Amber Mary Bain, better known as The Japanese House, hails from Buckinghamshire, England. After making her debut in 2015, Bain played the Outside Lands stage back in 2017. Now, about seven years later, the lead singer and guitarist returned to Golden Gate Park to perform on the festival’s main stage.
As soon as the group walked onto the stage, they were met with cheers of affection from their massive crowd. The first song went by in a whirlwind of drums, synth and excitement. Bain then introduced the group’s second song, “Something Has to Change,” before laying down a rock groove in the drums while the synthesizer added an alternative flair. As the song progressed, Bain and the synthesizer player, Cicely Cotton, jumped in unison to usher in the second chorus.
Amped up after The Japanese House’s second song, the crowd beamed with happiness. Noticing the audience’s enthusiasm, Bain said that they seemed too happy and that it was best she played something depressing. “Morning Pages” was the third song up and it fit the bill exactly. The synthesizer almost sounded like it was crying as the drums layered in a thumping heartbeat pulse. Black and white video painted the Jumbotron a somber gray to match the lyrics about how much the truth can hurt. The song ended with amazing drum beats and a saxophone solo from Cotton.
Bain then dedicated the next song to the gay community. “Boyhood” is a melody about finding oneself in the infinite sea of all one can be, and as The Japanese House performed the song, the lyrics were carried by a folk music feel coming from the upbeat drums and acoustic guitars. As the song ended, the crowd jumped along to the final words.
The Japanese House then broke out one of their more poppy tunes and a small sect of the audience made a pocket for themselves as they began dancing. The happy mood was immediately demolished again as Bain asked if they should play another sad song.
The song started with a synthesizer led harmony line and Bain flashing a heart sign to the audience who eagerly returned the loving gesture. The crowd swayed their arms as the song continued to reveal its longing melodies of moving on from someone special.
After yet another melancholy melody, Bain decided to play one of their happier songs titled “Friends.” As if to welcome the change in mood, the crowd began to grove to the music. After a call and response between the vocals and sax, “Friends” ended and “Worms” began.
The second the song kicked off, the drums were perfectly in the pocket, moving from high hat to tombs to snare. “Worms” ended in thunderous applause as Bain told the crowd about how excited she was to be back at Outside Lands for the second time.
To carry on happy feelings, Bain queued up what she called “a gay little love song”. “Smiley Face” is about how the world changes when someone finds themselves in a new relationship. The upbeat drums and guitar almost made the song sound like “Manic Monday” by The Bangles.
“Sunshine Baby” was The Japanese House’s final song of the evening, and a real crowd pleaser. Everyone sang the words and jammed along to the familiar song. The audience and band members alike swayed their arms to close out the song and their Outside Lands 2024 performance.
The Japanese House may be far from home, but they played a set that will have Bain and her band welcomed back ever year.
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Featured Image Photographed by ALIVECOVERAGE/Outside Lands
