The Japanese House - Albert Hall, Manchester by Emie Grimwood

The Japanese House have been a band consistently on the rise, attracting more attention month after month and it is well deserved. I first came to know of the band when they were playing at Reading and Leeds Festival in 2019 and I’ve been a fan ever since. The music they produce and create is so uniquely theirs and it translates to lives beautifully. 

I arrived just before the band began, the atmosphere was unlike any gig I had been to recently. The crowd was a mixed demographic, different ages and genders yet everyone felt connected through their admiration for the band about to play. People were kind, loving and there was an energy in the air which was infectious. As soon as the band came out, screams filled the room. Closely followed by the belting of the lyrics to “Touching Yourself” which they opened with. They kept the energy high with their upbeat, bouncy track “Sad to Breathe” which is one of my personal favourites and I couldn’t help but have a dance behind my camera!

The set was carefully constructed, there were moments for pause, for love for energy and so much more. The band has an incredible ability to transfix a room, the vocals were faultless. The venue suited them perfectly, fans spanning across two floors, some sitting, some standing, some swaying, some dancing. No matter where you were in the room, it felt special. During “Chewing Cotton Wool” silence fell over the room, an appreciation for the beauty of the song and everyone listened. I had goosebumps as I was watching people hold their friends, family or loved ones. 

Everyone was led to believe the show finished on “Boyhood” but they quickly came back for a surprisingly extensive 3 song encore of “Still” their new song “Smiley Face” and “Sunshine Baby.” The new song I felt had strong The 1975 influences, and I loved it! The reception of Smiley Face felt positive and that it was enjoyed by the crowd, I think it will be a strong release!