On an otherwise rainy and gloomy evening, a warm light settled over The Van Buren in Phoenix. Expressions of eager anticipation were painted across the faces of dozens of concert goers who had braved the rain to see alternative-pop sensation The Japanese House, the current and widely acclaimed project of English musician Amber Bain.

Closing off the year, Bain has embarked on a North American headlining tour that will see her deliver blissful performances from coast to coast in support of her latest album, In the End It Always Does, released in June via Dirty Hit.

After a mesmerizing opening set by quinnie that saw the crowd sing along enthusiastically to “touch tank”, a recognized track that rose to popularity through its widespread use on TikTok. With a serene stage presence that lovingly invited fans into the lush landscapes painted by her music, one could only stop to appreciate how online virality can often create well-deserved opportunities for genuine artists to build a larger reach and become accessible outlets for fans who may personally relate and connect to their songs. While the end of the set left many wanting more, this feeling quickly subsided as giddy excitement set in throughout the room.

It felt as if the crowd was collectively holding their breath as the piano-forward chord progression of “Sad to Breathe” finally began ringing clearly throughout the air. The combination of the song’s soothing melody and the faint sound of rain falling outside created an ambience that only expanded upon an already spectacular opening to the set. With her signature light, dreamy tones flowing through the entire venue, it was immediately apparent that Bain would exceed all expectations in translating the success of her recorded music into a captivating live performance. As the pace and energy of the song began to pick up, the crowd quickly matched the energy as Bain’s fans bounced and swayed along to her flawless vocals, singing out “‘Cause it’s sad to breathe / The air when you’re not there”.

The initial trio of tracks off the setlist was rounded out with beloved hits “Touching Yourself” and “Something Has to Change”. While much of the set saw Bain playing both an electric and acoustic guitar, she managed to maintain the undivided attention of the crowd as she handled her instruments with an exhilarating passion during songs like “You Seemed so Happy”. The array of colorful, vibrant lights that shone around the stage added a pleasant visual background for Bain and her band's already vivid performance.

With each passing song, the crowd sank deeper and deeper into a euphoric trance. Bain’s music has a way of filling every corner of your mind, continuously drawing you in and leaving you longing for more. Closing off the night with an encore featuring “One for sorrow, two for Joni Jones” and “Sunshine Baby”, Bain has only widened the love and admiration that fans in Phoenix have for her music, all of whom will be patiently waiting for the next time we are fortunate enough to have her in our city.