By hmcclure | April 20th, 2012
Hello Vera make interesting music, a poignant hybrid of piano-pop and jazz. Having relocated to Sydney, Charmian Kingston and Jack Britten commenced proceedings as a duo in 2011. Kingston had toured extensively as a keyboardist in Australian pop-sensation Lisa Mitchell’s band, playing at a number of major festivals locally.
Now operating as a four-piece, including bassist Brendan Clark (formerly of Red Riders), they’ve released a four-track EP, Pigeons. “On the Road,” their debut single, is a simple but charming first offering. It’s full of rolling keys, steady percussion and harmonic choruses, with Kingston’s breathy vocals drifting throughout. Kingston’s voice, natural and fresh, is featured heavily during the EP, with the subtlety of the band paramount. “Trees” is a favourite – emotive and drifting. It seems to go through a number of phases, with delicate guitar and piano riffs creating a great layered effect.
Pigeons leaves you intrigued, it’s hard to pinpoint. Sometimes when listening to an EP, four of five tracks is plenty, but not with Hello Vera. Clearly talented musicians, they have done well with their debut. I believe there is much more to follow.