I love how confident Miku is now playing her guitar. The Zemaitis sounds so beautiful and bright, I love it.

This version is one for the record books. Just simply perfect. My favorite part of this is Mincho. She is just in her happy place for the whole song. The shredder is taking a nap and the singer song writer is enjoying life. Makes me super happy.

Incredible talent. Lost count of how many times I've watched the full concert. Buy a ticket people, you will not be disappointed. I don't have enough words to say how outstandingly good these ladies are. I'm hooked.

They are the best in the business - it's that simple!

There are going to be dozens of reactions to this song in the next 24 hours.... but none better than Ryan's because: 1. No pausing of this beautiful song! 2. Get to see the very end of "Forward" with Akane on the Cajon! 3. Perfect example of "shut up! Kanami is speaking!" during the brilliant solo

This show the true beauty of Band-Maid. Love them acoustic. Thank you for reacting to this video.

As if they didn't already provide enough evidence that they are something very special. Each song by itself and the whole show are just magical from beginning to end. 💘 _____________________ 【 _Our rock never dies ever. Forever!_ 】- from BAND-MAID 'Manners' 🕊️

Just the best band on the planet, they get me every time in everything they do.

All the songs from this acoustic performance are great! Glad to see Band-Maid is releasing them, hopefully more! No place to hide on a acoustic song and these ladies don't need to hide, for sure! This performance shows that the Maid outfits are nothing more than an image, not a needed gimmick! Hats off to Mincho for being able to adapt these songs to the acoustic format yet still be recognizable to the originals, pure composition genius, but we Maidiac's already know this about her! Beautiful song in a beautiful setting performed by stunning ladies! It was a terrific Christmas gift!

Another perfect solo, short enough to leave you longing to hear another, and other, and other...

Much Love for the Maids & all their Fans ❤👍😎👌

unexpected - a brilliant serendipity of just how talented they are WOW

The music was sooo good but I must say that the concert belongs to the bass. I think Saiki had her wear red to emphasize her. Misa proved she is one of the best today. This is one of my favorite songs by Band-Maid. The original version has one of the coolest riffs I've heard. This version is so different yet has the same vibe. The ladies revealed the reason for the Conqueror album during their Commentary video. They felt that their existing songs (before Conqueror) were fast paced which worked up the crowd. However, some of their concerts were in very hot venues and some of the fans suffered from heat exhaustion. The ladies too were affected. They were afraid that someone could get hurt or die while dancing to a fast song. There are fan cam videos out there that show the ladies making comments on how hot the stage was. They decided to make an album of "medium" speed songs so that they could incorporate these slower songs in their concert setlist. These songs provided opportunity to rest . The Shibuya concert on Blu Ray is a great example of how they were able to do a 22 song concert with some of their more energetic songs at the end, because they incorporated many slower songs from Conqueror. As a matter of fact, Conqueror is like a Greatest Hits album. I can't understand those who dislike it.

This place with a view of the sea is a hotel in Yokohama. They are so beautiful and this song is so great. I can't stop loving BAND-MAID.

These girls are already legendary. Master class musicians. Next level talent. These girls could play any music from any genre and kill it. They are in my opinion, the greatest band in the world. On behalf of all the Band Maid fans, we say thank you for bringing us the greatest music in the world.

A wonderful treat for my Birthday, BAND-MAID release a track from their Xmas Acoustic concert.....and then Ryan reacts to it ;)

This was one of the first songs I'd heard from them. Absolutely love it. This performance literally just sucked me in. You're right, the amount of love they show their fans and the talent and work they put on display is leagues above anything I ever expected to enjoy. Here's to hoping their plans of coming to the U.S. happen this year and no I don't care where, I will take days off or move vacation weeks to go.

It's nice the girls still doing their thing even on Holidays,

Just got home from work and watched this reaction. The look on your face says it all. :) MISA shines in this entire performance (when she's playing), not just this song. This truly was one of the best Christmas presents I've gotten in a long, long time. :D And yeah, the mix was super fantastic. Everything was crisp, clear, and clean. Especially the vocals from all the members. Thanks for putting this up.

What a beautiful presentation the online concert was. I could hear every member perfectly and it was nice to hear comments from the individual members. I really appreciste how Akane and MISA were able to do these acoustic versions and still bring the power in a layback environment. MISA's tone was very natural and when I looked away it was like I was listening to an upright bass at times. She was great! Akane's drumming has always fascinated me. What she is able to do on that compact kit is masterful! Kanami's restraint was typical of her humility and genius. Her playing was brilliant and very clean (never heard a buzz) as usual, and the touch of delay made her playing even more ethereal. My all-time favorite guitarist. This concert certainly lays to rest the claims of the those who have accused Miku of not playing rhythm guitar during concerts, and the parts are prerecorded (high praise to sensei Kanami). She was magnificent! The fact that Saiki performed the entire program while seated is a testament to her virtuosity. Anyone who is s singer knows what a feat this is. She is absolutely amazing! On a final note: "Page" was brilliant! The five part harmonies were goose bump generators for me. I looked up Miku's lyrics and they further convinced me that this woman's talent has no bounds. To say this concert was a transcendental experience for me is an understatement.

Yup you nailed it Ryan, "you want to see how good a band is, do this", and not just do it but in doing so absolutely nail it and surpass the extraordinary expectations of the listening public, not only are they uber talented, wonderfully connected as a band and all class individuals they are also fuckin fearless, shake in your boots stale, male western rock the Pigeon Posse is coming for ya'll 👍 Right time for a beer and more Band Maid, thanks Ryan 🎤🎸🥁🎼🍻

They just reminded me again why i love Band Maid

I wish to take a moment and admire how beautiful the five of them are. And how absolutely beautiful Akanes hair is .

Last time I heard an acoustic guitar played that fast was at a bluegrass concert by Tony Rice. This was better. Like sashimi served perfectly and simply these women lay it out there. It is more than enough. This concert is one of the peak musical experiences of my 63 plus years on earth. This time around at least! Thank you for your reaction!

Like it that you added a small part of the previous song. Big that was awesome. The band, mix, location, songs, EVERYTHING was great.

"Wow".....enuf said!!!👍👍🤘🤘🤘

That was my first listen as well for that song... All I can say is they still are amazing me every time I listen....it's just incredible... Thanks for the reaction!

The house band in heaven!!!!

I used to wonder about the teenaged girls losing their minds over the Beatles. Now I know how they felt. This band has saved rock for me. I saw them live in LA and I'm so grateful I did. It was life changing.

Glad you hopped on this right out the gate because this song deserves to be heard!

The Conqueror stuff translates SO well to acoustic. I still love that album.

You should learn the history of Japanese female rock on this journey. OG’s Show-Ya have fostered this community for decades and have helped bring young female Japanese musicians into the forefront of what it is today. Bands from Aldious, Bridear,, Scandal (owns their own label), Gacharic Spin, Mary’s Blood, Nemophila, and yes, Band Maid would not be possible without their trailblazing achievements. Lead singer Keiko has been hosting festival shows for female only acts since she has had the chance. I have been married to a Japanese metal chick for two decades and lived there for a few years. I drink and I know things. Kanami T shirt is awesome btw.

pure perfection

Aren't a lot of solo guitar moments in this Okyuji, but this was a nice one. I've never heard this track either, but it feels so natural as an acoustic piece. Reminds me a bit of unplugged sessions from the 80s and 90s (hey,. back when MTV still had music on).. So refreshing.

They all sound great. Loving the bass in this. Then, Kanami shred on an acoustic guitar!

Right on Ryan I watched it live and Blu toothed it to my home stereo it was beyond great thanks for the replay.

I was so impressed with Miku at this concert. There were times when she was the sole guitarist, and you would never have thought she hadn't been playing all her life. She held up her end of the concert so well as a musician. Long past are the days when she held the guitar as a prop. I had to laugh when she said that people look at her like parents when she plays, to encourage her. After watching you and Wave Potter, etc discussing the concert, I bought a ticket to the archive and have watched it many times -- and will do so many more times.

The acoustic version of Catharsis was incredible. The album version is very different: urgent, propulsive, with Akane & MISA pushing everything forward; lots more of Kanami weaving things in and out. Would love to get the Ryan Mear take on that one.

Yeah - I was hoping you would react to this right away!

If you have not already you should buy their long ticket to their December 25th acoustic consert. It's by far the best unplugged consert I've every heard, and I heard it all in the 90s when unplugged was a thing. With this consert Band-Maid showed that they are the best unplugged band ever!

This acoustic song shows MIKU's talent. Harmony with SAIKI, supporting KANAMI's main acoustic guitar play. Singing ,playing acoustic side guitar, harmony. And writing lyrics. Of course, all members talents are marvelous. Last, their casual fashion sense are good enough.

I must have seen your reeaction to this on Patreon about five times already. But ok, one more time won't hurt! Or ten more times for that matter 😉🤘

I think that Band Maid has become a band that is beyond the narrow discussion about the different genres of rock. It will transcend in the history of music, despite the misogyny, the Western-focused gaze and the narrow-mindedness of so many "expert critics and reactors"... Long live Band Maid!!!

Are Band Maid really that good or am I just besotted? After the acoustic concert there is no doubt they really are one of the very best.

Excuse me my english is no good. I know mr.Ryan really love and respect band maid. I always enjoy mr.Ryan reaction.

Excellent all the way around.

This was sooo good, the entire acoustic okyu-ji was just perfection. I love the chemistry between them! You should listen the studio version if you already haven't. The guitar solo is so groovy and tasty, and of course Akane and Misa make it even better

I noticed a quick shot of Miku's hand movement while she strummed a chord, she's come a long way in a relatively short period of time. 🙂

I have viewed the Band- Maid online okyuji several times Both the concert , and commentary . It left me smiling each time . Always finding something different each time . Band-Maid imo is incredibly special . Now to Ryan Mear . I just received my shirt and just wanted to complement the quality .

Kanami's guitar sounds so good. I can see why you picked one out for yourself.

Since the last two concert DVD/Blu-ray were released in April 2020 and May 2021 and the "Long Archive" ticket is for 3 months perhaps this concert will also get a Spring 2022 release on DVD/Blu-ray.

Another great reaction dude. Always great to see the ladies in this way. Their songs are so deep and rich that they can do them so many ways and they are all incredible. Love Saiki's voice, the little guitar solo from Kanami and of course Misa is always there. There is truly no limit to this band.

I hope they release "No God" too... the whole thing is great, different. Great feeling watching the whole thing and some hilarious moments watching it with their comments on. Best Band Ever, yes I believe those are the right words! Kanpai!! 🍻

Very nice. Seems like you had a chill time watching the show. Awesome!

The biggest difference according to the band on recording this acoustic session was that MISA was sober!!!!

Kanami is channeling her inner Larry Carlton.

WOW, top notch performance.😲 It's refreshing to see the girls without their maid outfits...wearing this sophisticated winter collection.😉

Like Ryan I am a huge Kanami fan, and all of them are gorgeous, but I thought Misa was extra beautiful in this one.

I wonder if Kanami has a classical guitar. Her skill and the fullness of a classical guitar would be awesome. It would probably stick out too much for this type of group, but solo with vocals, GREATNESS!!

Love the shirt. A well said phrase.

Yeah, so here's my well thought-out, completely unbiased opinion: This acoustic show was PHUCHUN AWESOME! The End. Thanks Ryan! 🕊

The original version is on Conqueror, song 13. You should do an alternate review of it too :) (Did we already cover this? If so, I missed it)

Loved your comment "if you want to know how good a band is...." Right on point!

MISA MISA MISA!

If you feel that the guitar solo is short, you are already in a MAIDs trap. Because you want to hear more BAND-MAID.

my new favorite wwoooooowww ❤

What I felt from BAND-MAID's acoustic live performance. That is to say that this great acoustic show is worth to be performed in the USA. If the concert in the USA was split into two days, one acoustic and one electric, it would be amazing. On the first day, the concert will be intense, hot and fast with electric guitars. The next day would be a beautiful, warm and slow acoustic concert. The master and the princess will be melted by the huge musical "gap" between the two concerts. What do you think?

You're so right about the sound mix, it was amazing! The entire concert was stellar. I imagine it would take some getting used to not only playing your own part differently, but also hearing your bandmates' parts being played differently. By the way, where can we order "Shut up, Kanami is speaking" merch?

your first time? You should purchase ticket for the whole accoustic show, it's still on sale! Well worth every penny!

Thanx Ryan for the T-Shirt that arrived today🙂👍🏻. I put it on as fast as light goes...and then listen to your reaction for the song Catharsis.

Ooo ❤️

dare i say it? this version tops album edition, especially Kanami solo :)

Ryan you should do a 2 for 1 for Catharsis with the original. Or 3 for 1 if you can get their Shibuya concert.

Beautiful! Sayonakidori please, Po!

MISA!!! MISA!!! MISA!!! 🥃🥃🥃

This song gives me such mid-90s Alt vibes. Think Barenaked Ladies, BIg Head Todd, or Indigo Girls.

Ryan!Greetings! 6 am here in Shizuoka! First I would like to apologize for mixing your name with Old Mr. B due to my hurry in wanting to tell you that Catharsis was on line! Thank you so much for your reaction! At last they are showing the "women"they are! It might prove a bit difficult for some fans to accept that they are moving forward and show a facet completely away from their girlie image. They have changed their hairstyles for the occasion especially Akane and Kanami! Unusual lipstick on some! LOL They must have hired a fashion designer for their clothes (of course, stupid I am)!! I love them in any garb, anyway, but this "adult" concert is a very intelligent marketing ploy notwithstanding the quality and level of the performance! Miku seems to be at complete ease with her guitar. Kanami's solo reminds me both of classical and folk acoustic guitar. This year could very well become a marker in their evolution! Footnote: it seems that the locale is Yokohama! Best regards, Robert-Gilles

I used to think Reincarnation was the savior of Conqueror but Catharsis is the masterpiece of that album. IMHO

I've been speaking English exclusively for 60+ years and I had to Google the word catharsis. Could this be a concept more prevalent in Japanese culture and then translated as the song title? Or, am I just emotionally challenged enough to be clueless about it? Anybody?

What are you guys doing here??

A beautiful performance from these women. It must be so hard for Akane to play the drums so softly and not over fill the room. She looks so delicate on them. Maybe you could help me here Ryan. Is that the reason she used heavier looking sticks with 'blunt' ends on them? Does it give a solid sound without the volume? I'm not a drummer, just interested about those sticks Akane used. Cheers.

Kanami: "Hey Misa, you're playing lead guitar this song." MISA: "I play lead guitar every song. My guitar is just bigger than most for some reason." Side note. When that solo kicks in, it's like Miku, MISA, and Kanami all did their own solo at the same time and it fit perfectly together. Beautiful.

I think Kanami doesn't want to break up the flow with an eight-bar solo piece. But yeah, she's an awful tease

"Catharsis" is a beautiful song from a band of 5 beautiful talented Maids. If Catharsis can't heal your soul, nothing can :)

Hey Ryan. I came across this today and wasn't sure if you were aware of it. It's the entire live 2018 Zepp Tokyo concert. I love this one for the fact that it is the best mixed of all the live shows I've listened to. You can really hear everyone distinctly, especially Kanami, and you can hear alot more of what she's doing during the verses and chorus. It also has some hidden gems that are difficult to find including one of my favorite, and underplayed in my humble opinion, Clang. It starts at 1:11:13. There's also an awesome acoustic set with just Kanami and Saike at 48:40, or you can skip the music box intro that Kanami wrote and go to 50:10. In this part you can hear the richness of Saike's voice and also Kanami singing harmony. I could sit and enjoy and entire concert of just those two.

Of course it's beautiful but to hear a truly stripped down acoustic version try Nightwish acoustic of How's The Heart on Planet Rock. And maybe Lovebites with A Frozen Serenade.

Kanami’s gone.

A phenomenal concert from beginning to end. I'm hoping PAGE and NO GOD and TIME will be uploaded. BAND-MAID is Awesome. Peace.

Sin sus uniformes no se quien es quien :(

So now you need to do the album version! I love when you and others do reaction/reviews of live vs album but this is even better since it's live acoustic! Saiki sounds so good in the whole thing too.

I like when we see Kanami 🙄"Daydreaming" in the background.

Catharsis is aptly named and perfectly performed. This song is my new happy place.

Everything this band does it is done with style and perfection. Creatively diverse and uniquely "Band-Maid".....

In NO WAY do you come off as some sort of old creepy pervert...yeah, you're good.

Like you said, Ryan... they are so good and tight that it's hard to see and hear how difficult it is to pull off this format playing their deceptively complex songs. One tiny slipup from any one would be blatantly apparent. The Maids play like they are one beautifully coordinated organism.