ARTICLE – TUNAGE
My response to Glyn’s Mixed Music Bag
For this week’s challenge, I couldn’t decide which band to feature, so I chose to feature two bands I had the privilege of watching on the same day. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Band Maid
Band Maid, an all-female rock band hailing from Japan, has been creating a significant impact on the international music scene with their unique fusion of hard rock, pop, and traditional Japanese music. The band is known for their distinctive aesthetic, which blends traditional maid outfits’ visual elements with rock and roll’s edginess.
Their powerful performances and energetic live shows have earned them wide acclaim. Each member of Band Maid is a skilled musician, and their concerts are known to showcase their musical prowess, defying the stereotypical image of a “maid.” The band’s sound, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, powerful drums, and catchy melodies, is familiar and fresh to the listeners.
Their stage presence is charismatic, engaging audiences worldwide and earning them a cult following. Their music and unique aesthetic set them apart in the rock scene, making them stand out.
Band Maid has also made significant strides in spreading their music globally. They have toured extensively, performing in countries like the US, UK, and Germany, and have released several albums that have been well-received by critics and fans alike. Their unique blend of hard rock, pop, and Japanese music, coupled with their distinct aesthetic, has made them a standout act in the world of rock music.
In conclusion, Band Maid is not just a novelty act. They are skilled musicians with a unique sound and look that sets them apart from other bands. Their music is powerful and catchy, and their performances are energetic and engaging. Band Maid’s unique blend of hard rock, pop, and traditional Japanese music is a breath of fresh air in the rock scene, and their increasing popularity worldwide is a testament to their talent and appeal.
Personal Reaction:
I take my metal seriously. I’ve been a metalhead before It was cool. So, I will not be swayed by attractive women dancing around in maid uniforms. I’m not having such foolishness. It’s no different with male bands that bolster some gimmick. However, my brother said they were good, and he hadn’t let me down yet, so I listened. Armed with skepticism by God.
All I can say is those ladies threw down. Totally blown away. If you get a chance, check them out.
Badflower
Badflower, the Los Angeles based American rock band, is making significant strides in redefining the rock genre with their unique and raw sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Their gritty and emotionally resonant music is a stark contrast in an era dominated by synthesized pop and electronic music, reminding listeners of the visceral energy of early punk rock bands, further enriched by the sophistication of modern alternative music.
Their rise to fame was not simply overnight. It resulted from relentless touring, engaging live performances, and their compelling sonic experience. Their debut album, “OK, I’m Sick,” was a turning point, receiving critical acclaim upon its release in 2019. This album propelled them to the forefront of the rock scene. The album’s lead single, “Ghost,” was a commercial success, earning a gold certification from the RIAA and reaching the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. This success has been consistent with their subsequent releases, solidifying their status as one of the decade’s most exciting new rock bands.
Badflower’s success proves the continued relevance and demand for rock music in an era when pop and hip-hop typically dominate the charts. Their raw and emotive sound and thought-provoking lyrics have resonated with a new generation of rock fans, showing that rock music can still be fresh, innovative, and impactful.
Personal Reaction:
Badflower’s set was after Band-Maid- not directly after, but after. Now, we had seen Badflower previously and were excited to see them again. This show was great, but something happened during the set that sticks with me.
So, the band was playing Ghost, and something was happening in the audience. They stopped the show. They made sure the fan was okay before continuing. I’ve seen that before. Badflower is a definite class act.
Bonus Feature:
Twenty or so years ago, I had the privilege of watching the legendary B.B. King. My late wife was a tremendous fan, and I was like, he got a couple songs I like. I’ve always been more of a John Lee Hooker fan. So, one year, I had just returned from a very long assignment and wanted to do something special for my wife. I had no idea what special would be, but I wanted to do something. I kept looking for something and wasn’t having any luck. Then, one of the soldiers left a newspaper on the desk, and I found what I looking for.
B.B. King was giving a Mother’s Day special concert. So I bought tickets. I told her the three hours before the concert. She didn’t believe me. I produced the tickets, and she got dressed. Mind you, I never saw my wife get dressed that fast the entire time we were married. She even had to lay out some appropriate attire for me. Apparently, jeans, t-shirts, and boots wouldn’t cut it to see B.B. King. I protested and then quickly got dressed.
Did you know B.B. King had a jazz band? His band played a full set of jazz standards before King joined them on the stage. The show was about three hours long. It was one of the best shows I have seen. Yeah, but I’m still more of a John Lee fan.
Here is a version of a classic my wife and I both loved
Memoirs of Madness 