The Japanese House – Swim Against the Tide

First Pools to Bathe In, then Clean and now Swim Against the Tide: Amber Bain never fails to disappoint, and her Imogen Heap-esque harmonies, dreamy undertones and alluring synth sounds set the perfect ground for a well-structured EP. 

Although this is reminiscent of The Japanese House's earlier ‘heartbreak and regret’ material, it’s surprisingly upbeat; every song carries a chorus that wouldn't sounds out of place on The 1975’s hugely popular I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It. Face Like Thunder in particular has that modern-day tech-pop vibe, with a dash of ambient electro and a sprinkle of 80s throwback.

George Daniel from The 1975 did admittedly help with production on Swim Against the Tide, but despite the comparisons this EP shows enough to be regarded as Bain's most unique and intricate yet – certainly, she's cemented her sound with this third release. Overall, Swim Against the Tide is both catchy and bold, continuing The Japanese House’s consistent record of quality material.