When I first heard Fanfarlo, I immediately decided to see them in concert. I don’t say this about every band. Fanfarlo has a fun yet dark sound that had me dancing and brooding at the same time. Often described as a cross between Arcade Fire and Beirut, with the vocals of David Byrne thrown in, Fanfarlo has the appeal of a tribute band while creating a sound all their own.
The band is based in London, but lead singer Simon Balthazar brings his own Swedish twist to their music. Boston was the last stop on their American tour with Robert Francis and Lawrence Arabia, before they returned to Europe. Female vocalist and instrumentalist extraordinaire Cathy Lucas was showing signs of fatigue with a bad cold: “Every time I look at the light I want to sneeze.” It did not appear to affect her vocal performance.
The members of Fanfarlo maximize the use of a number of instruments, bringing together guitar, drums, bass, trumpet, violin, mandolin, xylophone, glockenspiel, and more. Balthazar and Lucas, along with fellow band member Leon Beckenham, move about the stage from instrument to instrument with fluidity. Justin Finch and Amos Memon complete the band with bass and drums, respectively. The result is that each song builds layer upon layer until it produces a full and satisfying sound.
It didn’t take long for me to recognize the influence of Arcade Fire on this band. The driving beat and heavy strumming of the acoustic guitar on the second song clued me in. As they moved into songs three and four, the shrill of the keyboard and the shouting of the vocals was heavily reminiscent of the band from Montreal.
Despite these similarities, Fanfarlo does have a unique sound and a dedicated audience. Many fans were singing along with every song. Clearly, even though I only recently learned of this band, they have been around for long enough to build a strong fan base. I could feel the passion in the room as they stomped and sang “The Walls are Coming Down,” from their 2009 album Reservoir. You can read more about the release of this album and the circumstances surrounding it here.
Overall, their music is moody, beautiful, lush, harmonious and melancholy all at once. They mix dark sounds with an upbeat and poppy feel, and they are not afraid to go offbeat. They’re leaving America for now, but they will be back for Bonnaroo in June.
The two openers, Robert Francis and Lawrence Arabia, were more than up to the task of preceding Fanfarlo. The former brought his deep, rich vocals and rocking guitar to the stage. The latter reminded me of the Beach Boys with their falsetto harmonies, and they filled out their complex and interesting sound with a regal trumpet. I plan to dig deeper into this band, as long as I can weed out all the Google results for the classic film.
DOWNLOAD: Fanfarlo - A Minor Place (Bonnie Prince Billy cover) (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!
great stuff guys.
wish i’d made the show.
ian, those pics are fantastic!