Up and coming bands get a lot of hype these days. Some deserve it and others fade away as quickly as they hit the spotlight. When the British band Fanfarlo played the Bowery Ballroom in New York City’s Lower East Side, I had the feeling that this group would be making music for a long time to come. Considering their back to back shows in New York, the band already has a loyal following on this side of the pond, and it’s only going to get bigger. Fans packed the venue several hours before show time, and most of the audience sang along to the songs from their debut album Reservoir, produced by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol).
This band from London, consists of Leon Beckenham, Justin Finch, Amos Memon, Cathy Lucas, and is fronted by Simon Balthazar; Jeremy Warmsley joined them on stage for this night’s performance. The group of six played numerous instruments in addition to the typical trilogy of guitar, bass and drums. Their songs featured a prominent trumpet, as well as the mandolin, violin, keys, clarinet, melodica, and even a large wood saw played with a bow. The band changed instruments and stage positioning multiple times during the show, which reminded me of the energetic Arcade Fire, in both music and fashion. Their style could best be described as “prog-folk.” With a solid root in English folk, their songs contained layers of beautiful harmonies with multiple instrumentation, that created rich and complex sounds. These guys are talented musicians, this is for sure.
They opened up the night with the song “Drowning Men” and had the crowds singing strong with “Harold T. Wilkins” and “The Walls Are Coming Down.” There are some bands which are only great on either the album or live on stage, but Fanfarlo conquers both. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Reservoir. This is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. Unfortunately, they just finished their quick US tour, but you still have a chance to see them at home in the UK for the next couple of weeks. With the reception they received in New York, I’m sure they’ll be back in the States soon. I’m guessing the next time around they’ll be playing a sold out gig at a much bigger venue. That is the fortunate (for the band) and unfortunate (for the hardcore fans) reality of rising rock-stardom.
Here’s the set list from their show at the Bowery Ballroom:
1.Drowning Men
2.I’m A Pilot
3.Finish Line
4.Harold T. Wilkins
5.Atlas
6.The Walls Are Coming Down
7.Waiting In The Wings
8.Comets
9.Luna
Encore
10.Ghosts
11.Fire Escape
12.You Are One Of The Few Outsiders Who Really Understands Us
