Band-Maid (2): No two songs are alike

Band-Maid mural by Peter Kim

Band Maid are:

Miku Kobato – Rhythm guitar, backing vocal, band founder

Kanami Tono – Lead guitar, primary composer and arranger

MISA – Bass

Akane Hirose – Drums

Saiki Atsumi – Lead vocals

 

The most striking thing about Band-Maid is the variety and quality of their catalogue.  Most of the songs are composed by Kanami, with MISA writing the bass lines and Miku writing the lyrics. They draw heavily from folk, jazz and funk, as well as from their classical training.  The songs are intricately composed without tripping over themselves.  They are never repetitive--even within a song, the choruses always contain variations that keep things fresh.  Here are three of their early songs showcasing some of that range.

 

“Choose Me” (June 2017) Band-Maid sing love songs, but they never whine.  This song is a hard-rocking, throw-down challenge to some dude to stop dithering and make a damn choice.  The instrumental performance, as always, is on point, with the lead guitar doing a non-stop counterpoint to the vocals.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZIJ2vFxu9Y

 

 

“Daydreaming” (May 2017) Band-Maid are that rare hard-rock band that know how to dial it back and make it sound good.  Every nuance, from the thick, soulful bass line to the subtle, constantly changing drum fills, contributes to the emotional buildup.  Saiki’s husky tone and Miku’s bell-like harmonies create a sense of wistful yearning. The short, anguished guitar solo serves the song without overwhelming it.   All five members of the band do exactly what they need to do, no more, no less.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCaeUkrItyY

 

 

“Start Over” (July, 2018) Band-Maid had begun experimenting with more softer-edged, more progressive writing, and some fans saw the title of this song and the jazzy feel as indicating a change in direction.  With this video, their look changed slightly, and Akane’s little hat disappeared, further fueling speculation that they were switching gears.  That, and other inside jokes, are reminiscent of the Easter eggs the Beatles planted to make people wonder what they were up to.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL5sRrSECQ0