BAND-MAID - INFLUENCER - Ryan Mear Reviews!!

Yes!! Oh the anticipation for this song after hearing about it coming out JUST last night!!! What a cool treat from the Maids! Even after editing and adding my little notes, I don't feel I scratched the surface of this song. It is deceptively simple and Kanami is just soloing the whole damn time LOL
So here it is, there is much more to come from me, concerning this new EP out this week!!! YESSS!
Go watch this video on ‪@BANDMAID‬ 'S channel.....don't even watch mine, just go watch theirs!
Here is a link!
• BAND-MAID / influencer...
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[@geoffb5]

Band-Maid combines many, so called, genres into their songs. What I have found is that they take things I never liked before and get me to not just like but love them as they do them. They are consolidating/mending the splintered world that rock became over the last 50-60 years.

[@dexterplant778]

Listening to Band Maid the last six years have been the best musical listening years of my life, I would have never imagined that clicking on to a music video while waiting for a bus could have become a life changing moment for me, becoming a Maidiac has opened my musical world to infinite possibilities, I'm now listening to music from all over the world, and it's all thanks to my favorite band of all time, BAND MAID.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Incidentally where were you waiting to go on the bus? Wherever it was i bet you had an awesome Hunky-Dory day :)

[@RyanMear]

Yes! All that

[@silentwood207]

@@GaryHolloway-810 haha….Nice!

[@Someguy66-i6s]

Same experience here! One single MV pulled me down the BAND-MAID rabbit hole. Was it Thrill for you?

[@dexterplant778]

@@GaryHolloway-810 it was outside the hospital where I had a Drs appointment that day, and there's only one bus on that route so I had some time to kill, best killing of time in my life.

[@Spintheblackcircle]

Akane's time signature is crazy!

[@zelbinian]

I am now FULLY HOOKED. The instrumentation is just so playful and fun, it's infectious. I love Band-Maid.

[@Ratchy]

Awesome rap & solo section aside, long tone relay between SAIKI and KOBATO at the end was one of the most unforgettable moment at their show. KOBATO nailed it.

[@killiansred1000]

Saiki spitting bars.

[@lurkmerchant]

Band-Maid keep pushing my musical comfort zone. And they are the best way to introduce myself to the sound I was never a big fan of before. Because they incorporate just the right dose of the sound to keep their songs interesting and it's less than 4 minutes and there are so many hooks in this song that I can't get out of my head 😂

[@RyanMear]

A great way to put it👍

[@GaryHolloway-810]

There's only one real Influencer on YT & that's BAND-MAID :)

[@kent-oveprestberg3578]

Yes. Band-Maid is ONE! 🙂💪

[@crabuki1273]

I can't speak for everyone, but I feel like after having heard this song... yeah, I'm gonna have a hunky dory day.

[@dtoby8199]

Hi Ryan, Bandmaid have open up our brain to make us musically smarter, the more you listen to the complex's and chaotic nature of their music it just shows you, how musically smart and gifted they are.🍻

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Soon we'll hear Influencer LIVE and "surrender love" to the Maids. That's beyond a Hunky Dory Day! Thx, Ryan!

[@davidtollefson8411]

My Band-Maid love affair began one night early last year when I watched every single one of their videos in one sitting and couldn't believe how good they were. Subsequent purchases and many multiple listens of their albums revealed one of the deepest catalogs in all of music, rock or otherwise. I feel very fortunate to be following them now on their musical journey, with songs like this leading the way. All five of them are incredible and major inspirations for me. Thank you ladies! Seeing them in Seattle is going to be awesome.

[@brunobryant4846]

Thanks Ryan, I admit to struggling on first listens to BMs newer songs, but then after a few repeats the old brain cogs click and the musical layers seep into my music soul - now I have a battle of the earworms going on - Hunky Dory Days vs Dan Dan Di Di Dan Dan, awesome indeed 🤣 One of my loves of this band is their "musical courage" to change, challenge and create and almost lightning rod themselves for critique, not many out there who'll do that. Hey your first BM concert must be close on the horizon, enjoy Brother, viva the Maids peace and love Po 👍🎼🥁🎤🎸🍻

[@bombgeotrupes4093]

Same for me Bruno 🙂 I think it´s too much input simultaneously...

[@Prophet12]

I have way too much to say. First off, my first listen was on my phone at work, the same as you. lol. Couldn't quite grasp everything that was going on, but loved the song anyway. This instantly became one of my favourites for many reasons, some of which you touched upon. The song has a fanastic riff and catchy phrases, but that's not all. Miku: My god, this girl is brilliant with her lyrics. Her vocal fill-ins are incredible. The small phrases she interjects at the end of here and Saiki's double vocals lift and change the melody as it enters the chorus. Who does that?! Kanami: Genius! Subtle, simple chords that make us believe it's more complex. Her audacity to create songs that are both catchy and show their exquisite talents are beyond reproach. She is a masterclass in writing. He solo is one of her best. It's explosive and melodic. Impressive. Saiki: Her vocals just keep getting better. The rapping sets up the 2 solos and at the same time mocks the rap industry. There is a subtle chord that resonates behond the rap I haven't figured out yet, but check it out again. The second time the musuic quiets, it;s just Saiki's vocals which set up the entry of Akane's drums. Brilliant. Akane: Have you ever heard better drums in a song?! She is constantly changes her patterns, but returns to the same beat in the chorus,. For the final chorus she "unleashes" a torrent of repetitive bass thumps and ppunds away raising the chaotic pitch. And finally, Misa: MISA!, MISA! MISA! She's the best bassist period! This song should be taught in music schools. It is the culmination of everything Band-Maid. No one touches them in music today. I love Miku for what she put together. Everyone should know this band. Thank you.

[@RyanMear]

Wow.... nice write-up!

[@fatdad5335]

When I first heard it, I was wondering what on earth was going on. Then came the rap part, which I normally wouldn't like, but just listen to the drums behind it. Then came the bass solo. I missed Kanami's solo because I was still using expletives to try and describe to myself how good the bass was. On second listen, I missed the ending because I was still swearing about the guitar work. When I had finally calmed down enough to listen to the whole song, I was in raptures. I just think the closing line should be "Hunky dory day, di di dan dan". I'm a child of the fifties, have lived thought the Beatles (I'm from Liverpool, so it was even more intense) and Led Zeppelin, my favourite band as a teenager and later, but I've never been such a fan-boy as with these ladies.

[@Muzicman2112]

Influencer is a great tune!! Every member is on point! The rhythm section of Akane and MISA hits hard! Love the Bass solo followed by Kanami’s solo!! It was all hunky dori!

[@lurkmerchant]

Love how the vocal cuts Misa's bass solo into two parts!

[@RyanMear]

That was a cool touch, yes!

[@avader5]

hunky-dory (adj.) 1866, American English (popularized c. 1870 by a Christy Minstrel song), perhaps an elaboration of hunkey "all right, satisfactory" (1861), from hunk "in a safe position" (1847) New York City slang used in street games, from Dutch honk "post, station, home," in children's play, "base, goal," from Middle Dutch honc "place of refuge, hiding place." A theory from 1876, however, traces it to Honcho dori, said to be a street in Yokohama, Japan, where sailors went for diversions of the sort sailors enjoy.

[@garylai363]

This song just hits. The rap is great, the double vocal run at the end, a catchy tune, intense layered instruments. All winners.

[@RyanMear]

Agreed

[@Someguy66-i6s]

Aside from the actual MV, the next best thing about a new BAND-MAID drop is to see your reaction to it! Thanks for the quick react vid! I just listened to the whole EP and find that hearing all of the songs seems to enhance the experience of all of them. While I really loved influencer from the first listen yesterday, I'm enjoying it even more hearing it as part of the EP. A little disturbing though, to hear Saiki say "Don't give a shit no more, I hate you!", to end the EP 😄

[@geoffb5]

Two things I noticed and didn't comment on is the way the video varies from unsaturated colors to very saturated which make everything pop. Also Saiki was a dancer, along with being a singer and model, before Band-Maid and mentioned in interviews that she continued to take dance lessons. That ability has always contributed to her stage presence and in this video it really shines.

[@septimusseverus7237]

I have just listened to the Bluray video version of "From now on" for an unreasonnable number of times. I ended up thinking I don't remember me having heard anything as stunning as this compact piece of music, from all the rock bands I have ever listened to and loved over the past 40 years. It may be an overstatement resulting from a late exaggerated enthusiasm of an old man but it certainly does not mean I am minoring any other bands' creations. It is simply that I personnally have never been musically such overwhelmed by a group until I found the existence of these ladies. "From now on" is a classical piece of musical art.

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

Thanks again from Japan 有難う💛。This MV was filmed at a famous stone quarry located in Ibaraki prefecture, north of Tokyo. Kanami was very scared when she stood near the brink of the cliff but she could defy the fear once cameras started to capture her playing scene. [source : Gekirock news] "Influencer" was played on Sep.7 at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo in Band-Maid's pre-US concert as the 13th song and that was the premiere (live debut). Just so you know, I witnessed it at the venue ヽ(^o^)丿. Uh oh, don't say "lucky you!" 😜

[@RyanMear]

ラッキー

[@larryhoopingarner6445]

Lol,I won't, we maidiacs in the U.S. will have our chance soon.

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

@@larryhoopingarner6445 Yeah! That's right, and you guys are in better position, because the audience here was not allowed to shout due to precautions against COVID (I know, I know. We, Japanese, are sometimes too cautions) So we swallowed our voices. What we could do was only pumping our arms vigorously to commands by Saiki and Miku that ended up with a sore shoulder in the morning after🤣

[@RyanMear]

I wonder if it wouldn't be better if we had the same rules, but getting Americans to be quiet seems an impossible task!

[@tommyfinn5977]

Ryan, I believe what you have to say about Bandmaid, they do make us musically smarter that's why I love them so much, they make us want to write and play music like we have never done before.🍻

[@waynebenedict5785]

I'm in the absolutely loving this song crowd! The video is great! MISA and Kanami are on fire in this! Love the new outfits! While I'm not a rap fan, Saiki doing a little snippet of that type of vocal is just enough! Love Miku's continuation of Saiki's long note! The small Pigeon has found her niche! Akane is dead on through this whole song!

[@kevinlane7555]

Agree with everything you just said

[@manifesto52]

Play twice before listening. It's a great way to avoid making quick, regrettable judgements about new music you're encountering for the first time.

[@ThouDailyBlab]

Misa for the win in the most awesome guitar shot of the year! Loved this song straight off the bat in one listen. Their dual vocals is brilliant. Best band in decades.

[@yerayortiz7285]

From the creators of "Don't dilly-dally" and "Dan dan di-di dan dan" here it comes "Hunky-dory day~", a brand new phrase to get drilled right into your brain. With a repetition of four times each time they say it you can be a 100% sure the words will come into your mind at the most unexpected moments of your daily life: While working, taking a shower, buying groceries and even when taking a sh*t. The effects will last until you here the next catchy phrase from Band-Maid, which is most probably gonna be tomorrow. Talk about influencing. "What a great band" -Ryan Mear, maidiac

[@zolitoth2458]

Here in Budapest (Hungary), everyone already knows what "Hunky-dory day" is. But on the street for sure...

[@zerenityzerene4410]

The rap part is a part I always have to repeat because of how good it is! It is one of my favorite parts in the song :) BANDMAID does not miss !!!

[@Kissthetoad321]

Hi Ryan. Great comments. A new BM song must be listened to several times in a row because it has a lot of complexity. All Maidiacs know this. It's impossible at the first listen to say "Oh, no, I don't like it". Influencer has so many layers given by Kanami, Akane, and Misa that it's ridiculous. I'm not only thinking of the music but also of the singing of Saiki and Miku. The contribution of rap by Saiki is not new. Personally, I don't like rap. But Saiki is an exceptional singer and she manages to make me appreciate her way of rapping. I am not an idiot who follows BM blindly or a fanatic who is hypnotized by the Maids. It takes me time to enjoy songs or albums. But since I listen to BM, I am constantly impressed by their talents and their evolution, album after album like the greatest groups in the history of rock of which they are a part. Thank you very much Band Maid.

[@silentwood207]

How about Misa’s new look! She’s awesome! Bet she’s got some pockets on the inside of that jacket for a couple flask’s. Lol

[@GaryHolloway-810]

I'm giving you a like here cos i scrolled thru the 1K+ comments on B-M's channel & missed you somewhere. I can't be doing all that again.🤷‍♂️

[@GeographRick]

I like her and the rest of their new costumes. I don’t really comment about their appearance because the music is what’s more important. But seeing Miss in person (standing 6-8 feet away). I was obviously impressed with everything she was doing on her bass, but she is gorgeous in person.

[@user-kb4qu4di4q]

I can't help writing about this place . I know well this ,Because near my house . I go to entrance of Ishikiri sanmyaku by my bicycle sometimes. Their dazzling face by sunlight and reflector board or electric light. (watch thin shadow ) For this reason ,(of course some pc processing) I think this is real , not CG. I'm so happy Band- maid came to my home town and took this video . I'm sorry , this is not related to music .

[@Kissthetoad321]

I know flooded quarries near my home (that have been transformed into a public bathing place) but like this, never. This place is so beautiful. Wild and beautiful. Thank you for your information.

[@user-kb4qu4di4q]

@@Kissthetoad321 お風呂になったのは、いいと思います。 ここは、あまり有名ではありません。 ありがとうございました。

[@Kissthetoad321]

@@user-kb4qu4di4q I wash myself every day. 🤣 This beautiful place must remain as it is.

[@user-kb4qu4di4q]

@@Kissthetoad321 Thank you . I think so too .

[@peterz4427]

I just finished listening to the new EP and as usual each track is great, including Influencer. But wait until you hear the rest, especially the first and last tracks, I literally had to pick my jaw off the floor. I love Hate? (You'll know what I mean soon) Keep up the good work and thank you for what you do!

[@jwoodjapan]

Yeah, first and last tracks, I'm going to add "I'll" in with there for its beautiful chorus. I want to know the background to "Hate" though.

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

Thanks Ryan, great reaction as always. Band-Maid are better than ever. I love their old stuff a lot, but I like the new stuff even better. They all shine bright, and I stick with that.

[@jenniferread7562]

I love it.. just a different aspect to their music.. hunky dory day ☀️😆❤️

[@shabbo84]

I'd say that "new sound" comes predominantly from Kanamis pedalboard and harmonizer pedal. We could hear it in the past (Different, Blooming) but not as often as today. I prefer guitar sound with as little effects as possible, like "good 'ol days" where tone/volume knob on your guitar was all you needed to get different sounds out of an amp. I would LOVE to head this new songs done without guitar effects. That being said this song is up there with Corallium and Unleash it's awesome.

[@surfingasongwave]

MISA is a special bassist. Have a hunky-dory day!

[@ernestrimbeck7630]

Kanami solo sounded like Unleash a little Love the low end part of Misa's solo That deep low end tone sounds so good

[@geoffb5]

Having watched this video north of 30 times now since it came out and I can say I never tire of it, gorgeous music and video. And for all those putting out reactions to the entire EP, sorry I'm not watching any reactions until after my copies get here on Friday via DHL from CD Japan.

[@patrickmagrady3563]

Absolutely love this song!!!!!

[@larryhoopingarner6445]

We love you Ryan and thank you, your reaction is what I was waiting for,passing by the other reactors I follow, midwest birds flock together I guess, the rap comments I kind of understand, what I seen on a group I'm in was stuff like no cohesion in their new music, huh? and a couple of not melodic at all, huh? I'm thinking are you listening to the same song I am,of course there are always "die hard fans" I've seen time and time again through the years that rebel against a new direction a band goes,what they don't understand is these people are artists they can not,will not record pretty much the same music from 5 or 6 years ago or 20 years ago,sorry for the rant,I love their new music.

[@technopsychobedlam]

The second half of this song is literally peak Band Maid. It's amazing

[@785boats]

Yeah. That's one of my favorite things too, where Miku extended that long note of Saiki's. It's just so Hunky Dory.

[@jwoodjapan]

Although I'm not a fan of "Anime Rock" like Sense/Corallium/Hibana, I like this song. I just like the other songs on the new EP better, though, especially "from now on" "I'll" and "HATE?" I started liking this one once I understood the lyrics and how they were putting down all the social media crap. Yeah, "surrender love . . ." that's what you've got to do in this new transactional world. The ironic "hunky dory day" is great as well. I like a more socially conscious Band-Maid. It suits them.

[@jeffaube]

Haven’t read through all of the comments, but I just love the one-line a capella bit that Saiki does near the end; you can really hear the incredible tone of her singing voice.

[@MaartenT]

I agree, I do really like that part as well. Her voice sounds really good there.

[@steveroe3887]

I would love to see your set wish list for their show. So far, I have over 50 and refuse to make it shorter.

[@RyanMear]

......yep

[@thunderchild7137]

Always gonna be there for your BM reactions. Your love for The Maids matches mine. P.S. Really like Misa's new look. Just thought she looked bada** before.

[@erikpedersen7977]

October 12th in Seattle in Neptune Theater is so close. Had tickets since April.

[@nomojet9495]

who would've thought the words "hunky dory day" sounds so bad ass ..

[@michaelebert9163]

I swear I watched some influencer who always closed their show with that phrase... it's the perfect goofy catchphrase someone would use.

[@paulpetersen879]

In 1 song Band Maid has brought back hunky dory

[@RyanMear]

LOL

[@lordvorador5735]

I fucking LOVE this song! IMO it is the best "new BAND-MAID" (Sense single & beyond) song I've heard BY FAR! Out of the EP... it's probably 2nd to "I'll", but I don't really consider that one a "new" BAND-MAID track because I think that one was for us old heads... almost like an Unseen World lost track but definitely the strong Hard Rock vibe that has been missing in much of their new stuff.

[@omdtdz]

The timing on the drums in this is just awesome.

[@tamotsuish]

Thanks so much nice reaction! Here is a real place in Japan!

[@3364dean]

one of the big takeaways i have about this song, besides MISA's mic drop solo, the actual lack of compression. for the first time in a long while, i can actually hear everything. The highs arent cut off like in the past and the lows don't feel flat. you can actually hear everthing clearly in all its brightness. and again,,,that MISA Solo,,,,,DAMN!!! there is a reason she is a goddess in my eyes lmao.

[@larryhoopingarner6445]

The Bass Goddess,I like that,I have called Kanami the PRS Enchantress on some of my social posts,so I I'll start calling MISA, the Black Cloud Goddess,nice comment man.

[@1RacerXer]

I was thinking the same thing! I thought I was just imagining it. It just sounded so "clean" to me. I guess that's what it is.

[@bobespirit2112]

Completely agree. The over-compression of much of their recent catalog is gone and it’s a revelation to hear their studio versions the way they should be. I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t the band members themselves pushing back on the “professional” record label mix/mastering folks to reduce the compression.

[@RyanMear]

So... how do we have so many people saying the exact opposite things about compression and this album?

[@3364dean]

@@RyanMear not sure. i just noticed the difference in the sounds as i do have hearing issues i have to have really sensative headsets so i can hear all the highs and lows better. and this one just sounds sooo different, the sounds are brighter, the lows dont sound as flat as they usually do. its just an all around better listening experiance for me. dont get me wrong i love all their stuff, but compression on the last 2-3 albums have hampered them a bit.

[@EndlessWaltz-ml5xo]

Something on a different note, fun live guitar battle with Shinji Wajima(人間椅子)Ningen Isu vs Kanami (BAND-MAID) ...kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXqze4h-a5iiotU Enjoy!!!

[@ethangospodareck]

For all the technicality, even the solos both had the vocal melodies.

[@user-tn3wb3zl3b]

Ryan ate! Greetings after a bleedin' typhoon finally left us to be blessed by a Band Maid hurricane! The feeling was the same with Warning. They take you by the... and invite you to decipher their new song/composition/creation! Some fans might not like it because they sunk into an image of their own making like so many infantile fans found on the many Facebook groups. Probably, what they find most difficult to accept is that they have become very adult and are not afraid to play in your face. They have climbed another almost unexpected notch and every true fan should be delighted into re-discovering them again and again! Interestingly enough, almost nobody mentioned anything about their new "battle gear/costumes", hairstyles (Akane and Misa, and even Kanami have become truly exciting women! So feminine and so aggressive!) and general looks. e.g. I never understood why people call Misa the barefoot assassin... she is a real black dragon backed up by a grinning goblin striking her drums! Last but not least, superb reaction from your part! So thankful for t! Best regards, Robert-Gilles

[@Kissthetoad321]

Salutation de France, ami. You know very well that talking about their appearance could be taxed as fetishism by some opponents or anti-Maidiacs.🤣For me, I find that the one who has gained in beauty, by abandoning her bangs (sa frange), is undoubtedly Misa. And his new uniform gives him a Dark Elf bearing. All that's missing is a bow, quiver and arrows. Gorgeous. I love Akane's long hair but she doesn't have a goblin face.😁And Mincho looks more and more like an angel with bits of black demon. I hope you didn't suffer too much from the typhoon. I told him that there were, unfortunately, missing people and a lot of damage in Japan. Amicales pensées.

[@RyanMear]

Good to hear from you! Glad you're okay!

[@user-tn3wb3zl3b]

@@Kissthetoad321 Cher Gerard, greetings after a typhoon and now with some more clement and col weather! There was less damage than expected and only a few casualties. It has been slightly exaggerated by lazy non-Japanese media who merely translated Japanese reports instead of properly investigating! I totally agree with you. Now my comparison of Akane to a goblin has to be taken within the the frame of Japanese mythology: Generally speaking goblins/oni come in good and bad spirits. Thunder is represented in Japan by goblins striking giant drums in the clouds. Akane would take it a compliment! Amicales pensées. Robert-Gilles

[@thisismadness6962]

I've been wanting them to incorporate more hip hop. Makes a great switch-up so that the solos in the bridge really punch out. Adding Hip hop elements to the second verse of some songs can do the same thing for the chorus. The second chorus can really slam. It's similar to how they sometimes drop everything out for a few bars before the final chorus. Whatever, I agree that this is awesome.. (And that Akane and Saiki look amazing.)

[@alanstamper4345]

Miku’s and Saiki’s combined singing has evolved to be probably the best I’ve ever heard. That probably should not be a surprise. Before, for me the instruments stood out first and the singing came second! Now their voices stand out to me as much as the instruments, just excellent.

[@TheChampOfMedium]

yooo who is this they're pretty sick like what???

[@kibs]

Yoooo you should check out this band, if you like K-POP you'll like this 😂😂😂😂

[@RyanMear]

You should check out more of them!

[@bartyslattfast]

New Mearwear t shirt TFB, with the maids silhouette, just that, TFB😊

[@arminthielen8570]

I love the Rap Part ... maybe thats why I am so into Hanabie . Great Track ... " from now on " Instrumental is sooooo good So glad they put an Instrumental on the EP. Just need Onset on an Album .

[@dragonmac1234]

I like the Sai-Chan rap, and the "hold my beer" moment between Misa and Kanami is great (although as a bass guy I could listen to Misa play all day). Band-Maid are getting better with each new song.

[@Aaronacer]

Great job Ryan. You go above and beyond.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

I'm giving you a like Aaron. I can't have you going unrecognised after i read Miku's lyrics.😏

[@Aaronacer]

@@GaryHolloway-810 I'm setting myself up purposefully, but what Miku lyrics are you talking about (and have a hunky-dory day?.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@Aaronacer Haha. No you're ok Aaron. After reading the lyrics about people so desperately wanting to be liked & recognised on social media i decided you really did need to be recognised as one of those who doesn't seek it but deserves it after the amazing offer you made me. Then i thought you might not want me to blurt it out on YT so i thought better of it. You're still the man tho.....regardless of what they all say.🤣 Soz i so nearly got to the end without writing something silly :)

[@Aaronacer]

@@GaryHolloway-810 ahh thank you. Any time my friend!

[@ricklarsen7189]

What’s not to love about this? Saiki looks so devilishly playful. If someone told me that MISA rode into this quarry on a flathead hard tail with a 30” springer I’d say “Duh, of course she did!” God I love this band. 🤘😎

[@marcinsmogorzewski9091]

i fking love it, and i feel like its their best song yet, and i loved every other one before.

[@T0asTy1]

i can already hear the entire crowd singing "hunk dory day" especially at the end. cant wait for october

[@kevinlane7555]

October 9 for me

[@ltrskltr]

October 14th, San Francisco!

[@denislavgeorgiev7826]

Not sure if the croud will like this song.

[@GR-M3]

I don't like normal Rap very much, but this "Saiki-Talk" is just gorgeous!

[@paulpetersen879]

Brother I can't get that damn hunky dory day out of my head. It is on repeat and driving me crazy..

[@RyanMear]

Just enjoy it!

[@eaglez1901]

Just finished listening to all the tracks. Gotta say...for me...the best 2 tracks on first listen are I'll and Hate. I like all of them for different reasons but those 2 stand out as the ones I think will sound the best live.

[@bandsublime9462]

I like this song more I listen to. If you stick with old school which is great but reminiscing something. Bandmaid’s newer songs tell me to open my eyes to “unseen world”. Looking forward to your reaction of “from now on” MV on your Patreon.

[@rocotocloc]

What can i say about Band-Maid that's haven't said before?, they're on fire and doing whatever they want, and that's certainly something to celebrate Influencer is a bit more on the playful side of the EP, just like Unleash!!!!!. Catchy choruses with easily recognizable words to singalong and having fun... so much fun that you can actually forget how incredibly complex this compositions are

[@RyanMear]

Yes yes yes

[@neo-yk7pi]

The lyrics this time are different from before, so it's very interesting. For example, words that are currently popular or Tokyo dialect. I think it was Miku who thought of it.

[@symphonysoup]

I've completely given up trying to find words to explain why Band-Maid is so damn good anymore... lol it still doesnt feel real, we dont deserve them. 😆

[@jamie.norris]

Liked,.commented and strapped in before Mear presses play!

[@Greg-om2hb]

KANAMINCHO: Never Stop Never Stopping! Hunky dory day, indeed.

[@jordank2028]

The "rap" part reminds me of some slipknots verses in their earlier stuff. This song is also the farthest thing from a rap song. It's damned if you do damned if you don't. People complain when a band changes up their sound at the same time would complain if you kept the sound the same.

[@Mikupigeon]

When I googled the origin of Hunky Dory, I found that David Bowie has an album called Hunky Dory, since Saiki likes DB, I wonder if this is one of the reasons as to why Miku uses Hunky Dory in the lyrics.

[@geoffb5]

Probably my favorite Bowie album.

[@steveleathers2630]

Hey there Ryan, I absolutely love this song and I enjoy your (and all the GG) reactions. As for the song I think the talented and charming young ladies of Band-Maid have done it again. The song, the video, and their musicianship was all top notch and amazingly entertaining from start to finish. As great as the song is I did however have one interesting personal observation. I’m not sure if anyone else had a similar impression of “Influencer” but I did pick up a vibe that made me think of a prog rock companion piece to Cluppo’s song Pogo, especially lyrically. (and I did watch them back to back to confirm that impression) PS Ryan, If I see you in the VIP section at their show I promise to ignore you😉 LOL

[@Kissthetoad321]

Hi, Steve. I think it's normal that Cluppo is an "influence" on Miku, right?😉

[@RyanMear]

You'll ignore me! LOL

[@steveleathers2630]

@@RyanMear , Yeah, 😂, I caught your comment on the GG stream for “influencer” about everyone fucking messaging you that they would see and greet you at the shows (or something to that effect) PS Ryan, I am Canadian and I generally follow in our tradition of giving celebrities their space and you and the rest of the GG gang are definitely in that realm to many of the “Maidiacs”

[@Triangularroof]

I blew involuntarily at a mischievous face like SAIKI. Chromatic gallops have been the rhythm of life for some time now.

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

Speaking of the scenery, it looks like the cover art from the EP. I'm sure if I went swimming there I'd get a brain-eating amoeba or awaken Gamera or something bad like that. Yeah, Akane is a pretty lady, and I love her in this one when she's rolling on the floor tom and bass drum. Regarding the rap part, it reminds me of one of the verses from "No God." I think it's the second verse of that song; it's right before Kobato says "I'm greeting an angel. How are you doing?" It's got that same bouncy cadence here as it does there, it's just more prominent here.

[@Mythricia1988]

Everyone was joking about Saiki rapping after the rapid-fire Blooming vocals. And here we are; Saiking rapping. I know it's a music video and a lot of their gesturing is directed; but I think there's a lot of honesty in Saikis grinning face during that part - she loves it, haha. It's also hilarious in a way, I don't really know why or how to put my feelings into words, but that part makes me laugh with joy every time. What a great song. So different, as usual... Yet also, unmistakably Band-Maid. PS. Can we talk about Misa's new "look"? I am legit stunned.

[@Greg-om2hb]

MISA permed her hair last year. Check out her Instagram.

[@Running-withscissors]

Everything Ryan said.. is a yup on this. That RAP thing was great to address.

[@TJ-gs2sy]

Saiki's rap hooked me the most in this song. I really yearn for this kind of thing for a very long long time (i think im feeling Champ LOL) and glad they really did that.

[@jenniferread7562]

Annnd.. I love Saikis deeper voice 😁 guitars and drums.. happy

[@Jo72-c4x]

ROCK QUARRY. Of cause they filmed it in a rock quarry because BAND-MAID is the Rock Quarry 😄

[@chakouyang2545]

The rap part is great people just need to listen closely

[@grahamreed8774]

Hi Ryan. A few thoughts on this and Band-Maid songs post Unseen World. Their recent compositions have deffinately moved their music into their own unique genre. Saiki has said recently that she enjoyes singing songs with faster lyrics ie rapping style, which I like. Unfortunately, the one thing that most fans comment on is how far back in the mix Kanami's guitar has been getting. This has not been helped by the current thin tone that she has adopted recently as opposed to a thicker classic rock tone of earlier songs. Having said all that, this is another great song for them. Looking forward to my EP arriving in the next day or so. This EP may be best listened to right through as opposed to the idividual tracks in reactions. This is a bit like the EP from Cluppo, which sounded much better listerned to as a whole rather than some of the individual tracks.

[@normanweaver7935]

They've uploaded the EP in the playlists section of their YT channel. Four more previously unreleased songs at roughly the same time as the "influencer" video. Judging by the view count, it's gone largely unnoticed

[@erikpedersen7977]

To be honest, it took me a couple listenings to appreciate it

[@cembor]

As awesome as MISA's solo is in this song the level of sass that Saiki is throwing out, especially in her "rap" section is equally as awesome. I love this video and this song.

[@septimusseverus7237]

I may be wrong but I get the feeling the Unleash EP is the overfull progressive production of the Unseen World album. The EP songs were probably brewed by the band within the same batch which partially would eventually end up being in the UW album. But they had to decide at one point to release them as a separate extra EP, solely at the purpose of releasing the UW album with a balanced mix of classical and progressive songs. Ths is why some early adopters of Band-Maid, the lovers of their classic rock period, might have been taken aback by this sound breaking EP. That's totally understandeable. But no other japanese bands, and probably any other current bands, deliver such a complex, original, progressive style of music. I personnally love listening to bands such as Nemophila and Lovebytes, but they simply do not compare with BM in terms of musical creativity. Just the first instrumental "From now on" is a chef-d'oeuvre, a masterpiece in itself.

[@gordonbell8728]

GR8 reaction bro!!! Just an FYI..... Saiki is NOT RAPPING!!!! She's talking fast. I lived in Japan for 5 years and Japanese language can sound "sing-songy" when they start speaking fast and it can sound like rapping to the "western" ear 👂. Otherwise GR8 stuff bro!!! I Love this song 🎵 And I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE LADIES!!!! Particularly Miku my little pigeon!!! And BTW the Japanese language has no differentiation between pigeon and dove!!! Both of which are the same genus, doves are small pigeons!!! And if you look at the part in Unleash where Miku jumps up and turns into a "pigeon" the pigeon is white Otherwise in western terminology a 🕊 dove!!! Keep Rocking bro!!!!!

[@RyanMear]

I air quoted the rap part, because I feel the same. It's just a rhythmic vocal

[@musgrave6886]

how could the hapless competition ever catch up when our beloved fab maids keep on moving the goal posts? and i'd like to think that's saiki on vocalese if not rapping. now that's a nifty t-shirt you have on right there. cheers!

[@davidcanty7903]

Love that they give Misa time to shine.

[@normanweaver7935]

and she was incandescent

[@yolandria]

MISA always get time to shine. She is the perfect counterpoint to Kanami.

[@BMfansince2020]

​@@yolandria That's great point being counter point. But if you think about it, Saiki is counter part of Miku in term of tone of voice. Also think about their costume coloars. Misa black vs Kanami white, Saiki black vs Miku white. Maybe I am late getting this contrast strategy of Miku from start? WOW.

[@paulpetersen879]

Have a hunky dory day Maidiacs!

[@FirenSolaris]

This song I need 4 to 5 times listen to for getting into it. At the beginning it was unfamiliar and strange.

[@hitokiriizo]

Ryan's the best kind of influencer....he's not one.

[@Kissthetoad321]

The message is a ironic but pragmatic critique of the danger of social media addiction. However, we do know that Miku is a regular tik-toker LOL. IMO, this video gives a sense of self-mockery to the Maids, filmed in dazzling light from the heights, like deities atop Olympus. This shows on the one hand a lot of humility and simplicity and on the other hand a great sense of humor. Music and singing are a sum of the best of their talents that the Maids are able to provide to make this song a masterpiece. Fantastic.

[@redj59]

another awesome different style song - the solos were great - MISA MISA MISA

[@Ohrenje]

"This fucking band man"... yeah ... again ...

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Well, Fuck me, you swore Ohrenje. Shocked i am.😮

[@Ohrenje]

@@GaryHolloway-810 haha I'm just quoting a wonderful person

[@ismeahlim]

The obvious influence you have done: Shut up... Kanami is speaking

[@topographic1973ify]

I heard this this morning when it premiered and then a bunch of times hearing reactions all day long. Sounds like Miku is getting pushed forward more in the mix. Akane is there, as usual, but slightly quieter. There seems to be more of a focus on the vocals. I could have used about three times as much Misa. Beautiful scenery. I got a kick out of Saiki's snotty sounding rap bit, attitude. Kanami was great in the background and then she came forward. Loved the song's message. I actually really liked Miku's harmonizing the rap. Loved the song overall. Look at me.😁

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!!!!!

[@PaulEngineer]

Still loving it!