Sunday at Nine Circles means it’s time for another edition of Rainbows in the Dark. Fitting that the focus is on London’s The Japanese House‘s latest EP, Clean. It’s a mix of dreamy pop and melancholy soundscapes — perfect for a Sunday. Much like its predecessor, this release flirts with electronica — bells, synths and hypnotically repeated pop beats.

Outside of metal I’m a sucker for lush, melancholy music. Acts such as Bon Iver — who got me past the death of a loved one — and Silversun Pickups who, at their gloomiest, sound the best. The Japanese House’s sound is closer to the latter but nonetheless as powerful as the former. On their first ep Pools to Bathe In, released earlier this year, it was mastermind Amber Bain’s voice that drew me in initially. The sweeping and hypnotic compositions kept me coming back for more.

The opening of the title track sounds the way a crisp spring morning feels to the senses; light and airy with a slight chill. Bells give way to a smooth electronic groove as Bain unfolds her voice and sings about forgiveness and new beginnings. It’s a densely layered sound that begs repeat listens to unlock all its secrets.

Highlight — and the closest to my preferences — “Sugar Pill”, is the track that has the power to cut open old wounds or conversely heal them. Opening with a sorrowful piano that eventually relents to a hushed and slightly more uptempo synth passage. The repeating beat that enters in waves sounds like a glitch in the matrix. Not completely surrendering to melancholy but teetering gently on the edge.

Bain collaborates with two members of the indie rock group The 1975 and their influence is unmistakable. Particularly in the 80’s pop sounds of “Cool Blue”. Her voice, even though heavily vocoded, is still a force. She never fully lets go, instead she shows an uncanny restraint as to not overpower the music.

Amazingly with only four tracks, Clean is another emotional roller coaster from The Japanese House. One that can as easily drape itself around hurting as it can happiness. The power of music to make you feel something — as if what you’re hearing is tangible — is what this young project has accomplished. Take a listen for yourself below and be ready to spend some time with it…

– Josh

Clean is available now on Dirty Hit Records. For more information on The Japanese House visit their Facebook page.