Golly gosh auto-play ruins another goodbye in the live-chat to you all. Anywho… I hope you guys enjoyed this! I really felt like Saiki demonstrated some wonderful story-telling through her vocals and facial expressions. Shout out to Bandmaid Masters and Princesses FB group for arranging access to the video for me. Hope you all enjoyed my analysis of this moving acoustic tune. P.s if you were in the live chat thank you SO much for joining me for the premiere. I love being able to speak with you all, getting your live take and extra info on the song and the girls. And if you’re watching this video later thank you so much for the support :) I’d love to know your thoughts as well so please leave a comment below.

I am a 50 years old man who has been listening to rock/metal since I was 8... I can honestly say that this band belongs to the Pantheon of Rock Music. They are the greatest hard rock band in the world at the moment... Thanks Julia for this beautiful reaction !!

Puzzle is one of Band Maid's masterpiece songs, the original electric version conveys a totally different emotion (frustration & anger) than this acoustic version, yet they both work beautifully. Band Maid is a true gift for all music lovers around the world! 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂

Saiki's voice is absolutely enchanting. Her voice actually brings tears to my eyes.

Saiki draws from a dance and acting background and that is part of the reason she is always so visually engaging. I am a huge fan and could watch her sing endlessly. Notice I didn't say listen. While vocally she is one of the most interesting singers to hear due to her deep voice for a Japanese girl, she is simply captivating on stage ... even sitting down amazingly ;) . How do you bring a stadium of 2000+ people to dead silence? Tell them they are about to hear a BAND MAID acoustic performance :) . The intro is a xylophone I believe. This is also a very rare occasion to hear the wonderful Kanami sing. I have always described Saiki's vocals in this song as "soaring" ... because that is the emotion it makes me feel. I am no pro but I think she goes to falsetto frequently in this song but the transitions are so seamless you almost can't tell ... beautifully executed. I always tell people some of the best ballads ever written were written by hard rock bands. This and acoustic SMILE are two of my favorite BAND MAID songs and both are a tour de force of Saiki's vocal chops. Flawless if you ask me.

Saiki isn't a technically amazing singer with the most powerful voice, and yet her voice always cuts through the busy instrumental section (I mean in other songs). Her strength lies in her ability to tell the story through her singing, and it looks like she's genuinely feeling it. Miku's lyrics needs, and deserves a singer like Saiki. She's got the perfect voice that suits the band, too. One of the kind, a very special singer...

Saiki, is always singing these fast paced rock songs, alot of words, in a small amount of time so when they slow, soften & strip a song down & let Saiki's voice ring out.....love it !!! The rock version of this song is incredibly fast paced, I don't know when Saiki gets to breathe.....thanks Julia for doing this❤

That last line always sends a chill down my spine. "I'm still falling for you..." with that delivery is just too good.

Wow, finally we get to hear Kanami sing! This must have been very special for Kanami as she is in love with Saiki.

I think it is amazing that there can be such a emotional feeling from a song that you can't understand the words. Band-Maid is simply awesome, fantastic band, the best hard rock band today. Thanks for the reaction and analysis!

If you don't feel the emotion that Saiki provokes then you may not be human. Hits me every time. Looking forward to this reaction Julia. Thank you. Peace.

Fantastic job. Very educational. This song is an acoustic version of a very intense rock song. The lyrics are the same but the band conveys that same message as anger instead of grief. This is truly a band with an extraordinary ability to convey emotions. Thank you very much Julia. It has been impressive.

I was waiting for the reaction of the Puzzle. thank Julia. Puzzle are attractive not only for Saiki vocal, but also for singing facial expressions, Kanami's guitar tones and backing vocal. And the music box spreads the tranquility, and the venue, which is completely silent, is also wonderful. As you know, Miku Kobato wrote the lyrics. When asked if Miku and Saiki had such a love, they say we hadn't experienced it.　When I heard this song, I remembered my lover who had left decades ago for the first time in a while.

Look at the music box as a means of pulling the audience back and resetting the mood. It cools the hot emotions and opens the emotional door for the softer acoustic performance while its solitary sound gives a premonition of loneliness to come.

even you don understand the lyrics but the facial and voice you can feel the emotion...kanami has angelic voice

Wow, my reaction when I saw this in my subscription feed was way more over the top then I would have expected.

Hoorah ! Julia finally gets back to Band Maid :)

When you mentioned that the "emotional breakage" sound in her voice might have been her goal, I think that it was. I'm no expert by ANY means, I just have seen a lot of Saiki on any behind the scenes videos, and interviews I can find. And also in this very song. I think she's a performer as well as a singer. Her facial expressions she gives while singing are her acting the part of the character in the song. And when she does interviews, she does her best to stick to her "cold" persona that is her character in the band. Even though she is super caring, and "warm" as a person. Always taking care of Kanami, and agreeing to the silly dances Akane comes up with. Because of that stuff, I think she also tries to act in her singing voice as well. Which is maybe why she can make us feel such things in this song, when a lesser performer would have sung it wonderfully, but not as believably. It's like "Saiki who hurt you?!" and then you remember. It was Miku who wrote the lyrics.

You're a beautiful human being the way you hippity hop through the wonderland of Bandmaid. Very insightful and light hearted. Could listen to you for hours. Saiki is a treasure. Kanami the gentle genius. Loved what you did here.

*Julia Nilon Soooo Sooo Soo So Happy You Have Returned to Do More BAND-MAID* And Puzzle (Acoustic) is such a great song to return to would just love to see how you will react to this song, but at the time of Premiere I will be at work. _(cough, cough I do feel I have a touch of the bug)_

it's always an awesome day when Julia reacts to BAND-MAID. welcome back to the maids i'm excited for your reaction to this beautiful song

Julia, thank you. Your intelligent analysis and open emotional reaction to what you were hearing makes the entire reaction even more meaningful. Along with the other comments I was glad to see you pay Band-Maid another visit. Stay well - recovering in Texas.

Another great Band Maid song you should check out is Daydreaming. One of the most beautiful melodies I have ever heard. Miku and Saiki’s voices are like a beautiful dream.

*BAND-MAID* serving their *Masters and Princesses* since 2013 🐦 2013 - 17 Shows 🐦 2014 - 67 Shows, *Maid in Japan Released January 8, 2014* 🐦 2015 - 61 Shows, *New Beginning Released November 18, 2015* 🐦 2016 - 101 Shows, *Brand New Maid Released May 18, 2016* 🐦 2017 - 55 Shows, *Just Bring It Released January 11, 2017, Saiki had throat surgery* 🐦 2018 - 49 Shows, *World Domination Released February 14, 2018* 🐦 2019 - 42 Shows, *Conqueror Released December 4, 2019* 🐦 2020 - 10 Shows 🐦 2021 - 3 Shows , *Unseen World Released January 13, 2021*

FINALLY. Thanks Julia for coming back to B-M, your insights are always… insightful. Already know this video’s gonna be great.

BAND-MAID are all individual puzzle pieces that fit together to make the perfect picture :)

I think it's a great credit to Kanami that, as the song writer, she so easily and willingly fades into the background thus allowing her colleagues to shine. For her, it's all about the song, about the collective endeavour, not about individualistic pursuit.❤ Also, despite watching this concert footage many times before, it has not made me cry so much as I did watching your reaction. Great job.😊

As always, it was a real pleasure to listen to your comments and explanations about the Maids. Thank you for that! I don't think I'm alone in thinking that you are a really great person, so take care! Sending only the best wishes and greetings from Germany to Australia! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 「 'Pigeons will save the world.' 」- from cluppo / Miko Kobato 'Peace & Love' 🕊️

Julia back with the ladies from Band-Maid? And then also with this performance by our vocal dream duo? Woo-hoo, this can only be good! :) Probably the most eagerly awaited premiere for me so far. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 「 'Our rock never dies ever. Forever!' 」- from BAND-MAID 'Manners' 🕊️

Saiki’ s hands need to win an Academy Award.

Look forward to this, it is one of my favorite hard to find versions from Band Maid!

By the looks it's the acoustic version, sweet. Setting my alarm clock now.

Nice job, I enjoyed your insights and descriptions about what's going on vocally👍

After Puzzle, they have another acoustic song called Anemone. The main melody of Anemone is played at the beginning from this toy piano. This acoustic version of Puzzlke is for me a masterpiece not only from singing, but also for the arrangement Kanami did. You will understand if you listen to the original Rock version.

i have never clicked on a video so fast... should probably watch it now...

A wonderful choice. Can't wait!

That was great! The normal version was one of their heavier song at that time and you can feel very different emotions when you listen to it. You are absolutely right saying that these girls are amazing! We say they are the best rock band in world right now and it's not only because we are fans, what they bring to the rock scene is so fresh and always on point nobody can compare to them. Hope you'll dive a little more in the pigeon hole po 🕊! If you want heartbreaking song try About us or Daydreaming (Kanami has another surprise for you in that one 😉).

These young ladies are wonderful musicians, singing is marvelous and brilliant.

I don't normally comment anymore on reactions, because of rude comments back about my opinions. I wanted to say you really did an amazing job of dissecting Saiki's and Kanami's performance. I am a musician of 56 plus years and I found Band-Maid back in 2013/2014 on Facebook. I was impressed from the get go(Thrill).Management at that time didn't let Band-Maid write or perform any of their own music until 2016 (Alone). Kanami Tono is an amazing writer and composer of their music. Saiki Atsume's voice has changed a lot since the surgery. From her interviews her singing teacher has helped her a lot. I find Band-Maid as the most talented women /musicians on the planet today, that is just my opinion. I have every CD that they have ever created and I believe Kanami Tono and write and perform some of the most progressive music of any band since the likes of Deep Purple, Yes, Genesis and dare I say Jimmy Hendrix (Dragon Cries). I can go on rambling forever, I studied music theory so I get carried away, sorry. Again, I amazed by your reactions and your knowledge of singing and vocal knowledge. Stay safe.

Kanami's voice is so soft and sweet.

I love that version of Puzzle, and hearing Kanami sing together with Saiki is so rare and wonderful.

good to see you back to band maid and an awesome choice there. Love this song and the one that came right after it in the concert anemone

My favorite Band Maid song, in all its versions. I can hardly wait!

Waiting for this one with eagerness!. Thank you for coming back to Band Maid again.

Thanks Julia, you always pick up on little details that I miss and make me appreciate the acoustic version all the more. Your discussion of "open" vs. "constricted" vocal textures to enhance the emotional tenor of the song was really interesting. Spot on: "On this night, alone / I wonder where you are, what you’re up to / Whenever I think about that, I can’t sleep" 😥

Finally. A long awaited come back for the princess to react to our girl Maidiacs!!!!

Holy shit Kanami has a great voice! I need to hear her sing more often!

Thank you Julia, once again an excellent reaction, Kudos from Brazil.

Yes! I've been waiting for you to react to this since you first discovered Band Maid. So happy you finally got to experience this song.

Kanami was a singer/songwriter prior to joining Band-Maid. Her role as lead guitarist doesn't afford her much opportunity to show her vocal prowess. If you want to hear more amazing vocal/musical gymnastics, you need to check out "Cross." But if you want another one that will tug the heartstrings (it will also need some inter-web ninjitsu to find) is the live version of "Daydreaming" also from this show. or the much easier to find "About Us".

I have been waiting for this one for months! Amazing, love the reaction, now I want to hear more Band-Maid - "About Us"?

It's crazy to think that Saiki can often get overshadowed in their performances, but that just shows how good the band is all around. It's great to see performances like this where she can really shine through and show how amazing she is!

Thanks Julia!

I am really looking forward to this one Julia. It made my day when I brought up you tube to put some music on today at 6am with my cup of coffee and seen this. I am really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the song (It is my favorite Band Maid song, even though I started listening to them for their hard rock sound).

Yeah!!!! Thank you!! Oh we can get you any video you're looking for lol. Band-Maid fans are some of the best.

Thank you, Julia. So much insight and learning points as always. I hope you managed to listen to the normal version of Puzzle, where the anger is introduced into the mix of emotions… and we still haven’t figured out how Saiki breathes and how Kanami can solo for 4 minutes.

Nice reaction and insight Julia! Loved that one, and the performance from the ladies is wonderful - they do this and another track called "Anemone" in the same spot on the gig. *^^*

What an amazing reaction/breakdown! I feel college educated now, but without all that crippling debt. Thanks, Julia!

Nice reaction! When Miku found Kanami, she was a singer/songwriter with her own channel where she also did give guitar courses, so she wasn't new to singing.

Hey, Julia! Thanks for the video! Was really nice to listen some of your thoughts on this performance. The kind of fun part here is that the original version is waaay more energetic. you'd never guess the song is about something like that from it haha and I guess, interpretation wise, is a whole different "character mindset" so to say. Glad you pointed out Kanami's vocals. for me, she sounds really cool here and her part adds a lot to the emotion. She's an amazing musician and performer from what I know. Thanks again! See you in the next one!

Band maid is my favorite band.

Thanks Julia. The only thing I know about singing is I can't do it, but this is interesting. The full band version of Puzzle live is the perfect rock song. Instead it's Miku with the great backing vocals, and Kanami is basically soloing through the whole song.

I know in my heart how good this performance is both vocal and acoustic guitar, but it is revealing to have the technicalities of Saiki's singing explained. Thank you. It also amazes me that they collectively keep to their highest standards over a 2 hour full on concert. They all have exceptional endurance.

*Julia, Soooo Sooo Soo So Happy You Have Returned to Do More BAND-MAID* *Puzzle (Acoustic)* was performed on April 13, 2018 in Zepp Tokyo, Japan as you probably heard in chat there is a live version from 2017 concert which is totally different sound from this version. *Anemone (Acoustic)* was performed right after *Puzzle* and I think it might be a little better than *Puzzle* in the intro to the song *Kanami* guitar playing in the song sounds like little rain drops hitting a window and the emotion on *Saiki* face and at the end of the song *Saiki* thank the audience and left the stage it was that emotional. *Freedom* Since this was the first song of *BAND-MAID* that you reacted to and seemed more interested in the instrumentation and how fun the band members were having on stage figured you might enjoy songs like *Play Live* official youtube channel, *Don’t You Tell ME* from the Zepp Tokyo 2018 concert *MISA and Kanami* in a call and response or *Freedom* from the same concert that has *Miku and Kanami* having fun sorry no *Akane* drum solo in this one. *about Us* BAND-MAID enjoys going out on tour and playing live for the *Masters and Princesses* weather if it is a crowd of 500 or 5000 on February 10th 2021 *BAND-MAID* was schedule to play at *Budokan* but due COVID the event was canceled so in a streaming concert *BAND-MAID* performed this song that they made for their fan on how much they missed performing live. *BAND-MAID* has over 100 songs and this particular song would rank in my top 5. _(Enjoyed seeing your reactions and thank you and good luck on your channel wish you all the success in the world)_

So happy you got this out to us... Great analysis of an amazing performance..i hope you have had a chance to here the original or as many like to say the spitfull angry version to see how this song changes . Thank you for coming back to Band-Maid

The contrast between the acoustic version and the “normal” electric one is notable. The acoustic one is sad, wistful, and pained. The electric one sounds pained as well, but more angry and spiteful. What’s really interesting is how lyrically it works both ways

I learn so much from your reviews and I am no singer! haha Thank you so much for taking time on this one. FYI, the segue intro is actually a breakdown of another BAND-MAID song called "Anemone" that Saiki and Kaname also perform "acoustically" after a short interaction with the audience in this concert. As always, a great pleasure to see your review and breakdown. :)

So this is why band maid are truly living legends thank you you are fantastic be well

I'm always amazed at a good acoustic version of a song that was originally not meant to be sung that way. You have to totally rethink it on every level to make it work.

you should to listen their song "SMILE" (its accoustic version). the saiki's voice and her expression while she sing it so beautiful

Saiki can breathe through her eyelids, like the Lava Lizards of the Galapagos Islands..........she's that good.

OMG, I was waiting for this in ages!! It's been like 84 years or something. I can't wait to hear Kanami's soft voice melts my bones, enters my blood and change its composition 😌 Oh and Julia's reaction too 😅

If I remember right, they did two acoustic songs back to back in this show. I'm fairly sure there should be a second song after a little bit of talking following this one. I managed to find the full concert video on bilibili and it was really great. It's actually possible that the first time I heard Band-Maid was your reaction to Freedom. They instantly became my favorite music of all time and I have been listening non-stop since.

Kanami!!! Kanami!!! Kanami!!! ☕☕☕ #11 on my all time favorite Band-Maid list. You can feel the pain and sorrow ☹

The Music Box melody at the start of this video was a perfectly planned crowd control action by the group. That melody calmed down the crowd which had been hyped to level 11 in the previous songs. The calming effect worked wonders and when Kanami and Saiki appeared on the stage the effect of their singing was magical. Beautiful moment in time. Thanks for the review - I enjoyed your viewpoint on the awesome music number. Peace and Respect from Canada

Saiki ... she underwent surgery on her vocal cords a few years ago. She never ceases to amaze me ...

Oh, nice! Looking forward to seeing your analysis of this one!

Amazing reaction ! Love your viewpoint on music. It opens up new facets on songs for me.

Mincho has the voice of an Angel.

Good to see you back...

Thank you so much for this reaction. I appreciate the detailed breakdown and analysis and thank you for mentioning Kanami's backing vocals. She is rarely caught singing, which is really a pity given the sweet, sustained and delicate tone of her voice. A Band Maid concert has historically been about 22-23 songs, so I'm glad to hear that the band has been working on keeping Saiki's voice rested. They have a few instrumentals (Onset has been known as Saiki's pee break), which give her some time to rest and I'm glad they are crafting their performances to keep her healthy. :)

Kanami used to sing and play guitar on YT before Miku found her and asked if she would like to help her build a band, at that time Akane was Kanamis' back up for her YT videos, this is how Akane was brought in to the band, and then Akane said she knew a bass player who was in music school with her, and presto, Misa joined, after that they didnt do to well until Miku decided her voice wasnt right for there type of music, so she found Saiki, that had to be hard for her but she did it, for the band she says, she started doing backup and taking guitar lessons from Kanami, because when she switched to backup vocals she did not play guitar.

Nice video analysis Julia. I am so glad you listened and watched this video. This song knocks me off my feet . Such a wonderful composition

Lovely, one of my favourite performances.. and I do love Kanami's harmonisation too.

The tinkly instrument in the intro is called a celesta.

I look forward to every reaction you do to Band Maid, your analysis of the vocals is highly technical but fairly easy to follow. Most other reactors concentrate on the musicianship (obviously) and the vocal comments are limited to "beautiful" or "awesome" but with no real detail. Your primary focus is Saiki, but you also really enjoy the rest of the band (like Akane's solo on "Freedom"). And I could still get a lot from your reactions if I muted the sound, your facial expressions say so much! Definitely one of the stand-out reactors to Band Maid. Liked, subscribed, bell notification on, the lot!

Thanks Julia! Great and substantive reaction. I hope for more such meetings on your channel in the group of "Maidiacs".

Your so spot on in your assessment of this song, its lyrical content and the performance of both Kanami and Saiki. It is a steel stringed guitar, btw.

Beautiful song

Would love to see your reaction to either Manners or Bubble, where she really belts it out. You still haven't heard one of the band's more complex compositions either, so Domination Live maybe? If you want another Saiki showcase, a ballad where her voice really opens up is Daydreaming (which also happens to have a killer guitar solo in it. The greatest talent of these ladies though IMO is the ability of genius Kanami to compose and arrange, and Miku's lyrics. They have SO many great songs it's just not normal.

Great reaction Julia! I'm not a singer so a lot of your technical info goes over my head, but I still appreciate it. I liked how you pointed out that Saiki was striving for emotional connection rather than technical perfection in some parts of the song. I think this makes it more poignant and heartfelt. Don't you wish you could speak Japanese? You commented on their overall musicianship. IMHO they are the finest musicians collectively since Led Zeppelin. The bassist, Misa, is the best I've ever heard.

Was definitely worth the wait. Hope it won't be the last one, even if it takes another half a year to complete.

Missed the premier (I was at work so I have a good'ish excuse) Such a lovely track, I love Kanami's backing vocals, it is nice to hear her sing too. Saiki puts so much into all her performances and that really shows here. You really should watch the live full electric version too. Please could you react to 'About Us' you will really enjoy it, oh and one special favour tell Elizabeth @ The Charismatic Voice to react to 'Freedom' I know she has Band Maid on her list but a nudge in the right direction couldn't hurt. Thanks Julia !!

for me kanami's voice is a surprise, it's the first time i hear kanami sing

Anemone Is THE acoustic song , performed just after this one same concert. breathtaking harmonies , heartbreaking lead vocal. I really love and respect your reviews , so PLEASE look at this one. Having said that, if one doesn't shed a tear or two in Puzzle , one need to seek help.

I've been anxiously awaiting for your reaction to a more Saiki focused song, and this nails it! Saiki shows so much focused emotion in this performance. Kanami shows a side of her abilities rarely seen, but always appreciated! Thankyou for this reaction and analysis! So different from the regular version of this song! I love both!

First Chase, now Julia? Should someone tell Tank that it's BandMaid season again (Black Hole should be right up his street)?

The song is about a woman who is in love with a married man and sadly comes to realize that she will always be second place ... that he will never leave his wife. The full version of the song is a hard rocker, and the lyrics come across as defiant and sarcastic and angry. The acoustic version ... with the same lyrics.... comes across as sad and lamenting. That's the brilliance of Miku's lyrics. The song feels different based on which version you're listening to.

your reaction at 20:42 was fantastic - can tell Saiki's emotional singing got to you ... me too.

This acoustic set from Zepp Tokyo (World Domination Tour) is some of the most achingly beautiful music I have ever heard in any music genre ever. Anemone and Puzzle were just stellar and left me stunned the first time I heard them (goosebumps everytime since). FYI Julia, they just dropped another live version of this song from their last live performance at Tokyo Garden Theatre (10th Anniversary) and this latest version is with the whole band in original rock format, rather than the gentler acoustic version. All of the versions are wonderful imo. Greetings from another Brisbanite (and a Band Maid fan).