Roundhouse, Camden
“After missing Glastonbury, we really needed this.”
In a twisted turn of events, the American indie-pop band fronted by the infectiously optimistic Michelle Zauner missed their debut slot at Glastonbury Festival - succumbed by a litany of travel delays. Tonight was an act of retribution.
Prior to this retribution, however, the supporting role provided by the young singer-songwriter Indigo de Souza showcased a landscape etched in modern, slacker-indie drawings - a true product of America’s beloved contemporary indie-folk scene. With a vocal range reminiscent of Kate Bush and fettered tendencies to that of Frances Quinlan, de Souza fortified her newly-found repertoire amongst her latest LP, All of This Will End, perfectly aligned with Japanese Breakfast’s similar revelry amongst the fruitful liberties and haunting tribulations of one’s younger years.
A mere continuation of these tropes seamlessly introduced us to Zauner’s entourage, exuberant amongst the soaring tonalities encasing their latest LP’s opener, ‘Paprika’. Zauner’s timely gong chimings resoundingly signified their belated U.K. performance, ringing resolutely through the capaciousness of this evening’s venue: a brimming cacophony of strings, saxophones and percussion soon swelled together in this triumphant, collective feat.
As one of the standout tracks released within the dirge of lockdown’s confinements, ‘Be Sweet’ contrastingly brought about its rhythmic optimism and ethereal aura - a ubiquitous charm for many amongst tonight’s crowd uplifted by the group’s latest discography. ‘Slide Tackle’ embodied another standout track of late, instigating a frenzied bounce-around driven by the group’s funk-inspired rhythms, compelling an affection and admiration for Zauner’s zealous persona.
Contrasted to the earlier breadth of their debut, Psychopomp, the group seem a fair distance beyond the lo-fi, downbeat qualities surrounding such tracks displayed as ‘In Heaven’ and ‘The Woman That Loves You’. Similar to Phoebe Bridgers' recent transformation, the expansive progression to Zauner’s songwriting grew ever apparent as the additional instrumentation bolstering their latest record, Jubilee, instilled an undeniably infectious optimism which simmered with an undulating, tangible energy to the sold-out audience.
Tonight's performance proved an impressive “comeback” for the American indie-pop band - at one moment mourning the loss of Glastonbury, the next brimming amidst the capaciousness of Camden’s cauldron. Along with Indigo de Souza’s complimentary supporting role, Michelle Zauner’s entourage enacted an engrossing affair of modern, ethereal indie-pop: at times lost amongst the haze of etherealism, but, more often than not, offering an entrancing gift of reverie within this bespoke, sold-out show.
7/10
Japanese Breakfast's latest LP, Jubilee, is out now via Dead Oceans and can be found below.
Indigo de Souza's latest LP, All of This Will End, is out now via Saddle Creek and can be found here.
Photos are courtesy of Justine Trickett and Dani Bolton whose work can be found at their respective links.
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