Fanfarlo Frivolity

I love Fanfarlo. They're so eclectic, with a wonderful, truly unique sound; a vibrant indie pop coloured with intriguing instrumentation that easily distinguishes them from their peers. Their lyrics are jovial and bubbly without losing any integrity, insight, or creativity. I don't mention them on Voilà! as much as I wish I did. But to make up for any lost time, it's time for a big Fanfarlo update!

Firstly, and undubiously most important, the London-based ensemble has released their first full-length LP! That's right, folks, Reservoir - the long awaited record by Fanfarlo - is finally out and about for your musically consumptive pleasures. I'm not going to go into much detail about the album, since I'm planning a formal review later; know now that it is every bit as lively as Fanfarlo represents themselves. Reservoir is something you don't want to miss for a second longer than necessary. Right now, you can get a copy either at a Fanfarlo gig, or via iTunes, for (as Fanfarlo says themselves) "mega-cheap." Go get it, with haste, dear reader!

Deuxième, if you've been following our blithe Brits, you'll know all about "Harold T. Wilkins, or How to Wait for a Very Long Time." This quirky ditty based off of the journalist/historian of the same name (Wikipedia is the source of all knowledge) was originally released by Fanfarlo on their split 7" single with their mates in Sleeping States back in the day. With it being prominently featured on Reservoir, Fanfarlo sought it fit to endow such a lovely song with a music video! And so it is, that the video for "Harold T. Wilkins..." was released! It involves scientists, laboratories, the paranormal, oddity?, and of course, one of the neatest tunes by Fanfarlo. You can see it right now on Fanfarlo's official website, Myspace, or YouTube!

Troisième, Fanfarlo is touring! As if a few gigs around the United Kingdom wasn't exciting enough, as it turns out, Fanfarlo was lucky enough to support the major recording artists neighbours from the north, Snow Patrol. How this magic came is anyone's managerial guess. But regardless, the ensuing excitement at prospectively seeing Fanfarlo live should be enough to get your heartbeat racing. For those of us not lucky enough to grace the lands of Glasgow, Manchester, or London, you'll be enthused to learn that Fanfarlo are one of the many amazing bands set to be gracing SXSW 2009, this coming week! Here's a quick list of their confirmed appearances:

• March 19 - 1:45 PM - Moshi Moshi Party! (Redhouse Pizzeria, 1917 Manor Road) [free show!]
• March 20 - 3:30 PM - Soundcheck Magazine Party (600 REd River Street) [free show!]
• March 20 - 9:00 PM - Showcase @ Presbyterian Church (200 E. 8th St.)
• March 21 - 3:00 PM - Q Magazine Party @ The Parish (214 East 6th Street)
  

Lastly, as of several weeks from the posting of this article, Fanfarlo earned themselves some airtime on the telly! Turns out the UK station Channel M of Manchester knows who makes some of the best music in the British Isles; Fanfarlo showed up in the Channel M studios to perform five songs off of Reservoir for your listening (and viewing) pleasures. Unless you're lucky enough to get Channel M on your television set, you can catch Fanfarlo's entire live performance right here on Voilà!.

If this is not the perfect celebration of all things Fanfarlo, reader, I certainly don't know what is. Snag Reservoir from iTunes, see "Harold T. Wilkins..." on YouTube, and watch Fanfarlo's live performance on Channel M here! Go!