Concert Review: Japanese Breakfast Is Jubilant At Roadrunner

Indie artist Japanese Breakfast, the project of writer and musician Michelle Zauner, is on the rise. After the release of her breakout third album “Jubilee,” which was nominated for two Grammy Awards, as well as the critical and commercial success of Zauner’s bestselling memoir “Crying in H Mart,” Japanese Breakfast has experienced a moment of long-awaited recognition nine years into their career. On Sept. 29, Zauner and her band performed at Boston’s Roadrunner to a sold-out audience. Zauner was completely at home on the stage, bringing her charisma and passion to the large venue. She loves to perform, and she wanted the audience to know it.

The concert began with “Paprika,” a bright and buzzy opener that announced the band’s presence with a chorus of horns. For this song, a light-up gong, which Zauner would hit enthusiastically on time with the music, was brought onstage. The gong stayed onstage for the remainder of the show, becoming the centerpiece of an effective minimalist set by changing colors to fit the mood of each song.

Zauner brought out a light-up gong, which she would hit enthusiastically on time with the music. By Courtesy of Ekansh V. Tambe

A confident opening song to Japanese Breakfast’s set, “Paprika” touches on the euphoria of performing onstage: “How’s it feel to stand at the height of your powers / To captivate every heart? / Projеcting your visions to strangers / Who feel it, who listen to linger on еvery word.” The song perfectly captured the energy of the crowd, who hung onto every note from the moment Zauner stepped onstage.

Zauner’s bouncy, infectious energy shone primarily through her music. Her clear voice and soaring high notes exuded joy. She didn’t spend much time talking to the audience, instead letting the performance speak for itself. The songs flowed seamlessly into each other, transitioning smoothly between the fizzy energy of “Jubilee” and the quieter, more ambient sound that characterized her earlier work in songs such as “The Woman That Loves You” and “Road Head.”

Zauner’s bouncy, infectious energy shone primarily through her music. By Courtesy of Ekansh V. Tambe

The setlist was a balanced mix of tracks from each of Japanese Breakfast’s three albums. Zauner performed some of her biggest hits, such as the energetic, city-pop song “Be Sweet” and the dreamy anthem “Boyish.” Interspersed between these hit singles were standout album tracks from Japanese Breakfast’s nine-year career.

Zauner’s charisma and stage presence added a new dimension to each song she performed. She sang “Savage Good Boy,” a satirical song about a billionaire hiding in a bunker at the end of the world, with an ironic attitude and wry delivery. And on the flip side, a particularly touching moment occurred during the wistful ballad “Tactics,” when Zauner’s bandmate and husband Peter Bradley joined her at the keyboard.

The setlist was a balanced mix of tracks from each of Japanese Breakfast’s three albums. By Courtesy of Ekansh V. Tambe

The band also performed the song “Glider,” an ethereal track from the video game “Sable,” whose soundtrack Zauner composed. Although the song was written to be heard alongside game visuals, “Glider” worked just as well as a standalone track in concert. The song’s atmospheric woodwinds coupled with Zauner’s vocals created a sense of stepping into a fantasy world reminiscent of Joe Hisaishi and Studio Ghibli.

Finally, a highlight of the show was concert opener Yo La Tengo, the ‘80s indie rock band who inspired Zauner’s own music. Yo La Tengo’s Ira Kaplan joined Japanese Breakfast on guitar for the final encore song “Diving Woman,” a powerhouse song that ends with a full three minutes of cacophonous noise from every instrument onstage. Kaplan is an incredible guitarist, and “Diving Woman” was a truly transcendent experience to hear live.

Zauner’s charisma and stage presence added a new dimension to each song she performed. She sang “Savage Good Boy,” a satirical song about a billionaire hiding in a bunker at the end By Courtesy of Ekansh V. Tambe

Japanese Breakfast’s show at Roadrunner captured the full range of the band’s discography, from plaintive longing to biting satire to the unfettered joy of “Jubilee.” And through it all, Zauner’s passion showed how deserving Japanese Breakfast is of their quickly rising fame. When they tour in Boston again, they’ll come back to an audience that’s eager for their return.