I think their record label is definitely warming up to reactors. At the Dallas show I went to, Miku actually asked if there were any reactors in the audience. Mr. Rock N Roll was there, so we all called him out, and the band freaked out when they saw him. Miku said “Akane is your fan,” and then MISA said “me too.” Also, Nike using their music in a commercial would probably make Saiki’s life.
I was at that show! Great concert, but if I ever go back to that venue I'm definitely getting the VIP tickets. Got stuck way back on the left by the bar.
Just keep in mind that most bands and record labels love reaction channels, but they also don't own the publishing rights. Whoever or whatever owns the publishing rights, that's who needs the convincing and needs to get with the modern times.
Given the theme of the lyrics the over-polished effect in the chorus could well be a musical commentary on the fakenes so prevalent in the influencer community.
Good score! It is compressedAF and there were a few moans about the guitar sound on all the songs from the EP that included this, though they seemed to be more about whether Obi-Wan Kanami was moving away from her classic Rock tone to a higher, almost synth sound but I think she'll always be a Rock guitar goddess as she's clearly not going to use that new sound on any live performance of all the songs in their catalogue before this. The lyrics are quite amusing too!
She's just having fun with her Eventide H9. Like all us musicians with a (semi) new toy, we get over it eventually. ;o) I noticed in From Now On she's paralleling the H9 with her regular tone and allowing more of her tone to stand out. I like the overtones harmonizers add (used properly) as long as it doesn't override the main. ...and not all the time...
Thanks again from Japan 有難う 💛。As you know, music video is a kind of food menu with clear pictures. "Influencer" was played in 11 shows in their US tour including 1 at Aftershock. And I saw this song premiered (live debut) in pre-US concert on Sep.7 in Tokyo. The eyewitnesses at those venues in US and Japan reconfirmed that Band-Maid shines brighter on stage with their talents and sounds better in front of audience with their skills. Don't get me wrong, however. I love this beautiful MV. The sound quality of the "polished" recording is, on the contrary, as good as that of raw and live performance 😄
Great reaction David, I have to agree the squeaky clean mix made this song a tough one for me to love, but after seeing them live in NY and NJ I fell in love with it, this song live is amazing. I hope you get around to the new instrumental, you are going to love that one for sure. Btw when are you and Mrs Heretic going to do the reactions you promised for the charity drive? Just curious. Best always to you and your wife.
This video seems to be successful. As of a few minutes ago on December 8th; 1,168,391 views Premiered Sep 20, 2022 I suspect the overly-polished chorus was a deliberate choice. The subject is "influencers" and they are pointing out things about them. The closing lyrics: Follow me now!! Right now! Yes, give it a like. Are you getting into me? Surrender love!! Hunky-dory day. Hunky-dory day. Hunky-dory day. Hunky-dory day. I think Band-Maid is secure enough in what they do they don't really care about labels like "metal" or "pop". By far their most commercial-sounding song is "Start Over" and it ends with lyric "I don't give a fuck, be born again." That might pretty well sum up their attitude, too.
Not my favourite Band Maid song.......... But the lyrics are a REALLY important part to this song. We have heard of the "Concept Album". Here we have a "Concept Song".. This song "Influencer" is a "diss" to the "Influencer Social Media Movement". Listen to it again with English lyrics - AND with all the production you criticized.....This song is way more smarter, and snarkier than on a first listen. It took me a while to come around, but now I get it. These ladies know what they are doing and producing. Don't change.
Respect to you Mr Heretic. You said what few other reactors dared to say, and I have to admit that you have a pretty valid and interesting viewpoint. Fortunately, they did manage to perform this song live, sans production of course. Maybe for your own viewing/listening pleasure, you could seek out cam footage from the US Tour in October 2022 this year. Have a blast listening to this song live, and I hope to catch you on the next run.
Exactly - same for the MV image btw: obvious overuse of filters in a totally deliberate way. Some people seems to thing they're stupid and can't illustrate what they're saying with their music ...
It's interesting to hear people comment on the production of a song but I'd be lying if I said I could hear any of what they describe. I can tell the difference between the audio in a compressed youtube video and spotify or the CD, I can tell the difference between something with zero post production and something that's highly synthesized and finally I can hear the difference in fancam audio but that's about it. Maybe it's because I'm old and my hearing is as knackered as the rest of me.
@@realdocloco Hey Doc i did ask on a comment the other day, in the new year i'm doing a "MAIDIAC 2" film poster for Mr B. Do you want to reprise your credit as scriptwriter?
Good reaction David. As my government leaders seem to say "Rules are made to be broken". You'd be remiss if you didn't check out their latest MV for the AWESOME instrumental FROM NOW ON. Peace.
@@GaryHolloway-810 He's gotta give it a 10. Well it is for me anyway. He'll say too much compression or whatever. My ear is not too discerning to that technical stuff. I just know it's great.🔟
@@jkkansasband7056 It's jojnt #1 with "Onset" for me. I thought this was my new fave then i went & listened to Onset again & there are parts of each i can't separate :)
@@GaryHolloway-810 Absolutely. Basically 1 & 1A. Hopefully they set a precedent of playing them back to back now. Talk about a surprise at both concerts.😲
If you want raw, you should have seen them live. Fans are hoping they'll be back in the States this coming year on their ten year anniversary. Unfortunately probably not in such small venues. Those days may be over.
Nice work Mason!! It IS a great song...good lyrics too Miku. I don't mind the polish...I like to hear what's in the composition. One thing we know is: Polished mastering is NOT making up for something they lack...it's apparent, as usual, they absolutely KILL IT in live performance. That's the most special thing about the Maids. Score is fair enough anyway David...and if you see a dirty fan cam from the tour...you'll give it 11 outta 10 buddy :-)
This is one song where there is more "polish" and it may have been intentional due to the lyrics and subject matter (Influencer) and how produced a lot of social media influencers make their content. I could be wrong but I wouldn't put it past them in making that aspect intentional. Thanks for the review!
Thanks Mason!!!! Enjoyed hearing your thoughts David. As others have said...this song slays live. I'm not an audiophile but I can't tell the the difference between the vocals in chorus and the verses. But I know others can. Here is a good fan cam where you can hear Saiki really well on this song ruclips.net/video/eqgfE1LEAMs/видео.html
This is the 1st time I totally disagree with you. Overpolished? Yes. Overpolished = Bad? No. Very catchy, funky bass solo, Hip Hop part...To me one of their best songs...
David, I wonder if the level of 'polish' in the mix as you described it might be intentional in relation to the subject of the song. Just a thought. Maybe not, idk.
I agree that the Mix of this song is sort of confusing. From the Creative point of view I absolutely love it and adore it. I love every part of this song from the songwriting point of view. But It sounds weird to my ears. I want to adjust the sound every time the song goes from one logical block to another. Overall for me the Sound needs More! Or I can put it other way - "Not enough". Like I want it to be more striking, more in your face, more appealing. I am sure in Live concert the song kicks a**. But not in the video. Good news is that the songwriting is so brilliant that no mix can change that. I really like the fact the band keep bringing new ideas and make want for more of their new material.
Imho, this song seems to catch people unsure on first listen is because it’s an atypical rock song. It reminds me, in a sense, of Rush’s Tom Sawyer, which was NOT received by everyone initially as the best song on Moving Pictures, wasn’t the biggest hit on the album (Limelight) initially and certainly didn’t immediately take its place as Rush’s preeminent short song that it is today. It was a different song for them in the same way that Influencer is for Band-Maid. But the quality is there. After repeated listens, after your brain can sort through the more complex soundscape and finally just hear the unique instrumentation and sounds as a cohesive whole, I think the song will take a higher place in the echelon of Band-Maid songs. At least it has for me. Plus the lyrics and vocals are excellent as well. Take care and rock on 🤘🏼🔥🎶🎸✌🏼😀
Consolation: Even if you feel that there was excessive post-production, you can find solace in your knowledge that Band Maid doesn't need the help -- they are inarguably excellent as singers, musicians, composers and arrangers. (Listen to the video for the instrumental "From Now On" -- you'll feel better. and...if you haven't seen The Daily Blab's videos "Hitler Defends His Love of Band Maid" and "Hitler's Told About Band Maid Conquering America" (both in the style of the Hitler Parodies video series) yet, get on You Tube and watch them -- it will be worth your time!!!!!
Great reaction and I agree with your assessment of the post production. Personally, I think they intentionally over produced the song to add to the message of the song (social media influencers) to give it an almost creepy feel. I think one area that Band-Maid has to be careful with is the same issue Rush had and that is being almost too cerebral with their message. Sometimes bands can be too far ahead of the times (for the masses). This is my least favorite sounding guitar solo from Kanami and she is my favorite guitarist currently and she just keeps getting better and better but the affects put on her guitar for this one just didn't do it for me. It is too bad because the song actually kicks ass and sounds much better live, in person at Chicago, House of Blues 😁. If you watch the making of video for this video (on the Band-Maid members page) you can here Akane talk about how she was told not to use cymbals in a specific section during the recording but that she would use cymbals during the live performance. This also adds to the theory that this was not only over produced but maybe done intentionally to give it a certain feel. Kanami even says to Akane, "it was recorded so long ago, you probably forgot if you used them or not". During the making of vidoe, there are actually shots of Akane hitting the cymbals but you don't hear/see them in that section of the video. Also, in the making of video, while the girls are standing around waiting, Kanami discovers that the quarry they are filming in has a really cool echo, so she and Akane start messing around with the echo and yelling each others names...pretty hilarious.
At first listen you think the song is alright but the more you hear it the better it gets! MISA’s Bass solo followed by Kanami’s solo is awesome! The song itself is over polished and I agree with everything you speak about David! I was fortunate enough to hear it three times live and it sounded cool!! Thanks for the reaction man!
The song was approaching my most disliked Band-Maid song on first listen, but quickly climbed to the top of the most liked the more I listened. The same happened with Black Hole.
@@allegorical that happened with me with endless story, when I heard it live it blew me away! Now I approach a Band-Maid song on how Kanami writes and who gets the most attention from it! Influencer is a damn good song after three listens
I agree with you on the mix for this track (and the whole EP), it's a bit too overproduced for me as well. I still really like the EP (this is probably my least favourite of the EP), but I do think they are somewhat overproduced and have started to be since their 2021 album when they switched labels (that one was still fine and is my favourite album of theirs, but was creeping in this direction). I honestly have a feeling they might be using a (without da doubt good) J-pop producer since their new label does a lot of Anime songs and things like that. Band-Maid (and a lot of Japanese bands) always had some J-pop influences, especially in the chrousses. Band-Maid itself basically started out playing pop-punk. The majority of those bands sound better live because they are less produced live. That said, a lot of people really like this sound and even though I prefer their older mixes over this one (and I will keep banging the drum on that every once in a while), it's hard to argue that a lot of people like their new sound as well. Edit: I also have to say that the track sounds better on the actual CD or my mp3 or flac rips, which means it might have been compressed a little much in the musicvideo.
David GR8 reaction/review 👍. Initially I was thinking 8.8 and then right B4 you said what the score was I went down to 8.4 and then what did you say????? Yep! 8.4!!! And looking at it objectively 8.4 is the right score for this one!!!!! I Love this song 🎵 but in no way does it hit the level of other Band Maid songs like Sense, No God etc. However.. ... having just seen them in Chicago Influencer live TOTALLY KICKS ASS!!! I believe if you saw/heard it live the score would be 9.4!!!! Especially with both Misa and Kanami doing extended solos and a bit of a duel!!! Enough of my blah blah blah 😜 GR8 reaction bro!!!!! Keep Rocking on bro!!!🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘
Thankee D.H., I really enjoy the song, but my favorite is still the same revolving list of Puzzle Live, Moratorium Live, Domination Live, Play Live, Freezer, Rinne Live, Onset Live, and their newest instrumental from now on. I agree that the engineer went too far in several sections of the song, both on the vocals and some of the instrumental sections.
I agree with your reaction to this song and Saiki's vocals- just a little too smooth, lost a bit of it's edge. Re. blocking. I have heard that the band's new current agency, Ponycanyon, has taken over the rights to their earlier material or some such, which is what used to get blocked by the previous owners. In many recent interviews the band members had admitted to enjoying and reacting them selves to reactions to their music on youtube. It has been suggested that now there will be little or no blocking of Official MV's as this what they want us to hear and see. Good luck. Please correct me if this is wrong.
why the sound of the MV (especially the cymbals) is much better than the sound on the CD (an item that I put money on) ? The cymbals sounds so saturated on the CD that I don't want to hear it ...
Speaking of post mix production, I mentioned this before here but your mix, what we hear is still very flat, like wearing earplugs. Now your voice sounds good but the video music is flat. Very Beato-esque... but honesty is best. At least you got to the song where Beato whined about compression and never got to the band. Miku is always solid and has a big backing role here. I'm anti-Patreon so I'll never request from you but still enjoy your reacts/reviews. Stay Well
As Band Maid have progressed over the years, they have produced a variety of songs generally in the rock vain but some songs defiantly have a pop rock sound. Particularly with Saiki's voice, I find it ironic that her vocals have improved and matured over the years, so what happens? More and more tracks receive electronic tweaks, to Saiki's voice. As you say, the studio audio for this track is over produced. Funnily enough a lot of fans seem to embrace this and the tweaks to Saiki's voice but definitely not for me. The saving grace with Band Maid time and time again is their ability to perform their songs live. Yes there is track at their live shows but the result is a vast improvement over the studio audio, with various tracks, in my view.
I don't have the critical listening ear, or experience, folks like you who make a living from it, so it sounded fine to me - I'm easily pleased, mind 😎 Some folks may not get the "over polished" simile, it's like looking at antique silver, or gold, and the intricate carving and filigré work that the 'smith made them with, and seeing where it's been polished to the extent that the finer details have been buffed off.
I know, even though I have instructions on how to make official requests scroll across the video in big red letters at the beginning and end of the video. People will still ask how they can make requests....
I like your reactions, mainly be course I normally do not agree with all what you say. If I did, I would have no reason to follow your channel, but I must say that what you call "polished" in the mix, I call "compression", and in my book that's not the same thing. I love B-M, but hate how their recording sound on high volume on good equipment. Played on a laptop computer thought, that's where the mix shines. No band sounds better when using a shitty loudspeaker on low volume.
Your playing band maid. You get a like at the start. If you don't like the song I know you will be honest and tell us why and your opinion is important.
Sorry! It just doesn't click, with me. I wish it did! I so want to like them but there is something missing Don't hate me for it. Maximum the Hormone, Gacharic Spin, Nemophila even Lovebites, click my buttons. Bandmaid, sorry, i just don't get it.
It happens. I never got into Rush despite trying. Those other bands you mention are hit or miss for me. Although I do like Nemophilia the best out of that group. I will say the talent level of all these Japanese bands is ridiculous so something for everyone. Did Band Maid's new instrumental MV...From Now On...do anything for you? A bit different than their other work.
@@falconsooner The talent is undeniable! I'm not criticising, their abilitility. They are fantasic muscians! For some reason, it just doesn't click, with me.
@@JokMetal They have gradually started to add orchestral elements to their songs. Will be interesting to see if they continue that direction. They released an instrumental version of their 2021 Unseen World album and their songs have a different feel without Saiki. So maybe Saiki's vocals don't do it for you. I know I struggle with Asumi's vocals of Lovebites. Great singer but not a huge fan of her vocal style. Anyway glad you gave From Now On a listen. Glad you liked it.
ありがとうございます！
I think their record label is definitely warming up to reactors. At the Dallas show I went to, Miku actually asked if there were any reactors in the audience. Mr. Rock N Roll was there, so we all called him out, and the band freaked out when they saw him. Miku said “Akane is your fan,” and then MISA said “me too.”
Also, Nike using their music in a commercial would probably make Saiki’s life.
I was at that show! Great concert, but if I ever go back to that venue I'm definitely getting the VIP tickets. Got stuck way back on the left by the bar.
@@Pit_Wizard VIP was definitely worth it.
Just keep in mind that most bands and record labels love reaction channels, but they also don't own the publishing rights. Whoever or whatever owns the publishing rights, that's who needs the convincing and needs to get with the modern times.
@@THEDavidHeretic They need to realize that there is no amount of money that can pay for the reach the reactors are able to give.
Given the theme of the lyrics the over-polished effect in the chorus could well be a musical commentary on the fakenes so prevalent in the influencer community.
That is, indeed, an interesting thought.... hmmmm.....
This is hardly their only new song that feels overproduced though.
Enjoyed the reaction David, I will look forward to when you get around to their new instrumental. Have a great one!
Good score! It is compressedAF and there were a few moans about the guitar sound on all the songs from the EP that included this, though they seemed to be more about whether Obi-Wan Kanami was moving away from her classic Rock tone to a higher, almost synth sound but I think she'll always be a Rock guitar goddess as she's clearly not going to use that new sound on any live performance of all the songs in their catalogue before this. The lyrics are quite amusing too!
She's just having fun with her Eventide H9. Like all us musicians with a (semi) new toy, we get over it eventually. ;o) I noticed in From Now On she's paralleling the H9 with her regular tone and allowing more of her tone to stand out. I like the overtones harmonizers add (used properly) as long as it doesn't override the main. ...and not all the time...
Damn you, sir, DAMN YOU! Now I can no longer hear Kanami's name without calling her "Obi-wan Kanami," lol!
Thanks again from Japan 有難う 💛。As you know, music video is a kind of food menu with clear pictures. "Influencer" was played in 11 shows in their US tour including 1 at Aftershock. And I saw this song premiered (live debut) in pre-US concert on Sep.7 in Tokyo. The eyewitnesses at those venues in US and Japan reconfirmed that Band-Maid shines brighter on stage with their talents and sounds better in front of audience with their skills. Don't get me wrong, however. I love this beautiful MV. The sound quality of the "polished" recording is, on the contrary, as good as that of raw and live performance 😄
Great reaction David, I have to agree the squeaky clean mix made this song a tough one for me to love, but after seeing them live in NY and NJ I fell in love with it, this song live is amazing. I hope you get around to the new instrumental, you are going to love that one for sure. Btw when are you and Mrs Heretic going to do the reactions you promised for the charity drive? Just curious. Best always to you and your wife.
We've already filmed them. I just need to edit them, upload them, and get them through copyright.
@@THEDavidHeretic can’t wait!
This video seems to be successful. As of a few minutes ago on December 8th; 1,168,391 views Premiered Sep 20, 2022
I suspect the overly-polished chorus was a deliberate choice. The subject is "influencers" and they are pointing out things about them. The closing lyrics:
Follow me now!! Right now!
Yes, give it a like.
Are you getting into me?
Surrender love!!
Hunky-dory day. Hunky-dory day.
Hunky-dory day. Hunky-dory day.
I think Band-Maid is secure enough in what they do they don't really care about labels like "metal" or "pop". By far their most commercial-sounding song is "Start Over" and it ends with lyric "I don't give a fuck, be born again." That might pretty well sum up their attitude, too.
As many of their studio recordings it was over post-produced but they managed to give a great live perfomance in their US tour starting at Aftershock.
I have said much the same in a long winded version. 😀
Not my favourite Band Maid song.......... But the lyrics are a REALLY important part to this song. We have heard of the "Concept Album". Here we have a "Concept Song".. This song "Influencer" is a "diss" to the "Influencer Social Media Movement". Listen to it again with English lyrics - AND with all the production you criticized.....This song is way more smarter, and snarkier than on a first listen. It took me a while to come around, but now I get it. These ladies know what they are doing and producing. Don't change.
Respect to you Mr Heretic. You said what few other reactors dared to say, and I have to admit that you have a pretty valid and interesting viewpoint. Fortunately, they did manage to perform this song live, sans production of course. Maybe for your own viewing/listening pleasure, you could seek out cam footage from the US Tour in October 2022 this year. Have a blast listening to this song live, and I hope to catch you on the next run.
Of course it over polished. The song is about influencers..... ;-)
😆👌
Exactly - same for the MV image btw: obvious overuse of filters in a totally deliberate way. Some people seems to thing they're stupid and can't illustrate what they're saying with their music ...
I hope they release a live version of the song. Hearing this in person, is more raw and just crazy good.
I can't wait for you to react to "From Now On".
It's interesting to hear people comment on the production of a song but I'd be lying if I said I could hear any of what they describe. I can tell the difference between the audio in a compressed youtube video and spotify or the CD, I can tell the difference between something with zero post production and something that's highly synthesized and finally I can hear the difference in fancam audio but that's about it. Maybe it's because I'm old and my hearing is as knackered as the rest of me.
Good to know I'm not the only one!
Ohhh so that's what "Influencer" is about. And there was me scouring the lyrics to see if Miku had discovered a cure for the flu.😏
😂
@@realdocloco Hey Doc i did ask on a comment the other day, in the new year i'm doing a "MAIDIAC 2" film poster for Mr B. Do you want to reprise your credit as scriptwriter?
@@GaryHolloway-810 anything that can help and please the venerable MrB 😉
@@realdocloco Awesome.😄👍
*Saiki* will be happy with this reaction knowing that this song could be part of a *Nike* commercial. _(She loves her Nike shoes)_ 🥰
Good reaction David. As my government leaders seem to say "Rules are made to be broken". You'd be remiss if you didn't check out their latest MV for the AWESOME instrumental FROM NOW ON. Peace.
Ooh he'll like that. As a musician himself i'd like to see what David thinks of it :)
@@GaryHolloway-810 He's gotta give it a 10. Well it is for me anyway. He'll say too much compression or whatever. My ear is not too discerning to that technical stuff. I just know it's great.🔟
@@jkkansasband7056 It's jojnt #1 with "Onset" for me. I thought this was my new fave then i went & listened to Onset again & there are parts of each i can't separate :)
@@GaryHolloway-810 Absolutely. Basically 1 & 1A. Hopefully they set a precedent of playing them back to back now. Talk about a surprise at both concerts.😲
@@jkkansasband7056 Yeah that would blow everyone's minds.🤯 Not mine cos my mind is massive bit they'd fill it with awesomeness.😆
Any song with a MISA bass solo is a good one.
If you want raw, you should have seen them live. Fans are hoping they'll be back in the States this coming year on their ten year anniversary. Unfortunately probably not in such small venues. Those days may be over.
Nice work Mason!! It IS a great song...good lyrics too Miku. I don't mind the polish...I like to hear what's in the composition. One thing we know is: Polished mastering is NOT making up for something they lack...it's apparent, as usual, they absolutely KILL IT in live performance. That's the most special thing about the Maids. Score is fair enough anyway David...and if you see a dirty fan cam from the tour...you'll give it 11 outta 10 buddy :-)
This is one song where there is more "polish" and it may have been intentional due to the lyrics and subject matter (Influencer) and how produced a lot of social media influencers make their content. I could be wrong but I wouldn't put it past them in making that aspect intentional. Thanks for the review!
Thanks Mason!!!! Enjoyed hearing your thoughts David. As others have said...this song slays live. I'm not an audiophile but I can't tell the the difference between the vocals in chorus and the verses. But I know others can. Here is a good fan cam where you can hear Saiki really well on this song
ruclips.net/video/eqgfE1LEAMs/видео.html
This is the 1st time I totally disagree with you. Overpolished? Yes. Overpolished = Bad? No. Very catchy, funky bass solo, Hip Hop part...To me one of their best songs...
David, I wonder if the level of 'polish' in the mix as you described it might be intentional in relation to the subject of the song. Just a thought. Maybe not, idk.
It's been Hunky Dory Days for USA fans, that's for sure! A live Band-Maid experience is not to be missed, if at all possible! Thx, David!
I agree that the Mix of this song is sort of confusing. From the Creative point of view I absolutely love it and adore it. I love every part of this song from the songwriting point of view. But It sounds weird to my ears. I want to adjust the sound every time the song goes from one logical block to another. Overall for me the Sound needs More! Or I can put it other way - "Not enough". Like I want it to be more striking, more in your face, more appealing. I am sure in Live concert the song kicks a**. But not in the video. Good news is that the songwriting is so brilliant that no mix can change that. I really like the fact the band keep bringing new ideas and make want for more of their new material.
Imho, this song seems to catch people unsure on first listen is because it’s an atypical rock song. It reminds me, in a sense, of Rush’s Tom Sawyer, which was NOT received by everyone initially as the best song on Moving Pictures, wasn’t the biggest hit on the album (Limelight) initially and certainly didn’t immediately take its place as Rush’s preeminent short song that it is today. It was a different song for them in the same way that Influencer is for Band-Maid. But the quality is there. After repeated listens, after your brain can sort through the more complex soundscape and finally just hear the unique instrumentation and sounds as a cohesive whole, I think the song will take a higher place in the echelon of Band-Maid songs. At least it has for me. Plus the lyrics and vocals are excellent as well. Take care and rock on 🤘🏼🔥🎶🎸✌🏼😀
David plz give their instrumental called From Now On, a Listen think you may impressed with their musical ability
Thanks Mason and David!
A very good reaction David, and an honest reaction is the BEST reaction. This is a very good song.
Consolation: Even if you feel that there was excessive post-production, you can find solace in your knowledge that Band Maid doesn't need the help -- they are inarguably excellent as singers, musicians, composers and arrangers. (Listen to the video for the instrumental "From Now On" -- you'll feel better. and...if you haven't seen The Daily Blab's videos "Hitler Defends His Love of Band Maid" and "Hitler's Told About Band Maid Conquering America" (both in the style of the Hitler Parodies video series) yet, get on You Tube and watch them -- it will be worth your time!!!!!
Smart reaction. Thx 👍
Great reaction and I agree with your assessment of the post production. Personally, I think they intentionally over produced the song to add to the message of the song (social media influencers) to give it an almost creepy feel. I think one area that Band-Maid has to be careful with is the same issue Rush had and that is being almost too cerebral with their message. Sometimes bands can be too far ahead of the times (for the masses).
This is my least favorite sounding guitar solo from Kanami and she is my favorite guitarist currently and she just keeps getting better and better but the affects put on her guitar for this one just didn't do it for me. It is too bad because the song actually kicks ass and sounds much better live, in person at Chicago, House of Blues 😁.
If you watch the making of video for this video (on the Band-Maid members page) you can here Akane talk about how she was told not to use cymbals in a specific section during the recording but that she would use cymbals during the live performance. This also adds to the theory that this was not only over produced but maybe done intentionally to give it a certain feel. Kanami even says to Akane, "it was recorded so long ago, you probably forgot if you used them or not". During the making of vidoe, there are actually shots of Akane hitting the cymbals but you don't hear/see them in that section of the video.
Also, in the making of video, while the girls are standing around waiting, Kanami discovers that the quarry they are filming in has a really cool echo, so she and Akane start messing around with the echo and yelling each others names...pretty hilarious.
At first listen you think the song is alright but the more you hear it the better it gets! MISA’s Bass solo followed by Kanami’s solo is awesome! The song itself is over polished and I agree with everything you speak about David! I was fortunate enough to hear it three times live and it sounded cool!! Thanks for the reaction man!
The song was approaching my most disliked Band-Maid song on first listen, but quickly climbed to the top of the most liked the more I listened. The same happened with Black Hole.
@@allegorical that happened with me with endless story, when I heard it live it blew me away! Now I approach a Band-Maid song on how Kanami writes and who gets the most attention from it! Influencer is a damn good song after three listens
8.4 is fair live as often with the girls live is always better. And thanks Mason 👍👍
Thx Mason.👍
This song grew very fast in me and it became a top 10. I like the mix very much.
I agree with you on the mix for this track (and the whole EP), it's a bit too overproduced for me as well.
I still really like the EP (this is probably my least favourite of the EP), but I do think they are somewhat overproduced and have started to be since their 2021 album when they switched labels (that one was still fine and is my favourite album of theirs, but was creeping in this direction). I honestly have a feeling they might be using a (without da doubt good) J-pop producer since their new label does a lot of Anime songs and things like that.
Band-Maid (and a lot of Japanese bands) always had some J-pop influences, especially in the chrousses. Band-Maid itself basically started out playing pop-punk. The majority of those bands sound better live because they are less produced live. That said, a lot of people really like this sound and even though I prefer their older mixes over this one (and I will keep banging the drum on that every once in a while), it's hard to argue that a lot of people like their new sound as well.
Edit:
I also have to say that the track sounds better on the actual CD or my mp3 or flac rips, which means it might have been compressed a little much in the musicvideo.
David GR8 reaction/review 👍. Initially I was thinking 8.8 and then right B4 you said what the score was I went down to 8.4 and then what did you say????? Yep! 8.4!!! And looking at it objectively 8.4 is the right score for this one!!!!! I Love this song 🎵 but in no way does it hit the level of other Band Maid songs like Sense, No God etc. However.. ... having just seen them in Chicago Influencer live TOTALLY KICKS ASS!!! I believe if you saw/heard it live the score would be 9.4!!!! Especially with both Misa and Kanami doing extended solos and a bit of a duel!!! Enough of my blah blah blah 😜 GR8 reaction bro!!!!! Keep Rocking on bro!!!🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘
Thankee D.H., I really enjoy the song, but my favorite is still the same revolving list of Puzzle Live, Moratorium Live, Domination Live, Play Live, Freezer, Rinne Live, Onset Live, and their newest instrumental from now on.
I agree that the engineer went too far in several sections of the song, both on the vocals and some of the instrumental sections.
I like all these songs, too, might even add "Non-fiction Days" and "Choose Me."
I agree with your reaction to this song and Saiki's vocals- just a little too smooth, lost a bit of it's edge. Re. blocking. I have heard that the band's new current agency, Ponycanyon, has taken over the rights to their earlier material or some such, which is what used to get blocked by the previous owners. In many recent interviews the band members had admitted to enjoying and reacting them selves to reactions to their music on youtube. It has been suggested that now there will be little or no blocking of Official MV's as this what they want us to hear and see. Good luck. Please correct me if this is wrong.
why the sound of the MV (especially the cymbals) is much better than the sound on the CD (an item that I put money on) ?
The cymbals sounds so saturated on the CD that I don't want to hear it ...
Thanks, Mason!
Thanks, David!
Great
I have heard it live a couple times. Sounded great then too .
Speaking of post mix production, I mentioned this before here but your mix, what we hear is still very flat, like wearing earplugs. Now your voice sounds good but the video music is flat.
Very Beato-esque... but honesty is best. At least you got to the song where Beato whined about compression and never got to the band.
Miku is always solid and has a big backing role here.
I'm anti-Patreon so I'll never request from you but still enjoy your reacts/reviews. Stay Well
Thanks to you I always remember to say harrumph!!
HARRUMPH!!!
As Band Maid have progressed over the years, they have produced a variety of songs generally in the rock vain but some songs defiantly have a pop rock sound.
Particularly with Saiki's voice, I find it ironic that her vocals have improved and matured over the years, so what happens? More and more tracks receive electronic tweaks, to Saiki's voice.
As you say, the studio audio for this track is over produced. Funnily enough a lot of fans seem to embrace this and the tweaks to Saiki's voice but definitely not for me.
The saving grace with Band Maid time and time again is their ability to perform their songs live. Yes there is track at their live shows but the result is a vast improvement over the studio audio, with various tracks, in my view.
8.4 ist eine gute und gerechte bewertung alles was du über 7.0 bewertest kann man als guten song ansehen also kann man als fan zufrieden sein 👍
I don't have the critical listening ear, or experience, folks like you who make a living from it, so it sounded fine to me - I'm easily pleased, mind 😎
Some folks may not get the "over polished" simile, it's like looking at antique silver, or gold, and the intricate carving and filigré work that the 'smith made them with, and seeing where it's been polished to the extent that the finer details have been buffed off.
80% people who watch your videos dont even know that they need do request on Patreon i guess
I know, even though I have instructions on how to make official requests scroll across the video in big red letters at the beginning and end of the video. People will still ask how they can make requests....
I like your reactions, mainly be course I normally do not agree with all what you say. If I did, I would have no reason to follow your channel, but I must say that what you call "polished" in the mix, I call "compression", and in my book that's not the same thing. I love B-M, but hate how their recording sound on high volume on good equipment. Played on a laptop computer thought, that's where the mix shines. No band sounds better when using a shitty loudspeaker on low volume.
Your playing band maid. You get a like at the start. If you don't like the song I know you will be honest and tell us why and your opinion is important.
Saiki uses clean, sweet, raw gritty and all in live performance. No worries.
I know how you feel about the recording.
Not a massive Band-Maid fan in the first place, but I agree with this feeling overproduced. I'm not a fan of the vocal effects either.
Sorry!
It just doesn't click, with me.
I wish it did! I so want to like them but there is something missing
Don't hate me for it.
Maximum the Hormone, Gacharic Spin, Nemophila even Lovebites, click my buttons.
Bandmaid, sorry, i just don't get it.
It happens. I never got into Rush despite trying. Those other bands you mention are hit or miss for me. Although I do like Nemophilia the best out of that group. I will say the talent level of all these Japanese bands is ridiculous so something for everyone. Did Band Maid's new instrumental MV...From Now On...do anything for you? A bit different than their other work.
@@falconsooner The talent is undeniable!
I'm not criticising, their abilitility.
They are fantasic muscians!
For some reason, it just doesn't click, with me.
Thank you! Just watched the BandMaid instrumental. Thats more like it! That was awesome!
@@JokMetal They have gradually started to add orchestral elements to their songs. Will be interesting to see if they continue that direction. They released an instrumental version of their 2021 Unseen World album and their songs have a different feel without Saiki. So maybe Saiki's vocals don't do it for you. I know I struggle with Asumi's vocals of Lovebites. Great singer but not a huge fan of her vocal style. Anyway glad you gave From Now On a listen. Glad you liked it.
Band-Maid are fine. For me there are lots of more interesting Japanese bands out there though.