We need to talk about Fanfarlo. Seriously.
Despite listening to this album almost nonstop for the last few months, you and I haven't yet delved into the full-scale conversation that their debut album Reservoir so clearly deserves. One of my favorite releases of 2009, this British/Swedish six-piece has crafted a joyously shimmering album that arches and soars, and thumps compellingly through the speakers.
Reservoir was recorded late last year at Peter Katis' Tarquin Studios (whose producer's hand has also lent texture to some of my favorite albums lately, by bands like The National and Frightened Rabbit - "using all the colors"). Combining their youth and enthusiasm with Katis' seasoned treatment gives us a gorgeous result.
Fanfarlo's songs use a hugely expressive palette of instruments, heavy on the shiny trumpets, the dazzling saws and accordion, perforated at all the right places with pounding bass drums and quirky time-shifts in the beat. One of my favorite songs on the album is the flawlessly crafted "Comets" that waveringly coalesces at the beginning and end, like the deepening twilight and the stars appearing, wrung tightly with an almost tangible melancholy. "Harold T. Wilkins" is absolutely the best driving and yelling song all year, maybe all decade ("they're trying to say - SAY!! they're trying to say -- SAY!!"). It feels good all the way down to your toes. The whole album dazzles the ears, and sounds just as delicious on a quiet Saturday morning as it does on a Friday night.
There is a large dose of Arcade Fire's jubilance, but with a greater effervescence (like a sheer wash of fluorescent color dripping down) and it is uncanny how the swoops and lilts of Simon Balthazar's voice evoke a young David Byrne. It doesn't get much better than this.
Ghosts - Fanfarlo
Harold T Wilkins - Fanfarlo
And just in case their well-placed affinity for the song structures of Neutral Milk Hotel isn't apparent enough, check their recent terrific cover of "In An Aeroplane Over the Sea."
WIN TICKETS! Fuel/Friends has a grip of tickets to give away to Fanfarlo's Denver show, this Friday the 13th at Moe's, to celebrate the launch of their national tour. It's one of the most hotly-anticipated shows of my year. Come on over to see how you can win, and join us on Friday night!