Review and Photos by Katrina Gelety

On the evening of Sunday, July 28, 2024, concert-goers filled the Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania to see The Japanese House and Allison Ponthier give an incredible night of performances.

The show began with an opening set from Allison Ponthier. The first time I had heard of Ponthier was in June when one of her TikToks appeared on my For You Page for her song “Lie Detector.” Ponthier wrote on the video that “queer people deserve devastating country love songs too.” As someone who grew up listening to country music and is saddened by how exclusionary the genre can be at times, it warmed my heart to hear an artist singing a queer breakup song that has twang to the production. It was even more amazing to get to hear it live as Ponthier’s voice on the song is absolutely ethereal. On a similar note, Ponthier sang an unreleased song called “Everywhere Isn’t Texas” which she wrote about her home state and how she wishes it was a safer and more accepting place for queer people. I hope she releases it soon because I already want to hear it again. A couple of other highlights of the set included Ponthier singing her “lesbian serial killer” song called “Skin” as well as a cover of Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather.” After recently opening for Maren Morris, and now opening for The Japanese House, I predict that Allison Ponthier will rightfully have a thriving career in the music industry.

Then, it was time for Amber Bain, the face of The Japanese House, and band to take the stage. In my opinion, there was no better song to open with than “Touching Yourself.” The upbeat tempo was perfect to get the audience warmed up and dancing along. The stage setup was incredible with ginormous spheres lighting up the white curtain backdrop, also covering lights behind it, altogether giving the venue washes of colors that transcended the audience into the mood and vibe of the songs. My jaw dropped when everything turned into the prettiest and brightest shade of blue during “Something Has to Change.” For the second half of the set, I decided to watch from the back of the venue, and I was so glad I did. The crowd in the back decided to use the extra space to have their own little dance parties. Whether it was couples dancing with each other or a solo concert-goer dancing on their own, the entire back of the venue was having the time of their lives during songs like “Friends” and “Saw You in a Dream.” My favorite performance of the night was “Chewing Cotton Wool” which is somehow even better live. The harmonies provided by the band were flawless and almost moved me to tears. You know a performance is great when the outside world disappears, and your only focus is on that song and that moment. My only thought was how I wished they could play that song twice so that I could experience it again. No one was ready for the night to end as The Japanese House walked off stage prior to the encore. Everyone was cheering (and stomping!) for more. When Bain and band came back out, I was excited to hear the most recent single “:)” (smiley face) live. I loved seeing all of the adoringly in love couples taking the opportunity to be in their own little worlds with each other. The night closed with “Sunshine Baby” which may be one of my favorite songs ever. I love the layered vocals, the saxophone performed by Cicely Cotton, and the blissful feel of the production. The next time I see The Japanese House AND Allison Ponthier will be this September at All Things Go Music Festival in Columbia, Maryland, and I am already ecstatic to hear these songs live for a second time.

If you have the opportunity to see Allison Ponthier or The Japanese House in concert, do not pass it up. You will not be disappointed! Be sure to also check out our gallery of photos from the show below!