In an ethereal live show London’s Amber Bain, formally known as The Japanese House, reaffirmed why the internet hasn’t seen the death of dream pop, in a beguiling fusion of electronica and blissful synth pop...
Opening we saw the newly formed post-punk band Pencil, the fusion of classical violin and otherwise typical guitar riffs resulted in an episodic performance that definitely opened the ears of some audience members as an emerging talent.
Against the ambient light, Bain took to the stage accompanied by her band to play a mix of old and new material, opening with Sad to Breathe, the epitome of her evolved sound. Bain manages to strike a tricky equilibrium between poignancy and vibrant danceable production.
Moulding her own heartbreak into different shapes it is clear that the music speaks its own language here, brief talking interludes among a seventeen song set assured that Bain is one of the most promising songwriters and producers of this decade.
In the haze of her old material, crowd favourites I saw you in a dream and You seemed so happy showed the timelessness of her discography, reinforced by a haunting rendition of Chewing Cotton Wool that swirled around, doused in melancholy and was absolutely heartbreaking as the last "She’s chewing cotton wool" echoed to the back of the room.
Tracks from her newest release In the End it Always Does saw Bain becoming visibly emotional on deliverance and was a reminder of the context in which this album sat in my own life. Despite the lack of reaction from the crowd, I was incredibly grateful to get to witness this record live in the company of some of my closest friends. This new era feels like Bain stepping out into the light, with tracks like Sunshine Baby and Boyhood having real clarity and offering another dimension to the previous discography whilst consistently delivering introspection.
During the encore Bain entered the stage with only a spotlit piano at the centre, contemplative and emotional, the set ended in One for Sorrow, Two for Joni Jones the most moving point of the set. I felt myself getting very emotional as the poignancy of this closing track really was highlighted and it was made clear to the audience that this song be considered a warm hug through the complexities of relationships, one in which Bain invites us to drift through with her. "When I look upon myself, I don’t see the same as I did a year ago" rang through the silent room, all listening intently to this retrospective and deeply personal rendition.
Shimmering and raw, Bain possesses a real talent in translating her music from recording to live show and the audience was engulfed in a haze of synths and saxophone. A real treat for any fan of The Japanese House, Bain continues to glide from strength to strength leaving real anticipation for what is coming next from her.
The Japanese House performed at Rescue Rooms on 16 October 2023.
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