THE HAMPDENS -- (unsigned, unpublished) -- Some TALENTfilter readers may already be aware of the Australian group The Hampdens -- they've been around for about five years, after all. Most of that time was spent Down Under, however, so if you're not up on your Aussie music, The Hampdens might be new to you. Since 2003, the group has released three EP's -- 2003's Brightness Falls, 2004's Even World (both through Sony AU), and 2005's So Young It Hurts (through indie Rubber Records). They've toured Oz with the likes of Evermore, Missy Higgins, Little Birdy, and even joined John Mayer on a recent Australian trek. The band recently finished recording their debut full-length, titled The Last Party, with producer Victor Van Vugt (Beth Orton, PJ Harvey) and they'll tour Australia through the summer (with Thirsty Merc) to support it.
File The Hampdens with Zero 7, Mazzy Star and the like. They're not really re-inventing the wheel, but there's always plenty of room for more of the 'sexy-time music' -- and a smart label will pick them up for the potential film/TV synchs alone! Check out the band's video for a song called "Croupier":