Musician reacts to BAND-MAID Blooming

This BAND-MAID reaction is genuinely my first time ever hearing their song "Blooming". Another reaction video full of the joys of life. I just love everything these folks do so far. Cracking song.
0:00 Intro
0:26 Start of song
4:09 Summary
When I do my reaction videos I don't press pause because I don't want to interrupt the natural flow of the music as it was originally intended by the artist. I try to vocalise my thoughts in real time as I listen to the song, and then summarise my reaction afterwards.
You can checkout ‪@BANDMAID‬ 's original track without my commentary here: • BAND-MAID / Blooming (...
Please do recommend songs or other artists for me to checkout in future by commenting on this video! I'm constantly on the lookout for great new music and things I've never heard before.
A Spotify playlist of songs I've reacted to and consider to be absolute bangers can be found here: open.spotify.com/playlist/26j...

[@richardfranz3180]

I am no musician. I am 70 years old. I haven't listened to any hard rock or metal music in about 35 years. Your comment about feeling good is on point. With this group, as well as "Lovebites", I find myself smiling and head-bopping throughout their performances. Can't help it.

[@Parker--]

Blooming, Moratorium, Puzzle, Secret My lips and Warning are their three best songs IMHO. Pick any of those remaining 4 and you won't regret it.

[@thissailorja]

in the guitar solo there is a section of notes that Kanami taps out, she repeats it and then takes away a note at each end until its goin and KEEPS THE TIMING!!!.... Its an amazing piece of guitar work. She is my hero!! Sweet lady who should be setting fires to her guitar because of how she plays so fast! Rock Goddess transforms when she straps the guitar up!!

[@jamie.norris]

I love how much, Musicians love Band Maid.

[@rizmancorpuz]

Musicians and non musicians get happy vibes with Band-Maid.

[@_JimS]

This tune will work on you throughout the day, as Band-Maid songs usually do.....sign of great songwriting. Yes, Kanami loves her Wah-Wah pedal....

[@Kevin6059]

And her bad horsie

[@Kevin6059]

This song encapsulates so much of what makes these ladies great, and able to connect with both the casual listener and musicians/music snobs. Here are just some of them, many of which are very typical of BM. Varying drum patterns and active, leading the way kind of bass parts. Second verse they change it up and make it even cooler than the first, great guitar solo (of course), and this song is even more special because of that drop off a cliff guitar solo into the beautiful vocal harmonies ("far away...") - then, the masterpiece of composition where they build up the momentum and the tension again, but keeping that theme of the "far away" line in the vocals, simultaneously plopping a sprawling guitar part over the top of it and interweaving the rest of the band between these - finally leading to a "okay here it COMES!!" roundhouse punch of an ending. Breathtaking.

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

Kanami is a mastermind when it comes to writing all BM songs.....never repetitive....they really don't have a bad song.

[@keithmeyer9558]

Kanami's solo is the reason the car flipped over in the Netflix move Kate . Blooming was my first Band Maid premiered video. I have been watching for them ever since.

[@jamessoda8915]

What's always great about Band Maid is every member gets their chance to shine in every song. I usually have to listen multiple times to every song to catch what each member is doing. It's a work of art of what they do. Always in awe of them and a smile on my face when listening to them. ❤️✌️🤘

[@jaynagerber7474]

You're absolutely right, James! Some songs I liked and knew were great, but never realized exactly how intricate they were until I had seen some of these cover versions that broke down a particular instrument, i.e. drums or guitar. One guy breaks it down and shows how both Kanami and Miku are playing their individual parts at the same time via a split screen...made me realize just how good Miku has become, especially on "Different" and "I Can't Live Without You"; she is so great on these two! And Akane's drum patterns on "Take Me Higher" had my jaw hanging to the floor (I was seriously in awe of the fact that the guy could keep pace with Akane's drum work)!

[@jaysmith5035]

Band-Maid just brings smiles all smiles, so great to hear well written uplifting rock these days - we need this. Better than a Bloomin onion at Outback.

[@crabuki1273]

Probably my favorite BAND-MAID song, as Kanami let's herself shine for a change instead of hiding her awesome somewhere in the mix. Thank you for doing another BAND-MAID video!

[@darrellroninson3476]

I just got my 2 VIP tickets to see These Amaizing ladies in phoenix this October cant wait!

[@Kevin6059]

I hope to be at that show too - got my San Diego ticket, but didn't decide on Phoenix until after and apparently you can only use the pre-sale code once or something.

[@JuanSan66]

That´s the point!: Songwriting. Always a joy in my face, something priceless in these times of anxiety. Emotion, they always write their songs looking to excite you. That is a value in itself, music MUST reach the soul (and it doesn't always do). Best band, period. Good job, thank you!

[@ThecMaster]

You are totally right about them. All joy in the world in their sons. My favourite is Moratorium. Listen to that one. You should like it.

[@pak40l46]

Real rock and roll. I miss it so much.

[@schelin1447]

That guitar riff in the pre-chorus always gets my...such a great riff!

[@michaelbailey6980]

Every time I hear a new Band Maid song I say, "I think this is my new favorite!" Truth is, almost all of their songs are my favorite.

[@jaynagerber7474]

Haha! Right?😁 I finally heard "I Can't Live Without You", "Alive or Dead", "Turn Me On", and "Only You" for the first time in the past couple of days, and I'm in love with them all!

[@lonniekramlich6241]

Happy Rock ❤🎙🎸🥁😎👌 The Maids, do it Best !! Got VIP tickets to the show in Seattle.......only hell or high water, are the only reasons that will stop me from looking into Sai Chan's eyes !!🤗😉😎

[@glenkelley6799]

WARNING: Prolonged looking into Sai-chan's eyes will create a permanent glazed expression on your face

[@nem447]

Their tour dates came out a few days ago. 12 cities across the USA in October.

[@silentwood207]

Yes!! October 29th...Boston!!!!!

[@cembor]

I"m like #1000 and for my 2nd favorite Band-Maid song. This is the song that I listen to when I want to be in a good mood, want to feel good, want to be uplifted. It is such a beautiful song and agree with everything you say in this. Well done! :)

[@kirkscott2]

Can't wait to hear this live! Concert tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow at 10AM local time for your venue. I already have mine(fan club member) for Houston and Dallas. Great reaction! Thanks!

[@Darth.Fluffy]

I got mine for Phoenix...

[@kirkscott2]

@@Darth.Fluffy Fantastic! 💙

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

Thanks for reacting to Band-Maid, my favorite band of all times. They play many different styles, often mixing styles within a song. I love how they do music, the vocals, the lyrics, it's amazing in my view. Happy metal by Band-Maid

[@FatTulip.]

The best band there is, po!

[@haggaisimon7748]

Immediately like. There’s no bad reaction is possible for Blooming.

[@DaElfer]

Composing skills off the chart

[@craigbillow]

So I still can't get into Band-Maid, but... this song slaps. Credit where credit is due. There was some serious Kirk Hammett influence in the solo with the overdriven wah there. Tasty stuff. And the drums were tastefully busy. I gotta throw this one in the win pile. Good stuff. Very good stuff. 👏👏👏

[@kent-oveprestberg3578]

You ooze good vibes despite your overall "anti"Band-Maid feelings 🙂👍🏻🤘

[@craigbillow]

@@kent-oveprestberg3578 haha thanks! I try to be positive. And it's not that I'm anti-band-maid at all - far from it. Thus far I just haven't heard anything of theirs that clicked with me. Until now. This one is a jam. I am a firm believer that there is good music everywhere and in every genre. And I am always happy when I find it.

[@SteveOGRock]

I really appreciate the authenticity of this comment Craig. Entirely valid point of view. I had happened to really enjoy all of their songs up to this point due in part to my personal taste and not just their musical proficiency. Interestingly, I have recorded a further BM reaction which will come out in a week or so and to my surprise… I didn’t really like it nearly as much as everything else. It’s like the flip side of your experience here where this song cut through for you. The next one I react to is the inverse for me. Musical enjoyment is such a hard thing to understand and articulate. It’s not all the technicalities. It’s how the vibe of the music interacts with your own mind’s back catalogue of music you have previously enjoyed. It’s a fun mystery.

[@fedogma8407]

@@craigbillow It is funny how our musical taste are like like. When I was younger Pink Floyd was huge with a lot of my friends. I knew this band was extremely talented, there were songs I enjoyed listening to yet I never "got into" that band. But having grown up with the Who, Cream, Hendrix, the Stones, Led Zeppelin etc and moving away from rock later in my life, there is something about Band-Maid that re-ignited the spark in this genre for me. I have no problem saying that these rock goddesses deserve a seat on the rock throne.

[@craigbillow]

@@SteveOGRock this is why I enjoy your content so much, man. Such great discussion comes out of it. There are very few artists who I genuinely think are "bad." There's almost always redeeming factors somewhere. Band-Maid is a legitimately good group, even if it doesn't always do it for me, y'know? I found a lot to like in this song and that's awesome. How funny would it be if the next vid blows my socks off? 😆 I'm eagerly looking forward to it. I like to approach this stuff with an open mind and listen to different music to expand my horizons. I wouldn't have found great amazing artists like Aurora or Shooter Jennings or Black Pumas or St. Paul and the Broken Bones if I didn't step out of my musical comfort zone. There are very few bad artists out there making music... Just songs that resonate with us more or less for any number of personal reasons. And who knows, maybe I'll come around to Band-Maid? I liked this a lot. Maybe that's reason enough to keep listening 😉

[@paganrelic]

I believe this was a "Homework Assignment" that Kanami gave to the girls. Akane and Misa being graduates of the Tokyo School of Music were probably familiar with doing this kind of work. However Misa wrote her bass part after consuming a goodly amount of alcohol. Needless to say, she didn't easily recognise what she had written and vowed, not to do that again in a hurry. Her confession was that, it was far more difficult, than she would have potentially written, however in true Band Maid fashion she perservered and we're blessed because it's brilliant. Akane's drum pattern accompanying Kanami's solo I like too call "Off to the Races". This group of Fabulous young women have provided me with great joy. Thank You Band-Maid.

[@jaynagerber7474]

That's hilarious about MISA! It reminds me of the story I heard about "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly; it was supposed to be "In the Garden of Eden", but the lead singer was so drunk when they were in the studio that he slurred the words horribly, and "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is what everyone heard and how it sounded on the recording, so they ended up just keeping that as the name (and the release version)! (Not sure how true this is, as I've never bothered to try to verify it, but it's a funny story anyhow!)

[@rockyetsx70]

The live versions of Thrill and Different are also both amazing for different reasons, and The Dragon Cries was produced by Tony Visconti, the vocals are impressive in English, but Kanami's guitar playing makes you wonder what her guitar amp did to deserve the torture she puts it through on that song. 😳 It makes Jack White sound like James Taylor. 😁

[@SteveOGRock]

haha nice one, looking forward to checking those out!

[@785boats]

I know you love the bass. To watch her play 'lead' bass for nearly a whole song, have a look at 'Smile' live. So good. A slower more acoustic song. All of maids are exceptional. The vocals are just beautiful.

[@terrahawk1977]

Watch live version of this it's just as brilliant 👏

[@Morteanjo2011]

Again a great reaction. I always enjoy your Band Maid reactions. Your joy comes through. Thank you for sharing that, and them, with us.

[@rubyvolt]

ABOUT US was a ballad written to the audience, their "masters and princesses," during the pandemic. A song of longing and hope. Get some tissues. As good as they shred....they can do it all.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Band-Maid. Blooming Brilliant! Thx, Steve!

[@TheJerm]

"Blooming": A Master-Tour-de-Piece....Force... Or something like that. Thanks much, Steve! 🕊

[@thisguyny8379]

I have two words for you. BABY. METAL. Do it now.

[@SteveOGRock]

Oh you can trust that I’m aware of them! Haha. Seen them live a couple of times actually. Such fun.

[@barrycounts490]

Dice was my introduction to Band-Maid =) Blooming is my favorite Music Video by them =) And "The Non-Fiction Days " is my favorite song by Band-Maid ! Thanks for Playing More of the Maids =) Great reaction✌🤘

[@johnmatthew102]

Oct 25th at the Silver Spring Fillmore.

[@haggaisimon7748]

Puzzle, Matchless Gum, Unfair Game, Corallium, Hibana, Anemone, Daydreaming, Moratorium, Blooming, Bubble, Clang, Freezer. These are my favourites at the moment.

[@jay-stuff2673]

BAND MAID: PUZZLE LIVE is my favorite song in my opinion. BAND MAID IS COMING TO AMERCIA!!!! In OCTOBER!! late october in east coast

[@perrinklumpp4664]

Thanks for a thoughtful analysis and reaction to a great song. I can't wait to hear what they decide to play for their upcoming US tour.

[@zer0tzer0]

Not Double Bass, but drum machine fill. Yes! That' one's Power Pop or Pop Punk. I'm surprised that one hasn't been snapped up for an Anime opening yet. But I believe their Anime songs were commissioned. When Kanami write the song often Akane will say, "This drum part cannont be played by a human.". And yet, somehow she always finds a way to make it work.

[@brunobryant4846]

To quote you Sir, "Good Vibes", nuff said, time for a beer and more Band Maid, peace and love Po 👍🎼🥁🎸🎤🍻

[@russellward4624]

Choose Me, is Bandmaid's best song IMO

[@lewissmith4123]

Yay ! Blooming !!

[@User_9086]

By band maid : Black hole (speed metal with 220 bpm) Rinne/ reincarnation (Combine catchy chorus + heavy metal intro) The real existence, the official live version (proggressive rock) U need more bass? - Manners - Onset instrument - About us (ballad song)

[@stevenclark7600]

Now i know you loved ,Dice,if you want similar punk feel,2 absolute bangers,they are on YT no videos just audio,,,İ cant live without you,and,Unfair game,both kick ass.

[@nathandavis5099]

This is not my favorite Band Maid song, but I do think it's their best composition. I love the way the different lines weave through each other. The bridge to the end is killer, introducing the great vocal harmonies, having the vocal lines diverge, then back to the harmonies under the joyful guitar solo. Just great composition.

[@airlinesecret6725]

BAND-MAID makes people happy PO ROCK 🤘🤘🤘

[@jaynagerber7474]

Haha! I think you just came up with THE best name for their genre, "PO ROCK"! I think that's how I'll introduce them from now on!🤣

[@lurkmerchant]

More to come.

[@LS-uv9gg]

I would be willing to bet heavily that many musicians or fans that appreciate Rush, is impressed by, or loves Band-Maid. It's simply a matter of good taste in music, eh.

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA! I feel this song is slightly overhyped by those that love it (my personal opinion) it is a supremely well written song, especially when you consider 5 people wrote different parts for it (each Band Member wrote a part) then Mincho wove it all together. I think most of the hype comes from the fact it is one of Mincho's longest and a lot say best solo

[@Kmudaify]

I can't believe you made it this far without hearing the song that introduced Band-Maid to the world, Thrill. And then there is their softer side with songs like Daydreaming or Awkward. Daydreaming is a perfect example that "force" in music does not require 180bpm. It's U2'ish ballad with solid underlying force coming from the rhythm section. Awkward goes from a straight pop ballad to an incredible grove that would make the ears of any fan of classic rock fan have an eargasm. Then you have a song like Momentum that will, at times, make you think of Black Sabbath. And a song like Play which may be their single best work. You still have a LONG way to go with these girls.

[@dragonmac1234]

I'm an English speaker who doesn't understand a word of Japanese, but I love Band-Maid (although I'm also a big Rammstein fan who can't speak German). In my opinion music is a universal language that everyone can enjoy wherever they are in the world. A kick ass guitar or bass riff will put a big smile on your face every time :)

[@rubyvolt]

The whole UNSEEN WORLD album in on their page. Check out CHEMICAL REACTION.

[@AK-tv6bo]

かなみのワウペダルにRockを感じる、素晴らしいサウンドです。

[@jameswelsh598]

You need to get tickets to them. Go on sale tomorrow

[@SteveOGRock]

Unfortunately I live in London but seems they are only playing the US?

[@me262talon2]

Thanks Steve!

[@COTTERO]

"Dice" and "Blooming" are both great songs / music videos, but I prefer the videos of "YOLO", "Alone" and "Order"😎

[@RageToOverCome]

Please do Chris Kontos of Machine Head performing "Rage to Overcome " 2020 live drum cam.

[@Greg-om2hb]

For a change of pace, try Wonderland (live).

[@motley22crue]

I'd love to see you react to "Rinne" & "Secret My Lips".

[@stephenchigwidden7504]

Warning and About Us are both live and well worth looking at. Have you done NEMOPHILA yet? They are the latest all girl phenomenon from Japan.

[@SteveOGRock]

Not yet!

[@stephenchigwidden7504]

@@SteveOGRock well you said that you liked heavy music and NEMOPHILA is quite heavy and the also do covers that are amazingly popular

[@paulsmith7062]

from what I've read Konami composes most of the songs and then Miku and others create the lyrics

[@uffdad8211]

Kanami Tono is a musical composition genius and a riff machine while Miku Kabato plays great rhythm guitar and writes the deeply meaningful, and complex Japanese/English lyrics. Misa is on another level entirely with her bass work and Akane Hirose drums are always impeccably played. Add Saiki Atsumi's strong vocal interpretations to the mix and I hear one of the truly great bands performing today. Perhaps the best band I've heard in the last 20 years.

[@jaynagerber7474]

Miku has written the lyrics for the vast majority of their songs (starting from "Alone" released on the album "Brand New Maid" in 2016). On the three albums before "Unseen World" ("Just Bring It", "World Domination", and "Conquerer"), she was the primary lyric writer (with some assistance on a handful of songs, including a few with joint credit to Saiki), while a total of three songs did not have her credited with the lyrics at all ("OOPArts" and "So What?" on the album "Just Bring It", and "The Dragon Cries" on the album "Conquerer"). Miku had singular lyrics credits on all track listings on "BAND-MAIKO" EP and "Unseen World" album (both of which are highly impressive, especially how she did a deep dive into the dialect and phrasing for the BAND-MAIKO songs!). As an aside, "Corallium" from the "Sense" EP was both Saiki's first solo lyric effort, as well as the only song (to my knowledge) with lyrics written entirely within the band by someone besides Miku (and what a great song it is!). Kanami has arranged all but four of the songs (primary composer for every song, with input from band members for their individual parts) since "Alone" in 2016.

[@Space_Ranger]

How many bands can you say "you haven't heard anything you dislike"? The have no song I dislike. Only love more than others. I can't say that about my next favorite bands.

[@azkapratama1853]

Hello dude🤘🇲🇨 recomend for you!!! Come react talent 3girls hijab Rock metal Indonesia band VoB:god, allow me (please) to play music 'OMV', amazing skill & baddas 🤘, VoB go to Wacken open air (WOA)2022 in german. #VoBfansBase🇲🇨🤘☕

[@SteveOGRock]

Thanks Azka! I’ve added that to my list now.

[@azkapratama1853]

@@SteveOGRock ok, let's do it.... Ready to rock dude 🤘

[@jkkansasband7056]

This song is Blooming brilliant! And BAND-MAID is more than amazing, they are Awesome. Peace. Oct 26 in Philly!

[@russellward4624]

Pop punk is the orriginal style of the band. If you listen to the first album its more in that genre.

[@jeanleveille5319]

I love Blooming but Black-Hole is mium..

[@xagorvangard]

Just going to drop a quick recommendation based on your comment that you really liked "Dice". Then, I would highly suggest checking out "RINNE". I have a feeling you might enjoy that as well. 🤘

[@SteveOGRock]

Thanks!

[@glenkelley6799]

@@SteveOGRock Be sure to use the official MV from their channel, there's a couple of videos that are not very good

[@xagorvangard]

@@glenkelley6799 Good point. Forgot that important detail. Thanks Glen 👍