The Japanese House beat a bizarre billing to shine at Reading 2016

The Dance Stage is usually the reserve of hedonism and house music, but it’s a different kind that hops on stage this afternoon. On paper, The Japanese House, the silken project of Amber Bain, couldn’t be less at home below the canopy she’s given, but within seconds her and her band make it their own space (even if the clearly unaware MC might have introduced “Japan House” just moments before).

The screams that greet Amber’s arrival are proof that she’s brought her own gang along too. Every song is amped up to fill the cavern, punching through like never before. That time on the road in enormodomes with The 1975 has clearly paid dividends - where before The Japanese House’s live side felt like a house of sticks, now they’re a commanding force.

“We’re not a very dancey band, even though we’re in the dance tent,” Amber admits, “This is the only song you can really dance to.” A pounding ‘Cool Blue’ is greeted in fitting style by both outstretched palms and clenched fists. This Japanese House is clearly still building, and on today’s evidence it’ll be touching the clouds before long.