More about: The Japanese House

Channelling the energy of heartbreak and gut-wrenching personal experience, Amber Bain a.k.a. The Japanese House crafted her debut album Good At Falling, released in March of this year. But it was more than an album that simply accentuated sadness, it took raw emotion and assigned deeper, sometimes existential meanings that became corridors towards different outlooks on life. 

Whilst some melancholic performers appropriately induce a kind of contextually conscious somber sway, The Japanese House uses synth pop as an antidote to her own lyricism, the melody, rhythm and texture a much-needed escape from reality, whether that escape be through indulgent transcendence or the insatiable compulsion to dance. The Japanese House’s live show is a gallery that exemplifies her ability as a songwriter, one that can explore the deepest fractures of a relationship yet cushion it in the dayglow of 80’s synth. 

The Amber Bain who takes to the stage is a far cry from her ambiguous beginnings, originally not appearing in any press shots and being rumoured to be a Matty Healy side project. During her first shows, she appeared alone on stage and detached from the audience, almost disassociating herself from her surroundings. Then came the band...and now it finally feels as though performing and the expression of her art has become habitual, with constant hops of joy and looks of glee. She now performs with a natural effervescence.

The set feels constantly alive - no room for any dead air - there are constant drones, flickers and whispers that feel like your conscience trying to tell you a secret. 'Follow My Girl' follows suit, individual elements feeling more alive and eye-catching than ever, the drums, guitars and keys all vying for attention as the textures feel vivid, entrancing and tantalisingly tangible. 'Maybe You’re The Reason' is a clear highlight and has Amber using relationships as a medium for finding meaning within life. When pondering the big questions and the point of it all, there’s reassurance that you can find meaning in the people around you. The synth holds one of her strongest ever hooks and dives gorgeously into the chorus.

The Japanese House is flourishing, maturing into an incredibly well-equipped songwriter who is mastering the art of writing emotionally devastating, yet enlightening pop songs. The escapism offered by the instrumental's contrasts the emotional paradigm of the lyrics to offer an experience akin to taking to the floor at the depressed disco. And what a fun little disco it is.

More about: The Japanese House