This talented four-piece - originally from Melbourne, now based in Perth - released their debut EP Brightness Falls in early 2002. The initial run of the EP sold out across Australia. The first single from that release, Croupier, is an indication of why.
Beginning with soothing ambient sounds, a lilting piano hook and lush female vocals, Croupier builds to a chorus complete with piano, violins and acoustic guitars that rival even the most beautiful of George compositions. The highlight of the song is undoubtedly the vocal performance of 19 year-old Susannah Legge. With a voice as soothing and lovely as Morcheeba’s Skye Edwards, but with the same melancholic cool quality of Wicked Beat’s Linda Jannsen, it is both compelling and comforting...(review by Christine K).

As the world pins all its musical hopes on the sandpaper stubble and leather jackets of the garage rock revolution, The Hampdens revive the self-conscious attention to detail that became synonymous with the neu-romantic era. It's more than ironic that this despicably attractive quartet seems more rebellious than the current swarm of snot-nosed kids picking up guitars and pretending that they recently invented rock n roll. The Hampdens' smooth as silk melodies initially inspired a yawn from this reviewer but it didn't take long for Croupier's elated chorus to pickle my senses and tracks like Ambre Solaire and 4Real soon followed its example. The alternating vocal contributions of Andrew McDonald and Susannah Legge provide a beautiful diversity. Susannah, still a teen, lacks the full quota of confidence expected in mainstream music but in reality her voice is so naturally stunning and memorable that the slight nervous accents add to the appeal of this EP. She could be the youngest vocalist from this country to achieve a truly spiritual essence in her delivery since Renee Geyer. Brightness Falls, with its strings, acoustics and sweet harmonies, is the perfect organic rebuttal to the constant barrage of heartless chill-out compilations and hopefully The Hampdens will be rewarded with a similar level of popularity...(review by GM)

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Tracklisting

Full listing of THE HAMPDENS releases