Music > Album Reviews
The Japanese House - Swim Against The Tide EP
24/10/16
It’s always refreshing to see a young artist producing music with not only such craftsmanship, but with such a disregard for fame. The Japanese House is the solo project of 21-year-old Buckinghamshire born Amber Bain, who during her start-up remained identity-free in a bid to bring back the music. Still, from Bain’s debut 2015 EP, Pools To Bathe In was honoured as Zane Lowe’s final reigning Hottest Record before departing Radio 1, leaving us to ponder where this alt-pop talent was supposed to take it to next. How about going on to support what are rapidly becoming the biggest indie success on the planet? After her second acclaimed EP, Clean, also released last year, Bain went on to support chart-toppers The 1975 on their worldwide tour, after half the band co-produced her EP. If Healy and co’s upbeat disco efforts are Saturday night, Bain’s melancholic electronica is no doubt the post-party comedown.
Bain’s ability to create a state of atmospheric melancholy is a theme that continues onto her third EP, Swim Against The Tide (out November 11th), although this thoughtfulness is more optimistic in style. Amber’s love of polyrhythmic melodies and production tricks really holds prominence, with glistening layers of sci-fi synth, clapping drums and layered production backing Bain’s gorgeously toned vocals.
The clean-pop influence on this EP could be the result of touring with The 1975; tracks such as the title single particularly reminiscent of the band’s earlier days with harmonious tones pervaded in wonderfully honed electronics. Face Like Thunder, the EP’s second single release, can be compared to female-fronted alt-pop quintet Fickle Friends, with its catchy pop hooks and clear 80s disco influence. Despite a more upbeat track than the majority of her previous, Bain sings on topics of pain, those moments when you’re so struck by recent occurrences that all you can do is sit quiet reflection: “I couldn’t speak / so I slurred / while I look for a word but / you left just before I could find it”.
Bain’s musical capabilities are reinforced with Good Side In, which proves her versatility in the production of such a continuously ear-pleasing yet constantly varying sound; opening with gorgeous Spanish guitar developing into a funky riff-driven phrase of harmonious dream pop, only to fade back to the trills of the picked guitar. Final track Leon is another soft synth effort with Daft Punk-esque robotics and impressive layering.
An ability in creating intricate melodies as well as atmospheric texture should be massively applauded; The Japanese House has truly crafted a first class collection of poignant yet optimistic pop tracks, that continue to impress for yet another strongly-crafted EP.
9/10
The Japanese House plays Norwich Arts Centre as part of her UK headline tour on November 5th.