You may be asking who is Pamela. and why do they sound awesome? I don’t remember how I came across Pamela. but I am glad I did. Catching artists at the start of their career is a rare feat. In a time where we are seemingly spoon fed who to listen to, who to watch out for, and which bandwagon to hop aboard, it is wonderful discovering something new.
Sarah Ellen and Josh Kempen went from housemates in their “Kingsford living room” to being two sides of the coin that is Pamela. (yes, Pamela with a full stop). Having spent my early childhood years nearby—notably getting my hair cut in Kingsford—this was fantastic to hear. It is also a sign from above that artists can be found even through a shared lease.
On Thursday, 20 August, I had the opportunity to see the duo perform at the Lansdowne Hotel in Sydney. Serendipitously, a Fcukers concert had been announced for the Metro Theatre in Sydney earlier that day. “Pamela. had previously named Fcukers as an act they enjoy watching “pop off at the moment.” The stars are aligning and colliding all at once.
Pamela.’s debut EP, It’s Nice To See You Here, was released in July of this year and they have finished up their Australian tour after also headlining shows in the UK and France. Since debuting at The Pleasure Club in Newtown, Sydney, in May 2024, Pamela. have supported Dope Lemon on their Australian/New Zealand tour and performed at festivals like Lost Paradise. It has already been a slam-dunk run for the duo.
This grandma arrived early at the venue and realised, by virtue of Josh Kempen’s Instagram story, that their set began at 9:15 p.m. and not, in fact, at 7 p.m.
Meet kate moth
The opening act was kate moth, a five-piece band from Sydney, Eora. The group consists of Matt Abalev on vocals, Finbar Watson and Seth Gabrielsson on guitar, Tawny Myers on bass and Fergus Martin on drums. I had never heard of this band, and I was ecstatic I got to hear six unreleased songs that included satirical lyrics about a burner phone, self-help tapes and reality TV.
A saxophone was conjured mid-set, with Matt wielding the instrument as the band continued playing. It was a cacophony of sounds that I wish to be explored again and again. Matt, ever the jokester, said, “Music is going to sound like this in five years… it will take us five years to release it.”
kate moth also played three released songs: “Too Late To Go Outside”—probably inspired by Sydney’s dwindling nightlife—Matt’s favourite, “Heartattack,” and set closer “Overnight Sensation”. Yes, overnight sensation is a myth, but I can already tell that they have the stage presence and talent to go far. That feels especially true in Sydney’s live music scene, where many acts are building loyal followings before releasing singles or longer bodies of work on streaming or physical media. If you are a fan of Maneskin, kate moth is definitely for you (and me).
Pamela. Bring It’s Nice To See You Here to the Lansdowne
Soon after, Pamela. graced the stage, standing back-to-back before an upstairs room packed with fans and loved ones. It was a tight space that led me to stand on the benches near the sound and tech team at the back to get a better vantage point. However, vantage point be damned, the performance aptly began with “Point Of View,” and my POV was slightly obscured visually but never sonically.
Throughout the set, Sarah’s soft, mesmerising vocals were pristine like glass, contrasting beautifully with Josh’s raspy voice. They work in unison and in service of one another and the music. I was also surprised to hear a bit of a country edge to Josh’s vocals, which were so sharp and raw.
Listening to “Pandemonium”, my personal favourite (and I would argue the standout of the EP), was a highlight of the night. You can tell that this duo are students of the game that is live music; every song feels made to be performed. As a result, the set went by incredibly quickly. Another one of my favourites, “Half of Me Is You”, felt like the right mix of melancholy and groundedness. When the duo played “Skin Contact” I couldn’t stop thinking that it is a very Christmas-y love song because of its jingle and memorable lyrics like “can’t fuck me through the phone.”
They officially ended the set with “Better Than Before”, and unsurprisingly, I was left wanting to hear more. Luckily, the crowd felt the same way and called for one more song. Once again we were rewarded with a new track as an appetizer for the next EP. The track sounded darker, groovier and more sensual, with the occasional screaming vocal, while still retaining the sound the duo have been cultivating. The lyric, “I hate silence but right now I don’t mind it” stood out in particular and I am excited to listen when it comes out.
I would like to offer a moment’s silence for “Chain Reaction” which was sacrificed at the altar of the setlist and not performed. We understand, but a concertgoer who wants to hear a song about an avoidant man can still wish to hear this live one day.
This duo has been described as The XX meets The Strokes and The Marías. I would say Pamela. are beginning to carve their own lane, locally and worldwide. Operating at the cross-section of indie/alt-pop, the duo are painting relatable stories about human interaction in a seemingly understated, effortless manner that simultaneously engages all the senses.
I never thought I would say this, but I’m offering a big thank you to the landlord who brought this duo together to start experimenting with making music. Now, they are here to stay. Here’s to more Pamela.