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.
More like this

‘Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat’: the remixes ranked
It’s the most star-studded album since the Barbie soundtrack, but which tracks come out on top?
15th October 2024
The Japanese House shares new single ’:)’
The summery track is a follow up to last year’s LP ‘In the End It Always Does’.
20th June 2024

The Japanese House set to support The 1975 on upcoming UK tour
Amber Bain will join the band for nine shows next month.
12th January 2024
The Japanese House announces 2024 UK tour
The shows will be in support of her recent acclaimed album, ‘In the End It Always Does’.
30th October 2023
Festival special! Featuring Wolf Alice, Kasabian, Lykke Li, Marmozets, Genesis Owusu and more.