LIVE: The Japanese House – Dingwalls, Camden 25.02.16

Mid-way through her set at Dingwalls last week, Amber Bain – aka The Japanese House – introduced her track ‘Sugar Pill’ with the self-deprecating remark, “Here’s another depressing song…”. It’s not clear whether this was as a trigger warning, or a wry shot at her introverted artistic nature; but it was blindingly obvious the crowd were happy to indulge in the bitter-sweet listening experience she offered with this eclectic track.

Bain’s acute, poetic lyricism and delicious vocal distortion make listening to The Japanese House an ethereal electronic experience, and it’s one that’s enhanced further when heard live. She opened with the upbeat ‘Clean’, taken from the EP of the same name, and the sound was pure, vibrant, visceral; spreading like pacifying waves through the Dingwalls crowd. The set was a short one due to the small but significant amount of recording material Bain currently has on offer. She has only released two EPs – Clean and Pools To Bathe In – both were played in their entirety; and although it’s hard to pick favourites, ‘Still’ and ‘Letter By The Water’ were stand out tracks.

She’s been recommended by the superb Wolf Alice, and named as “One To Watch in 2016” by DIY Magazine, so it won’t be long before fans start demanding a full length album from The Japanese House. Amber Bain’s orientally named, electronic creation is a must-hear experience for fans of ambient, idosyncratic, electronic music. Go and see her. NOW.

Side Note: Support came from Isaac Gracie, whose husky vocals had the crowd hypnotised. You can catch him at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton in May.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington

Kate Crudgington

Assistant Editor for Gigslutz (2015-2017) Now Co-Founder, Co-Host & Features Editor for @getinherears