The song is about struggle, about trying to keep something together that will not, and cannot, stay together. It is about something that is naturally imperfect. Hence, their conscious choice (and Saiki's bravery) for having Saiki sing all the lead despite its challenges. Also, it is about one woman, and having another vocalist join in the lyrical content would make no sense. Desperation and sadness affect the voice.
i could swear when she did the acoustic live show she played on an alvarez for acoustic guitar and equipboard says she has a "K. Yairi SJY13H Steve Hicks Custom Electro-Acoustic" for acoustic. I just went back and looked at the headstock of her guitar in the acoustic concert and its for sure an Alvarez but its different to the logo on this one. For Electric she was signed with Addictone at the start of band maid and they have signature kanami models for those. then she switched to PRS which she has not looked back from yet. She just got a very pricey Custom Private Stock from them
Good observations on breathing. I studied trumpet in college and once played a song in a recital that had a lot of sustained notes with limited chances to take a breath. I actually had to stop in the middle of the song because I started hyperventilating. Something about playing it in front of people combined with the lack of breath opportunities. I always feel sorry for Saiki when this song comes on, although she does pull it off and sings the song beautifully. I think Kanami has a a hidden sadistic streak because she's always writing things that are borderline impossible - but that's also part of what has fueled this band's incredible run of improving at a crazy pace year after year. And let's face it - it's just a great song!
Just remember, this show was less than a year after Saiki had throat polyps surgery. Emotional performances such as this are often lead than technically perfect, that's what makes them different. Wabi Sabi- The beauty in imperfection.
The acoustic version of this song puts more responsibility onto Saiki's shoulders. She is not being drowned out by a wall of instrumental sound: she has to communicate the song's emotions clearly -- which she does. Meanwhile, instead of Miku -- a competent singer as well as rhythm guitarist -- we have Kanami, who does not normally sing much.Kanami is playing acoustic instead of electric, and also singing -- something she can do as the band's third vocalist, but which she usually prefers not to do. Kanami is a composer and musician first, and very much a singer last. She has had lessons, but merely to make sure she has a basic singing capability. She never wanted to be a lead singer. But she has a sweet, soft, high voice -- and it works as a gentle and unobtrusive backup to Saiki's stronger and very expressive voice.
The technical singing aspect of this is interesting, but I think focusing on it can make you lose some of the emotional impact of the performance. If you're just looking at her control of her breath, and places where she sounds like she pushed it too far, you can miss the fact that she sounds pained, in the spirit of the song.
Yes IMHO she knows she may break a little and that adds to the emotional impact. Saiki is very good at conveying emotions and her "cracks" are part of that.
@@jarongeil-vocalcovers2484 I think if you can shut your analytical brain off, the emotion of the song is fairly apparent, even if you don't know what the words mean. It's in the vocal strain and her facial expressions, and that body language where she's holding her abdomen, like she's self-soothing. If you're wondering, though, the song is about being in love with someone she can't have (exactly why is kind of open to interpretation). In the normal version of the song, the delivery is kind of scorned and angry, and in this acoustic performance, it's more pained and longing. Either way fits the lyrics perfectly. It's not my favorite of their songs from a musicality standpoint, but I think it's wonderful art.
Saiki's breathing is heavy when she sings Puzzle, even in the slow tempo of this acoustic version, so I think she's probably breathing out intentionally to express the feelings of the protagonist in the lyrics.
This is a great opportunity to get a good look at Saiki''s "Yaeba" teeth. Less common in the west, this condition would be "corrected" with orthodontics. In Japan, it's considered quite beautiful, and they even highlight it in the animated version of her for the music video for Unleash!!!!!. I've always wondered if it has some slight effect on her singing tone. Another great reaction, Jaraon, thanks! Rock on!
Thanks for the insight into the singing technique. The Band seems to have a preference for being a bit more complex than they need to be. I have seen fan posts that in Japanese culture, the effort to do your best in something difficult is just as respected as hitting the goal. The guitar is an Alvarez Yari. And Kanami, the guitarist can sing but doesn't like to!
That’s KANAMI on guitar providing harmonies, not vocalist KOBATO. Also the song is a sad reminiscence by a woman scorned. It’s not possible to pass the lyrics back and forth as in Thrill.
The song is about struggle, about trying to keep something together that will not, and cannot, stay together. It is about something that is naturally imperfect. Hence, their conscious choice (and Saiki's bravery) for having Saiki sing all the lead despite its challenges. Also, it is about one woman, and having another vocalist join in the lyrical content would make no sense. Desperation and sadness affect the voice.
No matter what venue or band format, Band-Maid always brings something unexpected and special to the eyes and ears... and heart! 💝🎀 Thx, Jaron!
@@TomClark-Futoura for sure! 🤘
i could swear when she did the acoustic live show she played on an alvarez for acoustic guitar and equipboard says she has a "K. Yairi SJY13H Steve Hicks Custom Electro-Acoustic" for acoustic.
I just went back and looked at the headstock of her guitar in the acoustic concert and its for sure an Alvarez but its different to the logo on this one.
For Electric she was signed with Addictone at the start of band maid and they have signature kanami models for those. then she switched to PRS which she has not looked back from yet. She just got a very pricey Custom Private Stock from them
Oh nice! That’s awesome! 🤘
Enjoyed your insights!
Appreciate that! 🙌
from JAPAN. The KANAMI acoustic guitar played here is a handmade ‘Alvarez Yairi’.
Do you mean Alvarez Yairi?
@@daaaaaave Oooh! It was my mistake. I am sorry.🙏
Awesome! Good to know!
@@jarongeil-vocalcovers2484 👍😄
Nice reaction, i like listening to both versions to enjoy the range of band-maid. Truly amazing.
Thanks! Definitely! 🤘
Good observations on breathing. I studied trumpet in college and once played a song in a recital that had a lot of sustained notes with limited chances to take a breath. I actually had to stop in the middle of the song because I started hyperventilating. Something about playing it in front of people combined with the lack of breath opportunities. I always feel sorry for Saiki when this song comes on, although she does pull it off and sings the song beautifully. I think Kanami has a a hidden sadistic streak because she's always writing things that are borderline impossible - but that's also part of what has fueled this band's incredible run of improving at a crazy pace year after year. And let's face it - it's just a great song!
Nice! Yeah she definitely knows what she’s doing! 🤘
👍👍Excellent performance. BAND-MAID unplugged. Love this performance, great reaction. 🖖❤
Thanks! Agreed! 🤘🤘
There's really nothing to complain about BAND-MAID. They know what they're doing and it's always great...(I might a bit biased)
They’re definitely impressive! 🤘🤘
Jaron -- I believe you're gonna wanna know the Maids names at some point:
Saiki Atsumi (Sy-i-Key or Psyche) “StarQueen" - Lead vocals
Miku Kobato (Me-Ku) "Small Pigeon" - Rhythm guitar, Vocals, Lyricist, SpokesPigeon, and Founder
Kanami Tono (Ka-Na-Me) “Princess” - Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Main Composer
Akane Hirose (A-Ka-Nay) "Gorilla" - Drums
MISA (Me-Sa) "Barefoot Assassin" aka: MISA MISA MISA - Bass
Just remember, this show was less than a year after Saiki had throat polyps surgery. Emotional performances such as this are often lead than technically perfect, that's what makes them different. Wabi Sabi- The beauty in imperfection.
Well I can’t remember that if I didn’t know, but thanks for the info! 🤘
These two are amazing together!
Thanks for insight on the vocal structure!
🤘🕊️🦍🥷👸🏻👀PO!
Definitely! Thanks! 🤘
Band Maid "YOU" live in Tokyo 2018.👍
👍👍
The acoustic version of this song puts more responsibility onto Saiki's shoulders. She is not being drowned out by a wall of instrumental sound: she has to communicate the song's emotions clearly -- which she does. Meanwhile, instead of Miku -- a competent singer as well as rhythm guitarist -- we have Kanami, who does not normally sing much.Kanami is playing acoustic instead of electric, and also singing -- something she can do as the band's third vocalist, but which she usually prefers not to do. Kanami is a composer and musician first, and very much a singer last. She has had lessons, but merely to make sure she has a basic singing capability. She never wanted to be a lead singer. But she has a sweet, soft, high voice -- and it works as a gentle and unobtrusive backup to Saiki's stronger and very expressive voice.
👍
The technical singing aspect of this is interesting, but I think focusing on it can make you lose some of the emotional impact of the performance. If you're just looking at her control of her breath, and places where she sounds like she pushed it too far, you can miss the fact that she sounds pained, in the spirit of the song.
Yes IMHO she knows she may break a little and that adds to the emotional impact. Saiki is very good at conveying emotions and her "cracks" are part of that.
Well I can’t really gauge the emotions when I can’t understand the lyrics, and there’s no lyrics on screen for the video, but I get your point.
@@jarongeil-vocalcovers2484 I think if you can shut your analytical brain off, the emotion of the song is fairly apparent, even if you don't know what the words mean. It's in the vocal strain and her facial expressions, and that body language where she's holding her abdomen, like she's self-soothing.
If you're wondering, though, the song is about being in love with someone she can't have (exactly why is kind of open to interpretation). In the normal version of the song, the delivery is kind of scorned and angry, and in this acoustic performance, it's more pained and longing. Either way fits the lyrics perfectly. It's not my favorite of their songs from a musicality standpoint, but I think it's wonderful art.
Saiki's breathing is heavy when she sings Puzzle, even in the slow tempo of this acoustic version, so I think she's probably breathing out intentionally to express the feelings of the protagonist in the lyrics.
Yes, she also will sing in a breathless whisper at times to convey sadness.
I’m sure that’s part of it!
Awesome reaction!
Thank you!! 🙌
This is a great opportunity to get a good look at Saiki''s "Yaeba" teeth. Less common in the west, this condition would be "corrected" with orthodontics. In Japan, it's considered quite beautiful, and they even highlight it in the animated version of her for the music video for Unleash!!!!!. I've always wondered if it has some slight effect on her singing tone.
Another great reaction, Jaraon, thanks! Rock on!
Thanks! Appreciate that! 🤘🤘
The song is a story by the vocal lead. If Kanami took some of the lines, the impact of the story would be lost.
It's a pity this version doesn't have the full intro 😪other than that it's a masterpiece
That would’ve been cool! 🤘
What a Beautiful way to start my day. Absolutely great. Good react again Kitsune. Please react to Freedom live. Is simply amazing! See you 🤟🦊🇯🇵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Appreciate that! 🤘🤘🤘
💙💚(💜💛❤)
🤘🤘🤘
Thanks for the insight into the singing technique. The Band seems to have a preference for being a bit more complex than they need to be. I have seen fan posts that in Japanese culture, the effort to do your best in something difficult is just as respected as hitting the goal. The guitar is an Alvarez Yari. And Kanami, the guitarist can sing but doesn't like to!
and *Kanami* took singing lessons to be an all around artist 😁
Nice! Thanks for letting me know! 🤘
That’s KANAMI on guitar providing harmonies, not vocalist KOBATO. Also the song is a sad reminiscence by a woman scorned. It’s not possible to pass the lyrics back and forth as in Thrill.
No capo on that fret board.
There’s clearly a capo on the first fret.
@@jarongeil-vocalcovers2484 that's a shadow. I've looked plenty of times.
@@Aaronacer I don’t think you know what a capo is. Look again.
Just a thought....
Isn't it time that you showed them the respect they deserve and learned their names?
Fun fact: Saiki (singer) at this point was coming off of Polyp surgery. She had less than a year between the surgery and this show.
That doesn’t sound fun. Definitely impressive! 🤘