Band-Maid - About Us REACTION & REVIEW! FIRST TIME HEARING!

[@RudiTheMan]

This is what I called a bitter but sweet song, I stumble on Band Maid just few months before Covid, and this song released during my time lying on an ICU bed withy dad, one of us died and this song mark the last week I spend with my dad while he was alive,

[@falconsooner]

Wow...really sorry about your loss. Must have been a very traumatic experience

[@RudiTheMan]

@@falconsooner thanks, it is traumatic but we have to move on, the song is just like a time stamp now, The experience was surreal tho,

[@tonygriffin_]

After a year of being locked down and unable to visit friends and family, hearing this when they released it broke down all my Stoic/stiff upper lip barriers and I let it all out in a flood of tears - and what a feeling of great relief that was. This band did what they could to keep their fans happy and to give themselves the pleasure of performing again when literally every other band stayed at home and did nothing for their fans. Band-Maid did 3 or 4 streamed gigs over 18 months and they were all moving and wondrous and kept many spirits going when they might otherwise not have made it. This song's release saved me at the time and still makes me cry every time I hear it...but in a good way as it's a song of hope and faith in a future for everyone where music can be played and enjoyed and loved again. They were due to play Budokan and I'm amazed that hasn't yet been rearranged for them. Hopefully soon.

[@reesereese2524]

I bought the extended ticket to this live stream . When I first listened to Saiki speaking I was taken aback by the depth of emotion she displayed . Basically she bared her soul for all to see . It was bitter sweet , yet beautiful to witness . For me Saiki at that moment gave the world a view into the mindset of Band-Maid . When I went to view this again at a later date I had a few friends over for bbq . During Saiki's talk I was absent for a bit . Many who were half way paying attention got the others attention and all were silent at the end . I came beck in the house and the question was who is this band .. Band-Maid of course . Only the best rock band of this time .. David I am somewhat sad this is not for you . Being a musician yourself that surprised me . However you paid such close attention to Saiki that can be forgiven . Happy New Year to you and yours .👍

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

Thanks again from Japan 有難う💛 and happy new year! One of seven wonders of Band-Maid is Misa's bass playing. It clearly stands out but never disturbs the vocals by Saiki and Miku. On the contrary, I sometimes feel as if I see a 7-foot tall third singer with beautiful baritone voice singing behind the front women. I came to know that you were not ballad guy when you reacted to No Rain No Rainbow by BABYMETAL 😄. "About US" by Band-Maid is a caress for my ears and I fell in love with this song when I viewed the MV for the first time. At that time I was not one of Madiacs but now I am because Saiki sang "accept someone for who they are". In the pre-US concert on Sep.7 last year, I saw they play this song at the venue. It made me feel that I was accepted as a newbie fan. I am now busy for commuting between Pigeonhole and Foxhole. 🤣 and going to see concerts by B-M and BM this month ヽ(^o^)丿

[@davidcanty7903]

Band Maid did a number of great live shows streamed during the lock downs. It kept the fan based active and engaged.

[@davidcanty7903]

This was a beautiful song to the fans regarding the missed shows and friends during the lock downs.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

"About Us", in the vein of other great mid-tempo Band-Maid songs like Daydreaming, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, Wonderland, Awkward, Start Over, Mirage, At the Drop of a Hat and Smile, is an amazing song and personal message to their fans - a direction I'm glad to see them add to their journey toward world domination. And we get to hear MISA play the vibe she so enjoys. Their beautiful DVD/BD/CD set with 100 page picture book of this incredible concert is unbelievable! Thanks David, for bringing "About Us" to your viewers!

[@falconsooner]

When I saw you were reacting to this I thought "This may not be DH's cup of tea but he will love Misa in this one" I was right! This is a song where the rhythm section is the focus. This song isn't part of my BM regular listening but I do enjoy it when I'm in a mellow mood. Really appreciate your ability to separate how a song hits you emotionally versus the compositional quality of the song when giving your score.

[@kicorse]

Yeah, I had the same thought. Which is good because it meant I wasn't disappointed by the reaction. Honestly, before I discovered Band-Maid I wouldn't have listened past the vocaloids at the start, but I really do love this song now. I listen to it more than some universally loved slower songs like Daydreaming and Anemone. It's a great showcase both for Misa and for Saiki.

[@michaelpalmer3717]

A beautiful song beautifully performed. Saiki's speech, such a delightful speaking voice, shows that Band Maid have something missing in many groups- intelligence. They are mega talented but wholly aware of the importance of the link between themselves and their fans. Who else went to this trouble when they could have just taken a long holiday.

[@megalondonkleuter]

I enjoyed again watching your honest reaction!

[@adamyoung9132]

I love this song and remember playing it on repeat when it came out. I appreciate your opinion though and am not disappointed by the score. Personally, I like when bands have a few slower songs to create some dynamics in their discography.

[@omneil]

Being a fellow bass player. I’ve been in love with Misa. Ever since I first heard her play. And I’m not one for slow songs and ballads. But I like them occasionally. This song I really liked. It put me in a reflective mood. You have fairly good taste in music. I can’t disagree with what you said. Great reaction. Thank you for reacting.

[@JuanSan66]

Great reaction. Band Maid has an acoustic side that it delivers from time to time. And probably that versatility is what most attracts my attention, and now I expect the unexpected. Thank you!

[@smb4903]

They did four or so live online shows during the lock downs and it was interesting seeing them get progressively more comfortable and better at it. This performance was from the last of those shows if I'm not mistaken. Nice to see it getting a great score even if the music style is not your cup of tea.

[@Metal_Auditor]

I think it was from the third one. I know they did at least one a few months after.

[@grahamreed8774]

Misa and Akane were born to play jazz. I'm not sure how but I'd like to see them in a Jazz/Rock fusion band.

[@philproffitt8363]

A gracious score...because you know the intent and execution was bloody decent. This is a Saiki and MISA duet...Saiki giving us real feels and MISA wrapping a warm comforting blanket of bass around Saiki's, and all our, shoulders. Peace David ✌ Nice one Mason ❤🤘

[@Metal_Auditor]

If you watch their stream of the Tokyo Garden Theater performance from this past weekend (which is available until February 8 and I highly recommend, because the setlist was absolutely stacked and they performed everything extremely well), they debuted another ballad similar to this, called "Memorable," in response to the reception that they got during their US tour last fall. I know you aren't a ballad guy, but the fact that they've done this sort of thing twice now is really sweet.

[@cholatse6745]

Honestly, that was a great reaction. I highly respect your honesty, but at the same time being able to watch at a song you don’t like from an objective standpoint and see the greatness of elements you like. In this perspective you score is very accurate. I personally, absolutely love this song … but I have no issues with well crafted ballads 😊 Honesty wins, always. Thanks for this review.

[@Metal_Auditor]

This concert was filmed on February 21, 2021. The night of the Shibuya concert on February 14, 2020, which you've seen multiple videos from (and which was their last in-person pre-covid show), a concert at Budokan on February 21, 2021 was announced to a great deal of fanfare. At least up until the end of 2020 the band was holding out hope that covid would subside and allow the Budokan show to happen. They were intending to introduce this song at that concert, but since they eventually had to cancel it, they chose instead to hold a livestream concert the same night, which is what this video is from. Up to now, they have not played Budokan yet, and nothing there is announced at this point. If I'm not mistaken, they were technically allowed to have the concert at Budokan, but the rules would have required them to limit admission to a fraction of capacity, and fans would not be allowed to shout or sing along (the latter rule seems to still be in place in Japan), and the band felt that it just wasn't worth it.

[@danjoseph7515]

An Absolutely BEAUTIFUL song that gets me every time!🤘😭🤘

[@sendarian]

This is one of my favorite songs from band maid and I did see this live streamed concert when it happened. Have watched 3 of their live steamed concerts, the acoustic one was unreal, I have also seen Babymetal's live stream and Mamamoo live streamed concerts and really it turned out to be a great way for a band to perform live for people, especially for the fact they dont always tour in every city. band maid also did a concert live steamed of a live concert with an audience. I for one hope the these bands keep doing live streamed concerts because many fans will never get to see a live concert otherwise.

[@steven_baconbits]

Great and honest review! Thank you!

[@JoFa876]

A fair review. Not every song is everyone's cup of tea.

[@AngelLWJ]

This was a great beautiful song

[@jagjag3236]

Fair reaction. As you said, you have to appreciate skillful craftsmanship even if you don't like the song. The minimum level of these young ladies' crafts is impressively high.

[@joeking6763]

BAND MAID loves the audience interaction - watch any of their US tour videos.

[@kennogawa6638]

I never realized how eloquent Saiki is when speaking.

[@ernestrimbeck7630]

Not every ballad can be "Close my eyes forever" - Ozzy/Lita or "The Price" - Twisted Sister OMG tell me it's not "Every rose has a thorn" - Poison No No No You're more of a " I'll never let you go" - Steelheart kind of guy If I had to put money on it, the ballad you like is "Beth" - KISS What What Whaaat Nailed It

[@UltraHD.7]

You know, this song isn't about how fast and heavy it can get, how technically difficult, or that the average metal head can bang his head to. It's, like Saiki said, a message, a gift to us (hence the title), the Band-Maid fans, to show, how much they care for us and thinking about us. It's not primarily meant for the common YT reactor (no offense), who might not be a die hard Band-Maid fan, so not being addressed. But it means very much to us. Of course, you're allowed to analyze it on a pure musically standpoint and yet, I still think it's a work of beauty. Saiki DOES light my life up with her voice.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Alas, they have yet to play Budokan. But in Kanami's words, "But, we can do it, one day!"

[@MaartenT]

They did play in a bigger arena last year (Saitama Super Arena), albeit as a support band for Guns 'N Roses and it obviously wasn't filled when they played. I can also image they really want to play in Budokan since it's somewhat of a legendary arena for bands to play in. Let's hope they will get the opportunity to make it happen one day.

[@christopherscottdempwolf5759]

8.4 was the score I guessed you would give 😀 scary, man. I've watched you enough to know you would be objective, and like the song or not, they chose to do a ballad then fully committed to playing what was needed true to Band-Maid style. Personally, it's not one of my favorites either, but I appreciate it and love the sentment behind it.

[@DaRunningManSubs]

Your reaction and review to this is like a total déjà vu of your reaction and review to "Parting" by South Korean Rock group Onewe. 😁 For those who haven't seen it, check out David's video of Onewe's "Parting" from several weeks ago to see what I mean: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6S3dYabZZxla9k

[@DAVID-io9nj]

The message of the song was primary. Instrumentation was not allowed to overshadow that. Band Maid always puts the song first, They are not interested in showing off virtuosity.

[@hiawatha.g]

They actually have this song up as an official MV, from a live stream they did during the height of the pandemic.kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5rGmIl3raiMjJo Thanks in any case for checking this out. What can I say, I love this band and have seen them live twice. Still on my bucket list to see again.

[@rednab2001]

Not a surprising result. I did live gigs for about a decade back in the 80's, and I never met an instrumentalist that liked playing ballads. Instrumentalist play to hear themselves play to the best of their ability, and ballads are typically stripped back musically from what talented people can do. Drummers, bassist and guitarists alike spend a ton of time honing their craft, and to most of them, playing ballads is dumbing down what they can do. Bottom line though, at least in the 80's, power ballads are what sold albums and brought female listeners into rock music. It became so formulaic in the 80's, that you knew that the third song on any album would be a ballad of some kind. In my playing years, I was a singer and was the principal songwriter along with my best friend/guitarist. It was hard to get those guys to slow it down and play something more tasteful.

[@leeredose9192]

As always , a ferry rating , the five women have made so many songs , not everyone can be a hit , although i still think an 8.4 is good 👍 i don t know any other band that is on stage with so much fun and joy , i would like to have them watching live might be a tricky in germany

[@Glynthepin]

I had not realised about the deep impact to the music industry until you explained it. The news and media in the UK had many articles, reports, investigations etc of the impact of Covid on the various industries you mentioned but I don't remember much about live music. I am aware Theatres were badly effected. I hope that people will grasp what you are saying. Your dislike of ballads will more than likely mean that you would not have enjoyed this song. The key thing is you remain objective about the song. I compare it to my dislike of C & W music. If I cant get to an off button or not in control of the music somewhere, I have heard some good songs but I will never tune into a C & W Radio/streaming station. If you have had been requested Daydreaming, by Band Maid, it will be fascinating to see what you make of that song. Glad you picked up[ on Saiki's emotional speech. Bering the sad old man I am, I tear up during the song.

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!!!!! a LOT of people in the community (without actually saying it) agree. Personally I loved it except for the opening and ending synth parts which I thought unnecessary.

[@WayTooLateTV]

Those IEMs are powerful things, man! I've got REALLY good headphones and I couldn't hear the tuning... though, that could have been youtube's compression of your video, too, so, dealer's choice.

[@WayTooLateTV]

I remember the Dropkicks did a "secret location" streamed St. Paddy's Day show during COVID's first year or so, to no audience, that they HAD to keep secret because if they didn't, drunk revelers would show up and beat the doors down to get in. It felt REALLY sterile because, well, it's a Dropkick Murphy's show with NO crowd on St. Paddy's Day.

[@DocOfRock-p4j]

definitely sucks what covid did to live performances - saiki was obviously emotional for those comments. but it seems a little funny to me that the song meant to cheer us up seems like one of the saddest songs they have ever done ! even more so than 'daydreaming'. still i love the song and the MAIDS. i can take it or leave it with a lot of ballads as well but this song gets to you. and 'epilogue' live by LOVEBITES . but as usual with them they crank it up later on in the song. one of the most perfect songs ever written

[@avader5]

Thanks to you I always remember to say harrumph!!

[@THEDavidHeretic]

HARRUMPH!!!

[@_JimS]

The plandemic was such a shit time for everyone and this song will always have a special place in my heart. That being said Band-Maid never stopped giving us music, scamdemic, Budokan or not. I enjoyed, during that shit time, when bands got together remotely and entertained us, and Modern English - I Melt With You (Lockdown Version) is at the top of my list.....what a fun video that was. Good stuff DH, Happy New Year!

[@ShikataGaNai100]

"Plandemic?" Seriously?

[@_JimS]

@@ShikataGaNai100 Yes....seriously

[@MaartenT]

@@_JimS Huh... I guess, whatever makes you sleep at night.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

@@_JimS This is a music channel, not a conspiracy channel.

[@_JimS]

@@ShikataGaNai100 Next time you see something you don't align with , keep scrolling....it's called choice. Good Day

[@hardcorechristopher9174]

Good

[@neroknight1234]

You gotta react to some breaking benjamin man. Song breath or torn in two

[@THEDavidHeretic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3S5aXeeeb-olbM kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqi6gohnpbGAebc

[@palominokid3002]

Appreciate your honesty, but I think you completely missed the meaning and context of this song, essentially B-M’s heartfelt love letter to their fans. I get it that ballads are not your thing, that’s ok. But I do encourage you to do a little more research of the back story on this piece. Peace

[@paulread4886]

Didn't grab me at first listen, but nw after many listens.. a masterpiece and I love itow.

[@MaartenT]

I generally don't enjoy most ballads either. So that means most of Band-Maid's ballad-style songs are not really for me either with a couple of exceptions and this is one of them. That said, I can totally see why people won't like it. It's very poppy, slow and simple, it has basically almost nothing to do with rock either. It also has a large amount of electronics/backing tracks including some electronic drums. All stuff I generally don't like a lot in most guitar based music, but for some reason this one really works for me and it's actually quite high up there for me as far as Band-Maid songs goes. Misa's bass is certainly the highlight for me, but I agree that it also shows what Saiki can do on vocals (I love when she uses her falsetto).

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Saiki's love letter to the fans.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

...plus, we get Kanami on TWO guitars...and MISA playing every fret on her lead bass part.