By Rachel D’Arcy
There’s a lot to be said for when an artist comes into their own.
The Japanese House, the moniker of Buckinghamshire musician Amber Bain, has released a smattering of warmly-received EPs since 2015, her electro-pop-indie sound being one that has accompanied much of my own nights of solitude and relaxation, to an extent.
Now, with the release of her debut album, Good at Falling, the 23-year-old has opened up her sound and content to allow for a deeper look inside the so-called “dream pop” she creates, emerging into her own brand of indie-electro, that’s undoubtedly her’s alone.
Produced by The 1975’s George Daniel, there is an element of influence from Bain’s label mates in the full-length – vocoder vocals, with some tracks that wouldn’t be amiss off the Mancunian’s second record, i like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it, but this is all undoubtedly the Berkshire lass’ own creation, lyrically and beyond.
It’s her own twist on the devastation of heartbreak, falling in love, on all the experiences that come with being 23 years old.
From the opening chords of “went to meet her (intro)”, it’s certain that you’re in for a delectable musical journey through clouds and over rivers and all things good – though twinged with a degree of sadness.
Whilst the melody of a good few of the tracks – lead single “Lilo”, “f a r a w a y” and “Worms”, namely – carries a beat that will most definitely go off live, the lyrical content is that little bit morose, if not brilliantly honest and open.
Bain deals with life through her music in a way that’s almost freeing. The album on the whole appears to follow along with the development, and ultimate break up, of a loving, beautiful relationship. Everything is dealt with amongst the 13 tracks in a brilliant, refreshing way of storytelling.
One minute you’re listening to dizzying, illuminating chords describing the beginning of a new relationship, before it all comes crashing down before the album closer “i saw you in a dream”. Whilst a majority of music deals with the trials and tribulations of romance, Bain manages to tell the full, lengthy story in a compact, beautiful 44 minutes.
Good at Falling is a great signpost of where Bain appears to be now, both musically and personally. It’s a solid debut album from a much-hyped about musician, but the potential for growth definitely remains.
If anything, it makes the listener even more excited to see where Bain will take her sound and her creativity next.
Good At Falling by The Japanese House is available now on Dirty Hit. Follow The Japanese House on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify and Facebook.
