Japanese Breakfast in Atlanta at The Masquerade

Written By | Solita Delacruz

As shows and events begin to make a comeback this year, you could nearly feel the anticipation hanging in the air as eager fans crowd the Masquerade. Michelle Zauner returns to Atlanta for the first time in over 2 years with Japanese Breakfast to perform the joyous tones of the band’s latest album, Jubilee.

When the time came for Zauner to take center stage, excited murmurings began to swell among the fans as they barely contain their excitement to hear her sing. Strutting out in an all-white regalia and her hair in twin braids, she energetically blasts the night off with the newest songs in their lineup. With the soft yet building notes and lights fading into a crescendo, Zauner’s voice enveloped the venue. The crowd becomes elated as the band starts the set with “Paprika” and its rich mix of synths, horns and harmonies. The dynamic energy was set as Michelle danced around highlighting each stanza by striking a gong on the stage.

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Following the upbeat energy Japanese Breakfast transitioned into “Be Sweet” and “In Heaven”. The crowd chants, sings, and jumps along to the freeing melody. With each song Zauner danced across the stage, jamming out on her guitar and reached out to interact with the audience. Even with the enormous size of the venue, the musicians still cast a special aura of intimacy and a wall of ambiance.

While most of the tracks played were from Jubilee, Zauner and the band had added some of their older tracks such as “Boyish”, “The Body Is a Blade”, “Everybody Wants to Love You” and “Machinist”.

Ending the night with an elevating encore, the band wrapped up their set with “Diving Woman” from their album Soft Sounds from Another Planet. Zauner and the band’s performance was truly a roller coaster of emotions. From the highs of exhilaration in the band’s fun and upbeat tracks, to the sobering wistfulness of their lyrics, the night was cleansing and complete magic. The entire entrancing performance left fans with joy and sweet melodies in their hearts for the summer. Undoubtedly, I look forward to my next Jubilant feast of Japanese Breakfast