Listen/Review: 'モラトリアム' ('Moratorium') by

[@johalareewi]

I also like the comedy value of Saiki and Miku singing Don't Dilly Dally which old timers like me know, comes from an old UK music hall song.

[@Chan_Fry]

I hadn't heard of the music hall song (and I don't even know what "music hall song" means), but I heard "dilly dally" somewhat regularly growing up in Oklahoma in the 1970s... I thought it was a common phrase in those days. :-)

[@omniglot]

The song is known as "Don't Dilly Dally on the Way" or "My Old Man (Said Follow the Van)". It was written in 1919 and made popular by Marie Lloyd. Music hall was a type of variety show or vaudeville involving singing, dancing and other acts that was popular in the UK from the Victorian era (mid 19th century to early 20th century).

[@Chan_Fry]

@@omniglot : Thanks for the info! (Very possibly, the phrase I heard growing up came from that direction.) :-)

[@ronniebrucehalford8396]

They played this song when I saw them at their last NY appearance. The sound, especially the drums, were so powerful, my wife said it felt like her heart was being crushed.

[@Chan_Fry]

I can imagine that feeling, because I nearly felt that way with only headphones. :-)

[@robertbassham8514]

They opened their Ace Of Spades Sacramento CA show in 2023 with this song. Wonderful show!

[@Chan_Fry]

It's a brave choice, choosing such a hard banger for the opener... Honestly, I'd save this one for the "good night Sacramento!" song. :-)

[@robertbassham8514]

@@Chan_Fry Their last song was the LIVE debut of their song Shambles, so we got to hear it live first. There are some pretty good fan cams from that show. This is Moratorium. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3y0gKWPmdp7edk It's more, more, more enjoy time po.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Lots of Minchodiddles, no dilly dally, Po 🕊️🥰

[@cbus4126]

Kanami's talent(s) shining through.

[@BM4-Life]

In Phoenix of 2022 saw this live and it was Amazing 🤗

[@Chan_Fry]

I'll bet! I hope to see them next time they swing through Texas, but only time will tell. :-)

[@BM4-Life]

@@Chan_Fry After the song I screamed *Puzzle* 🤣

[@greylocke100]

Studio Coast was the first "Major" show after Saiki and Miku's vocal surgery. Saiki's was the last week of July, Miku's was the 10th of August. Saiki tweeted on the 26th of July 2017 after she got home from her surgery that it went well and she was recovering. Studio Coast was in November of that year, (11-24-2017) while Zepp Tokyo was in April the next year (4-13-2018). So both of them had several more months of recovery and extra vocal training.

[@Chan_Fry]

I'm sure those few months of recovery made a world of difference. (I've never had surgery of any kind -- YET -- but I know from watching others that even "minor" surgeries can take a huge toll...)

[@paulpetersen879]

This track is fantastic live.

[@Chan_Fry]

Fingers crossed that when/if I get to see them, this will be on the set list. (If not, I'm sure I'll survive, LOL.)

[@airlinesecret6725]

Miku bouncing along with that smile is the greatest thing in the world !

[@Chan_Fry]

Yes! I can't believe I didn't mention it, but I certainly saw it. That fireball of joy inside her can't be contained for an entire song. :-)

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

One of Band-Maid's influences is Maximum The Hormone, an immensely popular Japanese Nu-Metal band known for their wildly abrupt shifts and transitions between widely disparate genre. MTH's videos are hilariously entertaining. Akane loves MTH and was inspired by their drummer/vocalist Nao who inspired a generation of Japanese female metal percussionists. I've been to two Band-Maid live Okyu-ji, the Maidiacs know the Maid's repertoire, and come fully prepared to sing along. The Band expects and encourages them as you can see. No one leaves a Band-Maid show without a wide grin on their face. You're not the only one to notice Miku filing in so Saiki can catch a breath. It's planned: they rehearse the vocals just as meticulously as the instrumentals. The one thing I admire about Miku is her willingness to be the back up man for nearly everything in a Band-Maid song, switching between various roles as her band mates shift from role to role allowing everyone to shine. Maidiacs don't have a single favorite Band-Maid song; they may have a top ten, but the songs on that list shifts constantly. And that's why I'm a Maidiac: I haven't seen a band since the Beatles that has been as consistent at producing these mind-worm addictive songs.

[@Chan_Fry]

Agree completely about Miku's role - despite her loud public persona, she knows how to be the quiet hero too. And it's easy to see how many genres of musicians could be inspired by MTH - so full of talent and ingenuity, even if their music isn't my cup of tea. :-)

[@BillHallisey]

What I love about Moratorium, is Kanami's fretwork. If you react to a live video of the song, Kanami's fingerwork is blazing fast and accurate. This is a proper punk/hard rock song. It's one of my absolute favorites. Akane's drumbeat, somehow, keeps up with Kanami's pace.

[@Chan_Fry]

Yes, during the live shows I reacted to in this video, Kanami blazes through the hard parts with what appears to be only minor strain. Very impressive!

[@G-man_810]

Great commentary…one of my top five songs! All them shine from Saiki’s vocals and getting the crowd involved, MISA! Slapping the bass, Akane’s amazing double kicks, Miku’s backing vocals & holding down the rhythm so Mincho can riff away! Definitely one of their hardest rocking songs. 🤘🕊️🦍🥷👸🏻👀PO!

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks! Yes, I think this one only works with FIVE maids. :-)

[@johnverley1739]

Chan you really have a knack for this. You keep saying you’re not a musician, but maybe you should have been. Of course you’re working with some great material, I could never get tired or Moratorium. More please!

[@Chan_Fry]

I really appreciate that, John. :-) As a youngster, I *wanted* to be a musician, but never had the discipline it requires... So I "dabbled" (alto sax, choir, guitar, etc.), but never stuck with one thing long enough or went deep enough into any one thing. And yes, here is some truly great material to comment on. :-)

[@elliott8339]

Chan, thanks for the comments. Moratorium is one of my favorite B-M song. A real banger. I totally got hooked when Miku whispered "Make up your mind!" right out of the gate. The rest is like icing on the cake. Cheers!

[@Chan_Fry]

I guess for me, Miku's whisper is the icing and the rest is the cake. :-) Thanks for watching.

[@rockyetsx70]

Still one of my fave Band-Maid tunes. If I want to introduce BM to new listeners, I often use this one. Especially for other old coots like me.

[@Chan_Fry]

Definitely! Other than my immediate family, I haven't had the chance to introduce Band-Maid to others yet, but this one is definitely on the list to offer first (depending on what the other person enjoys).

[@chalfo]

Miku singing that lead line is standard as Saiki extends the sustained note further than what she did earlier in the song (and most people miss that it is Miku)

[@Chan_Fry]

Ah, I definitely missed it in the studio track (I just assumed Saiki did both parts in studio, overlapping herself). But, wow, that is some fantastic backup work for Miku to switch from harmony to lead and then back again. She really does more for this band than she lets on. :-)

[@_JimS]

Kanami is always "free-ranging".....but it's a very controlled and well thought out free-ranging, that girls fingers never stop. I don't know how they don't jut fall off at the end of a show. I have always stated how the recording of the "Studio Coast" is one of the best I've ever listened to. Their crew doesn't get the love they deserve. Miku's guitar really comes through on the Studio Coast recording.....as does "Puzzle". The 2018 Zepp is good but 2017 still takes it for me. Miku and Kanami's guitar separation is much better in the 2018 though. Good Stuff Chan...Thanks!

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks! It's true that Kanami often "solos" during the non-solo parts of the song, but this one sounded wilder, freer, more experimental (even in the studio track). And yes, she seems to get more licks in during one show than most rock guitarists...

[@tonygriffin_]

14:32 - Love that Sabbath-sounding breakdown. Also a great crowd singalong song. That whole 2017 concert is superb...but then so are all their gigs!

[@Chan_Fry]

Sabbath! Yes, that's what it reminded me of, LOL. I can't believe I said "grunge"... Thanks for watching. :-)

[@tonygriffin_]

@@Chan_Fry Sabbath were the first Metal band I saw live, back in 1976. Their sound has been imprinted on my brain ever since!

[@stevekane4922]

I see this as a turning point for the band - they composed this very fast and heavy but well structured number with an earworm chorus that set the tone for the future. If you aren't overwhelmed we're not doing our job.

[@Chan_Fry]

Yes, it looks like they spent the last two albums perfecting their musicianship and teamwork, and the last few songs of the previous album getting their feet wet with songwriting, all of that leading up to "Just Bring It" -- in many ways a landmark album.

[@DaElfer]

my trilogy for them is moratorium, puzzle and awkward

[@Chan_Fry]

I'll get to "Awkward" before long and see if I agree with you. :-)

[@polskabob359]

Even when minchu isn't soloing she's soloing , wasn't psyche surgery in 2017 ? Nevermind Grey answered that

[@Chan_Fry]

I remembered her surgery was in 2017, but I'm glad Grey provided a more precise timeframe. It makes sense then that Studio Coast would be not QUITE as recovered as Zepp. :-)

[@tackle47]

Still my favorite BAND MAID song

[@Chan_Fry]

It'll take a really strong contender to knock it out of my number one spot (I moved it up after editing this video). :-)

[@schelin1447]

This is my favorite BAND-MAID song! Good job!

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks! After some consideration (I mentioned in the video that I would play it head-to-head against my other faves), I have now moved it up to my number one song. It displaced Puzzle, Real Existence, and Order. :-)

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!!!!!

[@russellpotter7294]

Band Maid manage to have an albums worth of ideas in one track. They manage somehow to have a singalong moment for the audience. A moment of controlled Chaos. In the end trying to describe what Band Maid do or what kind of music they play. The best thing is to shrug and say they play Band Maid. After the Yokohama 10 year concert celebration. They released the extra concert just after with mostly songs they couldn't manage to fit into the main event. Again a wonderful collection of music. The audience were enthusiastic in a smaller but nevertheless well packed venue. It is always nice to see how much they have improved over the years. But my goodness they were pretty great from the earlier albums and concerts.

[@Chan_Fry]

Yes, just in the short time I've covered (2014-2017), they went from "maid-dressed girls who play rock" to superwomen in my opinion. And that growth appears to be ongoing. :-)

[@TlanImass]

You should check out Vladimir Chupin's fancam of this song in Boston's Paradise Rock Club. It is Kanami-san focused. :)

[@Chan_Fry]

Thanks! I'll look for it. :-)

[@Glenner7]

That breakdown is filthy!

[@Chan_Fry]

That's one way to put it! :-)

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Miku filling in that line Saiki drops out of to take a breath is planned and done every time. 👍

[@Chan_Fry]

Ah! Thanks for the clarification. Even so, it's truly impressive how seamless it was.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

@@Chan_Fry ✔

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Once people hear Band-Maid, they'll take a Moratorium from all the other bands! 🤣🤘Thx, Chan! And thanks for including the best version from 2017 Studio Coast. Even though Kanami makes a slight mispick during the chant, her guitar tone and clarity is better. Her solo just sprays fire. 🔥She also makes a minor mischord during the wah part at Zepp.

[@Chan_Fry]

Maybe if I went through nitpicking I might find the "mistake", but it would probably just make me love this band even more. :-) And yes, I definitely have a harder time listening to other bands after discovering this one. It's a real problem. I try to go back to (let's not mention an actual band here, but...) and I hear how boring it is compared to Band-Maid. Or how unlikeable the vocals are compared to Saiki. Or how the bassist only knows three notes and should probably be replaced by MISA. And so on. :-)

[@TomClark-Futoura]

@@Chan_Fry 😂

[@K.H.D710]

Yep, Saiki dared the INCUBUS fans by throwing this song in their 6-song setlist at TGT where Band-Maid performed as a special guest for the INCUBUS concert. The rest of the setlist was selected to fit the INCUBUS fans except the last song "Domination"...probably😏

[@Chan_Fry]

I wonder what percentage of that audience was only there for Incubus and hadn't heard of Band-Maid... And I further wonder what their impressions were. :-)

[@stevekane4922]

90% ​@@Chan_Fry

[@stevekane4922]

Was a masterful choice of set. They needed to attract those incubus fans who were open to the bandmaid thing.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

They also just played this Wednesday opening for Incubus. MNN has one. There are some fancams. No, on this one, they flipped the guitars, Mincho is on the left.

[@Chan_Fry]

Yes, I saw that fancam from May 1. Great camera work, but audio can't be helped. :-) I'm glad I got to see it.

[@Racer-X-090]

This is one of my favs off of this awesome album. The Zepp Tokyo show is still one of my favorites.

[@Chan_Fry]

Currently, I think it's my favorite of ALL their songs, but I promise nothing for the future. :-)

[@miqoto]

Both Shinkiba and Zepp are off the DVDs with Startover and World Domination special editions

[@tasminoben686]

Hi, my friend! Gut Reaktion Video! Du hast einen Blick für interessante Einzelheiten! Und nun habe ich wieder genug Pictures für meinen Kopf Cinema! Dies ist mein Gute Nacht Song heute! Gute Night and very good weekend! Ben from Hamburg

[@Chan_Fry]

Thank you! (I should also have mentioned Miku hopping up and down while smiling, during one of the live videos -- it was cute!)

[@akatzukianlun]

There is a 2024 live version of this song, from the spin-off okyuji, if you want it i can upload it on my channel?

[@Chan_Fry]

I think I mention right at the end that I watched the 2024 May 1 version (fancam)... But I'll happily take a look at other versions. :-)

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@Chan_Fry No Chan, Band-Maid this week livestreamed their 2024 anniversary tour Spin off show - songs they could not fit into the Yoko Arena Setlist (recorded Feb 22nd 2024 at KT Zepp Yokohama). Full professional recording, and "Moratorium" was blisteringly hot! The set list was amazing, not the usual suspects. Tickets still on sale - A MUST watch!

[@akatzukianlun]

@@Chan_Fry i already uploaded it on my YT chanel

[@785boats]

And here's an intro that Kanami would sometimes play at the start of Moratorium, where she goes into full Mincho Punk Mode. Talk about in your face. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJOtiXl8dtacnLc

[@Chan_Fry]

Note to Band-Maid: Fans would LOVE an official live of Kanami going off the rails alone with her guitar. :-)

[@AndersonConnors]

You mentioned GNR, but I don't remember them having a sustained double bass drive like I heard here. Or maybe I didn't have good speakers in those days. :-) Also, I'll take Saiki's voice over Axl's every day of the week. :-)

[@Chan_Fry]

I think I meant the energy, and the complex construction (something I always liked about GNR's music), rather than the sheer power of the Akane/MISA duo. I'm fully convinced those two could take a time machine to 1987 and lay down those 'Appetite' studio tracks and no one would notice the difference -- except for possible improvement. :-)

[@rockyetsx70]

If you haven't come across this fan cam from 2019, Kanami went full guitar rock god on the intro to Moratorium. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX27epmnjt9oq8U

[@Chan_Fry]

Amazing moment! Thanks for the link.

[@SoryIrippedUrHeart]

I love misas bass here so filthy

[@Chan_Fry]

It's really nice, isn't it? :-)

[@grahamreed8774]

Must be in their top 5? songs. Best period of songs?

[@Chan_Fry]

After this video, I moved it up to my NUMBER ONE spot, displacing Real Existence, Puzzle, and Order. I can't promise it will stay there, but it's solid right now. :-)

[@tinyhato]

Did you get to see the 10th anniversary spin-off show? I think they had an even better performance of this song than the Studio Coast version.

[@Chan_Fry]

Sadly, I did not. But it's a nice line-item for my bucket list. :-)

[@DAVID-io9nj]

Chan, hard for Moratorium to stand out on this album, too many bangers. As for Saiki, a lot of the difference has to be better health. She had her vocal cord surgery about 4/5 months before that first concert. And her recent noticeable stage presence has to be maturity. She only turned 30 a couple months ago. She would have been only 24 ? at that 2018 concert.

[@Chan_Fry]

Yes, definitely in Yokohama, her stage presence screamed "WOMAN", while many of these older ones say "youth". She's basically spent her entire adulthood as the frontwoman for Band-Maid (isn't 20 the age of majority in Japan?), which explains why she's so comfortable doing it now. :-)

[@Kevin6059]

Great job as usual. My advice to you is this - stop right now this whole idea of having a "top 5" or top anything with Band-Maid. It's completely and utterly pointless. I would rather have to pick which limb to cut off.

[@Chan_Fry]

Probably great advice - unfortunately, I think I'm hardwired to rank things. :-)