Live Report: HamsandwicH rock Whelan's

536This past Friday HamsandwicH took to the stage at Whelan's to performs songs from their 2010 album White Fox.

The band played three consecutive nights at Whelan's, performing an individual album from their discography each night, conveying the band's musical evolution. Whelan's played their album Carry the Meek (2008) on Thursday, White Fox (2010) on Friday and Stories from the Surface (2015) on Saturday.

The indie rock band's current iteration consists of Niamh Farrell on lead vocals, Podge McNamee on bass, vocals and guitar and Brian Darcy as guitarist.

HamsandwicH at Whelan's / copyright Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

As the performance began I couldn't help but notice Farrell's pink flowy dress and matching white boots, as she took the stage and immediately commanded eclectic energy.

'Oh Oh' was a danceable beat with passionate vocals from Farrell. The drum was upbeat and jumpy, and I felt heavy alternative rock vibes from the band's sound, with the guitar a bit grungy.

Farrell danced and performed dramatically with movements that contrasted the cool natured band. The musical chemistry was apparent as the drummer exchanged a knowing smile with Farrell.

HamsandwicH at Whelan's / copyright Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

Farrell playfully asked the crowd, "Do they make margaritas here at Wheelan's?" before holding a toast to the crowd with her plastic water bottle.

She continued to jest throughout the set saying "We have a laugh don't we love," as the band stopped playing to tune their instruments for a short bit.

'Models' was next, and as the song played blue lighting shone on the stage. The trumpet was a brassy star of the show, with an upbeat bluesy vibe with a soft rock beat. The singing was dramatic and burst into the upbeat chorus.

HamsandwicH at Whelan's / copyright Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

In some of the songs performed I noticed mixed inspirations, harkening back to some traditional Irish elements, with the drums and trumpet adding an amazing percussive layer to the tracks.

HamsandwicH treated the crowd to a song they had only performed once called 'NOt Yet' which was a slow rock song with dual vocals. The vocals were higher and lower in sync, with a fast guitar riff and a bit of a sullen tone to it. The trumpet stood out again with this song, adding an emotive quality.

HamsandwicH at Whelan's / copyright Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

The band ended their album set with 'Floors', which has heavy sullen vibes, with heavy emotional vocals. The lyrics felt reflective, "skin is cold from hope and fear," as farrell's vocals seemed to fade away softly.

The overall vibe of the performance was upbeat and fun, and HamsandwicH has successfully kept up their energy and show quality throughout the years.