Band-Maid / Secret My Lips + Band-Maiko / Secret Maiko Lips REACTIONS | Metal Musician Reacts 

Honestly loving reading the responses on this one guys... ya'll are the best.

I've been playing bass now for 25 years and the fills Misa throws in all over the place makes my brain implode

Did you notice... Miku has re-written the lyrics into traditional Japanese (Kyoto dialect)

Non musician here: I hear the complexity in the song-writing, but as you point out specific moments, it helps me to listen more closely. You've also helped me to understand the chorus/verse/pre-chorus/bridge/transition elements of a song, which I have been a bit sketchy about (beyond chorus and verse). I definitely get more out of the music as a result of your reactions, so thank you. :-) Also: stop the video when you have something to say. If I just wanted to listen to the song...I'd go listen to the song (again)!

You might be the only reactor I don't mind pausing in the middle of a riff, solo or transition. Don't know why. Respect!

Yeah... Band-Maid is doing Band-Maid stuff... This was just an april fool for the fans. They named themselves Band-Maiko on social media etc., released this AWESOME video and said: Yeah, we are now Band-Maiko. It wasn´t the last time they did it, because their fans LOVED IT SO MUCH! They even asked if they could tour as this band, but they said the clothes are very heavy and uncomfortable, it´s not possible to rock out in these outfits. STILL... What an effort for their fans, we love them, they love us... That´s how it should be!

Kanami wrote the Japanese instrument parts and they were added by her on computer, She is a fucking musical genius. This was the best April Fools Day present ever in 2018!!!!! And how about Akane going gorilla drums in a kimono?????? Also Akane has a legendary appetite and this is a running joke in a few of their MV's thus the scene where she chows down while the rest of them stare into your soul!!!

Before the covid forced me to work from home and have more time to "waste" in RU-vid, I think all reaction videos were useless cheap dollar cashgrabs. Well, I was wrong. I mean, a lot are useless cheap dollar cashgrabs, but some teach me how to listen more carefully to music. You're one of the best of them my friend, thank you. Plus, I discovered two of my new favorite bands, Band Maid and Maximum The Hormone, and the wonderful world of japanese rock. (Edit several hours latter) I feel bad for my commentary. It's totally fine search for an extra buck doing reactions, specially in the times we're living. It's totally unfair call them like I call them. Maybe I don't like their reactions but I'm being hipocrytical because I often defend the people who try new stuff, even if they are terrible at the begining, and I don't know their history. Damn catholic education, love your brother and all that stuff.

In Japanese, the language of Tokyo is the basis of the standard language. There are many other words called dialects. Most of them are understandable, but there are some dialects that are difficult to understand, such as Okinawan language. The Kyoto dialect has unique intonation and words, but it is easy to understand. Maiko's words also have their own characteristics. If you listen carefully, you can see the difference in the lyrics. I'm in Hiroshima, but Hiroshima's language is considered violent. There is also a famous movie about the yakuza in Hiroshima.

You just KNOW that this was Miku's idea. An April fools day prank where they changed their website and ALL of their online profiles to say that they were no longer Band-Maid, but now Band-Maiko, Miku re-wrote the lyrics for this to be in the Kyoto dialect and had Kanami have a play with the synth to add traditional instruments to an already existing song. THEN, because the fans loved it so much, the following April fools day, they released an EP with several songs re-touched the same way, and an original (Gion-Cho).Oh, and of course, all done in the Kyoto dialect.

This actually came before Domination. But you may have already known that. I never really thought about how the solos were pretty much the same but yeah. Since they are the greatest band on earth I can forgive it. And yeah I think I like the Maiko version a little better too. As for Band Maiko, ya gotta do Gion-cho next. Another beautiful video and a great song (not a remake). Oh and I don't think you've done YOLO yet....would love to see you do that one....shocker, it's another killer Band Maid song. And Endless Story and Daydreaming and Choose Me for that matter. Damn you haven't done Rinne yet either! Make sure you do the MV on that one and not the truncated live TV version. That one's gonna knock you on your ass. Love seeing your genuine appreciation of this mind-blowing band, thank you. When you have friends in real life who have pretty much lost their passion for music and can barely be bothered to give ANYthing a genuine listen, it's nice to have people like you around to share in the greatness and truly appreciate just how important and special these magical ladies are.

Honestly as someone who isn't a musician, I really almost never noticed bass before this band. Its what I really love is, if I really pay attention, I can pretty much pick out each instrument and what they're doing(Miku is still hard for me pick out sometimes). Its kind of why I love this band so much, is that I can really just appreciate which each member is doing.

Kanami had help in the studio adding the virtual traditional instruments, but she composed all of those parts herself. She mentioned that she learned a lot getting hands on in the studio with this version. Miku rewrote the lyrics in Kansai-ben (Kyoto area type of accent and phrasing). That's the traditional dialect used in the old Capital of Kyoto, identified with Geisha culture. The other members were blown away at what those two accomplished.

Currently my favorite band, bar none. I grew up on "classic rock" and if this band would have been around in the late 70s early 80s they would have melted faces off. Gene Simons would have signed them and had them opening for KISS until KISS ended up opening for Band-Maid. Rush would have partied with them (Geddie Lee and Misa would be talking shop although Misa would probably pound a bottle of Jack Daniels with Michael Anthony) Akane and Neil Pert would talk shop and have a contest to see who can beat the metronome for timing and Eddie Van Halen would be getting Kanami into trouble. Saiki would probably slap the shit out of David Lee Roth and Miku would probably come up with new ideas with Gene Simons on how to entertain the audience...

its not just about noticing what each of them are doing in the background. Its how masterful they are at blending everyone's parts together as a whole.

Music was once a large part of my early life so I do have some understanding of the complexity of what's going on in Band-Maid songs but what really blows me away is that I pick up something new everytime I listen to their songs again. This is why the live versions are so appealing to me - not just because they are virtuoso on their instruments, but because they are always playing with every song they have written ... new parts, new intros, new outros, solos, battles, and so on. They are the most creative band I've ever heard and they keep striving to make what is already perfect even more perfect. Imho, when they play acoustic versions of their songs, the beauty of their music really is showcased. Their gift to the world is wonderful, joyous music.

Back in 2018, as an April Fool's Joke, Band-Maid announced that they have disbanded "Band-Maid" and started a new band called "Band-Maiko". Maiko is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto (the old capital of Japan). So instead of dressing up in maid outfits, they dressed up in kimonos and wore maiko makeups, and released an MV with a rearranged version of "Secret My Lips", where Saiki sang in the Kyoto dialect, and traditional Japanese instruments were added. At the time, they did it just as an April fool's joke but the next year, they released a new song on Aprils fools day "Giyon-cho", and a mini-album with 6 re-arranged songs with Japanse traditional instruments added. According to Kanami (the lead guitarist) in an interview, she added "sampled" traditional instruments with the help of an engineer.

Kanami never stops working.

YEEESSSSS. Re: what we hear. I consider myself fairly well musically educated, if not in practice. Sometimes I hear a BM song, or a Nightwish some, that I've listened to 100 times, but this time it happens to be quiet at just the right time, or I'm listening slightly better, and I'll hear something that makes the song brand new again. Dude, we WANT to hear you talk about the music. We could just listen to the songs / vids on BAND-MAID's channel. I mean, we do that, too, but we're HERE specifically to hear what you think. It's YOU that's the hook. Probably most of your vid to vid audience is transient. Jagovs who bitch about "too many pauses" are here for the band, and the band only. They won't grow your channel. It will grow by you sharing parts of yourself, and your knowledge, and the things you hear that maybe we don't, that gets SUBSCRIBE clicks. That means taking the time to talk during the song, which also conveniently keeps the vid from being taken down. Win win!

So as much as you mention Kanami's shredding in this song it is really Akane's drumming and Misa's bass lines that drive this song. Misa's playing on this song is sublime and adds sooooo much atmosphere to the song. Gives just that little bit of darkness to pull the edge off of pop-punk aspects. I have to tell you, having stood in front of Misa on the rail for 3 shows and watching her play this song... just amazeballs. She's my favorite musician on the planet right now followed closely by Akane.

Those visuals are insane, their beauty just went up a 1000 percent.

I've listened to this song dozens of times, but I never noticed Kanami shredding during the chorus until you pointed it out. My mind has been blown. I also never noticed how similar the solo sounds to the one in Domination.

One of the best reactors on the planet. I've watched your reactions over and over. My preferred way to listen to BandMaid is with a articulate and enthusiastic friend. Thanks!

couple of notes for context. -The traditional instrument that is heavily featured is known as a shamisen. The closest we have in the west would be a four string banjo, but instead of finger picks they have a large pick. -also featured is a koto which resembles a harp in the style of a lap guitar played with fingerpicks. Played more like a harp but it uses the musicians holds a bridge that varies the key almost like a slide guitar. -there is a traditional drum played that is most likely a taiko warm drum, but I didn't get a look at it to make sure. -pronunciation would be "Secret Mike-O Lips" It's a play on words. A Maiko is a geisha girl in essence but that is specifically what they are called in the Kyoto area. -the shamisen and koto are instruments that Maiko's are trained to use to entertain at parties and they are also known for playing games with their customers and their guests as depicted in the video. -this video was originally released on April Fools Day as a well executed prank for their fans. The Maiko dress is a subversion of the maid gimmick and is the closest thing to a maid cafe they had in yee olden times. -the white face paint was used because when Maiko's were in fashion, they primarily entertained in the evening in low light and the makeup gave them a flow and allowed their patrons to see how pretty they are in relative dark. -the yodeling sound you heard in various parts are traditional sounds used in Kibuki theatre and were used in plays regularly. Sorry for the long comment. Hopefully this is helpful. For more examples of traditional Japanese instruments mixed with some metal themes check out Wakaba Band. If you would like to hear some Chinese flavored metal with traditional instruments and throat singing combined with serious heavy metal, check out The Hu.

Dude... we ALL act like that when we hear their songs. All. Of. Us. You MUST do Real Existence Live. Trust me!

This popped up on my recommended so I went back and binge watched all your reactions before watching this. I love seeing people first react to Band-Maid. Damn dude you are one of the best reactors out there. I have hard time fully understanding my love of Band-Maid and putting it into words. You have a great way you can describe all their different parts(punk, jazz, rock, metal, pop, whtatever) and putting it all together. I am like how you are one of the only reactors that has praised Miku a bunch, but you still haven't seen her strut her stuff all the way! You might have a hard time finding them on youtube but you need to do Time from the Shibuya Live DVD and Rock in Me from Zepp Tokyo Live.

KANAMI has added five traditional Japanese instruments. 三味線 (Syamisen) ... 3-string guitar 尺八(Shakuhachi) ... Bamboo vertical flute お琴(Okoto) ... 13-string floor-standing stringed instrument 太鼓(Taiko) ... Japanese traditional drums 篠笛(Shinobue) ... Bamboo transverse flute

Akane is so pretty too and omg her hair is incredible too 😭 I can't focus well enough

Hey Champ, whadya mean "Look at her face she's fu**ing beautiful"? How would I notice something like that, I'm not a musician.🤣

Honestly, watching you and some other Musician reactors has trained my ear to listen for what you're talking about in the back like MISA's contributions to Band-Maid.

Japanese traditional instruments, you can see that in 17:39. 琴(Koto) like harp with Kanami 尺八(Shakuhachi) like bamboo flute with Miku 鼓(Tsudumi) like small drum with Akane 三味線(Shamisen) like three strings banjo and big pick like spatula with MISA

Yes. That was Akane. The joke is her appetite (for which she has a reputation). Maiko are apprentice/junior geishas and out of politeness, geishas will wait for guests to eat first (and Akane didn't).

I am so non musical but the first thing I noticed about Band-Maid was the bass line, that Misa was not just a background filler but playing as intricately (complex?) as a guitar. That is what sets this band above the others is they all just are masters of their instruments and do not just play simple, steady beats but are what I call.."busy".

As someone that hasn't actively pursued or practiced an instrument in 25 years, what I notice is no one in this band just does things the easy way.

I’m not a musician but I was a drum tech for Babylon A.D., a hard rock band that was kinda popular during the late 80’s early 90’s, I like to think that I have good ears when it comes to differentiating all of the instruments, I used to walk around the bars, venues to listen for acoustics and would comment to the band about either turning up or down their instruments, what I’ve noticed about BM is that you can hear every instrument loud and clear with some variances depending on venue and mixing but overall with BM you can hear everyone distinctively!

Secret Maiko Lips is probably the only place you will hear the voice of MISA. Band-Maiko I think was originally conceived as something of an April Fools joke that sort of blew up, if you notice the two Band-Maiko songs both come out on April 1. The instrument you're hearing in the background at the beginning is a traditional Japanese instrument called a shamisen, you also notice the traditional flute in the background as well. Might be some taiko drums in there as well.

Yes, from the very first song, I can hear each instrument clearly, then I go back and try to listen to each instrument separately next time around which means, I listen to each song at least 5 times. I haven't done that since my favorite band of all time which is Rush. These girls move me with their music!

I always notice the things she does in the background. I was in the high school orchestra. That's why I love them so much. The string instrument is Shamisen (a three stringed instrument - guitar like) and they also have traditional drums, Koto (13 stringed instrument) and flute (shakuhachi) in the background. They are singing in Kansai (Kyoto) dialect (they changed the lyrics for this song) - Miku loves Kyoto - she changed all the lyrics. And this video was for a "April Fool's Joke". Yeah, an MV to do a joke.

I am the person your talking about. My musical intel starts and ends with "doe, ray, me, " in the "Sound of Music." I know what I like, just don't know why. BM definitely has a distinctive sound I love. Truthfully, just don't know why. From you and other ytubers I gather the rymiths they play are definitely the top of the game. But, any one of them is a stands alone "game changers" it is the way they play together that is the "game changer". Truthfully all I know is I enjoy the hell out of this band.

This was the best 20 minutes I have ever spent on YT, thanks Champ! I love this song too, you have to do Gioncho next.

I am not a musician, but have been around them my whole life and have done soundboard work, so yes I do notice all the little things in the background. Also, I cannot verify this unfortunately, but I'm sure I have read somewhere that Kanami used the same notes in Domination as she did SML on purpose, but I don't remember why. Someone else may be able to fill in the blanks. Excellent react as always. Thanks for doing these two together. (Put The Dragon Cries on your list for down the road.) BTW, Kanami composed, Miku did the lyrics with the addition of the different Japanese dialect.

this is still my fav Band Maid song - so many changes in one song and the harmonies at the outro are brilliant. Great reaction and interesting points you brought up.

Keep the band-maid reactions coming, and stop and rewind as much as you need to, it’s great to hear and watch someone who knows what they are talking about explain things with such enthusiasm👍🏻👍🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

I'm not a musician. I piss fart around on the guitar a bit (Fender Strat, a "hot pink" Gibson Epiphone Flying V and a Yamaha C45 acoustic) and I hired a Tascam 4 track for a weekend and did a really crappy 4 track tape/cassette back in the day and I took music in high school, so I would say I am musically inclined. And yes, I did notice all the things that you are raving about..... and my reaction was fairly similar to yours. Thus is why I'm a huge Band-Maid fan. Man..... Your spot on with the 2 solo's. Never thought about it before (which is why your the practicing musician and I'm the hack). All I can say is maybe "creature of habit"??..... eh?? If I'm not mistaken Kanami wrote Secret My Lips and then added the traditional instruments for Secret Maiko Lips. As for general Band Maid songwriting..... Kanami writes a song with guitars, drum and bass..... not too sure on vocal melody. She works with Akane, like, can you play this? or, what do you think about that??. But with Misa, Kanami is like.. "do what you want. I trust you." Next reaction has to be Band Maiko's Gion Cho. I actually like this better as it is a Band Maiko original, not a cover.

As for noticing... I tend to listen on some studio headphones, and while I would not call myself a musician, p0layed enough to grasp the basics... but have also listened to jazz, classical, metal, etc for decades now, so I tend to pick up a lot (also have very very good hearing thank goodness) but folk like you and Chase Carneson always point out details that I still didn't catch. That said I usually listen specifically for the bass and drums first, being my passion. But you guys do a great job of educating me on what I am hearing.

where is the ceiling for this band.. this song is already a masterpiece(sharing an album with Puzzle and YOLO), but they've continued to just smash songs out of the park.. not by doing what they've done - but better, but by continuously evolving and going in different directions with their sound. 2-3 more months folks.. curb all expectations. bedroom hobbyist musician here.. i hear the interesting bits, but i am terrible at forming coherent words/thoughts about them. watching breakdowns like this helps a lot.

Just guessing, I would say their fans are very particular in what they listen to and appreciate the details also.

I've always beed a bass fan, so I listen for it. But with. Band-Maid, it seems every time you listen, you hear another layer to appreciate!

I hesitated at the idea of a 20+ minute reaction video, even to my beloved Band-Maid. I'm glad I watched it all the way through. Very entertaining and informative, as well as very personal and insightful. More, please!

(In regards to Secret My Lips) Not a musician, but as a graphic designer...I can relate to the fact that everything have to exist as a whole. Music comp, visual comp...all of us are aware of the same thing. This was the song that made me realized how good they are at composing and respecting each others' space. This song has a build up, it let's you breathe with those jazz chords. THE BEST PART is Miku and Saiki switching out at the ending. It makes you appreciate that Miku can really sing, and Saiki has that voice. They really know how to compliment eachother and they do it perfecfertcly thoughout the albums.

BIg thanks!. That were the best 20 minutes of the day. I don´t have any musical education or ability and I need time and repetitions to catch all the subtle layers of Band Maid, but I think this makes their music more remarkable. You can enjoy listening to their songs and discovering new easter eggs much time after the first emotion, It´s like an awesome journey with the girls. Listening to your explanations makes me discover new things, apreciate it!!. I think I'm not wrong if I say that a band like this deserves an analyst like you.

Secrete Maiko Lips was what got me into Band Maid! Ain't easy creating music that harmonise traditional instruments and modern instruments that beautifully like this song... They're the real deal man!

I admit it, I repeat licks during solos more than Kanami does. And hey, she more than makes up for it shredding through the chorus. Excellent reaction!

Musically bankrupt here, I think you and a couple of others are really good at picking up on the little things that are going on and I love it. As much as I enjoy watching others enjoy BM, I prefer a bit more focus on what they are doing. I do notice (try to) all the little things they are doing. I wish their mixes were a bit better/clearer sometimes. At first I didn't notice Kanami wailing away until I saw her crazy fingers but it's very much in the background. I like to see if the reactors are noticing things because there are so many things worth noticing, so please keep it up. It's almost a waste to not stop and appreciate their songwriting.

To your first question: I'm not a musician, I can't play any instrument. Although my parents have sent me to a music school at the age of 10 to learn balalaika... and I hated it 😏 And I do hear what MISA is doing. I fully agree with you-she's not simply acoompanying the drums, or plays the rhythm. She stands out very noticeably throughout most of the BAND-MAID songs. MISA has opened a whole new era for me in music, I should say. I'm sure she will be remembered as one of the founders of a new bass school in rock music. The only other bands I recall now where I've heard the bass, was Black Sabbath (probably comes as no suprise) and Jethro Tull (also no wonder I do hear bass there - I mean the things like Living in the Past: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YmPwYhHX_jY.html and also some of their live stuff). Terry Geezer Butler is amazing, of course, he's really like a second lead guitar in Black Sabbath. For the record: I *don't hear* a lot of bass in Metallica. When people say that Cliff Burton is such a terrific bass player, I shrug my shoulders. I recall probably a couple of moments when his bass is suddenly emerging from beneath the surface of a song, like in Call of Ktulu. Well, I'm not speaking about his bass solo at the start of Whiplash, of course. It does not sound really like a bass solo, it's like a normal guitar solo to me. Whatever. I would say that in general, the MAIKO versions of their songs are more interesting. You probably know that they have the whole mini-album from BAND-MAIKO? Seven songs, including one original creation, "The City of Gion," Gion-cho. One of the fans has recently mixed together MAID and MAIKO versions of Screaming: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RkQc7kyzBoA.html In the left ear there is MAIKO, and MAID original version is on the right. It's fascinating to compare them this way.

Non-musician here, I don't tend to notice the things you point out but subconsciously enjoy them. Part of the reason I like your reactions is because you point them out and help me understand what I'm hearing.

I'm a mediocre musician. Drummer. I don't speak music but I do tend to have a good ear for well crafted and technical music. Noticing the little things and the complexities, and Band-Maid is a #1 example of those types of groups who truly understand what they are doing.

Band Maid's songs are complex, very creative and with details. There are things you don't notice without good headphones. Interestingly, every time I hear them, I discover new elements. Best regards from Chile.

The traditional Japanese instruments you can hear are shamisen (strings played with a percussive pluck), koto (harp-like horizontal strings), shakuhachi (end-blown flute; could be another flute though, I'm not 100% sure), and taiko (drums; probably the large ones, odaiko; heard particularly well during the bridge). The band also translated the lyrics into the Kansai dialect, specific to Kyoto and Osaka among others, Kyoto being known as the centre of geisha and maiko ["ma-ico"] culture, where it is still active today. You should check out Wagakki Band, a group well known for blending rock & metal with wagakki, traditional Japanese instruments :)

I will be completely honest with you. As a non- musician your analysis of their song structure DEFINITELY!! makes me enjoy them even more. Before you I was like "sounds good, me likey". Now I notice the background stuff way more and it is effing awesome. Keep doing your thing, it is appreciated.

Cannot count how many times I listed Secret My Lips and Domination but I never noticed that they have the same solo until you pointed out in this clip. Glad that I subscribed to your channel since the very first watched your reaction.

I'm not a musician, and I have to listen to their songs a few times to catch everything. There's so much going on it's hard to get it all. Like you mentioned Kanami is just shredding the entire chorus, but they put her more towards the back so it's harder to notice. Plus, Saiki and Miku's harmonies in this song are just so incredible I get hypnotized by it. I do agree that the Maiko version is better to me. And the ladies really are gorgeous in the video.

The “wagakki (Japanese traditional instruments)” parts were composed by Kanami, and it was produced by her with her DTM (Desktop Music=PC music) system, and then, it was mixed and recorded, while she was closely working with the Band’s rec/mix chief engineer. Check out “Gion-cho” by Band-Maiko where all most all, except rec and mix, was done by Kanami and the Band. As far as truly focusing on each of the instrumentation, I think I didn't really do that until I started watching these reaction videos that were done by actual musicians. I love Rick Beato's What Makes This Song Great series when he breaks down the music.

MISAs bass always carries tons of fun surprises. Her playing style changes mid-song too. She'll go from pic, to pluck, to slap, and then back again.

Congrats! Many across the land of RU-vid have begged for reactors to do this doubleheader, but I think you're the first to come through. I think there's a parallel with your point about non-musicians having difficulty picking out musical details, in Miku having re-written the lyrics in the Kyoto dialect for the Maiko version, which unfortunately is lost on us non-Japanese speakers.

Absolutely my fav song of theirs - just brilliant! But i cant decide which is my fav version. Also agree that visually this vid is just stunning (although you should check out Gion Cho mate - its even more impressive!) And really interesting what you were saying about picking out things as a musician. Not long after I started learning guitar and bass i started hearing songs I'd listened to for years in a whole new way. If anything that just enriches the enjoyment of it tho, because now i can really appreciate the talent of the writing and musicianship a whole lot more. Thanks for doing both versions of my favourite Band Maid song! 👍😁 - now do Gion Cho! You will not be disappointed! 👍👍👍

Finally! It was worth the wait. Honestly, I would be hard pressed to name a single thing that I picked up on my own without somebody else bringing it up. Thanks to people like you and Chase I've been getting better at it, but not by much. The instrument that you kept mentioning is called a Shamisen, it's the one MISA was holding. Speaking of Shamisen, now would be a good time to recommend Wagakki Band, "Homura + Akatsuki no ito" is probably a good choice.

Great reaction. I`ve watched it at least 6 times. I subscribed and liked - what more can one do???

This song and video(Secret Maiko Lips) is a masterpiece. And They are breathtakingly beautiful in it.

I just love the Stutter Edit on the vocals. It really makes the song. But yeah, BAND-MAID win Olympic Gold in the 10 meter Genre Jump. They will be all Power Pop Punk, then Kanami will throw down some Jazz chords and not to be out done, MISA will get very R & B and go all James Jamerson over it and then Funk it up.

When it comes to B-M, I question anyone who can’t hear MISA’s bass. The level of freedom she has within their structure is so unique that it really stands out. Like I’ve always said, this band has a lead guitarist AND a lead bassist. Both sounds are so prominent in their music.

I'm not a musician, but I know enough to be able to pick out moments like the ones you highlight. I still learn plenty from musicians' responses, and when it comes to Band-Maid I learn the most from you and Chase Carneson. Probably because you both pause the video to talk about it in depth. Keep that up, please. :) I really believe the only competition Band-Maid has is Band-Maiko. Luckily they only take the stage once a year, or else they'd put Band-Maid out of a job.

As A non musician, I never noticed the "background" skills until I started watching your channel. After seeing you point things out, now I can notice and appreciate all that they do. Thank you. LOVE BAND MAID!!!

Great reaction. Try their song Endless Sory from the same concert. It was the show closer and it was a very emotional experience for them and it showed. Hard not to shed a tear watching it. Rock on 🤘

The full MAIKO EP is fantastic. Every song is elevated wonderfully. I can't stop listening to it

It's surprising to me how you made no mention of Saiki's vocal lines in this song. The melodies she employs are absolutely phenomenal, particularly during the verses. It's tough to not get distracted by the musicians. I get it. But I think Saiki really stands out here.

I am not a musician, but since I discovered Geezer Butler thirty years ago, I always make an effort to listen to the bass lines, but in the case of Band-Maid the presence of Misa in the mix is ​​very obvious. P.S. I really enjoy the way you are passionate about these girls' music.👍☺

Non-musician here. I generally do not notice the little things. It's one of the reasons I really appreciate your channel. The fact that you point them out helps me to understand why I like what I'm listening to so much.

I almost never notice the bass unless it’s like super prominent (RHCP). It’s impossible not to notice MISA though which I love. Honestly some of my favorite things in your vids is when you point out what miku is doing. I’m always so mesmerized by kanami’s lead that I don’t always hear miku. But when I finally notice it just makes me love the songs more.

I never really noticed before but since watching your BM reactions I listen for it a lot more and enhances my enjoyment of the song

The instrument in secret maiko lips is a shamisen and also this is the perfect oportunity to ask you to react to Wagakki Band

My favourite line is the one that goes "(Japanese)(Japanese)(Japanese)(Japanese) Secret room" I think I never want to know the context of that lyric. What I do want to know is how they shot the final scene of the Band Maiko version, on an empty Shibuya Crossing. It must have been about 4 am.

I love the difference in the personalities shown in the Maiko version. Miku especially is a complete contrast to normal, she is also totally beautiful.

Just want to add that as a snob picky as fuck about music musician I really love your Band Maid reactions. I don't subscribe to any reaction channel because I really don't care about any other band these days. I had given up on most new music until I found these musical goddesses two years ago

Akane eating in the Maiko scene is one of those standing jokes that you will get as you become more familiar with the characteristics of the band members.. Akane is known for shovelling food away, Misa has her appreciation for drinks, Miku characterises herself with the pigeon, Kanami has this girl crush on Saiki, and Saiki carries an air of tsundere about her (blowing hot and cool).. That breakdown towards the end of the song when it goes quiet and full traditional, carrying the build up through vocal layering/shamisen and a little sneaky flute.. I always find that tearfully beautiful. You'll be pleased to know this little fun Band Maiko project actually spawned a mini album! Well worth grabbing! and.. yes the ladies ARE truly beautiful. As for the solo part which you identified as being the same as Domination, I get the feeling that this was somewhat on purpose. Why would I think that? Well they're clearly to a certain musical standard.. This came before Domination, and as Domination is a song about taking the world by storm I get the feeling this was a purposeful throwback, akin to what Queen did when they threw bits from the Jazz album into the last song (More of That Jazz) on the same album? I may be going out on a limb with that, but given that they could've done anything with the Domination solo, it's not inconceivable..

My two cents, non musician here, before Band Maid i wasn't as detailed, now with Band Maid i try to hear all the instruments because they are each at times shredding during the song and with help from channels like yours i learn something everytime, thanks bro :)

Y'know the ~other~ solo in Domination (the one after the first chorus) shows up as the main solo in another song on the album, "Spirit!!" I thought that was weird, because I mean this is a band that doesn't even like to repeat itself in the same song, so I figured it was some kind of callback / motif idea connecting them. Definitely feels like there's something going on!

Happy Birthday MISA.

As a non-musician, I really appreciate these technical reactions. When you point something out, I can pick it out on my own from then on. And it's all these intricate little details in B-M's music that makes it so interesting to me, just can't get bored of any of them. Aside from the genre hopping of course. Btw, if you really like the blend of the Japanese instruments, try Wagakki Band. I actually got into B-M from watching WB's Homura+Akatsuki no Ito. Well I clicked on it because Beni in the thumbnail looked cool, then the shamisen and shakuhachi (banjo like and flute like instruments) really stuck out for me. So I decided to check out other Jrock/metal bands. Of all bands though, I like B-M the most, they're just so much fun. Not just in the music, but in everything they do. Like this whole Band Maiko thing. And looking for easter eggs in their songs. And their stage interactions. And their interviews. Or their blindfolded practice session (Blind Maid?)

Since you asked: Yeah this non-musician hears all the shredding and noodling all 4 are always doing. It's one of the things that makes me love this band. But, the handful of really good reactors like you really help me understand why I like what I like.

God I love this bands. Great reaction. 🤘

Thank you so much for this reaction awesome man. I’m a non musician and thanks to you and and another reactor Chase Carson he’s out of the UK you have expanded how I listen to music and what I can pick up on now and appreciate the skill and talent that it must take to create a song like SML and then change it to something different I’m in awe. And then just turn around and create another one and another I remember Misa saying got almost no sleep wile recording their last album she had base lines running in her head it was play a gig next day recording all that tour. And now a new album coming out in January COVID hasn’t put these girls on hold much. Thanks again Champ you pause as much as you want and explain away we love it. Peace man and have a damn good dae😎

Since listening to these ladies I do recognize the "little things" they do in the background or the amazing bridges they create. For me as a pure fan and not a musician I think there are 3 reasons for it. First, Misa and Akane on the bass and drums are more present than their counterparts in most other bands today. Two more elements they (can) use, which brings me to reason #2. You said it in your first reaction to them. Their individual talent in playing and songwriting. I mean, there is no weak element in this band. Each one of these women is great at what she does. In most interviews when asked about how they create their songs the answer is, that Kanami creates a demo and then every member creates their own part in the process and gives their input before the final touches are made. I think there aren't many bands today who use every "trick" or skill they have and put it into the one song they are creating at this moment (keyword 'mass-production' !?). And the third and at least for me the most obvious reason is, that I concentrate more on the music and single instruments because I don't speak Japanese. When I'm listening to their songs Saikis voice and the lyrics are there but I don't pay attention to the meaning of them. I try to find a translation afterwards.

Yes. I agree with you this maiko video being the best mv. While many see the addition of the traditional string instrument just as novelty factor but it's just the different sound, extra spice added to the original version. And they change the arrangement again to maximise the magic that this string instrument brings into this version. They should do this band maiko thing April fool day every year!

At Last, when I saw the video come up that you were doing both secret lips I couldn't click on it fast enough. The maiko one mite have been an April fools joke but we got a beautiful gem, and I'm glad that you were the first reactor to do them one after the other, so good.

Great breakdown and just thoroughly enjoyed your analysis of the two songs. Your first question about how non-musicians listen to music and specifically B-M, I'm somewhat musically inclined, played piano and baritone as a kid in school, but nothing after. I do have a pretty good ear (hard to hear a lot of cymbals now due to age and a misspent youth). I do listen for the bass as that's what I can pick out the best, but I generally listen to most B-M songs at least six times, first to hear the whole song, then the other five times trying to listen to each member. But I don't have the experience that you have and that's why I look forward to your reviews to help me better appreciate just how really great these ladies are. Looking forward to your next review.

A Maiko is an apprentice geisha. This was an April Fools release. And, the Akane ramen gag is one of their standard memes. The tsugaru shimisen is the traditional instrument you hear. Fun Facts: Miku is from Kumamoto. During her solo, Kanami has Kyoto Tower in the background. MISA isn't barefoot, but is wearing tabi and geta, which make her even taller (Wearing 2" geta would make her right about 5'9").

You mentioned the riff from domination, secret came out first, and domination is about taking over the world with their music, all the English lines are from other songs, only makes sense she would use riffs from older songs also.

OK rewatching this love your channel I've watched all your band maid reactions great OK now maybe you can help me understand the early years when miku was not as polished rythem guitarist how hard was it for kanami to compose the songs she wrote or the considerations she had to make for her because she is absolutely awesome

Oh cool! You reacted to both versions!! I'm a non musician, but one of the things I like about Band-Maid is how satisfied I feel when I hear the songs arrangements. And Misa's bass, I only realised her shredding when I watch their videos, then I was like WOW!!