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EP Review: The Japanese House – Swim Against The Tide

Japanese House

Amber Bain has finally released her highly anticipated ‘Swim Against The Tide’ EP and boy is it elegant.

Swim Against The Tide: The EP initiates with the title track; steel based relaxation continued by polished and spirited vocals. The pop-balladistic chorus strikes through with the words ‘Spirit grows when love goes away/And I’m still thinking of a new way to say/”I miss you”‘. The track as a whole provides a somewhat upbeat atmosphere to the darkly complicated subject of heartbreak. The track concludes with an instrumental outro which suitably prepares for the ensuing track, however, it does have a seemingly mild vvitch house vibe to it.

Face Like Thunder: Next up is the equally uplifting former single ‘Face Like Thunder’; a beautiful experimental pop sound that continuously dazzles to create a lively accented yet achingly toned mini layered masterpiece that you instantly fall in love with. Conceptually, the track contrasts well with the title that’s based on an idiom of anger and the EP’s permeated theme of heartbreak and regret.

Good Side In: Bain’s captivating etherealness is showcased in its purest form. From the offset, you’re presented with gentle and satisfying acoustics paired with some soothingly sweet synths – the hushed electric guitar just that extra layered kick that the track requires. To sum the track up in two words it’s unapologetically delightful.

Leon: ‘Leon’ began as a project for The Japanese House, Amber wrote this song with a passion for the film and the track essentially outlines the relationship that was initially intended to happen. The track is the only one featured on the EP not to be aired as a single prior to the EP’s release. It is the first explicit track that Bain has ever released and at its core, it is explicitly beautiful.  It highlights all the cherished signature sounds of The Japanese House with a stripped back attitude that you can’t help but adore.

Furthermore, they have just been announced to be supporting The 1975 (you know, the band of George Daniel – the guy who produced this EP) on their UK arena tour this December so be sure to head down.

The Japanese House never fails to impress and once again they have achieved a dreamy gracefulness that many people relish.

Purchase the EP here.

 

 

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