it by far my favorite
This was my first B-M song, think I listened to it 5 times in a row before saying OMG, there has to be more!
Thanks for pointing out some of the finer details, Ryan. Great point that Band-Maid employing some advanced stuff without overdoing it (e.g. MISA's bass line, time sigs, etc.). No egos spoiling the overall song.
This seems reasonably well received.
I can only agree with @otoboke gaijin. You only get to hear from very few people why someone likes something. This is a true rarity.
Don't hear too many reactors state the different aspects of WHY they LOVE a song. Not easy to explain. I just know certain songs hit my soul. I couldn't really tell you why. It's just a feeling you get and you need to play that song again and again and again. NEVER get tired of it. And when it does happen, the bands have done their job 100 fold. That's why music is my drug of choice over any other medium of entertainment for the past 50+ years. Thanks again Ryan. Peace.
You mention Discord a few times, but how do I get to it? Where are the links?
Mear31#8457 on Discord. Ryan Mear Reacts
I love how they record it spatially so Miku lives in my left ear while Kanami occupies my right totally
rent-free.💪🏻🤘🏻
Thank your for the analysis! For Bandmaid, I prefer analysis ore review over reaction since we all know Bandmaid is awesome!
Kanami got her inspiration from Carlos Santana, one of the first record she got from her father. Also love you mentioned about Miku's part. Can't believe she pick up her first guitar in 2013. Off course, Misa Misa Misa and Akane was on fire 🤘
So many excellent bands in the world only one defies description po
Loved this break down . Pause all you like.
just my opinion but I think Kanami should go down in the history books as one of the greats as a music composer (I realise this most likely won't happen but I can dream). Her knowledge of music and creativity is masterclass. And of course, we the fans are exceptionally lucky that she has such a talented bunch of musicians around her to bring her creations to life.
It's like a composer with a great orchestra, or a choreographer with a great dance company. The proper performers bring out the best in the composer, and vice versa.
She has said that being remembered as a composer is a dream of hers. (wish I could remember which interview, if I remember I'll link it)
Any form of art that is done out of love can often not be appreciated until years later. Look at RUSH for example, their music from the 70's & 80's is way more appreciated today than it was when it was released. So she just might! 😉🤘
Great one! Thanks, Ryan... You will LOVE "Puzzle" and "Without holding back".
Last one is also an AWESOME instrumental with the same kinda vibe, but totallty different, if that makes any sense HAHA! Greetings from Germany
I am so glad Band-Maid gets so much attention right now and can bring positive energy all over the world. Good for you, you discovered them, they will not stop to impress you :)
This was awesome 👌 . You have that image of Kanami looking up as iconic. One of the most iconic images for me, is the Kanami spotlight solo in 'Puzzle' live . Think it was at Zepp tokyo. Epic! Throuroughly enjoyed this breakdown
Hey the best reactions are when someone takes the time to break down the music. Its always interesting to hear a musicians take on a song that I love. Pauses during a reaction are a good thing. Enjoyed this man, chat with you soon!
This is the best one you've done so far. The reason a lot of us follow certain reactors and not others is because you are able to provide context and insight in a way that others can't.
Akane has precision wrist action.
that image should be made into a gif.
Not hard to love this song as one of the best instrumental songs ever! Such talented musicians, and having fun while playing!
Precision, precision, precision. The tightest band I have ever seen. Every member in perfect sync. Kanami you are a musical Einstein. Kanami is completely into every aspect of her music. She honestly lives it. Sometimes I worry for her as she seems sometimes like she is maybe working continually on new stuff without a break. Relentless. But I guess for a genius that is what it takes.
Hoping there might be more of this, absolutely enjoyed this. Every time I talk about Onset I tend to talk about "dreamlike" melodies. It's hard to explain, but the way the instruments are intertwined just makes you feel....content? Like you said "Everything will be ok". No matter what state of mind I'm in, Band Maid is able to enhance positive feelings and eradicate negative ones.. It simply touches your soul (as cliché as it sounds) and there's not a lot of music which can do that.
Man, I WISH the live version of 'Don't you tell me' of their Zepp Tokyo concert would be still available on TH-cam. There's a part in there where they extended the solo part of Kanami compared to the original and Misa and Kanami are having a conversation with their guitars. Most would describe it as a guitar battle, but it doesn't do it justice in my opinion. And while this is happening Akane is supporting everything in the most creative way you could even imagine. I don't even know how to explain it, it's ridiculous.
I have no idea if maybe someone in your Discord can help out with that?
However, like I said, great video! Not easy to explain why you like something, especially music. I can't wait for you to discover the rest of their songs. One would imagine after this many songs, that you probably know what to expect. Not Band Maid. Their song catalogue will keep surprising you.
Some cool stuff coming up! Some things you mentioned...
@@RyanMear Ooo, I'm thrilled! See you soon!
Another excellent reaction. First time I heard this I thought it was just ok. Sometimes their songs are so intricate it takes this non musician time to catch up. I've heard it numerous times now and it gets better with every listen. Not sure if you've heard Without holding back. Another great instrumental on the same level as this one. Cheers
Thanks for shout out! That was great and you did a fine job answering my question. It is fascinating how they use their musical bag of tricks to convey a feeling or emotion. Kanam's solo sounds very different than rest of song. At first it seems a little jarring but for me it also builds anticipation for what is about to come.
Yes!
Kanami's solo gives the song a certain edge/roughness, even if only for a few seconds, and is also a good contrast to the groovy bass solo by Misa before it. If there's one thing these ladies can do, it's to make their music interesting with lots of (little) details.
@@phaeron Kanami's instincts for what a song needs is remarkable. Like the Daydreaming solo...who would have thought to put that kind of solo in a ballad. I remember when Champ reacted to it he said "Woah...I did not see that coming" But he also said it was exactly what the song needed. Remarkable instincts.
@@falconsooner Oh, and how I remember that video. Daydreaming is my undisputed favourite and his description of the solo that is has the same feel of desperation as Saiki's singing echoes exactly what I think about it too. And if I remember correctly, he also used the phrase 'Everything is so precise and specific'. And again, I think he's absolutely right. I just love these ladies for the way they understand and deliver their music.
Akane has a wrist action I've never seen before. A while back on another reactors channel, a fan pointed it out and there is a name for it. She learned this in her formal music studies. Being an old drummer I noticed it, but didn't think too much of it, when I first started watching Band Maid but never knew it was a "technique/style" of drumming....very interesting. Hopefully a Maidiac out there can give more insight on this. It seems to me Band Maid NEVER ends until there's their famous "All In", as I call it...very prevalent as in "Blooming", "Manners" and many more. Good Stuff RM... I know why you like abrupt endings.
Thanks! You're the only one I've seen pick up on that tidbit
Great job Mr. Ryan. Appreciate it.
Ohhh let's start a debate In the first meter change section lol. Structurally I hear 4 measures of 5/4, 2 measures of 4/4 and 1 one measure of a 2/4 tag. Akanes part is the give away. In the 1st 4/4 measure she does 2 groups, 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and then the 2nd 4/4 measure a syncopation before she does her 2/4 solo tag. Let me know what you think. Although I see what you are saying about the last 3 measures can be counted 5/4 also. The 2nd time through it does 3 measures of 5/4 and 3 measures of 4/4. And that really follows the compositional ideas Kanami has about constantly changing things up, like she does in the songs that are sung and 2 verses are never played exactly the same. I would love to see an interview with her about these ideas.
That moment you froze Kanami is also one of my favourite visual elements in the video. She is just so in the moment it seems to me.
I also love how happy Akane is playing. And she does all this great playing on a pretty basic set for todays standards.
I'm an old rocker from the 70's who went on to music school to study for 6 years and have been an orchestral musician for 40+ years. But I've never lost that rocker in me and also I've delved into world music for the last 25 years. Sometimes my classical colleagues tell me I have too much fun on stage. Party poopers lol.
Dude, I'm sure you're more right than I'll ever be! Thanks for the info and I hope others will learn from it👍
The young guitar magazine, Band-Maid special number, cames with the sheet music for Onset.
@@mogaman28 oh that's cool. I'll take a look for that. Thanks.
Five beautiful women but thats not important, I love how much female Japanese bands are changing our outlook on the previously male dominated rock scene. I hope it inspires women all over the world, It is a movement indeed and I love it.
That's why I never mention their looks in my videos. Do I have opinions? Sure, but I don't talk about how attractive a guy is either. Equal
@@RyanMear yeah but we're all butt ugly so it'd be wrong to say we're beautiful 😁.
Their songs are layered with melodies over melodies. There are different instruments playing lead at any point. You can take out Kanami and the song still sounds good. You take out 2 instruments and it still sounds good.
A quick song to give Saiki a break turns into one of the best instrumentals ever composed.
love this!
by breaking down each parts, you give me more details i missed, even though i listen it many times.
please do for other songs too!
as for instrumental, here's the list: "dont be long", "without holding back", "want more"
there's still more ;-)
Really like your break downs Ryan.. You high lighted a few bits I haddn't heard in this song.. I, like you, see that Image of Kanami every time I hear this song.. Every one seems to go stupid about Misa and Akane, and don't get me wrong, they are awesome musicians, and I can't get enough of them, but very few seem to say much about Kanami... In a word, Genius.. All five together!! They are from another planet.. There is nothing I've heard that comes close to them.. Looking forward to your next reaction... Still hoping you will do their live Don't you tell me and Turn me on bass/lead battles.. You will be laughing all the way through.. Best wishes from France..
Well, 80 to 90% of what I've written in the comment sections on TH-cam is about Kanami.
I think she is Mozart of modern hard rock. Yes, in a word, genius.
@@ttbird1019 Agreed 100%... So un assuming, just dances around having the time of her life...
Ooh... keep watching for wish fulfillment
@@RyanMear Smokin... Can't wait..
Thanks Ryan! I think you a pretty good job!
Agree that so much about this song is feel, and some of that evoked even by the visuals, like that Kanami image and each of the Maids performing, each in their own relaxed but cohesive way. The sum is greater than its parts, and anticipation of feeling is set up from the Onset.
Yes! You can absolutely tell when Kanami is one with the music because her head goes back. Now that may be a conscience decision. In fact everything we think is spontaneous may be scripted. But you have to be one with the music to play like that. It's partly because she wrote it, but it just inhabits her and she it. They are one. That's why it's an instrumental. You can see it happen in the Guitar & Bass Battle in 'Don't You Tell Me' as well. And a lot of people make a big deal over the maid uniforms. If it was guys wearing them, THAT would be a gimmick.
Masterpiece
Akane’s drumming turns the drums into a rhythmic/melodic instrument. To me anyways.
I love them all but often listen for the little things she does that just make me go....wow.
It was because of Akane's drumming that I learned of Band-Maid.
A few years ago, I was at a party and ran into an old friend I hadn't seen in a while. (We've known each other since the 6th grade. Now we're both quickly closing in on 60)
We got to talking about music and bands. We ended up discussing who our favorite drummers were, and what it was that was special about them. When my friend and I began talking about John Bonham's use of triplets, it became quite obvious that a young lady (13-14) sitting across the table from us, was listening to our conversation.
In almost perfect unison, my friend and I asked her, "You know who John Bonham is?" Turns out, she did, as well as the other drummers we'd mentioned. We were both impressed that a girl her age knew about the drummers and bands we'd been discussing.
She told us that she has been playing drums since she was 8, and she regularly listens to her grandparents old vinyl albums from the 60's and 70's.
I told her I thought the idea of lady drummers was cool, but I wasn't familiar with any. She told us, "there's a bunch of really good girl drummers now".
She thought it was cool that I knew what TH-cam was, and it was "super cool" that I had the app on my phone. (Apparently, I look older than her grandparents.😕) After asking, she went to YT on my phone and showed us; Sina, Yoyoka (she's incredible), and Band-Maid. I loved Band-Maid instantly, and have been listening to and learning about them ever since.
All I know about that young lady, is her first name is Sarah (assumed spelling), she's got great taste in music, and I owe her a great big "Thank you".
Up until then, my interest in new music had pretty much died. It makes me happy to know that there are still "real musicians" making "real music" in this world. So long as that is true, I believe the human race still has a chance.
That's a cool story👍I've heard so many similar ones. Young and older folks finding common ground in BAND-MAID!
Great breakdown and analysis. Like you I can't put into works exactly what it is about this band that grabs me. Your analysis talks about the different parts and how they meld together, but at the end, for me, it just sounds so right, something that just sits in my brain and makes me happy. There are some songs by Jeff Beck when he and Rod Stewart worked together (Shapes of Things, Let Me Love You) that are on a par with how B-M makes me feel.
If this were a reaction video then definitely too many pauses but as a breakdown, it was perfect.
For a breakdown and explanation of what's going on I want you to pause as much as you need to and tell me what is happening and, as a musician, why you think it's cool or interesting or inspired. Point out the little things that you love (Akane's smile, Kanami lost in the music, etc.)
When I watch a reaction video I want pauses so I can hear what the reactor thinks or feels but not so often that both the reactor and I lose the groove or feeling of the song. I want those pauses so they're not talking over the music and missing things I love because their thoughts are elsewhere. Unfortunately, some reactors just pause to get around copyright and dont actually have anything interesting to say and some just talk and talk as the song continues to play.
Loved this breakdown and I hope you do more.
I think I will, it was fun and interesting to delve into it like that. I've been wanting to for awhile, I just didn't know wtf to do lol
I made the comment to you on one of your reactions about how they made me listen to music differently. One of the things besides their insane talent, is their lack of ego. The way they support each other. Their sense of space. I understand that Kanami writes most of the music now. However the collaboration must be crazy to see. All the effort that goes in to each song. You never know what to expect from them. Somehow they seem to give you everything you never knew you needed. I think how can they do this over and over again? Your not alone my friend on saying its hard to explain why you love it so much. Its a feeling you get by hearing them i suppose. You hear all the time. This or that band is special. Well this band is SPECIAL! Keep up the great work on the reviews and i really enjoyed the in-dept video. I hope you do more......
Nice breakdown Ryan. Just like a Band-Maid breakdown. Very satisfying. The triumvirate are so trusting of each other. Miku is an excellent student and adds more and more during live performances. I don't understand all the technical stuff. I just know that Band-Maid checks off all the boxes I need checked and then some. Their combination of music, stage presence and personality is unparalleled IMO. They didn't change the WAY I listen to music, but they did change that I now listen to much more NEW music to see if I can catch lightning in a bottle and find another Band-Maid. Peace.
Informative comment...check. Well constructed...check. Captures why Maidiacs love B-M so much...check. No mention of High-school girls...WHAAAAAAT!!!😆
@@GaryHolloway-810 I'm just checking off all the boxes just like Band-Maid. I have no problem mentioning "jk" but it needs to sort of fit. What do you think I just throw those non sequiturs around willy nilly? I have scruples you know. 😆😆😆
@@jkkansasband7056 Haha. Hey if it hadn't been for our Japanese Maidiac friend Mr K.Higa we'd still be none the wiser. So it's agreed then, we blame him. Lol
@@GaryHolloway-810 That is a no brainer. Or you can blame my parents.😆
That's what catches me when I see them, those moments when they are so into the music they just flow, all of them do it, of course Akane does it with big smile!
Sometimes folks will say "oh they sound great but it's not really live, its post production" I show them the small venue vids where you can clear here how tight they are every time. They are a perfect storm; a miracle as Miku said.
Apologies. Got here late. Was hangin' out on discord!
Apologies? I was asleep. There's no excuse for sleeping during BAND-MAID!
Now you "must see(react)" their MV Blooming and Wonderland Live)))
Awesome :D
Precision and deliberate decisions of notes, or hits are insanely hard to execute as it means saying THIS IS WHAT I MEAN!
No room for discussion.
That and their insane transitions make BAND-MAIDs "sound" very iconic to a musicians ear I think.
Appreciate deep-dive and re-visit of a great Band-Maid track. You offer a good question of how Band-Maid has influenced your listening or if you are a musician your own playing. I would like to present my feelings about why I believe this band is a rare, special and important band to the world of music. There is no question of their music abilities and possess members that are world class instrumentalists, as great as it is to have such a lineup in and of itself cannot make a band Great. Ultimately It is songwriting that makes this band great! And with this band we must start with Lead Guitarist and Primary Songwriter Kanami.
I totally agree with you on nobody sounds like her on guitar and has her own unique style. I can't recall ever hearing other guitarists incorporating chord progressions woven into a guitar solo like Kanami does. This gives her solos a unique rhythmic quality to them in addition to the melodic expression. Her playing is not only technically flawless but full of soul with her precise note bends. I had always been a sucker for pinch harmonics and other accents and Kanami has it down to perfection. And can't forget the classic pick slide which you will find in virtually all Band-Maid tracks. How many bands ever do that anymore?
With all that said about her playing ability, which is undeniable. It is her songwriting ability that makes her an indispensable member of this band. Kanami and her fellow bandmates are proficient in many musical styles and posses an extensive musical vocabulary that has allowed them to draw from the best elements of Hard Rock/Progressive Rock/Metal/Funk/Blues/Punk and Pop to construct a unique yet familiar song that is both musically complex and interesting, all while at the same time memorable and catchy. Needless to say is a rare feat.
I think it is this bands overflowing intangibles that make them great. I believe TONE is an x-factor that cannot be overlooked. I believe their ability to shape and craft the tone from their gear is a massive yet overlooked quility of their greatness. It is more than just a signature it is was resonates and what impacts the dynamics within all of their songs. ATTITUDE is another intangible, their stage presence and their sheer enjoyment of performing and sharing their music leaves a lasting impression. AUTHENTICITY and their genuine presentation of their personalities provide an honest sense they are not much different in their life away from the band. I also feel they remain humble even though they would be justified not to be by being such massive BAD ASS MUSICIANS. Lastly This appears to have a burning hunger to improve and innovate their skills beyond the incredible level they are already at, which is a crazy thought. This hunger has yet to satisfy them which keeps them striving and keeps them away from the status quo. This has convinced me that the best has yet to come.
They also happen to one of the prolific musical artists I have ever encountered. What band produces an album of 12 to 14 tracks on a yearly basis. And it not just quantity but quality. A legendary band like Gun & Roses produced just 3 studio albums and the classic rock band Boston took nearly 15 years to produce 3 albums. The same can be said for Alice in Chains and Rage against the machine, and a large majority of so-called legendary bands.
Lastly they possess something that cannot be said about my favorite bands. Most of the greatest band have all had a period which one can categorize as a sell-out period or that of a drastic diviation from their sound towards a commercial slant which pisses off of their hardcore fans. Even a band like Rush has had this so-called diviation experimental period. I guarantee you if you were to ask any Rush fan to choose between Pre or Post 1985 Rush, Pre would win out Everytime. Now that has yet to be something present with Band-Maid, they have had the commercial slant built in from day one and have slanted towards less commercial progressive with the release of Unseen World. So good luck calling them a bunch of sellouts.
I think you might like this for the same reason you liked that Radar Men From The Moon band. But also I think we both like this better. I mean they’re different but, well you probably know what I mean.
You might want to put Asterism "Rising Moon" on your list. A 3 piece instrumental band from Japan. It wont get you a lot of views...but you will be impressed :)
You should send a link of this to that Rick Beato chap - he seems firmly stuck in the last century, mostly in the seventies - fair enough as that's, overall, my favourite decade for music - but he needs to learn there's still great music being made nowadays, too 😉😎👍
He has a schtick and he stays with it. I've sent him stuff and he ignores it.
looks like u enjoy the song start to end. I can feel the taste which u got from
Excellent work sir. 12:36 I'm pretty sure that is a prerecorded guitar track, not Miku. She's still playing her rhythm part there. They use tracks a lot. Mostly for synth or piano. I really can't think of another song where they use a guitar track.
Yeah, I thought it was that. I actually meant to address it, but quickly forgot. Can you see my brain processing? "Wait.... there's the high part, but there's still rhythm, is it the bass or..... is this actually live or.... but all the notes match up when the video.."
@@RyanMear Yes, they're playing live. The extra tracks are just for a fuller sound for certain songs I guess. They're probably controlled by computer. It's all them otherwise.
Probably triggered by Akane, I imagine, yeah
@@RyanMear Actually yes, I think she has a sample board next to her sometimes. Misa and Akane were messing with Miku during one of the online concerts when she was addressing the fans. They kept hitting voice samples and throwing her off. =)
@@RyanMear
Yes, Akane triggers all of the tracks.
time to do a collab w Potter man, good stuff
As long as Ryan doesn't talk about altered molecule structures in frozen sections of water :)
That Kanami pause frame and you talking about the elation of performing a piece you love... so good. Can’t help but smile when you talk about it!
Love the joy on your face as Kanami is tapping! I’m glad someone else values the humble pause button to really let it breathe and appreciate what you just saw!
Dont get me wrong I love Onset. But I like Without holding back even more.
top 3 instrumetnal ranking would be:
Without holding back
Onset
Dont be long
For me
DBL
Onset
WHB
But all are excellent!
I like that order!
BAND-MAID is unique. They haven’t tried to model themselves after any other band or artist. There’s no overbearing egos trying to upstage the other band members and they are genuinely having fun in live shows. Where else can you find a drummer who’s always smiling?
Akane’s drum fills are so tasty as another reactor said.
This song, while an instrumental, is written like a regular song, with an intro, verse, pre chorus, chorus, etc. The way the pre chorus builds up to the ‘drop’ to the chorus is so satisfying. Taking a small page out of the EDM book.
I’ve always assumed the “wah wah wah” counter melody of the 2nd and 3rd chorus was a synth track, because it doesn’t sound like something Miku would play. Does anyone know?
I freaking love love love this song. I wish it was available (along with other live versions) for Apple Music. This song just takes you for a ride and gets you amped up.
Onset - a chance saiki to cooldown her voice
Don't be long - practice song for miku to master song 'different'
They make it masterpiece even it's not intended for 😁
Not sure how old you are, but for me this is reminiscent of the great fusion bands of the late 70's. There is no straight-up rock band that could pull this off. You have to go back to Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Jeff Beck and Return to Forever to find bands doing anything like this. Great analysis.
Thank you, and, yes those bands deserve more attention. Because of these reactions I've done, I've been listening to music in headphones and nice earbuds. Yesterday, on a whim, I searched up Mountain. The quality of the sound blew me away. I Then realized that I had only heard music from that era on mostly shitty car stereos, and was missing out on an entire generation of beautiful sounds. It was kind of like seeing a colorized picture from the twenties... that make sense?
@@RyanMear I totally get it. And I love Mountain! I have all those groups on vinyl. I still have an old pair of speakers from the days of "hi fi" and they sound great, but of course headphones are the way to go now.
Hey thanks for the shout out man! I really appreciate that! I love that 5/4 change up.
I once helped out with a cover band as a drummer, and when we were rehearsing "White Room" by the famous "Cream", I noticed that the beginning was also in 4/5.
@@joki5346 Yes! Great song! And that’s so funny. I had almost that exact same experience for a talent show in high school, a fellow guitarist asked me to play drums for his White Room cover, and I had never heard the song before. Love Ginger’s work in it!
Arguably the best rock band on the scene.
The mystery is does Misa play off of Akane
Or does Akane play off of Misa? ....
from what I've seen of bass players and drummers, it always goes both ways. It's always a push and pull.
Great job on this man! You’ve helped me appreciate more things I hadn’t noticed before!
Another part you didn't mention was that they were playing to a click track. Kanami was playing a hidher part during the later tapping versess.
I think it was a triggered secondary rythm. Kanami is tapping, Miku is playing her part, then there's a higher part played behind them. I noticed something was up and forgot to get back to it.
@@RyanMear Kanami will sometimes pre record counter rythms as well
Only Band-Maid sounds like Band-Maid, and that is what makes them so special.
Great reaction. One thing I think that gets overlooked here is that Miku really shines. She is doing so much for the progression of this masterpiece. It shows how she has elevated her talents.
Ryan!
it seems I am getting addicted to your reactions as they constantly entice me to listen to them again every time from a different angle!
This time I concentrated on Miku's rhythmic guitar Her demeanor is not really that of a usual rhythmic guitar player. Since she is actually doing far more work than it sounds at first her body language seemed have been taught by Kanami with the guitar playing as well. It is my belief that she acquired such body movement to help her instrument playing which at times has become nothing else but rhythmic solos. Mind you, I did have to follow your advice and close my eyes to not be distracted by the screen to separate her playing from Kanami's that you distinctively hear on different ears (left one for Kanami and right one for Miku).
Great fun and satisfaction!
Thanks again, mate!
Run out of booze again. Back on tea before hitting the sack and dreaming about Maids playing in a band! lLOL
That's great Robert! It does give you a different perspective and appreciation