Fanfarlo

London five-piece Fanfarlo return with their first new music in 18 months in the shape of new EP, ‘The Sea’, released through their own label New World Records on 14th October.

Fanfarlo are Simon Balthazar, Cathy Lucas, Leon Beckenham, Justin Finch and Valentina Magaletti. A London-based indie/alternative band formed in 2006.

Their debut album ‘Resevoir’ was recorded in October/November 2008 at Tarquin Studios, Connecticut, USA). ‘Rooms filled with Light’ followed in September 2011.

The four-track EP opens with ‘A Distance’, which will also feature on the band’s forthcoming third album. A ‘Planet Earth’ style intro paves the way for a Giorgio Moroder styled wall of sound, bold and forthright. A song about lack of communication and the distances between us though lyrics are not very clear even with headphones and all my attention but Simon’s,’ Edwyn Collins’ vocal like meanderings appeal to me. Good backing vocals and adventurous electronic sounds and melodic riffs make for a good single.

Title track ‘The Sea ‘ follows, slower with both spaces and musical outbursts laced through it, a ‘ National ‘ type chorus, it’s a good song improving on repeated listens.

‘The Wilderness’ is an unashamed pop song, good harmonies, good sound; a fun track with an interesting effective coda.

‘Witchi Tai To’ closes this EP. An ‘Arcade Fire’ style ensemble with some interesting brass and wind instrument hooks and arrangements.

‘The Sea’ EP is a worthy addition to their steadily growing body of work, and hopefully 2014 will see them make more of a dent in the music scene with festival appearances strongly suggested, especially if ‘The Distance’ is suggestive of their upcoming third album release, it being a sure crowd pleaser.