"Shambles" by BAND-MAID Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

[@outwest1014]

When MISA was asked who their producer was, she answered Miku. Here are 2 reviews of their performance at Lallapalooza: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES The Japanese rock act is the quintessential example of not judging a book (or a band) by its cover. Inspired by everyone from Carlos Santana to Deep Purple and Smashing Pumpkins, but looking like demure movie characters, Band-Maid is a total exploration of contrast, and about as shock rock as you can be nowadays - not for the blood and gore of, say, GWAR, but for the immediate hypnosis they impart. - Selena Fragassi ROLLING STONE Japanese Rockers Band-Maid Put Guitar Center Showoffs to Shame There’s a pun to be made about how much Band-Maid ripped, but the Japanese group goes even harder than that. Fluctuating between hard rock, aughts nu-metal, and pop rock, each member of the quintet is a virtuoso in her own right with more than a decade of practice in Band-Maid alone. They lured curious onlookers into the fold when highlights like “Domination” and “Don’t You Tell Me” got huge reactions from the crowd, but it was the bass solo-versus-guitar solo duels mid-song that got the biggest cheers. This is what those guys in Guitar Center think their ridiculous riffing sounds like. Turns out it’s done best, and most effortlessly, by women in black-and-white maid dresses and frilly hair-pieces as they smile ear to ear. -N.C.

[@fifis677]

MISA (bassist) is one of the focal points of this band. She's almost always featured in every song, and there's a reason for it. The thing is that everybody has their moment in this band. They've been making music in a way where NOBODY is left out.

[@craigfenson]

'one of the five' focal points. 😊

[@brunobryant4846]

I tried copying Akane's kick patterns and anyhow after the paramedics revived me in their van and made me promise to not be so stupid in the future I solemly went home .... cracked a beer and had another go ...... anyhow after the paramedics revived me in their van .... And that gorgeous girl Akane does it so creatively, precisely and with a smile that just melts ya ..... Hmmmm time for another go I reckon 🤪🍻🥁🚑 what a fcken band Po 🎉

[@StrateleStudios]

😂🤣😂 this made my night! 😂😂😂

[@brunobryant4846]

@@StrateleStudios 😄 you smooth talker you just got another sub 🤪

[@StrateleStudios]

@@brunobryant4846 hahaha thanks man!

[@andrewwiggin]

If you get the opportunity...go see them live. They're amazing! One thing I want to point out about their live performance....Saiki is an absolutely magnet performer. She completely controls the audience. I have seen so many bands with good singers...but they don't have the presence to truly front the band . Saiki owns the stage.

[@fifis677]

Doesn't seem like Miku has any problems controlling the crowd either. :p

[@htgoodcheer]

これは本当にそう思う。彼女たちのライブに行く前はMisaやKanamiを見たいと思っていたけど、実際にライブに行ったらSaikiから目が離せなくなる。 Saikiのカリスマ性は生とビデオではまったく違うので、ぜひいろんな人にライブに行って感じてもらいたい。

[@fifis677]

Understandable. She's gorgeous and she commands the most respect from what I've seen in the live recordings of their shows.@@htgoodcheer

[@佐々木幸司-i2b]

@@htgoodcheer 貴重なコメントget👍

[@DavidSutton-j5t]

PHENOMENAL. 👍🤩🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@Pit_Wizard]

There's a lot to say about this track, but maybe my favorite thing is how the drums absolutely THUNDER through the mix. Warms my little percussionist heart 🥹

[@RobinC63]

One thing I love about Band-Maid, as well as the other thousand things, is that they are doing their own thing. Musically they are doing things no other band is and they are nailing it. Sure each member has musical influences but individually and collectively they are unique!

[@rikimarudonchelie1229]

Their freedom sets them on a high & unique different path of sounds which they choose to make & create with no restraints...plus their camaraderie as a band is more than bonds which is manifested on the nuisances of music they can play & pull together.

[@bobcieslinski]

Awesome one Jeff!!! Fantastic song, it blew me away when I first heard it.

[@StrateleStudios]

Ya, this is a killer tune!

[@MusicMike747]

Thank you Jeff for keeping Band Maid in your rotation. They are immensely creative and have as diverse a catalog as any of the greatest bands of history. As a musician and music nerd, I truly appreciate your deeper analysis and insight. (It’s not that common in the reactor space) “Blooming” has been mentioned in the comments. It’s one of their most complex, layered and dynamic compositions to date. The word “masterpiece” gets used quite a bit.

[@StrateleStudios]

Thank you my friend! 😊🫶

[@danjoseph7515]

If you want to guarantee that they continue the trend of outdoing themselves every time you watch them, check out the clip of them performing Dice and Hate at Lollapalooza earlier this year. Misa (Bass) and Mincho (Kanami, Lesd Guitar) both let it all show in an EPIC call n response section that will blow your mind! Thanks again for another great reaction! 🤘🤩🤘

[@topographic1973ify]

Watch Lalapalooza 2023 DICE/HATE (two songs).

[@surfingasongwave]

This is the ending theme for the second season of the Japanese anime series Kengan Ashura. You should look at the music video for *"Sense,"* which is the opening theme for the Japanese anime series Platinum End, or *"Puzzle"* from the Tokyo Garden Theater serving from January 9, 2023.

[@albertcornett7408]

The latest song I have listened to by Band Maid is always my favorite song. I saw them in Phoenix last October and yes they rocked.

[@garylai363]

That is the face of a Band-Maid appreciator. Hope you do more of their songs!

[@StrateleStudios]

😃😃😃

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

More Band Maid !!!!!!!! Please !!!!!! The writing and musicianship is second to none !!!!

[@神農さんSin-no-san]

MISA⇒裸足の刺客(ha-da-shi・no・shi-ka-ku) means barefoot assassin.🎸from Tokyo Japan⛩️

[@fultonbenjamin9022]

So, for the past few months, after watching a lot of live Band-Maid videos throughout the states, I've been catching up on new live Lovebites videos. This is my first video coming back to Band-Maid, and OMG!! There really is no comparing my two favorite Japanese bands! They are just so different! I'm a lead guitarist/songwriter and producer. The talent that exist in Lovebites is nothing short of amazing, unfair and even unnatural, at times. However, this band has something that doesn't come with rehearsal or skill, they just have that superstar "IT" factor, whatever that is! If I had to pick one concert to attend, I believe, as much as I love, love, love Lovebites, I would go see these ladies. Like U2, and other legendary bands, Band-Maid looks like and experience, not just a show. People, this is really as good as it gets!

[@JuanSan66]

Excellent!. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think you haven't seen your singer live yet (so far I've followed you on From Now On, Onset and Shambles). I think you would greatly enjoy Saiki live. There are several live shows on the band's official channel, the most common one to watch a fantastic performance by the ladies is Domination. Thank you!.

[@StrateleStudios]

I'll check it out!

[@jkkansasband7056]

Nice reaction. Check out the Awesome MV for WARNING for more pyro and car crashes and your new favorite song. Then it just escalates after that. That's not hyperbole. Peace. 23.6

[@k3w1b3an5]

Wow I'm early. Love your reactions. I always prefer hearing knowledgeable people that really know music.

[@StrateleStudios]

I appreciate that!

[@tamotsuish]

Thanks so much nice reaction! I hope you`ll enjoy BAND-Maid! How about From now on for the next song.

[@jjo154]

Always enjoy and appreciate your reactions and analyses, Jeff.

[@StrateleStudios]

I appreciate that!

[@fernandoloya6325]

Hi just subbed and liked your channel SS ,thank you for sharing -this is actually an aneme ending song to a netflix aneme called season 2 Kegan Acura love it

[@sharksarecool6717]

You are awesome. LOVE your reaction! If you wanna check out some more on band-maid, there's something I call a "beginner playlist": Domination (live), Play (live), Blooming, NO GOD (live - most recent video, from 9 months ago), FREEDOM (live), Dice/Different (live). A lot of their songs feature pronounced bass lines, but if you want a bass-heavy song, there's Manners/Black Hole (live, 2 songs. Manners is bass-heavy and Black Hole is...a literal musical black hole). All of the aforementioned songs are their somewhat older songs (and all on their official channel), but if you want to check out their newer songs, any from the new EP Unleash is absolutely amazing (including From Now On, which you have already checked out). One of their newer songs, Corallium, is generally agreed by the community to be their "best", as in, the most band-maidy song they have written. It also features some very cool bass. But honestly, I think you can just check out anything at random lol.

[@StrateleStudios]

🫶

[@tamotsuish]

Agree! We can`t choose one song.

[@waynebenedict5785]

Seen them four times live and Band-Maid does not disappoint!

[@donaldcharbonneau537]

Great reaction. Please do the "Manners and Black hole" or the "official" music video for the song "Blooming" next.

[@philcalvino884]

Thanks for your commentary and continued support, Jeff. Your channel is great for its diversity (which is one of the reasons I like Band-Maid as well). Band-Maid's core sound is hard rock, but then they take it in all sorts of directions. A few great Band-Maid songs that highlight their range of music making would be Wonderland, Gion-Cho (their April Fools side project "Band-Maiko"), and Catharsis (acoustic).

[@StrateleStudios]

I appreciate that!

[@interstellardave]

I saw Band Maid last October… one of the best concerts I’ve been to, and I’ve seen groups like Rush, Kansas, Iron Maiden, Yes, etc., over my many years. Band Maid is in the same category as all-time great bands, IMO. Aside from The Warning they are the only current rock group I have any interest in seeing live. I couldn’t get to a show this year but hopefully next year again!

[@bradmenpes809]

They are the best band on the planet ... and have been so for many years now.

[@VegetaRabbit]

It's hard to recommend BAND-MAID songs because there are so many good ones that your comment turns into a book. I'll limit myself to one, the song "Blooming (Official Music Video)". About a year ago in an online bracket competition, it beat out 63 other BAND-MAID songs to win, so it must be pretty good.

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

Thank you for reacting to Shambles by Band-Maid. Akane is something else when it comes to drumming, MISA on bass, Saiki on vocals (main singer and lyrics), Miku on guitar and vocals (mail lyricist and singer), and finally Kanami on guitar. Kanami composes most of their songs and also does backing vocals. When a new song is created, Kanami sends the tracks to the others for their input. When it's time for recording they have all put their stamp on the final product, it's a true team effort where all of them participate 100%. If you get the chance to see them live, do it, like Saiki said 🙂

[@markhansen7998]

Dreaming of a double bill...Band Maid and The Warning Band...with dueling drum solos thrown in...

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Band-Maid has to be one of the smartest bands on the planet. After ten years together they have come to understand what a miracle it is that they all came together as a band, worked through the first couple of rough years, and became the band they wanted to be. They worked hard and smart to get where they are. It always amazes me that whatever they do, you come away with the experience of having seen something new and original. Their songs are tapestries wherein each member weaves their part into and through the song. You always want to give each song multiple listens just so you can focus on what each of them are doing. They're all doing "Band-Maid Stuff" all at once - 5 solos going on simultaneously - there's always a "Prog-Rock" flavor going on at all times because they never play a phrase exactly the same way the next time it comes around. As an aside: Band-Maid has always had a special relationship with Holidays. The Christmas acoustic Okyu-ji, The Valentines Day Feb, 11, 2021 Online Okyu-ji, The New Years Jan. 9, 2023 Tokyo Garden Theater Okyu-ji, and don't forget all their "Day of the Maid" May 10th online Okyu-ji, their own special holiday. I cannot help but believe they have a reason for scheduling the Tenth Anniversary Tour Final on Thanksgiving Day.

[@jeffersoncosgrove1910]

Drums are just vicious on this. 👍

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Yes, Shambles is the Akane show with special guest stars Kanami, MISA, Saiki and Miku. But wait! Was it really the Kanami show, because she wrote the song and played it with such forcefulness and exquisite abandon. Or was it the MISA show because without MISA, the rapturous drive of the song would be a ride on four flat tires. Or was it the Saiki show because she focused the sonic chaos into a song with melodies that could express Miku's lyrics like no other singer could. Without Saiki, Shambles might sound like a familiar instrumental. Or was it the Miku show because, damn, she wrote the lyrics, played the important rhythm parts, and added her unique brand of backup vocals that have become a defining "sixth instrument" of Band-Maid. So exactly whose show was it? It was the Maid's show, as usual! 🤘🎀🤘Thx, Stratele!

[@sugaanessena3143]

We need a White Room video of this. (and especially the Akane version)

[@phaeron]

Welcome to the Great 'Thunder Buddies Show' presented by drummer Akane Freakin' Hirose and MISA on bass. ⚡🔥 Of course also this time with the special guests, the riff queen Kanami Tōno, the sweetest and most energetic pigeon on this planet, Miku Kobato, and certainly not least the force on the microphone Saiki Atsumi. 🤭 By the way, the name 'Thunder Buddies' is not a creation of ours. As I understand it, Akane and Misa called themselves that a few years ago, and it couldn't be more fitting, could it? A very special duo in a special band. 🤘🏻 Kind regards and big thanks from Germany for the continued support of these ladies! 🙏🏻 _____________________ _"We all may never know what it is to be ourselves"_ - from *Gacharic Spin* -「 Replica 」 🎶✨

[@dennisthemenace671]

Shambles is the closing song for anime Kengan Ashura , the anime is about martial arts fighters , MISA !!! MISA !!! MISA !!! the Barefoot Bass Assassin .

[@johnpaul4784]

Akane is an alien on drums

[@caprise-music6722]

What a great guitar solo.. very musical and interesting. Short but good

[@eaglez1901]

This is definitely a showcase for the Thunder Twins...Akane on drums and Misa on bass

[@franciscojavierfernandezmo1974]

Hay Bandas o artistas de los que con escuchar unas cuantas canciones ya has oído prácticamente todo lo que pueden ofrecer, y Bandas cómo BAND-MAID que habiendo escuchado 15 o 20 temas suyos aún no has escuchado prácticamente nada de ellas. ____________________________________ ¡¡¡¡¡ Welcome to "The MUSIC" !!!!! 🤘🤘¡ ¡ ¡ B A N D M A I D H E A D ! ! !🤘🤘

[@peterkoeppl1186]

Just simply insanely intense

[@chriso6719]

Hey Jeff. Only seen around a dozen from them. My favorite so far, is Thrill, one of their oldest. With Freedom and Dice close behind. And, yeah, Misa's bass is awesome, my favorite part of their music.

[@zer0tzer0]

Yeah, ever since they left the Tokyo School of Music MISA and Akane have been the best rhythm section in the world. BAND-MAID was lucky in that Kanmi had worked with them and put them up for the gig. It's to their credit that they didn't balk at the Maid theme. Like 'Glory', this was another commissioned anime theme song. This one was for the season two closer for the Netflix fighting anime, Kengan Ashura.

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

Well if you liked this try Real Existence LIVE version and Play LIVE version. but you have so many to look forward to !!!!!!

[@kakqu]

GIOVANNI !!!!!🕊🍌🍻☕⚾

[@dbcanada]

Thanks, Jeff. Another banger from BAND-MAID. Love that killer bass tone!

[@MattMeskill]

Check out Rinne

[@MichaelNolen]

Try out their 2019 April Fool's project, "Band Maiko", especially "Gion-cho"

[@Kevin6059]

My sanity would surely be in Shambles without Band-Maid.

[@Magga-f3z]

( ex Nightwish ) Tarja Turunen Numb,Ave Maria Live at Metal Church.

[@boomboom418]

I have to ask your opinion: What is keeping this band from breaking through into the mainstream? It can't just be the language barrier.

[@haraldbernhardt6823]

Too much complexity, too less simple hooky mainriffs like other "Stadium bands" - but somebody like me love it!!!

[@killiansred1000]

Generally bands don’t feature bassists enough. Those other bands don’t have Misa to showcase.

[@outwest1014]

Checked your channel - How about K-Rock (Korea)? Band - Rolling Quartz, "Fearless". New Release, Toured the US this year.

[@jaysonmassey8365]

could you at least let us know when and if you watch the new ren please, he is about to destroy the british charts for an independant artist, no1 currently

[@StrateleStudios]

Will do, maybe I’ll make it a premiere

[@rRobR]

1

[@roumiaou]

(surprisingly, one of my least liked from them, there's something "Maid' lacking imho.)

[@jaymacgee_A_Bawbag_Blethering]

If this was 4 Japanese males would we all be here do you think ? .. I find this band quite banal … songs sound like generic anime theme tunes . 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿