The Japanese House finds a safe home at Metro

It was a holy but not silent night as three queer musicians descended on the Metro on Sunday night December 3, 2023.

The trio has built a strong following online because they sold out the iconic venue earlier in the month.

Solo singer Ally Evenson kicked off the evening's entertainment with a strong set and later confessed that she was new to the tour.

She's joining the other two LGBTQ+ performers for two more dates following the Windy City stop including a hometown show in Detroit then off to Toronto on December 6. While none of the three acts that night identified as straight, they are all a range of representation within the rainbow community. The three have created a safe space to play live that has given an English singer known as The Japanese House a home and brought New Jersey native Quinnie out on the road. Opener Ally Evenson stated at the merch table after her set that she feels happy being with like-minded individuals who support one another.

Musicians Jake and Hudson backed up the second act on the bill Quinnie. Quin Barnitt referred to them as her best friends and launched into her ode to bisexuality “itch” then followed up with one of the two-holiday songs she's produced so far called “silver second.” She brought a cozy campfire feel to her set while playing the keyboard and sitting on a saddle blanket.

Headliner The Japanese House arrived slightly after 9:45 p.m. and met with cheers from the patient crowd. English singer Amber Mary Bain was backed by a full band and exuded confidence at the microphone. Moody lighting added to the vibe and smoke was pumped out across the stage.

She began with “Sad to Breathe” and then moved into the drum-beating track of “Touching Yourself.” Her casual and comfortable style was shown through the vibrant track “Something Has to Change” and the singalong song “Morning Pages.”

Much like another queer singer that has also sold out Metro in the past, girl in red, The Japanese House is a moniker made to shift focus onto the music, not the singer's birth name, which works both artistically and in their private lives.

After an encore break, Amber sat down at the piano for “One for sorrow, two for Joni Jones” and fans were left wanting more after the closing song “Sunshine Baby.” Just like the title of the album In the End It Always Does, the Chicago portion of the tour met with an end to an incredible night.

December is the month to make the yuletide gay and being out and proud is a gift that keeps on giving. By celebrating what makes us different and still the same is the key to changing hearts and minds in a divided world. The music reflected that philosophy and was conveyed well by all three acts in less than three hours.

The Metro was packed that night with a wide spectrum of talent and representation in the room for a Lilith Fair full of powerful tunes.

The future looks bright for these Honky Tonk Angels as they continue flying on down the road. Visit thejapanesehouse.co.uk to follow more of their adventures!