Live Review

The Japanese House, Electric Ballroom, London

19th March 2019

Tonight confirms Amber Bain as a performer who finally seems comfortable in her own skin.

When The Japanese House first began releasing music in 2015, she was somewhat of an enigma, often seeming a little unsure of herself on stage. Almost four years later - and with four EPs and long-awaited debut full-length ‘Good At Falling’ now out in the world - one of the first things that’s obvious tonight is just how much she’s grown as a performer. As Amber Bain strides on stage alongside her band, the whole room descends into chaos.

With a full arsenal of songs now at her disposal, she cherry-picks from across her discography, allowing it to not become too album-heavy. Though her lyrical content dissects what it always has - confusion, isolation and heartbreak - live, the songs sound bright and vibrant, and the night is a celebratory one.

Opener ‘Face Like Thunder’ comes in contrast to some of the newer songs she brings out tonight - ‘We Talk All The Time’ and ‘went to meet her’, for example - her earlier ambient style now complemented by a sharper, choppier, synth-led sound that suits her well. It may have taken a little longer than expected to get here - four years is quite a long time to wait for a debut album, after all - but it’s been worth the wait. The Japanese House has truly arrived.

The Japanese House, Electric Ballroom, London The Japanese House, Electric Ballroom, London The Japanese House, Electric Ballroom, London The Japanese House, Electric Ballroom, London The Japanese House, Electric Ballroom, London

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