Why BAND-MAID / From Now On Is a MASTERPIECE!️‍🔥

[@mr.sorenzo]

Hey everyone! 🎸 Quick heads-up: I don’t play the full song uninterrupted here. Why? Because it’s only fair that you experience BAND-MAID’s full masterpieces on their official channel-that’s where the magic happens! The views help amazing artists like Kanami make a living, and only the band deserves the credit (and the views) for their incredible work. Here, it’s all about jamming and breaking down epic riffs and vibes. Think of this as a music hangout where we pause to geek out on the genius behind the music. 🎶 So, go support BAND-MAID by subscribing to their channel. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to hit Subscribe here too-your support is the ONLY thing that keeps this party going! 🤘 Let’s rock amazing people! 🔥"

[@MnPofBM]

👋👌🙏☺️

[@emeryharrison9325]

Good catch with the bare feet. Misa has said that heels hurt her feet so she goes barefoot unless it is an outdoor stage and is too hot. In an interview it was noted Misa does not look like a typical maid and Miku said that is because she is an assassin maid, so she earned the nickname the "Barefoot Assassin " .

[@raybl9295]

When you pulled out that pinkish Barbie Dollish guitar saying you might cover this song in your last reaction, I was really afraid you might be mocking B-M and their fans. I’m so glad and appreciative you didn’t mock them but made such an awesome breakdown of this Kanami creation. Most B-M fans have heard and loved this song millions of times but most of those non musician fans never quite understood what makes this great. Thank you so much for doing this. And the fact that you’ve done it in such short time after discovering Kanami especially with your initial curiosity on display in your reaction makes it even most so satisfying to all the B-M and in particular ‘Mincho’ Kanami fans. ❤

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@raybl9295Hey Ray! 😊 Thanks for the feedback. You’ll never hear me mocking someone for their music taste. Let me give a bit of context here: The Hello Kitty guitar actually has a cult following in the metal community. These guitars are sparingly produced are the highlight guitar of a lot of players. Do a quick google and you’ll see what I mean by this. The reason I said that I’ll use the hello kitty was to bring a special guitar for a special song. I changed my mind later on the basis of the sound of the guitar (thought the other guitar is better suited tonally). But the intention was never to mock, but to make it more special

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@MnPofBM🤝🏼

[@RogerChance5309]

One of the most impressive things about Kanami for me is, as you pointed out, they’re no wasted notes. Just pure musical perfection.🍺😁🤘🏻🕊️

[@XenosKB]

You mentioned it a few times, but this is why I love this band: they don't show off. It's not about "look how fast I can play" it's about creating an awesome track as a whole

[@mr.sorenzo]

🤝🏼

[@GaijinPaul]

Six parts compositional chaos flirting with 220bpm -- Black Hole. Arguably best enjoyed in the official live twofer with it's somewhat opposite -- Manners / Black Hole. They've all been my favorite member, depending on who I focused on last. In Minneapolis I focused on Miku live, since her playing and singing doesn't get enough video time to appreciate IMO.

[@derekdangerfield187]

Now you understand why PRS presented Kanami with her own signature guitar. Thanks for your reaction/analysis of one of their many songs. sounds like you're going down the pigeon hole. 😁

[@mr.sorenzo]

Yup, I get it now. And yes, straight down the rabbit hole😂😂 Yall did this

[@derekdangerfield187]

@@mr.sorenzo Correction, "pigeon hole"...you'll understand why it's so once you delve deeper into this amazing band (re. Miku). 😉

[@yerayortiz7285]

Po! 🕊🤘🏻

[@falconsooner]

I highly enjoyed this. Typically reactors will focus on the technical aspects without discussing the compositional elements. So it was very nice to watch a video discussing the compositional choices.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@falconsooner Firm handshakes 🤝🏼

[@stanleyday7293]

​@@mr.sorenzoAs you dive into Band-Maid's catalog, you'll quickly realize that they rarely repeat a motif, verse, or chorus, the same way twice. They'll take something away or add something, change from an arpeggiated chord to open chords... etc. Also, Kanami will introduce a new riff and play it once, when the riff itself could be the basis for a new song. Kanami has said she practices 3.5 hours a day, and composes 3.5 hours a day.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@stanleyday7293 They are experts in what they do…the true definition

[@raybl9295]

@@mr.sorenzo A B-M fan’s YT channel ‘ Drive Time ‘ has just released a video of a compilation of 66 Konami’s solos. A video like this one just guitar playing focusing on techniques would probably be boring as heck after about the 5th solo. This one is different, it’s like a collection of 66 mini songs from the diverse B-M catalog highlighting Kanami’s guitar skills as much as her songwriting prowess. This was prepared from a labor of love from a big-time B-M fan. A most enjoyable 40 mini songs of listening. Highly recommended for a listen or 10. Enjoy.

[@tinyhato]

Finally someone who gets it. This is arguably their most impressive composition; if you do more, I'll be interested to see what you have to say about some of their other works. You mentioned "new ideas" and that is one thing that almost all of their songs are chock-full of.

[@1194072212]

I too, am not a musician. Being in my mid 60s, I've enjoyed listening to everything from Hendrix to Dead Kennedys and thought I knew why I enjoyed each song. After discovering BM in 2019, I was confused about why I was so drawn to their music. Though I enjoyed first-time reaction videos, I started looking for analysis videos done by musicians, audio engineers or any other musically knowledgeable person that could explain to me, in a way someone who doesn't know the difference between a triplet and chromatic, what makes BM so unique. In doing such for several years, I listen to all music in a completely different way. Some songs I've loved for decades no longer evoked the emotions they once did, while other songs I never gave a second thought to would bring me to tears. Though I'd love to give all the credit to BM, it's really due to the thoughtful insight of artists like yourself that take the time to educate us non-musicians on what music can bring to one's soul. And you, sir, are one of the best I've ever had the opportunity to listen to. Your analysis was extremely informative and easily understood. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Hats off to you sir for keeping the Rock n Roll alive in you🤝🏼 Glad you enjoyed this video! More to come!

[@johndoe-wt6sy]

Thank you for digging into the fact that this song is not just a jam session but a really carefully constructed piece by guitarist/composer Kanami. This song was very explosive in their live , but Kanami said that it required a huge amount of concentration and adrenaline to perform it. It's no wonder that Kanami, exhausted and anemic in the latter half of the US tour, had to remove it from the setlist. She was worried that she would have fainted during the performance otherwise.

[@mogaman28]

She like of fainted at the American Dream show. Went backstage and didn't came back for a good 10 minutes or so. Then, she being the trooper she is, play till the end

[@jeffersoncosgrove1910]

Misa's phrasing during the bass breakdown is so....mature. Elegant, thoughtful.

[@PeterJunge]

Thanks a lot for the great review. I totally agree with you. In my opinion Kanami is a neo-80s/90s guitarists because she's paying so much attention to the beauty of tone and phrasing of notes rather than trying to play even faster than everyone else until it becomes meaningless.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Ah what a perfect way to put it Peter! Because the 90s and early 2000s to me was the golden age of rock/metal and things just slowed down after. She sounds like a neo 90s guitarist! I’m going to use this expression moving forward if you don’t mind! Thanks for the kind words!

[@Olkam-w5u]

@@mr.sorenzo The thing is that rock has survived in Japan as the main music. And it has developed, it has been mixed with other genres, resulting in unique things. Plus, the Japanese love guitar music. I am European, I started listening to Japanese bands 2 years ago. I am tired of listening to rap and hip-hop.

[@PeterJunge]

@@mr.sorenzo Likewise! There should be two songs you might be interested to review to further elaborate your approach to Band-Maid. One is 'H-G-K'. Kanami said in an interview not too long ago that this song was one of the crucial points in her career because it was too difficult for her upon composing it but she went the stubborn way practicing it until she could. (There's only an official audio of H-G-K and an 'unofficial' live video on a third party YT channel.) The other song is 'Black Hole', which is available as an official live double feature together with 'Manners'. (They needed to produce videos longer that 5 minutes during the pandemic to receive government funding.) 'Black Hole' goes even beyond progressive rock by crossing the line to programmatic, contemporary, atonal music.

[@jesusfernandezgarcia9449]

You are an intelligent person, you can do good things for the channel while having fun. I don't know anything about music, but I like this band and I appreciate that people with musical knowledge take the trouble to explain some things to me. Thank you.

[@BillHallisey]

THAT was an outstanding breakdown of "From Now On"!!!!!! It's a damned shame that Band-Maid doesn't get the viewership and recognition they deserve. While we are forntunate to have them and their music in our lifetimes, I hope future generations discover them and their musical excellence. Many Maidiacs feel Kanami Tono is one of the great "musical geniuses" of our era. She is finally getting recognized for her compositional genius and musical talents, but there is a long way to go before she becomes a household name among rock guitarist.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@BillHallisey Thanks for the kind words Bill! And you 100% right about they not getting the recognition they deserve. Hopefully not long from now…

[@realdocloco]

Such a reaction, combining an obvious love of music with serious knowledge, delights me to no end. And yes, no "waifu" thing (I hate it too) in the Band-Maid community, only respect for the band and friendship. About Misa's bass solo: it's pretty simple according to her standarts, but the goal was to be as melodic as possible. So, instead of writing it on her bass as usual, she wrote it on piano (Kanami, Akane/drums and Misa/bass have all played the piano since childhood - and now we can even add Saiki, who started during the pandemic!).

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@realdocloco Thanks for the kind words Doc! 🤝🏼 and for sharing

[@findle70]

Great reaction, and thank you for breaking down this song, one of my favorites for sure! It's interesting because Kanami started as a classical pianist from a very young age, and didn't pick up guitar until she was in high school, at about 17. But I think she brings the piano accompaniment ideas to her compositions a lot. As you said, it's the versatility- she can do mad arpeggios ala Alex Lifeson, or traditional SRV/Santana like pentatonic sojourns. But the real thing is, and like you point out, she's my current fav guitarist because everything she does is for the service of the song. So like she carefully chooses every note for her solos, she equally does so in concert with the other members. It all sounds like part of the whole. And in case others didn't mention, her composition style is to create on piano, sometimes straight riffs from guitar, then put together a demo with drum track. She then gives that to Misa the bassist, who comes up with her own ideas and does that demo, gives back to Kanami. At the same time, the drummer Akane takes and works on her own part (often complaining that Kanami created drum parts she needs extra limbs to play LOL). And the demos are used by Miku and/or Saiki to get lyrics. Unless of course it's a instrumental, like this. I'm sure others will mention, the instrumentals started in order to give Saiki a rest during live shows, after she had throat issues and surgery earlier on. But great breakdown overall, thank you!

[@mr.sorenzo]

🤝🏼

[@Thorgalium]

Great breakdown. I think you stumbled upon something great for your channel. You see, I heard the song so many times, like most of the fans, and I don't really watch reactions to hear the song again. I watch them to get analysis and breakdowns. You have good way of explaining things to non musicians like my self (just recently started learning to play from scratch because of Band maid). I hope you will continue to do stuff like this, will be checking on you.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the kind words Thor! I’ll certainly be doing more of these videos. See you around 😊🍻 And good luck with playing 🎸 don’t stop! It’s an amazing instrument

[@loumunga]

Yes indeed, as stated MISA, (all capital letters, no last name) is the Barefoot Assassin. She likes to feel the drum kit coming through the stage.

[@mr.sorenzo]

That’s interesting. Never seen a bassist do it for this reason. New perspective for me

[@stanleyday7293]

MISA also doesn't listen to a click track while playing live. The others do.

[@G-man_810]

Thanks for the in-depth breakdown. Us Maidiacs all have our favorite band member but in Band-Maid each member is given the opportunity to shine. As you continue down this pigeon hole (which I hope you do) you’ll see that Kanami is a humble not a flashy 10 min shedder which some believe makes a great guitarist. She only serve the song. She loves pushing every member and herself to the next level. Each member is willing to accept her challenge of improving with their instruments or vocals. Looking forward to your next breakdown. 🤘🕊️🦍🥷👸🏻👀PO!

[@mr.sorenzo]

💪🏼

[@mlm5150]

Us Madiacs are probably the best fandom out there. I got to see them in 2022 and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. And it wasn't just because of the ladies playing. The crowd was just astounding. There were young fans, and when I say young, this girl must have been about 8 or 9 and was with her father. There were guys in thier 60s and 70s. And we were all outside of the Fillmore in Silver Springs talking about why we all loved this band. I made some great friends that night. We are all a part of something bigger, and it's supporting this band. It's a common love of them, and their music.

[@mlm5150]

And Yes, Misa is Barefoot. She's called the Barefoot Assassin. lol

[@lewissmith4123]

I have enjoyed watching you discover Band Maid. This was an excellent breakdown of From Now On and it is the sort of analysis the we Band Maid fans crave, we know how good they are but we enjoy hearing muscians appreciate them as much as we all do. Another instrumental you may want to look at is 'Onset'. For another progressive track it would be 'Giovanni' Most of all I hope your Band Maid journey is as enjoyable as mine has been. Have fun and keep rocking !

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@lewissmith4123 Thanks for the kindness Lewis! 🍻 Onset and Giovanni…got it! Suggestions like these make the journey even more fun! Cheers🎸

[@ApocryphalBob]

That was a very satisfying listen. I appreciate the breakdown very much. Also that you do your bit for the official views. Job well done sir, thank you. 👍

[@mr.sorenzo]

Much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed it 🍻

[@JBVandriver136]

Thanks so much for the reaction, it is great to hear from someone that is a musician. Your musical background affords you the knowledge to realize how great this band is and the genius that is Kanami Tono. Your enthusiasm is a much appreciated reaction to the band. To get an idea of part of the reason why we love this band (besides the music) I’m going to suggest that you listen the fine documentaries of the individual members by Ohrenje. They give the history of the members and will add a new respect for them. Thanks again for the great reaction.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the kind words and the tip! I'll definitely check out those documentaries😊

[@BM4-Life]

*BAND-MAID* released a Score Book of the studio album *Unseen World* and was included was a CD of all their tracks in instrumental format totally awesome. 🤗

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@BM4-Life Bang! Just googled it. That’s the album which contains HGK which a lot people have been recommending me. I have to sit down and listen to the whole album. Thanks for this

[@JayDavisAtHome]

​​@mr.sorenzo that's the best idea I've heard all day. Unseen World is an awesome awesome album. But then wait until you hear epic narratives, their latest

[@Kevin6059]

Great job and an intelligent review! And I learned a new word. Monotonicity. 😁 You're right you won't find much of that in this band's music!

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@Kevin6059 Thanks for the kind words Kevin!😊 Welcome back!

[@EliseAutoXr]

Great review!! Well done, love it. I'm a guitar player as well and enjoy the instrumentals as well. One thing you will notice with Band-Maid is that when you listen to all of their songs with the vocals removed, the instruments are crazy good (not that the vocals are not, haha). Please check out "Without Holding Back" as well, it is my favorite of the instrumentals, I really like the egyptian feel in the "solo". Thanks for sharing, very enjoyable.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@EliseAutoXr Thanks for the kind words and hanging out here Elise😊 “Without Holding Back” just got put in the pipeline. Keep rocking that 6 string🎸

[@Racer-X-090]

@@mr.sorenzo Awesome! That's still my favorite instrumental. There is a video of it in what we call their "white room recordings" up somewhere on the interweb. It's not an official release though as far as I know.

[@TherealSeriousMoonlight]

+1 "Without Holding Back"

[@crabuki1273]

Thank you for coming back to our Maids. They are pretty darned amazing. I really appreciate how amidst the this Kanami masterclass on playing lead, MISA stands out by doing less. Her quick feature early is just ringing out 4 notes. Later, in her solo, she reprises something from those earlier 4 notes: the first half is on the beat, the second half is syncopated. It perks your ears up and adds interest even as she's implementing a "less is more" philosophy to her features.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

The more I listen to Band-Maid, the more I believe I can label their genre as "Prog-Pop". Kanami, Akane, and Misa joined Band-Maid to be backing band for Miku's vocals. But Miku realized her pop vocal style wasn't enough to emerge over the progressive power trio she had behind her. So they decided to hire a more powerful vocalist and Kanaami asked Miku to learn to play guitar. So, in essence, Band-Maid has two Pop vocalists backed by a prog power trio and a volunteered rhythm guitarist. Band-Maid is the only band I can recognize by their footwear. Misa is the "Barefoot Assassin". Miku in her chunky patent leather platform shoes is still the shortest member of the band. Akane wears black trainers, because she plays drums as though it were an athletic event. When Saiki is onstage as "The Ice Queen" it's always high heels: boots, shoes, or Steam Punk Victorian style thing. Kanami is always in flats: she is Miss Sensible Shoes, even when she goes Full Mincho. You'll only see them all in heels when doing publicity events.

[@htgoodcheer]

Kanamiは偉大なComposer, Guitaristであるだけではなく、ギター初心者をプロレベルに引き上げるまで教えることができる優れたギター教師でもあることを指摘するのを皆さん忘れてませんか？

[@mr.sorenzo]

Does she have an online course or website? I’d be very keen to see her lessons

[@htgoodcheer]

@@mr.sorenzo Unfortunately, she doesn't have an online course or website. What I meant was that when Miku, the founder and now rhythm guitarist, first started the band, she was originally the lead vocalist and didn’t play any instrument professionally. Later, after she and the other members invited Saiki to be the new lead vocalist-whom they felt better suited the music style they intended to pursue-Miku began learning guitar from scratch under Kanami's instruction. Miku mentioned in an interview that if Kanami hadn’t been her teacher, she would have given up on learning guitar.

[@grahamreed8774]

Thank God- a fantastic breakdown of a Band-Maid song. What you said in one reaction took me a few months to realise but now six years in I can just enjoy everything they do. This morning I heard another reaction by a couple of Kpop? fans I think. One guy was half decent about what they listened to, the other had some sort of an agenda behind why he disliked everything about the song (Blooming). This about the most complete rock song that I've heard in years. You are correct- elements of prog and jazz can occasionally be heard in some of Kanami's compositions, especially more recently. Thanks again. Subscribed (UK).

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@grahamreed8774 Thanks heaps for the kind words, and hanging out here with us🍻 Cheers!

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

Thanks again from Japan 有難う💛。 I witnessed this song performed live five times with this MV quality in Japan and dropped my jaw five times 😲. I believe so did many of American audience in their 2022 & 2023 US tours. This song has been normally played in the middle of the setlist to give Saiki, lead vocalist, some break. They played this song, however, as opening at festivals and in Guns N' Roses concert in Japan as support to the legendary band. Yeah! they showed off their skills and talents to the audience who knew nothing about the girls in maid outfit on the stage. I felt as if I heard them screaming "Hey guys! Listen to us and open your eyes wide! We are not the persons that you think ! Salute us!" 😄 ps. I went to see B-M's final concert in 2024. I saw Kanami playing her signature PRS guitar. That was beautiful. B-M did not play "From Now On" there but did new instrumental "Go To The Top" instead. It was amazing, too.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Bang! Sounds like a hell of an experience. Thanks for sharing😊🤘🏼

[@SoryIrippedUrHeart]

that's why the most guitarist I've heard and seen I feel in love to kanamis work ..not too exaggerated just enough ,not over shred we know she can shred but putting good quality in a song sounded well

[@kasmm-play]

I really enjoyed this reaction/analysis…one of the most interesting I’ve watched. Really hope you do more of these for Band-Maid songs. Also hope someday you get to see them live in person. I didn’t think I could like them anymore than I already did and then I saw them live. Just wow!!

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the kind words! Cheers to that! And yes more Band Maid song analysis is certainly on the way! Stay around 😊

[@KMASCII]

Thanks for the analysis and insight. This song certainly is a masterpiece, which is among several by Band-Maid. There's a number of songs which I'd thought could've/should've been nominated for some kind of award. But who knows, maybe their label has submitted one or two for a Grammy nomination already. At the very least I wish Kanami, or Band-Maid if Kanami were to insist, would be recognized for their songwriting. They have such a deep catalog full of quality songs. Aside from the core genius of Kanami, the whole band is a collection of creative geniuses... seriously though.

[@gradyshmalady8284]

Very cool breakdown video for a great song. You have a lot of BAND-MAID to listen to and I'm excited to see what you put out. You're going to be impressed with how many of their songs are actually great. All killer, no filler.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@gradyshmalady8284 🤝🏼🔥

[@DAVID-io9nj]

Thanks for an informative review. Helps us non-musicians understand what we instinctively feel about Band Maid's music. One of their traits that I really enjoy is their ability to pause at key moments and continue without a hitch. I think that is another way of releasing tension?

[@mr.sorenzo]

Great observation! Yes pauses/breaks can be used to add extra tension in build ups. But this is not their only use case.

[@inktvisje575]

Misa is also nicknamed 'the barefoot assassin'

[@davidgilman3230]

Thanks for the wonderful reaction. Excellent breakdown of both the technique and composition. I find it hard to believe that you only have 1.1k subscribers, so I subbed.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the kind words and for subscribing David! More of these to come! Cheers🍻

[@frankandre4385]

It should make complete sense to you that Kanami would write a guitar piece for herself,so difficult, that it took her weeks to learn it ! That would be HGK from the UNSEEN WORLD album. Miku named the song as an acronym of a Turkish guided missile system...As the song takes off like a missile. These girls are as absolutely legit as they come. Miku calls their founding "A Miracle" ! ❤️

[@interstellardave]

You earned my subscription, sir! I love this band, and Kanami in particular. You put into words-informed words since you’re a guitar player-how I feel about her. To me she’s better than many of the “guitar gods” out there for the reasons you mentioned. It’s not just how many techniques you know, but what you play that matters to me. Kanami is quite proficient technically but she uses those skills in a way that makes great, memorable, music. Many talented musicians can’t perform that alchemy.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks heaps for the kind words! You’re absolutely right: it’s what someone plays in a song matters, not the techniques they know.

[@bartyslattfast]

Kanami is, IMHO a master of knowing how to get an emotional response through music, at times she uses silence so well it's amazing.

[@Olkam-w5u]

I must congratulate you on the video, professional analysis is very rare on KZbin. (most reactors pretend they've never heard the Rolling Stones :)). In addition: rhythm guitarist Miku is a singer by education, and began learning guitar already in the group, because Kanami wanted to play solo, and they didn't want to take another member. Kanami taught her. So hard work and a good teacher make the impossible possible.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the kind words and sharing this! I had no idea that she actually learned guitar when she was already in. That’s impressive! Imagine the pressure of the early gigs and trying to catch up with Kanami and the rest.

[@Olkam-w5u]

@@mr.sorenzo Miku, this is an interesting case, she is the founder of the group, manager and lyricist. She was supposed to be the main singer, but she thought that her voice was not suitable for hard rock, and invited Saiki. And took the guitar. But she has an iron character, despite her cute appearance, once fell on stage and broke a rib, after which she played the rest of the concert for an hour and a half without showing it.

[@eds2660]

Tremendous breakdown! Helps me understand why I love what I love about the band!

[@mr.sorenzo]

glad you enjoyed this! More to come🤘🏼

[@daaaaaave]

Was bummed that the initial reaction was edited down so much, but this more than makes up for it. Thanks for coming back. Band-Maid works really hard to pack their songs with interesting features for their fans, and it’s great when people have the ear to appreciate it. But yeah, it’s immediately apparent when you try to learn to play their songs and it’s not just like a couple of riffs you can repeat. It makes the 20+ song sets that they play impressive even just from a memory standpoint.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for hanging out here friend! And thanks for the feedback! 🍻cheers

[@stevedrenth5053]

IMO all of Kanami’s music is a masterpiece. She has a great supporting cast and she really appreciates their support.

[@thomasalbrecht5914]

Kanami, who does most of the composing for Band-Maid‘s music, did not listen to popular or rock music until she turned 14, by which time her favourite music had been Chopin. She played the piano though from a young age. You can argue that Band-Maid‘s taste for more complex music comes from the Japanese love for classical music. The three members who are the engine room of Band-Maid all have a sound foundation in musical theory and have attended music schools, as well as learning various instruments. When you investigate the biographies of prog-rock musicians, you tend to find similar stories. Apparently, keeping an open mind and having a sound and extensive education and knowledge, will lead to more variety, and a taste for more complex and intricate stuff. And apparently, even genres that seem to rely on raw power and emotion will be better if the people making the music know that there is a lot of things beyond that. It’s no surprise. It’s no recipe though for commercial success, see junk food vs. health food. Complex music isn’t easy to consume. You have to listen actively to appreciate it. You have to invest time into listening to different things to appreciate the differences, and find nuances. Once you do, the simple stuff that’s easy to consume starts to bore you. There will be exceptions - art does not have to be complicated. But it needs attention and passion to be appreciated, and it needs knowledge and intelligence to be understood.

[@superflylee003]

Your very good, in a Steve Vai meets Mr. Rogers kinda way haha😂 Highly informative and entertaining, thanx brother👍 Rock on🤟

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@superflylee003 😂Firm handshakes brother! 🤝🏼 Hope things are going great on your end!

[@nooyck]

Mozart of ROCK.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@nooyck well deserving title for Kanami

[@glenkelley6799]

Great analysis. This is why I watch YT reaction videos, to learn more about the music (subbed). Thanks for continuing to react to Band-Maid.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Cheers, and thanks for watching! 🤘🏼 Keep rocking Glen!

[@TherealSeriousMoonlight]

One of the things I've always _felt_ (I'm not a musician) about the band is they're great at building and releasing tension, as you mentioned. Also, it's not always when you expect it.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@TherealSeriousMoonlight Great observation! Which song was it that got you to this conclusion? Or triggered it?

[@saldiven2009]

@@mr.sorenzo For me, it's the ending of their first instrumental, Onset. There is a kind of refrain that is repeated I believe three times through the song with the guitar serving as a sort of vocal line. At the end of the song, it is repeated again (right after the third time), but the playing is modulated up like a half step or something that serves to really increase the tension right before the ending of the song.

[@barrygeistwhite3474]

@@mr.sorenzo "Blooming" is a great example of this "tense and release" kind of songwriting. I'm actually not gonna talk too much about it because I don't wanna spoil your first impression, but definitely give it a listen.

[@TherealSeriousMoonlight]

@@mr.sorenzo 'Sense", "Daydreaming", "No God", "Blooming", "the non-fiction days" (Not Written By the Band), "Real Existence" (NWBtB). "Corallium" is a roller coaster of sinking/striving. "Giovanni" the instrumental version. I think you would like "Corallium" and "Giovanni".

[@VEGERRO]

Epic analysis! Would love to see your reaction and the same analysis of the song Puzzle (live video). I guarantee you will not regret it. 🙂

[@scottFrubes]

Great balance Mr Sorenzo, Fun & learning. Loved it.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the kind words! More to come!🍻

[@simonkovac3513]

Liked reaction for it's deepth. I actualy liked it an subscribed chanel.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks Simon! On me to make sure that all videos here have great substance

[@Pigeonholed-Po]

Informative and utter enjoyment throughout. Thanks for the deep of "From Now On". Another Iconic song you may want to check out is "Alone". The MV, she's playing her Addictone. The Live, she's playing her PRS. It's the first song Kanami composed that the label accepted on an album. It also marks the turning point when Band-Maid creates most all of their own music.

[@relic1959]

It's Symphonically Composed and Masterfully Played

[@msquare249]

MISA's nickname is the barefoot assassin.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@msquare249 😂 are you serious? Or is this next level joking?

[@hernantapia2180]

Is serious.

[@nomennescio4604]

@@mr.sorenzo Nah, it's true. She plays barefoot on stage (feels the music as much as hears it). The "assassin" thing came about because in the early days MISA was the least comfortable with the whole maid-theme and outfit. And Kobato, bless her, who came up with the whole thing, took a creative broader-view approach to things, and had a dress for MISA designed that she was comfortable with, a cool looking black thing. She then promptly solved the whole maid-angle by simply decreeing this to be the dress of a "Koroshio Meido", a make-dead or slayer maid - or "Assassin Maid" is what stuck in translation. (In Kobato's spacious imagination there can clearly be as many maids, with as many looks, as there needs to be. Or the denizens of the Tokyo Aquarium Shark Tank told her so - or some other variation of all the extraordinary things happening to her.) It was assumed in at least one interview Kobato must be a attention-to-detail control-freak (but that is kind of default-setting with a lot of Japanese). And then it was Saiki who chimed in to insist that, no, Kobato is all big-picture all the time, she doesn't get hung up on tiny details.

[@Langenschwerte]

I came to the comments to add the Barefoot Assassin nickname info if someone else hadn't. One thing's for certain, she absolutely SLAYS with that bass.

[@mikewilbur5219]

@@mr.sorenzo that's true

[@boshiken4914]

Awesome breakdown. Ty so much for the knowledge…

[@mr.sorenzo]

Very welcome 😊 Great to see you here!

[@Mikupigeon]

Without holding back is still my favourite BM instrumental song.

[@mr.sorenzo]

I’m trying to listen to more of their work. What’s your 2nd favorite? keen to listen to it

[@jlcsr9163]

Giovanni is a good one as well.

[@sleepydude9117]

1.Screaming 2.Rinne. 3.Unfair game (has a slightly longer solo .)

[@nussekuddenxxx6564]

@@mr.sorenzo Giovanni is not an instrumental, but there is a "white room" video without the song, and if you're listening to that first, you might think it was written as an instrumental. However, I strongly recommend that you listen to it with song first, and then the White Room version. That way, you realize how many details that are hidden behind the singing that are very hard to pick up, until the song is muted.

[@gradyshmalady8284]

@@mr.sorenzo My preference for their instrumentals is Without holding back > From Now On > Onset > Get to the top > Don't be long. They have other songs that they use as instrumentals, but these are their well known ones.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

No waifus...Band-Maid are Sisters, to themselves, and The Maidiacs.

[@spaolozzi53]

They are all my adopted nipotine.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

That's what Mincho told me.🙂👍

[@throwaway9389]

Thanks--great breakdown! Sub'd for Band Maid analysis. Cheers.

[@frankandre4385]

Misa was able to craft her bass solo in any way she chose to. She opted to bring the temperature down momentarily. When it comes to Band Maid, the GOOD artists make a lot of "choices"...The GREAT ones make the right ones ! If you want to hear the four of them play more of what sounds like a jam session...Check out GET TO THE TOP from their new album EPIC NARRATIVES. There is no MV yet...But there will be ! ❤️

[@mr.sorenzo]

Great points! And just finished listening to “Get To The Top”. It’s a bit different to their other works. And what an album cover. Straight out of Gibli

[@frankandre4385]

@mr.sorenzo Saiki designed the album cover to be representative of every song on the album. Only she holds the key to understanding every representation ! 🤔😳

[@danmolnar402]

I love your point about trying to learn any single part from Kanami. She plays a lot of riffs in every song - so many things to try and learn. The riffs aren't all hard but definitely fit so well in these songs. One of my favorites with nose-to-tail riffs is the 'non-fiction days'.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Yeah the songs are so rich that there is something there to pick up and go

[@topographic1973ify]

Personally I never get tired of this. You might consider watching the white room version of WITHOUT HOLDING BACK if you want to hear another killer instrumental done in a different style.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Another friend of ours here suggested the song and I listened to it not long ago. Didn’t know they had a YT channel only dedicated to instrumentals

[@andreaspedersen3952]

I found it cool that you after the PRS video, deicided to find out why she got her own signature. It is a reason why they are considered a "musicians band", and is endorsed by "Clown" from Slipknot and got the opportunity to play at the Knotfest in Japan. Or Yoshiki from X-Japan who is a good friend of them and deicided to bring them as warm-up for his super-group when they toured in the US. ...heck... Even Tony Visconti who was a good friend of David Bowie and co-produced some of his albums is a big fan. He has also attended their gigs in NY, and even produced one of their songs "The Dragon Cries". My favourite Band-maid song is "Blooming"! A masterpiece where Kanami got the other members to write some ideas, which she in the end put together. ...and guitarwork is of typical Tonò quality just as with the rest of the band. Funfact: Kanami means "Song wave". Quite fitting for this tiny guitar-godess! She began with piano at 3, and switched to guitar at 15. To impress the girls of all things. But band-maid isn't just some coincidence. last 20 years one fall-female band after another has come out of Japan, though there are some who are +40 years old. As Shonen Knife and Show-Ya. One of the most recent ones which has impressed me is LOVEBITES, who got one of the finest dual-leads I've heard in a while. Recommend checking out "Solider Stands Solitarily" (official live). One warning: it's really really fast!!

[@mr.sorenzo]

Great info! Thanks heaps for sharing and the recommendations. and I didn’t know what Kanami means until now. Yup it’s very fitting!

[@bocatampere]

You got it 👍Thank you 🙏🏻 For me..One of the most important thing about Kanami’s composing is that she is NOT tryin’ to do nothing too technical and everybody can basically shine. So tasty playin’ No wonder her biggest rolemodel is Santana. Thank you for reacting/analysing this 🤘 Greets from Finland 🇫🇮

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@bocatampere 100%! It just makes the music and the band better. Thanks heaps for hanging out here pal!🤝🏼 Keep rocking🤘🏼

[@raybl9295]

@@mr.sorenzo Yeah, we’ve seen some guitarist reactors even commented about Kanami’s playing almost amateurish due to the simplicity of her phrasing chosen for the songs.and your analysis’. of this song certainly blows that notion out of water. B-M fans really appreciate that.

[@bocatampere]

@@raybl9295 so true 🙏🏻🔥

[@toshimatyu6654]

From Japan Another well-known secret of Kanami. As Kanami tunes Visconti's 12-string Zemaitis guitar, Kobato explains that Kanami is a human tuner. Kanami and Misa have perfect pitch. Having two band members with perfect pitch has been a great benefit for their songwriting. The secret of Don't Be Long BAND-MAID instrumental song. This song was written by Kanami to have Kobato practice so she could play the anime theme song, Different. They are like really close sisters.

[@Olkam-w5u]

From what I heard, Miku also has hearing. She plays by ear, without notes.

[@goodsong6732]

@@Olkam-w5u Yes Kanami plays Miku's part on a video and sent it to Miku. Practice it and we ready on that particuliere date. LOL.

[@_DriveTime]

Don't Be Long was the practice song for Different.

[@toshimatyu6654]

@@_DriveTime Thank you. It was my mistake. I have corrected it.

[@toshimatyu6654]

@@Olkam-w5u I also heard in an interview that Kobato can't read music, so she copies the audio files sent by Kanami by ear. I don't know if she can't read music now. I've also heard that there are two members with perfect pitch, so Kobato may have special ears and the special ability to reproduce it. I also feel that this is the result of Kobato's unyielding spirit and the amount of practice she does. Her choruses and screams are her own and special, and match Saiki's voice well.

[@danmolnar402]

Although this song is clearly proggy, really all Band-Maid's stuff is proggy. So much rhythmic and melodic effort into every measure for each song. Kanami's playing is so tasteful. She deserved the signature guitar from PRS.

[@mr.sorenzo]

To be honest now I wish they created a full-on US PRS signature guitar for her like Santana, John Mayer and Dustie Waring. Not just a limited edition

[@Greg-om2hb]

KANAMI is the Queen of Chromatics. You’ll find that she employs the chromatic scale in many songs.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Tells us about the creativity and the skill of artist. Not many guitarists step outside the boundaries of the song’s scale

[@usagi3919]

Daddy, teacher says when a Band Maid song is played a new Maidiac is born.

[@andreasvomdorp7852]

Fantastic song by a fantastic band! "Is Misa barefoot?" LOL It shows you're quite new to the band. Great video, thanks for your explanations and appreciation of all the talent and greatness that is Band-Maid!

[@mr.sorenzo]

😂 yeah I’m new to the band, but getting more and more impressed by the day.

[@britwill72jp]

I totally understand why Paul Reed Smith chose her😏 Your analysis and explanation is so good. Can't wait for another song's review!

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@britwill72jp More to come soon!💪🏼🤝🏼

[@paulpetersen879]

This band is fantastic. Every girl is equally loved by the fans. Lose one girl and the band just wouldn't be the same

[@JuanSan66]

You've really explained the stylistic choices in creating the song with a lot of wisdom. Thank you, it was very informative.

[@mr.sorenzo]

You're so welcome! 😊 More to come!

[@ericifune5543]

In an interview, Kanami said that a good guitar solo must evoke emotion. She does that constantly. If you want to see another emotive Japanese woman guitarist, check out Haruka (Hal-Ca) of the band Asterism. She is an ESP artist and is mind blowing young. Listen to "Church" or "Dawn."

[@mr.sorenzo]

Man I just listened to “Church”. Such an underrated song. The guy on the 7 string bass is killing it with that line at the beginning and the end where he taps. Thanks heaps for such a great suggestion. I’ll be making a video about this soon

[@Olkam-w5u]

@@mr.sorenzo ASTERISM「Rising Moon 」MV　(AL “The Session Vol.2”収録) - Here's more music from them, here they are 15 years old. These kids graduated from the Yamaha Corporation Experimental School

[@ericifune5543]

@@mr.sorenzo She used to play Yamaha Pacificas, but switched to ESP . The 7 string bass is a custom ESP.

[@drogonr9318]

Wonderful vid; it's really great hearing knowledgeable musicians analyze music that they enjoy. Personally, before this band, I've never enjoyed so thoroughly just listening to instrumental versions of songs, or purely instrumental songs (and there's not a huge difference between how Kanami seems to compose these). I think this is part of the reason why this band's music has such incredible replayability for me, in comparison to other bands out there (which are often a one and done deal for me). I"m so happy you enjoy Band-Maid music; Kanami is a terrific ambassador for PRS guitars. Mr. Paul Reed Smith definitely knows what he's doing.

[@alskiindy]

Nice breakdown. Thanks for taking some time to talk about it with us.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the kind words and hanging out here😊

[@HellMac]

Great analysis, you really have a lot of musical knowledge, which helps us non musicians understand better what we're hearing. As a LOVEBITES fan i'd like you to react and tell us what you think of them. They play mostly power metal but also they have some excellent thrash songs. I don't know if heavy metal is your thing but i suggest you give it a try. For starters i recomment Soldier Stands Solitarily official live video.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the words and the suggestions! I typed down Lovebites for the next listen. More to come🤘🏼

[@TlanImass]

Mr. Sorenzo, thank you! Amazing compositional analysis. Each of Band-Maid's songs since Kanami-san took over as main composer is most likely a masterpiece in composition. I would love for you to check out Puzzle as it's a song with a million riffs (well, not that much, lol). And maybe Different. (I thought it was dissonant, at first, but realized that the melody is hidden behind the chaos.) Hontoni arigato gozaimasu!

[@redj59]

Thanks

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for the kind words and the suggestion! I listened to Puzzle. It’s a really nice song actually. Starts with a Linkin Park vibe, the solo is great, and the rhythm guitars have this more modern metal vibe with the breaks. I can totally see myself playing this!

[@TlanImass]

@ You’re welcome. Glad you liked it! The song also has an acoustic version (just Kanami-san w/ an Alvarez-Yairi Acoustic guitar and Saiki-san). The song has a totally different vibe when performed this way.

[@zolitoth2458]

It was good. Honestly: how many times have you listened to the song?OMV has relatively fewer views because it was released on EP two months before.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@zolitoth2458 Not sure. Whats certain that I’ll be listening to it many more times

[@jkkansasband7056]

Excellent. As an FYI, studio vs live. Kanami plays that high sustained bend right before the chorus in the studio version (twice during the song). But Live she subs it with a 4 note run. Have never heard anything regarding why that change from studio to live. Have an awesome day. Peace.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks for sharing the info! Firm handshakes 🤝🏼

[@Olkam-w5u]

Two more things from my list 1) ENIGMA@日本武道館 2024.2.17 [Official Live Video] - This is another interesting group, Nemophila 2) KOIAI - A New Picture (Official Live Video from "1st LIVE in JAPAN" Blu-ray) - And this is a supergroup, very unusual, if you are interested, I can tell you about them

[@chesterloh7060]

Band maid ❤❤❤

[@kenliu311]

Is MISA barefoot ? Hell yes, she is our barefoot assassin !

[@mr.sorenzo]

LOL ok the other two guys were not joking! This is actually her nickname. She had a bit of poker face

[@Puyax01]

@@mr.sorenzo i think you will find their song "Influencer" very enjoyable.

[@JuanSan66]

Masterpiece...❤️

[@BM4-Life]

With this strip down of the song I felt like I was at the doctors office getting a physical? 🤒😆 🍺 _(A 🍌 a day keeps the doctor away)_ 😊

[@mr.sorenzo]

😂🤝🏼🍻

[@topographic1973ify]

Maidiacs call Misa "the barefoot assassin".

[@_JimS]

It only has 1M+ likes because there's no lyrics. Band-Maid is a musicians band so it doesn't resonate to a majority of music listeners, which there are far more of than actual musicians. My saying is "Lyrics are what musicians trip over to get to their instruments". As an older YES fan, "From Now On" was a very pleasant release by Band-Maid. Thanks for the breakdown, these are the reactions/analogies I enjoy.

[@dennisacarter4332]

Well done!

[@mr.sorenzo]

Thanks a lot! Great to see you🍻

[@WHORTH-TheUglyDucklingOfFORTH]

You spot the barefoot assassin :-)

[@greylocke100]

As for the Waifu thing, many of us are much older than you would think. For many of us, the Ladies are considered to be either our daughters/grand-daughters, or sisters. For some of the younger fans, that I have talked to, they consider them to be older sisters, or aunts. NOT Waifu's. I think that for the most part, how the Ladies present themselves, both on stage and off, has shaped that perception. They do not over sexualize themselves like many other female bands do, while they do have some sex appeal, it is restrained and controlled. Even Miku's Omajinai Time (Majic Spell Time), while it is "Cute" is not too over the top. And yes, MISA almost always plays barefoot, other then when there are reasons not to. Such as hot ground/stage, trash/debris, or cold. Then she wears shoes. She has said that heels hurt her feet, and she enjoys feeling the music through her feet.

[@atlasisshrugging]

While I do have immense respect for these ladies, I can't deny that I find everything about them quite desirable: They are intelligent, they have a good sense of humor (from what I can tell in their interactions with each other in interviews), they demonstrate integrity in how they conduct themselves, and as you stated, their beauty is understated (on stage, they're "cute," but in casual clothing on a day off: 😲). They are the sort of women that, if you can manage to gain their mutual attraction, you do whatever you have to keep them. "You rolled the dice and they landed in your favor; don't screw it up, buddy."

[@Puyax01]

She also did some taping

[@mr.sorenzo]

True, and I don’t think I mentioned it. Thanks for the reminder!🤝🏼

[@danbuter]

Now listen to the live versions of Freedom, Domination, and Manners/Black Hole! Also, the MV for Rinne is amazing.

[@mr.sorenzo]

screenshotted this to listen to those songs! Thanks heaps for the suggestions🍻

[@ronrimsite6948]

Looking forward to you discovering Lovebites and Asterism.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Typed it down to listen to them! Thanks for the suggestions! Keep em coming💪🏼

[@me262a1]

Great breakdown. I know you will get a million suggestions but "Glory" and "Blooming" show two totally different styles of lead guitar, both equally killer.

[@mr.sorenzo]

Welcome back!😊 Still thanks heaps for the suggestions! A lot of people have suggested “Blooming”. I screenshotted this so I can go and listen to them after this. Keep rocking🎸

[@me262a1]

@@mr.sorenzo Cool, Glory has something missing that most every other song has but it's not really missed. LOL Oh yeah, I got the Tele today but I'm waiting to open it to video an unboxing. I'm pretty excited.

[@zer0tzer0]

Let's face it! No one is worthy Husbando material for anyone in BAND-MAID. No one.

[@jeffersoncosgrove1910]

That chromatic line you mentioned reminds me of a song from the "Carmen" opera. 1860s?

[@keithmeyer9558]

That is why Misa is called the Barefoot Assassin. I have a hard time getting my friends that play guitar to listen to Band Maid.

[@mr.sorenzo]

@@keithmeyer9558 😂 I thought the first guy who said this was joking. This is actually her nickname isn’t it? Why don’t your friends listen? Whats the complaint?

[@Puyax01]

​@@mr.sorenzousually some people get thrown off by the image and don't give them a chance. Hell even one buddy of mine jokingly called me a pedo. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@frankandre4385]

I totally get it. My wife is an accomplished classical trumpet player. She hates Band Maid. She thinks it's creepy that a sixty year old man is fixated on "pretty,young, Japanese girls". I just get belligerent at the complete idiocy of such a statement and sling a few four letter expletives her way. I call it "Beato" pride...As we all know, Rick B won't give Band Maid any credit whatsoever ! 😡​@@Puyax01

[@daaaaaave]

She likes to be barefoot so that she can like physically feel the vibration from Akane’s kick drums, so they’re always can be as in sync as possible.

[@keithmeyer9558]

@mr.sorenzo Some say it is a fetish and don't even listen. Some are set in their ways and won't listen to any new music. All the Maid's have cool nicknames.

[@killiansred1000]

Yes, Misa is barefoot which is why she’s called, “the Barefoot Assassin.”

[@Rappfeff5]

Good one Mr. S !!!!!

[@mr.sorenzo]

Firm handshakes 🤝🏼

[@ichinov]

🤘🤘🤘

[@kieranbuffini8632]

🤘🤘🤘❤💛💙

[@garylai363]

For some reason, Band-Maid seems to attract a slightly older crowd. It doesn't ever devolve into, who's the best waifu or anything. Every now and then you have some jokers who want Saiki to step on them, but that's all for luls. From most of what I've seen, Band-Maid fans always respect, appreciate, and admire the members. PS: I like the part that you added about trying to learn parts of a song even if you're a beginner. I don't play, but I think that's really good advice. Something that is interesting is that Miku (rhythm guitar) was actually a beginner when the band started. She picked up the guitar after the creation of the band to balance out the sound and look, completely unselfishly. As far as I know, she didn't have any instrument training before that either. She's not going to play anything that's going to wow any experts, but for us fans, seeing her get more comfortable and improve, all while doing this as a trial by fire, playing gigs and touring, has been a real treat. None of us know her, but I can guarantee that many of us were so proud when she played in the acoustic concert as the only guitar, and when she plays and sings in her vocal lead song Sayonakidori.