Album Review: HamsandwicH, Magnify

Back with their first new full-length project since 2015’s Stories from the Surface, which became the band's first album to top the Irish album charts, HamsandwicH have self-released their vibrant fourth LP Magnify.

Featuring singles ‘All My Blood’, ‘Electro Wave’, ‘Le Soleil’ and focus track ‘Julian’, the Kells outfit are freed from the shackles of rigid storytelling and arrangement, injecting constant fun and energy into the 10-track offering. Niamh Farrell and Podge McNamee’s synonymous vocal pairing are in perfect parallel.

Incorporating fresh influences and electronic soundscapes, their lightness hasn’t been dimmed. Collaborating with producer Michael Heffernan (Dermot Kennedy, Ailbhe Reddy), HamsandwicH open with ‘Electro Wave’. Infusing 80s synth-pop into a soaring crescendo of a chorus. ‘Julian’ adds an edge with rock-driven guitar riffs, while ‘Next Contender’ brings The Vaccines-level indie to their acoustic melodies. “Le Soleil’ makes fine use of tropical undertones for a charming pop number, full of synth embellishments and intricate rhythms. Warm concluding track ‘Good Friday’ includes a poignant snippet of their former manager Derek Nally, who passed away in 2010.

Cheerful, charming synthpop and layers of psychedelia, Americana, country, rock, indie and more elevate Magnify to higher plains, HamsandwicH gearing up to be the soul of the party.

Listen: ‘Julian’
Score: 7.5/10

Out now via Route 109a Recordings (Self Release).

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