Tasty Ham Sandwich are far from out to lunch
Tuesday February 26 2008
If it were possible to buy shares in bands, Ham Sandwich would be the ones to invest in right now. With a stock that's been rising for the last year, and set to continue in the same direction for the foreseeable future, they'd guarantee some excellent returns in a very competitive market. Of course, it's not possible to buy shares in that way, but judging by tonight's immense turnout at Whelan's, people are finding ways to invest in this band all the same.
Having received support from the excellent Laundry Shop (the band who brought us 'Highs and Lows' from the Irish tourism ads), Ham Sandwich arrive onto a stage which has been decorated like the set of a school talent show and this understated charm complements the band to a tee.
Watching them be so chilled, loving every minute of what's a crucial and important night for them, gives you the idea that this band is not in it for any big prize. A rendition of 'Keepsake' is an early highlight.
It's a song that's fast becoming an anthem, and the singalong factor reflects this -- even more voices, in fact, than when the band cover Britney's 'Piece of Me' later in the night. The energy doesn't let up at any point, while the visible chemistry between front pairing of Podge and Niamh is transferred to the audience without forced effort or play-acting. Instead, it's just one of so many natural charms which the band can boast.
As you watch the Kells outfit, their unique take on what's become a very worn style gets you thinking about the very concept of what we call 'indie'. Is it a style, a sound, a genre, a movement or something else altogether? What Ham Sandwich seem to suggest is that it's an approach in itself, one that simply centres around music for the sake of music, and performance for the sake of performance.
- Aidan Coughlan
