This week, Japanese rock group BAND-MAID upload a teaser video of their new song, Present Perfect, to social media. The metal mavens are building hype for their upcoming EP, SCOOOOOP.
The teaser suggests an anthemic, yet profound track. It briefly shows vocalist SAIKI gazing at her hand, then cuts to her on a cliff above the ocean as the music swells. The teaser effectively whets your appetite for more!
The EP, SCOOOOOP, coming out on October 22, has yet to release a complete track list. Currently, the known songs are those released since last year’s album, Epic Narratives. Spotify’s pre-release information lists eight tracks, including Ready to Rock, What is Justice?, and Zen. Presumably of course, Present Perfect will also be on there. If these tracks indicate the EP’s direction, fans can expect hard and heavy bangers!
As a music journalist, I appreciate the EP title, SCOOOOOP, if it refers to getting the latest “scoop” as with the news. In today’s information age, delivering news can be challenging, as modern communication makes the traditional “scoop” seem outdated. For example, in another article, it took me over a year to write about the BAND-MAID and The Warning concert in Tokyo.
Yet, this site exists to introduce the Japanese music scene in a clear and understandable way by using the latest news. Perhaps the band’s spelling, with five “O”s for each member, channels their latest songs into a hot-off-the-press scoop for the world.
About BAND-MAID
This hard rock band, formed in Tokyo in 2013, is known for blending aggressive sounds with a maid café-inspired visual style. Members include lead vocalist SAIKI, MIKU Kobato on rhythm guitar and vocals, KANAMI on lead guitar, MISA on bass, and AKANE on drums. The band won the 2016 Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards’ Japan Next Generation award and the 2020 Neo Awards’ Best Musical Act award.
Their high-energy performances and heavy riff laden songs have built a global following. Fans appreciate the contrast between their maid outfits and hard-rock sound. The maid theme also shapes their live performances, known as “servings for masters and princesses.” The band is signed to Pony Canyon and tours extensively in Japan and internationally.
