Released:
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We knew that The Japanese House was going to be important, but with ‘Swim Against The Tide’ she proves that she’s oh so very vital for 2017 and beyond.
‘Album’ of ‘the Week’
Label: Dirty Hit
Released: November 11th 2016
Rating: ★★★★★
Saying that 2016 has been a huge year for The Japanese House would be an understatement to say the least. After first pricking ears and stealing hearts last year with two staggering EPs of glacial electro-pop, she’s gone on to claim the world, and that’s in the sense where ‘Swim Against The Tide’ finds its home. A truly universal collection of tracks that take The Japanese House to a powerful new level.
From the chiming hits of the EP’s title track and the pulling bass thumps of ‘Good Side In’, it’s a record rich with independence and charm. ‘Face Like Thunder’ is arguably the perfect soundtrack to any late-summer drive, with the sort of hook that would bring Smash Hits back to life in a heartbeat, opening up a new chapter for Amber Bain that shows what a truly important artist she’s set to become. On closer ‘Leon’, it hits new heights as a cinematic draw of love that never was, and a track destined to be backed by a sea of blaring lights whenever she plays it live.
We knew that The Japanese House was going to be important, but with ‘Swim Against The Tide’ she proves that she’s oh so very vital for 2017 and beyond. Jamie Muir
