While eager fans line up for headliner performances at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, tucked in the corner of Zilker Park lies the Beatbox stage, where a unique, underrated listening experience begins as Japanese Breakfast takes the stage.
The Melancholy Tour, celebrating Japanese Breakfast’s latest album For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women), came to a close Saturday night with a bewitching hour-long set filled with new tracks and old favorites. Whimsical stage design featured singer Michelle Zauner in front of an open clam, clashing waves framing her on either side. Singing sweetly and clad in baby blue, Zauner hit perfect notes — and a gong — during the opening song, “Paprika.”
“Austin, how are you feeling?” Zauner asked.
Met with applause, Japanese Breakfast quickly melted into “Road Head,” trading gliding percussion for an electronic beat, swirling guitar and of course, Zauner’s sweet vocals.
With Zauner playfully skipping around the stage, Japanese Breakfast blended dream pop synth with psychedelic guitar-heavy moments, maintaining a chill demeanor throughout. Although pleasant and expertly navigated, the consistently slow pace made for a less dynamic set, providing ample moments of beauty and excitement in little ways without stirring up dramatic contrast within the setlist.
Japanese Breakfast’s melodic show contained a variety of instruments. Each complemented Zauner’s syrupy voice, ranging from a stellar saxophone solo to a gong, organ and the traditional guitar, bass and drum backing.
Alongside adorable set pieces on stage, the screen behind displayed fitting imagery of old photos and cursive writing. At one point, scenes from director Wong Kar-wai’s “Chungking Express” passed by, building a romantic mood as Zauner grabbed an acoustic guitar.
“This song is about a city we’ve never been to,” Zauner said, “It’s called ‘Kokomo, IN.’”
Slipping into the popular track produced cheers, swaying bodies being hypnotized by the ballad as Zauner sang, “If I could throw my arms around you / For just another day, maybe it’d feel like the first time.”
Ending the track with darkness, Zauner grabbed a nearby lantern, announcing, “This song is a murder ballad.”
“Men In Bars” began with Zauner’s vocals, joined by bandmate Craig Hendricks, producer and drummer for Japanese Breakfast. The two voices proved complementary, with ample slide guitar and smoke machines guiding them along.
“ACL,” Zauner said, “Thank you so much for sticking it out with us. … It sort of feels like where this band really started almost 10 years ago. I came here for South by Southwest, and ever since, I haven’t worked a day job, so thank you so, so much.”
The audience cheered, welcoming Zauner back to the Lone Star State with open arms.
Continuing on with slower tracks, Zauner announced, “This one’s for the yearners,” as a tasteful organ accompanied heartbreaking lyrics on “Boyish.”
“I want you, and you want something more beautiful,” Zauner sang.
Japanese Breakfast perked up towards the end of their set, performing pop hits “Be Sweet” and “Everybody Wants to Love You!” back-to-back. Delving into the final song of the evening, Japanese Breakfast cast a spell on the audience with “Diving Woman.”
Despite the competition from headlining acts like Djo, Japanese Breakfast’s little corner of the world proved otherworldly, enchanting those who stopped by and creating cause for FOMO in those who didn’t.
