Fanfarlo - Fanfarlo (2009)

I hate to think that music by itself has become so worthless that giving it away for free is the only way to get it into the hands of fans. Sure, the first few experiments worked well, but Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails are hardly one-hit wonders or bottom-tiered acts.

I've seen many no-name (at least to my knowledge) bands try similar endeavors (mainly as free downloads), and of course I downloaded without hesitation. But as soon as the tracks were uploaded to my iTunes library I had already forgotten about them.

Led by frontman Simon Balthazar, Fanfarlo (also Cathy Lucas, Justin Finch, Amos Memon, and Leon Beckenham) perform stripped down chamber pop that flows as quietly and naturally as a stream. No, the ballads aren't tearjerkers and the mellow pieces aren't snooze fests, but there are songs of lost love ("If It Is Growing"), social disharmony ("Luna"), and possibly a retelling of an historical event ("Ghosts").

Original post:

http://www.dorksandlosers.com/2009/07/10/fanfarlo-fanfarlo