/karen/

Asleep on the lawn

Wednesday, 19 March, 2008

Last Thursday I scored free tickets to see The Hampdens at The Vanguard (they're an Australian band who hail from Melbourne). I have to say that The Vanguard is one of the best places to see stuff—and not just because you usually get to sit down (seats in the gallery up top). It's also because it's such a classy venue, with cool wallpaper, art nouveau (in the style of Toulouse Lautrec) on the walls, antique-looking furniture, etc. I've never eaten there but the SMH says the food is good.

Anyway, about The Hampdens. When I pre-ordered Skin by Katie Noonan some time last year, the CD slicks weren't printed very well. I think the order also shipped a bit late (like, maybe, a day late!) I might be wrong about that. Anyway, the record label printed new slicks (which Katie signed) and sent them to us with a copy of her single to say sorry. In addition, they included five songs from The Hampden's new album (which still has not yet been released) The Last Tea Party.

It was easy to get hooked. The Hampdens are pure pop, and they have that sort of sound which is very easy on the ears. (I'm sure Guan will find them conventional!) I really love “Asleep on the Lawn” (which they played on Channel 7 a few weeks ago). And the gig was a lot of fun! They had a lot of energy and they worked well together as a band. Apparently (says Ben), they threw in a few musical nods to Postal Service and The Flaming Lips but I'm obviously not indie enough to pick those up ...

Here's a few happy snaps:

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