What makes Swim Against the Tide by The Japanese House notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, featuring prominently in numerous year-end lists and showcasing Bain's unique approach to dream pop. It also marked her first significant entry onto various charts, further cementing her influence in the indie music scene. Released in 2020, Swim Against the Tide is The Japanese House's debut studio album following several well-received EPs. At this point, the artist, Amber Bain, was evolving her sound from bedroom recordings into a more polished production while establishing her identity within the indie pop landscape.

How many songs are on Swim Against the Tide?

Swim Against the Tide has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Swim Against the Tide

The Japanese House

15 min · 4 tracks · indie pop

Ethereal synths weave through introspective lyrics, creating a soundscape that feels both dreamy and hauntingly intimate.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Swim Against the Tide — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of introspection and emotional struggle, combining lush soundscapes with poignant lyrics that resonate deeply.
→
Face Like Thunder — With its infectious hook and layered production, this track highlights Bain's knack for blending catchy melodies with reflective storytelling, making it a standout single.
→
Good Side In — This song showcases a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, with lyrics that explore self-acceptance amidst uncertainty, set against a backdrop of shimmering synths.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's ethereal sound and introspective lyrics create a unique listening experience within indie pop.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered synths and vocal harmonies, establishing a dreamy atmosphere from the outset.
Each track employs a consistent use of reverb and echo, creating a spacious sound that enhances the introspective lyrics.
The final track, 'Leon', shifts to a more subdued tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the earlier energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Swim Against the Tide 3:42
2 Face Like Thunder 3:57
3 Good Side In 3:50
4 Leon 3:36

What to play next

Listen next

Good at Falling

2019

Go back to

Saw You in a Dream

Full The Japanese House discography Artists like The Japanese House

dream pop indie pop synth-pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata