Review/Photos: Fanfarlo at Schubas Tavern in Chicago, IL; 11.09.2009
words and photos by Kirstie Shanley
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Sometimes, the modern world doesn’t seem so bad. Of course, it’s the music that helps pull you through and comforts you on your worst days and nights. It’s the music that inspires and fulfills you, convinces you that the world is still full of possibilities. One such band that has this power is Fanfarlo, six indie darlings from London who embody a sense of energetic sincerity in every song they play.
Fanfarlo are young and vibrant, the kind of band full of promise that you hope will succeed in everything they do. Though they only have one album released, 2009’s Reservoir, they were already playing new songs during the show that matched the greatness of songs on their release. To be sure, Reservoir is one of the most solid albums of this year from any band with fully realized melodies and catchy pop progressions that are as complex as they are honest.
Early on, they played one of their best songs, “I’m a Pilot” and it’s interesting how lead singer Simon Balthazar’s vocals live have an even more reassuring quality. His tenor might be alarming all on it’s own but, within the context of the band at large, presents as lullabyish and accomplished at the same time. His lyrics tend to soar over the layers of instrumentation in a way that immediately captures one’s attention without them dominating the whole affair. Often, his vocals are supplemented by those of the other members and work particularly well harmonizing alongside those of Cathy Lucas.
In fact, though the band plays a variety of instruments such as violin, singing saw, trumpet, and melodica over the top of guitar, bass, and drums, the songs are always as tight live as they are on the album. Swinging between a sense of urgency and lush sing songy choruses, the band finds a sense of balance and focus for their talent. These are memorable heartfelt anthems that are so sugary sweet they get stuck in your head and put a smile on your face.
It was fantastic to see a sold out crowd for a band so genuine, who make brilliance seem effortless. Though they played a little under an hour, one could easily see them with each new release playing to increasingly larger crowds with their passionate entourage. It should be noted that the band has been compared to other bands who have risen to fame, including Arcade Fire and Beirut. Yet, Fanfarlo’s songs don’t deserve to be pigeonholed. They are magical without any reference point and should be listened to with earnest and fulfillment. Other songs from the night off Reservoir that were equally inspiring include: “Harold T. Wilkins” “The Walls Are Coming Down” “Ghosts” and “Luna.”
