Fanfarlo are a band that none of your friends will have heard of, and you can take joy in telling them they’re idiots for just that reason. Over the past two years, folk music in Britain has overflowed, adapted and given birth to revised genres of the folk-slash-indie-slash-pop persuasion. The ever-expanding scene of this sort began in London and the latest hybrids of this wonderful musical happening are Fanfarlo. These guys are not to be missed.
Having just released their brilliant debut album ‘Reservoir’ (reviewed here), it’s no surprise at all that this group of mesmerising and truly distinctive musicians managed to sell out London’s Bush Hall on this tour. Their musical showcase for the evening demonstrated exactly what makes this band so memorable and interesting.
Warming and talent-filled support slots from a folkish rock band whose name I didn’t catch and the brilliant American ladies known as First Aid Kit (reminiscent of the wonderful Peggy Sue and most definitely worth checking out) started things off nicely. It was with an air of effortless cool and a clearly defined performance style from the offset, however, that Fanfarlo stormed the stage – undoubtedly the last tour that will see the band play in such small and kitsch surroundings – and the fun truly began…
The band weaved their way through delectable renditions of songs from the brilliant ‘Reservoir’ alongside a couple of eagerly received new tracks. One of the most impressive things about Fanfarlo is the pace at which these ridiculously talented musicians swap instruments between them; it seems no one band member is assigned to any particular medium, and it makes for something truly brilliant to watch on stage. Among the evening’s best offerings was the beautiful ‘Comets’ and the foot-stomping anthem of a debut single ‘The Walls Are Coming In’.
Fanfarlo are talented, passionate, energised and intense; I’d even go so far as to say that they’re one of the best live bands I’ve seen in 2009. Be sure to grab a ticket quickly next time Fanfarlo are playing near you – this band are truly inspirational.
