On a night where indie pop enthusiasts gathered in droves, Manchester’s historic Albert Hall played host to a mesmerizing sold-out show from Dirty Hit Record’s The Japanese House, an indie=pop collective fronted by the immensely talented Amber Bain. On a surprisingly hot Manchester day, the atmosphere throughout the historic venue was electric as fans filled in, all eager to experience the ethereal soundscapes and emotional depth that The Japanese House is renowned for. With rising stars Bonnie Kemplay and Esme Emerson opening the night, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of music. As the lights dimmed and the anticipation reached its peak, Amber Bain, the creative force behind The Japanese House, stepped onto the stage to a rapturous welcome opening with “Touching yourself” , a fan favorite from their critically acclaimed 2022 album “In The End It Always Does”. For this reviewer/photographer, it was my third time seeing The Japanese House this year, after catching them twice earlier in the year as they played support act at the Manchester AO Arena to none-other than The 1975. I may be bias due to the fact that they’re certainly up their with my favorite bands of all time, but they once again played a blinder in Manchester on this night. Personal favourites of mine, and the sold-out Mancunian crowd of course, were played out in force with highlights being; “You seemed so happy”, “Boyhood” and “Chewing Cotton Wool”. The visual aspects of the show were equally captivating, with a carefully curated light show that complemented the mood of each song. The ambient lighting and minimalist stage design allowed the music to take center stage, enhancing the ethereal quality of Bain’s performance. There was also seemingly a nod to the band’s 2020 “Chewing Cotton Wool” EP as the light up balls from this artwork were placed onstage, a nice touch for any long-time fans in attendance! In conclusion, The Japanese House’s performance at Manchester Albert Hall truly was a masterclass in indie pop excellence. Amber Bain’s ethereal presence, combined with the stellar support from Bonnie Kemplay and Esme Emerson, created a night of music that was both emotionally resonant and sonically captivating. It was a concert that not only showcased the immense talent of the artists involved but also left an indelible mark on everyone who attended and I for one can’t wait to see what the future has in hold for The Japanese House as we wait patiently for their next full-length project.
THE JAPANESE HOUSE
BONNIE KEMPLAY
Photos + Review by Lewis Roberts | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!