Pools to Bathe In cover

Pools to Bathe In

The Japanese House · 2015

15 min · 4 tracks · indie pop

Ethereal synths intertwine with delicate vocals, creating a lush soundscape that evokes introspection and nostalgia.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pools to Bathe In — The title track embodies the EP's dreamy aesthetic, featuring layered harmonies and reflective lyrics that set the tone for the entire project.
  • →
    Teeth — This track stands out with its upbeat tempo contrasted against introspective lyrics, showcasing Bain's ability to balance melancholy with infectious melodies.
  • →
    Sister — Sister explores themes of family and connection, highlighting Bain’s lyrical vulnerability while enveloped in shimmering synth arrangements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The EP blends lush synths with delicate vocals, creating an introspective sound that stands out in indie pop.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with layered synths that create a spacious atmosphere, while the vocals enter softly, establishing a dreamlike quality.
  • Each song features a consistent use of reverb and echo effects on the vocals, enhancing the ethereal feel throughout the EP.
  • The final track introduces a more pronounced beat, shifting the dynamic and providing a contrast to the preceding songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Teeth

    A sudden shift to a more upbeat rhythm coincides with lyrics that confront personal insecurities directly.

    This juxtaposition creates a tension between sound and sentiment, revealing the complexity of navigating self-image amidst external pressures.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pools to Bathe In 4:19
  • 2 Teeth 3:56
  • 3 Still 3:18
  • 4 Sister 3:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata