Fanfarlo

Fanfarlo are a band that I have never heard anyone talk about anywhere other than on Mark Riley's evening 6music show.Needless to say, that's where I first heard them, in session, it must have been over two years ago now. Well, thank you very much Mark, I pretty much had this band's first LP, Reservoir, on repeat during the spring of 2009. It was so good I did that rare thing about bought a physical copy of the CD after hearing them.
   Anyway, they are a band whose music evokes some very vivid memories of that spring, and certain hopes that turned out to be false dawns. It also makes me want to cycle again ( I cant as I have a broken neck) as that was mostly when I listened to it.             

Fanfarlo: auditioning for the United Colours of Benetton ad.

   About the music; they are a young, lively indie pop outfit with a penchant for orchestral flourishes and very catchy choruses. They also have a great singer in Simon Balthazar (whose tones are not dissimilar from the warbler for The Stills, or Zack Condon of Beirut) and a talent for making hummable, yet moving music.
          In a just world they would be occupying the space in which bands like Coldplay are now ensconced. There is nothing challenging or difficult about their music, and it deserves to be heard. It's unbelievable they are not better known. Though on checking, their tunes have been used in Grey's Anatomy (which is known for some awesome music), and Twilight. So perhaps they are better known than I thought. Either way, their stately melodies can brighten many another person's spring I'm sure. There should be a new album on the way this year. For now, enjoy this brace of vids below.
                                             ( Oh, and if you are reading this on the day of posting, check out 6 music at 7 tonight as Iron & Wine are in a {pre-recorded} session. Of whom, more anon. )                                       

 They also have ace taste, just check out their impressive website to see covers of the Bonnie Prince Billy's classic 'Minor Place', and Neutral Milk Hotel.