"They're all gathering around the drummer... maybe something went wrong? Shows remarkable maturity that they're able to do so live." What band-maid is actually doing: making funny faces

I stand by the the fact that Misa is one of the best fucking bass players I've ever heard. Ever. Fuck the "female" musician shit. She's just amazing

When Kanami approaches Miku you can almost hear her encouraging voice "Yes - You can do it - That's it - Yes - You got it - You've cracked it - Keep going, - Keep going - Yes - Keep going - That's it - That's it - You nailed it..."

The Akane, MISA, Miku Trio is the best, tightest rhythm section in Rock, period! Not female rock or J-Rock, just fu$king god-damn Rock with no qualifying descriptors! I’m so damn proud of them. In the earlier years of Band Maid, they had absolutely no label support when touring and sound quality was their Achilles Heel. They literally were shoulder to shoulder along with their equipment in a van, driving around Japan to play without roadies or techs. Then they were at the mercy of whoever worked for the venue for sound. There’s video out there of them at some festival in plainclothes setting up their own stage and assembling the stacks and drums before changing into their maid outfits! Believe me, NOTHING has been simply handed to these ladies.💪🏻🤘🏻

On occasion, the band will gather around the drummer and make funny faces at her so that it will throw her off! She responds with a smile

Once you hear them live, all of your comments, questions, critiques, and musical knowledge will dissolve into one, beautiful sonic euphony of ecstasy that will spoil you for all other bands - the Band-Maid curse.

Your face during Akane's drum solo... yes these women are beasts. Best rock band I've heard in decades.

Band -Maid are the future of rock and roll they are setting the standard

The live songs are usually different from the studio version. More solos, extended intros, outros, different parts... It points to their virtuosity. Every performance is different. They craft different instrumental intros, vary the dueling parts, add solos (recently, adding more drum solos due to requests from fans), add flourishes (rakes, harmonics, wah, slaps, vary the fills), change the vocal effects, vocal confidence has allowed them to be more raw and emotional live. All of them like to challenge their abilities, so they will add things that are on the edge of their capabilty. Kanami and Akane have spoken of this a few times. Also, Saiki has become the leader, and is quite the taskmaster and critic. Great musicians that write great songs, a rarity. Amazing where they are now from five or six years ago.

The gathering around Akane is "Hengao" , the Japanese art of making strange faces. The ladies do it allot, both on and off stage. Sometimes you can catch Akane making faces back. Also, they are 25 to 29 years old . I believe Saiki is the youngest and Akane the oldest. Band Maid has spoiled me, because I now notice how allot of bands just repeat with no variation. When it comes to song writing, give me an order of Kanami with a side of Akane and a heavy dash of Misa! Not saying there aren't other great song writers, but Kanami and the girls are definitely very talented!

The thing that struck me when I saw them live was how tight they were. Such a good rhythm section giving the lead guitarist and vocals a solid foundation. Honestly Akane and MISA are one of the best drum//bass combos I've seen. It shows how confident they are in their playing that they have time to mess about on stage, like trying to put Akane off her stride by pulling faces at her. For more of these antics check out Real Existence or Freedom live from Zepp Tokyo.😁

Now you need to witness one of Misa's (The bassist) and Kanami's (The lead guitarist) battles. I recommend Take me Higher (live) and Don't you tell me (live).

It's only taken you 3 songs to nail down why people like this band so much. It's well constructed, well played, fun music performed by top notch musicians who get as much enjoyment playing their music for people as the fans get from listening to it. There's no false bravado from them. There are no over the top stage mannerisms. Just damn good hard rock music played by 5 happy, talented musicians that leaves you energized and feeling good.

Never apologize for pausing. Reactions from people who know music are my favorite. You can only watch someone only say "wow, nice" so often. I'm a jazz guy. Trumpet is my main instrument and was a lead and soloist in marching and jazz bands in college. Played some cool festivals and events. I was never in a rock band, but I have jammed plenty (I am decent on drums, and have a nice thru-neck Spector bass I keep meaning to learn more on but don't). I really like hearing rock musicians take on bands I think are talented musically. It makes me realize things I hadn't been paying attention to. You are well-spoken about that. Keep it up.

I love their smiles. You can tell how much they are enjoying themselves when they perform live. I can`t wait to see them on stage here back in the USA. Band-Maid is my favorite band of all time. I lost interest in Hard rock years ago. Their wonderful uniqueness has given me back my love for hard rock. All five ladies are strong pillars supporting each other. Their chemistry and friendship shines brightly in their music. Band-Maid Stay strong and Play long!

Those girls have been grinding small venues since 2014. They are seasoned performers. This is something not common in japan as many groups are created by mega studios using idol singers brought up in idol schools. Its so nice to see Band Maid finally growing. I m just sad coz I know when they return to the states their ticket prices will increase and be in a larger venue.

I agree with your thoughts on their musicianship. For all of the reasons you could like them (and there are several) it's their musicianship that I love and keep coming back to see and hear.

Miku has grown into such a solid rhythm guitarist, and her vocal harmonizations are spot on! Great reaction, very insightful! Keep'em coming ;)

Imho, the best hard rock band around and probably for the last 30-40 years! Everything is great about them; super musicians, great song writers, they have so much fun, the stage presence...they have it all and they're about to reach their goal....world domination! :) When you talked about where they were gathering around the drummer and then you said "...or to enhance the song" I thought "you just wait!" (that jam after the heavy part - it's not on the recorded version) :) Great reaction as always!

I am addicted to Band Maid. One of their fortes is Kanami's exceptional craftsmanship on compositions and arrangements. They are sophisticated, intelligent and unpredictable and that's why I don't get tired of listening to them everyday! And Chaise, the way you break it down is so articulate, I can appreciate her talent even more. Thank you!

We rly have to Thank Miku for starting this legendary project called Band Maid

Also, Saiki is such a queen its ridiculous

I'm not normally a fan of vocals in another language for some reason, but the lead singer in this band has a fantastic voice, the little growl accent she added at the end of a couple of lines was superb.

They are GOOD because they have talent and a chemistry together! And they certainly practice their songs again and again and again. It's not their solos (the solos are great) that amaze me it's how they play as a band.

Agreed these girls are just amazing, no other adjective or qualifier needed.

To hear someone like you with your knowledge give this band so much praise really gives the fans validation. This band is underrated. Onset Live has to be next. It’s not on any album. Pure instrumental and it really showcases their talents. There are several more songs that this band has done that are amazing but onset live is the one that usually wins the skeptics and showcases to musician audience just how skilled this group really is.

I would say this is them just showing off their skill but that happens to be all of their songs! I agree about them being a hit factory. When i first started hearing them, each new song was my favorite! There's not one I dislike. Just some I like more than others. Great reactions too. I like your analysis because you give reasons for liking something.

This one really shows the confidence and comfort level they've reached. Love em', always. Perhaps "Don't you tell me" Live next? Lol, i'm really just trying not to request every single live performance they've ever done!

Band-Maid is hands down the best hard rock band on the planet today. No one is even close. And they are mighty easy on the eyes as well. Sacramento loves Band-Maid.

The solo in the middle is unique to this performance, while the recorded version has only a breakdown and short guitar solo. They always add a lot of extra solos, arrangements and instrumentals to their live shows. I would be interested to hear your opinions on their song "Secret My Lips".

Dude...your eyes seriously just about popped out of your head there in the drum solo leading back into Kanami's little lead.....I'm an old guy, and have gotten to where I feel a bit of Fatherly pride in these Ladies...They are so special!!...

First! You have very quickly become my favorite reactor! They were making funny faces around the drummer to see if they could get her to miss a beat.

Band-Maid is probably the only band that I prefer live than studio... When playing live they throw solos everywhere and not just guitar solos, but also bass and drums solos, even rythm guitar solos sometimes, if that even makes sense. Pick any live song you find, you can't go wrong. Even recorded on cellphones they sound amazing. I hope they will come to Italy after this madness is over, I have to see them. Ciao!

I discovered this band with your reaction. So nice. Normally i watch reaction to song i like. Now i watch your reaction then i like the song hahaha.

The best way I can describe Band-Made is fun. Lots of bands have great songs, great musicians, and great singers. These girls have all that, plus they're just fun to watch and listen to.

Freedom live version from the same concert was just published today! That version is even more awesome!

Ive been a fan of Band Maid for years. Their two frontwomen are great, but in my opinion, they are outshown by the pure musicianship of the bass, lead guitarist, and drummer. This drummer, specifically, is their secret weapon. She is SOOOOOOOO good. Also, if you wanna explore some more Japanese rock/metal check out Ningen Isu. Theyve been around since the 80's

Actually lower frequencies travel farther than higher frequencies, so those are the ones that need more power to cut through. The reason why bass amps need higher wattage is to give them the headroom to maintain the clarity of the pitch at higher volumes. The feature parts were just for that performance. But the huddle around the drums could've been for lots of reasons, it could be them just goofing off with each other, it could be to make sure that the drummer had enough energy to play the full feature bit as no one dropped a beat or went out of tune at usually occurs with a string break. But it likely could be the final decision as to the order that the feature bits happen as Akane (drummer) is the band leader and Kanami (lead guitar) knows when to come back in. Also Misa has only been shown playing 4 and 5 string basses. If she has a 6 she's never played it with this group. As for everything else, I completely agree with your assessment of this song and performance. Part of what makes them so cool is how they allow each song to evolve as it goes along. Kanami is truly masterful where it comes to crafting each part and arranging them to throw little twists and turns to keep things fresh and interesting. Every member of this band is amazing and prove that gender, and genre has nothing to do with achieving greatness. Sure they celebrate their femininity through their outfits, but they don't rely on that to sell the music. It speaks very much for itself, and it comes through in their unbridled passion for what they do! If this band wasn't a thing, there isn't a single member that I wouldn't want to play on a project of mine.

I've Been a Fan for like 3 years. Miku (Rythm guitar) didnt Actually know how to play guitar when the band formed. So if you've been a fan of them for years seeing Miku nail a solo gets you right in the heart. So much growth 😍🤩😍

Just wanted to pop in and say that I watch virtually all the Band-Maid reactions because I love seeing people like the things that I like and it makes me happy. You're probably the best on youtube at breaking down the songs and I really enjoy that. Thanks!

couldnt agree more with you chase.. superb reaction as always

I really appreciate your musical insight in these reactions. Very interesting!

I think this was the first track I played by Band-Maid....and I was pretty much instantly hooked. Only been a litle over a month and I now own all the albums and the new DVD. Haven't found a track I don't like yet....and don't expect to now. I enjoy your style of react video (discovered through your Band-Maid reaction previously) and so you're the only reaction channel I've subscribed to. Looking forward to more Ban-Maid reactions from you....

If you listen to the other versions of this song you will see that they cooked up a change and added a battle with Miku and Kanami to give the crowd more. On the 19th song of 21 they were having fun so they dropped in a change on the fly, It could have been signaled or prompted by Saiki who at times will command, do something. So from Misa to Kanami to Kanami vs Miku to Akane, that was added in on the fly and then it picks up with Kanami's final solo. They were having fun and they did that for all, as that is what they do, having fun.

About the song "Puzzle" you mentioned. The full band version is one of the heavier songs they have done. There is also an acoustic version. The acoustic version is a complete rework, stripped down to the melody and lyrics. Not sure which came first.

Queen Sai-chan absolutely OWNS that crowd! \m/

Thank you. Have been waiting for another one from you. Quite educational as always. Hope to see some of their other songs some time, understand you have too many requests to see to. People may not like band-Maid for one reason or another, but no one can ever accuse them of not putting in effort. Their work-ethic is top-tier, almost unparalleled.

Your considered reactions are excellent and make a refreshing change. You'll see other band members visiting Akane ("the drummer") either individually or in groups in a lot of their live footage. As others have said it's partly to do with messing around, mutual face-pulling etc, but it's also to make sure there's no risk of her looking or feeling detached from the rest of the band behind her drum kit, so it's kind of a symbol of band solidarity. It's a lovely sight when it happens. One other thing, following on from your comments about putting in the effort, it's now high-time that you learned the band members' names! "The bassist", "the lead guitarist", "the drummer" etc won't wash anymore! :)

Huh, the lead singer has gotten better since I last heard them. BTW, the drummer is *awesome*!

Thank you for this competent reaction. I like when I feel the person knows what he‘s talking about. Band-Maid is proud new member in the league of the real great ones. They got it all: Complex but catchy, versatility, great musicianship, top notch interplay, soaring vocals and beautiful harmonies and a insane powerful driving engine - one of the best rhythm section in rock these days ... and last but not least refreshing ego free and goofy personalities. They goof around with the drummer here. There are other great Bands to discover in Japan, like GacharicSpin, Aldious, Bridear, Mary’s Blood (all female) and many more, but no one comes close to Band-Maid as full package in my opinion. I would like to recommend to do next: Blooming, it got everything what makes B-M unique - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q7ukkq1zstXHe4E.html Real Existence one of their earlier songs in a powerful live performance - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y9eBoa56sbiZpWQ.html Rinne - their hardest song so far kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ebdpl8V2u82-k3U.html ... and for a contrast Daydreaming live - a beautiful Ballade kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rbpxi6SHqtjTl58.html and some 90 excellent songs more

Misa's bass in this video is a Black Cloud Custom 5-string bass aka "Black Smoker".

Saiki is in total control of the crowd. She keeps invoking them to shout louder and louder.

Thanks for bringing Band Maid to my life with this reaction

Man. That solo section gave me the chills.

Band-Maid brought me to your channel. Excellent reactions over-all are keeping me here.

Awesome talent and just magical to watch.

That awesome breakdown in the middle is exclusive to this performance alone. It's not in the album release or any other live performances.

maybe that's why they huddled up around the drum-set?!))) Had a little chit-chat!)) Let's give to the world a kick-ass breakdown, let's destroy our instruments and make everyone go insane...! You are right, they are in their mid-20's and the band was formed by Miku Kobato in 2013, so you can imagine how young they started...AWSOME BAND

I really like how you give thoughts every little change up of their musical structure. Thats what i like about this band. Pls do 'awkward' live if you like to hear a very unusual musical structure kind of song. Its one of their rock ballad btw. Stay safe!

This is exactly the type of reaction I wanted to hear for long time

Great reaction! I particularly enjoyed the bassists tone. Ahh it sounds good!

Love these comments of yours - good knowledge, analysis and you really listen well.

What an awesome shirt man. Love it. Definitively doesn't make you look like a youth pastor.

Puzzle is the song that cemented me as fan even though I've been listening to them since my trip to Japan in 2015.

I closed my eyes before I heard this. Opened my eyes and was pleasantly and additionally surprised that my ears were right - they're great! Your face @ 8:23 was me!

You've not even started touching the best of these girls. :) Moratorium, Play, The Dragon Cries, Non-Fiction Days, Daydreaming, Awkward, Onset....... all different variations of the Band-Maid theme. The amount of straight up good music from these girls is astounding.

I've been avoiding this band because of Babymetal, which i don't enjoy at all. But the musicianship here is outstanding, the songs are catchy and fun and her voice as amazing. I wish i understood the lyrics as it would add yet another dimension but Band-Maid is a really, really great band!

Thanks for another great reaction, keep them coming. Secret my lips and Dice are both great Bandmaid songs. For Lovebites try Break the wall or Under the Red Sky from the Battle in the East concert, or When destinies align music video.

They turn every song into a spectacle live, it’s wonderful.

We are so lucky during this endless live music hiatus that they recorded this concert on Feb 14 2020. I continue to be blown away every time I watch/listen to this song. Having had the good fortune to see them several times in the US last year, and following them for 3 years, I should not have been surprised. But, I was surprised at how they had markedly upped their game in just 4.5 mos. Thanks for your way above average observations - and for helping get the word out about under-appreciated bands! BTW: If no one has suggested, I would like to hear your comments about Asterism: Young instrumental trio from Fukuoka, Japan. They have a couple of CD's out already (since 2018). I am partial to "Dawn" ("360 degree battle session" version for ex) and "Blaze" but look around - they've also done some pretty good covers.

Black MISA Black MISA Black MISA! not sure (there are so many comments) if anybody mentioned this is song 22 of a 23 song set (MISA is looking a little Fatigued)

God I love that part in the chorus when the crowd sings hello hello hello hello

Nice one Chase - knew you'd love them live. You're really good at picking out what makes bands tick.

If you'd like to check out more of them, I'd recommend: DICE, Blooming, Rinne or Don't you tell ME :)

They be tight live. That musical breakdown was cool and that bass player kicks A$s

Thank you for the reaction. I love that you actually break a song down and don’t just say that’s nice. Great work :)

If you watch this video again, at the 10:54 mark, Miku very elgantly falls over backwards.

they have awesome call & response :) the band loves making the chorus asymmetrical, just to make sure the song doesnt become boring. the members love to gather around Akane(drummer), they said it helps them loosen up(Misa and Kanami are actually really shy). Akane is actually the leader of the group even though you'd think its Miku or Saiki normally. this "Finale" version of this song is very cool since the group actually redid the solo part just for this last day(bass solo, guitar duo, quartet, drum solo, guitar solo, back to song). Fun fact, Miku/rhythm guitarist said in their recent fan interview that she was playing so hard on that duo part that she fell over at the end. ;)

Another great reaction, thank you. It’s a brilliant blu-Ray. I only have one slight issue with it and that is, for me, Kanami’s solos are a little low in the mix. Apart from that it’s superb. They really know how to film concerts in Japan. All the ones I have from Band-Maid, Lovebites, Mary’s Blood, Aldious, Unlucky Morpheus, Wagakki Band etc are exemplary. Please do Alone!

Just got home and am Happy to see your reaction up!! Well worth the wait! A massively great job!! This is one great performance! I went through almost all of the comments and I got to ask you what do you think of these Band-Maid fans??? Are they great or what??? Makes me proud to be a fan!!! Cheers to ya and anxiously waiting for the next one!!

I don't know, i just had this feeling that this legendary line up is not coincidence and they going to dominate the world(us) really² soon... The centuries years old pigeon wisdom

Have you ever Heard of MAN WITH A MISSION ? They mix a lot of alternative, metal, pop and electro pieces all into one song and every song sounds different but they're catchy in their own way. Check out the Songs Take Me Under and Left Alive.

MISA is playing what I have heard termed a five string black smoker,. Earlier in the concert she premiered her new five string SG style P bass.

I love the way you breakdown the Band Maid performances. They are my fav! I just heard about them this year and they have made a lot easier to get through the COVID mess. I didn't even have a hint of the Japan music scene other than some Baby Metal before this.

If you want to see how good they are look at "Onset" live.:)

I am so happy to find a reaction other than first pumping. Thank you for explaining why a music piece is good, instead of just yelling, ya, ya and ya. Also I'm a big BandMaid fan and I totally agree. It's time to drop the qualifier "girl band" these ladies are good, dam good. The two BandMaid songs are very good, but "Play", or "Onset" live will completely blow you waway. This is a band that sounds better live, and that's not an easy task.

Akane has an even better drum solo in FREEDOM from this same show! Good luck finding it online, though. You might just need to purchase this concert DVD :)

5:45 That moment when MISA, Miku and Kanami approach Akane and lean in is very likely a third option: the bandmates have a tradition of frequently going over to Akane to make funny faces at her to try and make her mess up (which never works). Many of their live videos show them doing this and a few have good camera angles that let you actually see the silly faces they pulling. It's just part of the kind of fun they have together on stage.

Japanese culture does HENGAO which is making faces. That is what they were doing to Akane the drummer. Great reaction. Found Band-Maid in mid-February and learning japanese because of them.

Band Maid, I'm sure, write songs with live performance in mind, which is probably why there's only one song of theirs (Dice) where the music video is generally regarded as better than the live version. They even talk of one song being written for how it would sound in an arena - which is quite something considering they won't actually make their arena debut until next February. They probably tone it down a bit for these DVD shows, but between songs they can have a laugh between themselves like they are a group of mates playing in a pub band. You really see just how much they enjoy being on stage. Here's a quick between-song clip from them in New York kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qd6XfMJ1u7vUiok.html ...to give you some idea. (it's English, but worth putting on the subtitles anyway)

Great professional reaction, like it a lot how you're doing this👍

They throw in a lot of English words into their songs so that their audience overseas has an opportunity to join in and sing along. It's something that makes them a step above I think.

One of the most informative, and educated breakdowns of a performance I have watched. Top content. Check out some of the "Live from Zepp Tokyo" videos if you can find them. The performance here was one of their best released, but the sound mix for the Zepp Tokyo shows was better, with Kanami's leads cleaner and MISA's bass tone much fuller.

Btw, I saw them live last year and what you see and hear is exactly what you get! They are so much better live

Misa, Kobato, Min-cho go to A-chan (drummer) . And they make funny faces (変顔） show same time to her for grinning .

Hi and thank you again for your proff. Reaction! I'm blind and you are with your Infos al little bit my Eys, hhelping to get the Pictures in my Haad. Kopfkino - Head Cinema, as we called it in German. Stay save!

I believe the youngest is Saiki (Vocal) is 26 and Akane (drummer - and unoffical "manager") the oldest at 29 - but hey, who's counting! Both the bassist (Misa) and Drummer (Akane) were members of the Tokyo School of Music and, like Kanami (Lead Guitar - main music composer - with inputs from the others), are accomplished, classically trained musicians (piano and other instruments). The founder and rhythm guitarist (Miku) would appear to write most lyrics (with inputs from Saiki - Vocal - who tends to suggest image and direction). Kanami tends to pre-plan/write solos than play them on the fly. Check out Onset live. (there is also a breakdown video of the same track).

Who else could bring hard rock, pop and punk together better than these awesome maids?

I'm subbing just for your appreciation of such a phenomenal band ❤

GOD　JapaneseHR/HM　All-female band 　BAND-MAID　(HR)　　LOVEBITE（HM）　ALDIOUS（HM）　NEMOPHILA（HR/HM）