Ham Sandwich at The Olympia by Colm Kelly

Ham Sandwich at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin, April 19th 2014.

From the second that opening track, Nevertalk , kicked in, it was clear that it was going to be a gig to remember. Ham Sandwich certainly delivered. There are few bands who are more deserving of a big stage than Ham Sandwich are, and showed they were immensely grateful for anybody who had packed into the Olympia to see them play.

The band were accompanied by a duo of violinists and a trumpeter for the entire set, who added an extra layer to a band who already sound so full, and it enhanced it greatly. The stage had anywhere between nine and twelve musicians on stage during the gig.

From start to finish, they never once slowed down. It’s hard to believe that Ham Sandwich have only released two albums to date, with a third due out at the tail end of the summer. The brilliant ‘White Fox’ was played almost in its entirety, and the audience sang along to every word of each song they were treated to. Podge looked like somebody who was playing music in front of people for the very first time, and rarely stopped leaping around during the entire set. At the end of the first song, he addressed the audience with a simple: “Are you’s ready for a good time?!”

Four new songs that will feature on the new album were played, as well as a cover of Donna Summer’s Show Me LoveModels was a particular highlight, with the audience accompanying the overwhelmed Niamh during the chorus. The main body of the set finished with The Naturist, but it wasn’t long until the band re-emerged onto the stage. The ever enticing Ants closed out the set on a soaring high note, while giant balloons filled with confetti bounced above the crowd.

Despite the size of Ireland, the calibre of music that we churn out is at a very high level, and Ham Sandwich are testament to that. They are a band that have remained humble despite their continuous success and ever growing fan base, and it just adds to their appeal.

The release of their much anticipated third album at the end of the summer will be one not to miss, as well as the shows proceeding it.

 

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Photos: Colm Kelly

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