All the members of Band Maid are the pillars, but Miku has the added bonus of being the heart and soul and driving force of the band.

By the way..."Holy F***" is probably the best review of this song I've ever heard. The guitar solo in the middle is all Miku ! Kanami ends it with one of her most epic shredding solos ! ♥️

I’m in the airport right now watching this while waiting for my flight to see them in Yokohama😊 On top of just the heavier stuff, I firmly believe that BAND-MAID are the masters(and princesses) of subtraction in composing music

In case you were not aware . There’s no Band Maid without Miku Kobatos dream of creating the band she had always envisioned. She’s the creator , business woman and leader of this musical band. She was also the main vocalist for a while until she decided to get a different vocal style to her own and recruited Saiki as main .She’s is so gracious and humble that she delegates in every single one of the band members different tasks and participation so they all can branch out and feel comfortable . Let’s not get it twisted though . Miku is the main Maid. At the end of the day she has last say on what goes down with her band. Although , she is very open to everyone’s input. I admire this lady so very much. Thanks to her we have our favorite band today. Give it up for the pigeon 🐦!! ❤️❤️❤️👏

Miku has some lovely quirky solo songs that she sings. This was slightly more serious and the lyrics are worth looking up as the song is taken from the Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet. She proves that she has a wide range in a voice. In the concerts this usually followed her shouting and screaming for the call and response part of the concert. So the last note was always applauded however well she managed to hit it. Nice song that rocked along and needless to say very much more emotional during the acoustic. I agree that they are superb at the punky, pop, ballad type song. The reason I love them is the constant change in style.

Love this song but the acoustic version, if it's possible to be in romantic love with a song it's that version. Miku rearranging it herself and going with a strip down version is something that is just breathtaking. You should definitely check out that version too

Yep, that's Kobato singing. So, this is a signature-song for Kobato - riffing on "The Bard" himself in a kind of interpretation of the emotions behind the dawn scene involving a nightingale (a sayonakidori in Japanese) in "Romeo and Juliet". And she has a higher, lighter, in a way cleaner voice - or a more "pop" voice. Saiki is kind of an R'n'B singer at heart. This also works on the level that they can chose singer a bit on the basis of what kind of impression they are going for. Saiki is magnificent in her rage, no problem at all. But when it's Kobato, and she gets into something more frantic, what tends to happen is that a different kind of tension creeps, one more of a kind of desperation and vulnerability. It's far from what she projects with her 810-year-old-pigeon-maid-persona, but it's there and can be utilized.

Now you really have to watch the acoustic version. Akane with backup vocals is a must see.

Miku is a force of nature and gloriously inspirational and aren't we all the better for it. Bless the mighty, mighty small pigeon and her Rock Goddess Sisters 👍🍻🍻

What I love about your reaction to this song is that you picked up on the major points that many people might miss. You knew right away that it wasn't Saiki, and it was Miku. Then you noticed the riff, and even the solo, which is played by Miku. Also, most importantly, you noticed and appreciated the high note, which is almost symbolic to Miku hitting an achievement. Also, I totally agree with your assessment of what makes Band-Maid really good. It really is the melodic and catchy pop-punk aspect that brings in listeners of all types. Then you have their songs backed with heavy, or intricate, or soft parts which combined make it something special. I feel that Japanese style composition has always had an element of very strong, catchy melodic lines, and it's no different in Kanami and Band-Maid's writing. So Miku has a few songs in their discography that she sings the whole way. They are usually added after they do a 4 person instrumental with Saiki taking a break for a couple of songs (sometimes 3). For this song, Miku told Kanami what kind of song she would like to sing, and Kanami went to work. She wrote the solo for Miku to be able to play that wasn't too difficult but was still pleasing and beautiful. For the high note, it was a later addition I think, where Kanami asked her if she could sing that high, and Miku said that she can barely imagine it, but worked very hard to hit it. Kanami is pushing her band mates in her writing as well, getting them to work on themselves and improve. In live versions, fans eagerly anticipate that note, and always cheer when she hits it, because it's more than just hitting a note, it's a symbol of how far Miku has come and how much further she can still go. I think you'll enjoy the acoustic version. There's something about that arrangement which also makes every Band-Maid fan so proud of Miku.

The Day of Maid '21 version of this is the best IMO. The acoustic (from the '21 Christmas Day concert) is in a lower key and is in a class by itself (in that with only 3 members performing, it's like a completely different song.) Overall,the song is in my top 5 Band Maid tunes.

Great reaction (as usual). Miku (our little pigeon) has a very clear and clean voice and she has a slightly larger range than Saiki; she can sing lower and quite a bit higher. She also adds all the vocal flourishes and odd sounds.

Miku, that little pigeon can fly. And she flies damn high and far. 🤘🏻She is so much more than you might think at first glance. ✌🏻🕊 Be sure to listen also to the acoustic version of this song, of which there is also a video on their channel. With just Misa on bass, Akane on drums and Miku with her guitar and her voice. 👌🏻 _____________________ _"Sometimes we laugh because we're sad or to hide our frustration"_ - from *Gacharic Spin* -「 I Wish I 」 🎶✨

Our little pigeon is quite the songbird. 🕊

Every album has a Miku song on it. At concerts they play an instrumental and a Miku song, then Miku has her Magic Spell time(MC) It give's Saiki about a 20 minute break from singing. This maybe my favourite track on the album. The acoustic is a must. Enjoy !

Great reaction as always Mark, it is Miku at her best, I love this version but I love the acoustic just as much, this track is not which version is better but they are standalone both great. This is in my top 5 Miku songs

Miku's masterpiece, and also perhaps Kanami's masterpiece. She wrote it at Miku's request, and there are little touches personalised to her, like the fact that the main guitar "solo" is a rhythm guitar solo. She also wrote in that note, which was outside Miku's effective vocal range, but isn't any more. There are other songs where Miku sings lead, but since you don't want spoilers I won't name them.

Great reaction, as we've come to expect. ::) I love that the prediction that you'll like their older stuff even more than the recent stuff, knowing your predilection for post-punk and such, is turning out to be true (as opposed, as you pointed out, to most fans liking the harder/more complex stuff better). Also loving that The Dragon Cries is turning out to be the exception that proves the rule, and you were forced to admit that once again the last Band-maid song you heard is your favorite Band-Maid song. It was great to see you knowing the band well enough to peg this as being one of the few (yes, there are more, as some have already pointed out below) songs where Miku sings. They like to mix up the lineups here and there, and I think letting Miku sing now and then and the instrumentals serve to give Saiki breaks during the show so she can bring it without as much worry about getting another voice issue. Basically it's great planning at the band/showmanship level, not just at the song level. There are still some stage antics you don't know about, but I won't spoil them for you. Keep up the fun reacts!

Hi there. It’s a corker. Really, the acoustic concert is amazing, completely reworked their most famous songs (at the time). The re-compositions are genius. This particular song really works stripped-down.

That little exchange at the end of Miku's out-in-front solo, between her and Kanami, always make me tear up, sensei and pupil. I'm referring to the Tokyo Garden Blu-ray version if you have it or seen it- if you have not, it us a much needed addition. Great reaction new insights keep it up

Great reaction. Kanami's guitar work gets overlooked because of the juggernauts Misa and Akane, however she does some incredible stuff in the mix. You just need to seek her out but she is there, throwing in amazing riffs and fills. She is the true heart and soul of Band Maid as she writes all the songs. Incredible band!

This review is among your best work. I’ve watched it through about 5 times on Patreon, and your reaction at Miku’s climax still makes me smile. Keep up the good work!

if you like this version, you should check out the acoustic version. It sounds almost like a different song and Miku's passion is just so powerful. That version has been known to make your eyes leak. Such a beautiful song! 🥰❤🕊🎸

Before Band-Maid, Miku entered a Pop Idol vocal competition in Japan in 2011 and she along with two other ladies, were chosen from 12,000 applicants to form a J Pop vocal trio called Lil Cumin. This lasted until early 2013 and they had three maxi single releases. So, she has no problem singing, only that her range of her voice was not always the best for a rock band.

She nails that note in both live versions too. God bless this particular little stick of dynamite. She had a great dream and it came true, which we all get to share now.

Band-Maid often does 2+ hour sets, songs like this, instrumental solos as well as Miku's "Magic Spell Time" give Saiki a break from signing to keep her voice healthy. Not to mention Miku is the founder of Band-Maid, she was the original lead singer, but felt her voice lacked an edge for the kind of music she wanted the band to play, so occasionally she wants to lead a song.

miku hitting that g5 without switching to falsetto is just 👌

This is the correct way to hear it. Studio version then love or acoustic version.👍

Well. Miku is actually a fantastic singer. Amd you must check out the acoustic version of this. Totally different vibe but very beautiful. Great reaction😁👍

The live performance of this is amazing. Really all the Miku songs are very good. I wish I could see "Rock in Me" live, there was a video somewhere of her singing that on the U.S. tour where she left the stage and went down to the audience, was a great moment.

Yeah this is in my top 20 band maid songs as always a great reaction.

She hits that note a little more than 50% of the time when they do this live. But the she gets a massive cheer from the crowd for it every time lol

Cheers mate. Been with you from your first Band Maid reaction and have to say, your journey through Band Maid music is top level stuff. Great videos, great job.

KOBATO was part of the Idol group Li’l Cumin, when she had the inspiration for BAND-MAID. The Idol style of vocals is on display here. She is not a”back-up singer”; she is one-half of the group’s “twin-vocal concept.”

I'm glad you are doing this one first. It's a great song! The acoustic is great too but I think it has even more impact if you hear this first. Miku has a few songs of her own. Time, Big Dad, Rock in Me and this. She does have some solo stuff to as Cluppo. It's mostly poppy but good. The best of course are the ones that don't have videos. Voice, Fuwa Fuwa and Super Star. Voice has a lot of great emotion in it.

The moment when Miku's high tone clean breaks through is truly amazing.

Can't wait to hear your reaction to Sayonakidori, Christmas version. :')

Fantastic reaction. Wo real like I'm watching with a friend I sometimes disagree with. At times this is my favorite Band Maid song. it's probably like forth or fifth overall. (Black Hole, Blooming, and From Now On are at the top.) Miku asked Kanami to write a song for her to sing and she came up with this (even writing Miku that rhythm solo). Hearing it, Miku says she wanted something special at the end so Kanami put in that note. Miku called her request an "own goal". Miku's pitch control isn't as good as this studio version indicates but she has a lot of stage charisma so the in-person version comes over just as strong. The three core instrumentalist look like they're having a blast while Miku sings. Kanami looks like a proud mother. She and Misa both solo in the background through much of the song.

If you can't imagine how they translate that to an acoustic version, I guess you'll just have to watch it and find out. 😅 I think you'll find it is definitely worth the effort (as are all of their acoustics that I've seen so far, especially Puzzle performed by only Saiki and Kanami).

The acoustic is mostly Miku-chan arranged too! Just a little help from Kanami-san. Ahh, in most of the current albums, Miku-chan requests a song just for her. And in the concerts, she sings in order for Saiki-san to rest her throat. (Or as the pundits say it, Saiki's Pee Break.) It's not because the song is suited for her vocals but they arrange it that way. 🙂

I love the acoustic version, but I suggest you watch the live version... I think it's moving to see Miku fulfilling her dream, plus the interaction with Kanami... and the audience's reaction when she hits that high note... I have followed your Band Maid reactions from the beginning. I appreciate the honesty and really "listening" and not just repeating empty words... Thank you!

You gotta see the online live version of this song…really kills and you can feel the desperation in Miku’s singing, pleading even. It’s a stellar version. I believe it’s from the Day of Maid, May 2021.

Beautiful song. For some reason, the background music and cadence reminded me of the last ending song of Samurai X. ^_^

Absolutely incredible song that just builds and builds and gets better and better. It was a joy to see you feeling the delight. The outrageously fiendish twiddly bit at 3:33 just boggles my brain. They didn't need to do that. But they did. Because they can. And it's wonderful.

The acoustic is wonderful too

If you ever get the chance to watch any fancams, the interactions between Miku and Kanami in the interlude are priceless. Also, funny you say Paramore, esp on this song. I have seen more than one reactor say that Saiki reminds them of Haley Williams.

Hi Mark, really pleased you listened to the original before the acoustic as it’ll give you a sense of the achievement the ladies pulled off in rearranging the songs. I’d probably recommend that you try to do “Different” and “NO GOD” as well before Christmas if you can.

This hasn’t ever been a favorite of mine….and then I saw it live and it was very cool watching Miku perform this. Between playing the guitar and singing, she’s really putting in real work on this. And can’t wait for you to see the acoustic at some point. Much better song stripped back like that.

I heard some rumour that you are going to watch the Christmas Acoustic... well... on Christmas Day? If that rumour happens to be true, then please *do not* watch the acoustic version of this song yet. I'd rather wait for you to be surprised by the whole show, including this song. It's well worth that wait, I'd say. I can recommend another Miku song though. It's called "Rock in Me". When you understand the lyrics to that song, along with Miku's history and journey, that song can really bring you to tears.

When your ready Check out Miku's solo project It is very pop oriented, but you get a glimpse of what she can do vocally. Yes she was originally supposed to be the lead vocalist but once they started getting songs together she felt her voice was not right for the bands style, so they got Saiki for the lead vocal slot.

First got the album giving it a proper drive and listen review. It started good city cruising, then this song caught me off guard, needless to say I put on repeat and had the need for speed. I love this song.

You won't believe it, but Miku can go lower than Saiki. Miku has a ridiculous range, and so many are overlooking that.

Wonderland, in a word.

My comments are as boundless as the sea, My like as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.

Hello. I'm glad I was able to watch it without skipping. The analyzes of your songs I've seen so far have been very accurate and interesting. Of course, there may be opinions that are completely opposite to mine, but that's a matter of taste. Anyway, I am confident that your analysis and criticism can be trusted, and I was hoping that someday you would appreciate this song "SAYONAKIDORI". In this song, drummer AKANE completely releases the pop-punk soul that he usually hides. I'm sure she became a real rock legend with this song.

People like this because it's Miku's hardest song, but for me, "Time" is her masterpiece. And "Rock in Me" is the most fun live.

Yeah, I love this one! I heard the acoustic before the studio version, and they definitely have different vibes, but they're both awesome in different ways. Also, bless everyone in the comments who still told you to go check out the acoustic, let nobody say Band-Maid fans are quitters, haha.

Going back to Miku's high note subbed me PO!

Kobato's vocals get overlooked. Maybe it's the quality of musicians she's surrounded by, but she pulls her weight. Mark; the following comments are for the others reading your comments. Please skip to the bottom to keep your innocence. *>> Stop reading here

You should experience the acoustic version just to appreciate that it's just Miku, Akane and Misa. The acoustic concert featured several sub-configurations of the band, as well as a few adaptations I'm still trying to wrap my head around.

The acoustic is so fucking beautiful tho 😊

😁

Miku the Secondary Lead Vocalist is a Mezzo-Soprano, meaning she can sing lower and higher than Saiki the Primary Lead Vocalist, who is a Contralto/Alto. However Miku doesn't have the same vocal power that Saiki does. I have two different analogies explaining it. The first is audiophile: Miku only has a pre-amp installed, while Saiki has has the pre-amp and amplifier installed. The second is the hose: Take a hose with a screw nozzle, open it up so it covers the largest area, it doesn't spray very far or hard, that is Miku's voice. Tighten up the nozzle and now it can go very far with much more power, but it doesn't cover as wide an area, that is Saiki's voice. And both Miku and Saiki have both had vocal surgery. Saiki's surgery was for polyps that badly affected her voice. Miku also has the beginning's of polyps so her vocal surgery wasn't as invasive as Saiki's. And the high note she reaches in the end of the full on electric version, both Saiki and Kanami told her she could NOT go to head voice for, she had to use chest voice. For the acoustic version however she did go head voice.

Please check out the acoustic version of this song.

MISA MISA MISA!!!!!

On each album or EP, there is usually one song that is considered “Miku’s song”, where she sings lead, as opposed to backing harmony. Sayonakidori is that song on the Unseen World album

I'd take the president of the Flat Earth Society to a B-M concert so that they could see things certainly aren't one-dimensional :)

Maybe a little side trip over to check out Miku's side project, Cluppo?

Also, not to get too technical, I think its 2 bars of three (same 3 with a =) and one if 2. 🥔🥔

The rest of the band always seem to give 110% for the pigeon's songs.

Hi MARK, I have heard 3 versions, a live electric, and what people say is acoustic version, bu t it is NOT. Yes Miku plays all the song on an acoustic gtr, but Misa and Akane play too, and both do some backing vocals. Miku's voice is live and sounds heaps better than this version. heartbreakingly beautiful actually. Saiki and Kanami are not present at all. So it is stripped back trio version, and best for me. Also Misa fills out with extra bass lines to make up for no lead or riffs. PLEASE give it a spin. Miku is Band Maid's hidden secret weapon. Live, Miku sings 3 popish songs, which you might love too. Time, Rock In Me, and this song, all 3 Saiki takes a rest and not on stage. Miku is so endearing in these, the audience goes crazy for her. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qa2qdLSazMewYWg.html

Miku is a great vocalist and has become a good guitarist too. She has a solo project, Cluppo which you may want to listen to but be warned it is very different to Band Maid.

This is a MIKU project. She wrote it. The acoustic Christmas Day concert kicks butt. MISA is magical in it.

Right, I won't bother leaving a comment then as you don't read them. Damn... Miku usually gets one track per album where she takes lead vocals. Just sayin! I saw them live four times last month and at three of those Miku sang her latest song - as yet unreleased - called "Brightest Star". It will probably be on the next album. It sounds very Cluppo! (Miku's solo project).

I don't think of genres when I listen to Band-Maid songs. The reason being A: I'm not very well versed in what makes a genre that genre. But more importantly B: they have such a great way of just doing whatever the heck genre, or style, or just some random riff. Why box it? In my head it's like "Is that pop? Or rock? Or metal? Nope. It's just Band-Maid." In contrast, a band like Lovebites? I enjoy the heck out of em, but to me they are strictly power metal. I could be wrong on that genre, but point is, I put a Lovebites playlist on? I know it's gonna be good, but it is gonna be a specific style. Put on a Band-Maid playlist? I just know it's gonna be good, but lord knows what style.

I appreciate the thumbnail troll.

If you cross your eyes and stare at the Unseen World cd cover a 3D pigeon appears

It remains endlessly entertaining to me to watch you fake argue with madiacs during your reactions despite no evidence any of us are upset that you start a song over 5 times. I’m betting it’s just your internal editor you’re battling with and it’s good to know that that editor is a madiac as well.

Now the acoustic version!

you need to se the acoustic one now! you just must! if not on video. for your self.

I agree, I don’t generally like their really heavy stuff. I only like three songs off of Unseen World.

You probably have all these reaction done ahead of when you release them but you should react to the live version then the acoustic version They don't have all the vocal effects on the live version

Nothing Is Perfect by Metric reaction Please

Well, it's tougher bothering to comment now, knowing that you deliberately ignore them hahaha. I'm waaaaay not a fan of acoustic covers of songs. I almost could be put in the category of despising them, but this one sounds like a 45 being played at 78 to me now compared to the acoustic, and I just can't listen to it the same way after hearing Miku's beautiful Christmas version.

Are you going to watch the Band Maid concert streaming on Sunday?

Now that I think about it, I don't think you've encountered a song from before Saiki's operation. You've reacted to Puzzle but I think both versions you did are from after the surgery.

Just glimpses into the multi-verse where Band Maid was just a 4-piece. 🤔 Also, the rhythmic solo towards the end is Miku.

You're a bit amusing Mark. Especially when you put the Maidiacs in their place. Keep it up. Peace. 1.28

lol i tot he was doing a 2fer

Miku had throat surgery at the same time as Saiki.

Broken record here, this is good, but, the acoustic live version is so much better....

Thanks for doing this version. Miku is a great singer -- but too bright and poppy for most of Band-Maid's rock style.

Firstly, I consider myself one of the number 1 Band Maid ticket holders, but, to me this is a disappointing song, too much high register repetition for the 1 song. Just not for me Sorry all

There are so many hidden Gems in their Library it´s just Insane. Picking up on the Comment and Quote from @phaeron , you should check out Gachric Spin " Mindset " and after this one I Wish I . I know everyone throwing request like crazy , just take your Time. Love your Reactions Man ! Still curious if you do Venom by Jiluka one Day how often you will use the F Word 😂 Greetings from Germany