‘Tis the season for sharing, and I’m so glad my melophobe companions did so. First, back in September, my Seattle friends extolled the talents of UK-newcomers Fanfarlo, catching the first stop of their first U.S. tour, as well as sitting down for an interview. Soon thereafter, a fellow Bostonian saw Freelance Whales’ hug-inciting Boston debut, and has been spreading the Whales’ gospel ever since. I’m so glad I listened. (Actually, so many of us melophobers listened that Freelance Whales made our list of Top 10 Best Albums of 2009!) Both of these up-and-coming bands played a fantastic night at TT the Bear’s to an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd.
Freelance Whales opened the evening with the anthemic, feel-good sing-along, “Generator^First Floor.” From the start, you could hear a chorus of mega-fans in the audience who had already memorized the lyrics to their debut LP Weathervanes. This was an impressive feat, considering the limited availability of Weathervanes, soon to be resolved through Frenchkiss Records and Mom and Pop Records signing the Whales to their label (Congratulations! You deserve it!). The band’s use of quirky instruments (banjo, glockenspiel, harmonium—even watering cans) for lighthearted pop is undeniably charming. Adding to the charm, they all somehow maintained beauty–pageant worthy smiles throughout the show, leading me to whisper to my friend, “This is the most earnest and adorable band I’ve ever seen.” We’re thrilled that they’re returning to Boston in January. Until then, I’ll be studying up on Weathervanes so I can join the happy sing-along.
Fanfarlo continued the gleeful, embracing vibe by opening their set with album stand-out “The Walls Are Coming Down.” As they stood shoulder-to-shoulder, stomping their feet in unison, the crowd nodded in time, eager to sing the rousing chorus. Fanfarlo’s frequent trading of instruments and smattering use of the trumpet, ukulele, and clarinet add a delightful, celebratory, yet casual air to their performance—or to quote my Seattle companion, a “fanciful” feel. That’s why the frequent Arcade Fire comparison (as Fanfarlo mentioned in our interview) doesn’t quite fit. Arcade Fire is brilliant, but Fanfarlo is abundantly more fun, with a lighthearted spirit more akin to Beirut. Listen to “The Walls are Coming Down” and Beirut’s “Elephant Gun” in succession, if you need further proof. After the upbeat, dance-worthy encore of “Luna,” the crowd lingered, some eager to keep dancing and some eager to meet the band and buy their merch. In both cases, the crowd was clearly energized by a fantastic night of two refreshingly fun bands just starting what we hope are long and happy careers. Hey, Arcade Fire once played this small, humble TT’s stage. Take the comparison with pride, Fanfarlo!
DOWNLOAD: Fanfarlo - Finish Line (MP3) or Follow us for more Fanfarlo MP3s (Twitter)
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…
by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
I’m dying to see him no better place than FETE!!
by Telly on Tue May 15, 2012 at 02.57 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Sound does matter. Viva Le Fete!
by Auquanetta on Tue May 15, 2012 at 01.13 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
YES! i MUST go to this show! i was just strollin down the street the other day and saw the poster! SO stoked they’ll be in town.
by Jaz on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.30 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Fete Forever!!
by Tabitha on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.08 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Congratulations and thank you to Fete for bringing talent to Providence! We needed this venue and vibe. Bless.
oh and I’d love to win tickets; its my boyfriends bday:D
by Ellen on Mon May 14, 2012 at 07.23 am from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
That guy’s voice sounds like Alex Ounsworth (lead singer of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!), which is a compliment. Don’t hear Arcade Fire, going with Alex.
I can see the CYHSY comparison, but he’s not as warbly as that guy. The voice often gets a David Byrne comparison, too. Part of the Arcade Fire thing is that they do some slow ballads in a similar style as them.
if only there was a babysitter for this indie rock parent, I would have been so there…
wait, I thought it was obvious. This guy sounds exactly like beirut. Musically, lyrically, stylisticly, etc. I am surprised a person can so overtly copy another artist and not get taken down for it.
ummm, i was talking about fanfarlo not the whales. just to be clear
Fanfarlo has collaborated with some members of Beirut, so I assume Beirut appreciates Fanfarlo’s music.
They have such a great sound. I’d love to see them live.
Loving the Freelance Whales. I’ll be surprised if they don’t find substantial success this year. The music is both intelligent and catchy, so should appeal across a broad range.