A music blog dedicated to my ever-expanding tastes. A musical journey with endless pitstops along the way. Bringing you the best of what I see and hear.
Even since their infectiously poppy debut, British chamber pop group Fanfarlo have always had a knack for the intellectual. More so lyrically than contextually on the debut before experimenting with the very building blocks of song construction on their very 80s recalling sophomore record, Fanfarlo have always seemed to be interested in how things work. "Myth of Myself (A Ruse to Exploit Our Weaknesses)", the first single from their upcoming as yet untitled third album, sees the group turning their penchant for curious exploration and experimentation inwards; towards themselves.
Once again featuring a change in sound different from the folk-leanings of Reservoir and synthy Rooms Filled With Light, "Myth of Myself" lands somewhere in the realm of an orchestral Dirty Projectors while lacking the harmonies so typical of them. Simon Balthazar's vocals recall a tamer Dave Longstreth while the cresting musical moments establish it firmly as very Fanfarlo track. It's not a Fanfarlo we've ever encountered before but it still manages to keep in line with the group's trademarks: intelligent, poignant lyricism and majestic, heart-fluttering musical moments. While Fanfarlo continue to change sounds from album to album, it's nice to know that at least those two things will stay exactly the same.
Listen to "Myth of Myself (A Ruse to Exploit Our Weaknesses)":
British indie-pop quintet Fanfarlo continue their collaboration with director Alex Southam, this time in the video for instrumental track "Everything Turns".
A series of seemingly random images, the video for "Everything Turns" is actually the second out of the three films filmed with Alex Southam (with "Replicate" being No. 1 and "De.con.struc.tion" being No. 3) and kind of bridges the gap between them. "Replicate" with it's jumble of images and "De.con.struc.tion" with it's far more coherent sequence, "Everything Turns" is filmed in the same black and white style and when not featuring the flashes of random images, sees the band members setting up the space in what's to be the setting for the next video.
Though there's no realm sense of coherency besides that, Southam still stitches together a visual spectacle worth viewing - there's all sorts of stimulating effects to accompany the rather sparse instrumental track. Watch the kinda eerie video for "Everything Turns":
In about two weeks time, British chamber pop quintet Fanfarlo will be dropping their much anticipated sophomore album Rooms Filled with Light. Earlier this week, the band previewed one of the tracks only available on the special edition version of the album.
Much like "Harold T. Wilkins (Or How to Wait For A Very Long Time)", "Vostok, I Know You Are Waiting" is inspired by real noteworthy events - namely the discovery of Lake Vostok, a freshwater lake lying four kilometers beneath the surface of Anaractica. You can read more about Lake Vostok here.
2012 began with a number of bands having already promised this would be the year they release follow ups or even debut full lengths in some cases. Since it's only the first month of 2012, a lot of things have yet to be announced but from what has been, it's shaping to be a pretty great year (I mean new Bowerbirds!) for music. Here's a playlist of some of the releases I'm most excited for in order of release date (where possible).
1) First Aid Kit - "The Lion's Roar"
It's hard to imagine that the Swedish sisters released their debut album almost two years ago but this month they're releasing a follow up that's looking like it might just blow their debut out of the water. The sisters are older and wiser and seem to just be growing in talent. First Aid Kit's sophomore album The Lion's Roar is due out January 24th.
This year sees the release of Hospitality's self-titled debut album, their first for new label Merge Records, the follow up to a low-fi folk poppy EP released in 2008 and it's about time. While I've grown to love the tunes of the EP, Hospitality's new sound is a step in the right direction. I've only heard several of the new songs live so I can only imagine how much better they'll be recorded with all the tools they had at their disposal. Hospitality is actually one of my most anticipated album's off the year, if only for the bewilderingly catchy "All Day Today". Hospitality is out January 31st on Merge. Get it, seriously.
I may have only heard Sharon Van Etten's lead single "Serpents" a couple days ago but that was enough to make me thoroughly intrigued by Sharon Van Etten's new album. Her first on Jagjaguwar, she's in good company alongside the increasingly popular Bon Iver. Hearing new track "Leonard" today also made it practically impossible for Tramp not to be on this list. Sharon Van Etten's Tramp is out February 7th.
When Fanfarlo first released new track/video "Replicate" back in September, I just about wet myself. The release was completely unheralded following a year-long radio silence which the band spent reacquainting themselves with real life after a year of straight touring and also writing and recording the new tunes. The year long self-imposed exile has certainly done some good. "Deconstruction" is the perfect blending of old and new and the bands claims of a more pop-oriented sound are not unfounded. And while the band could get together and release an album of nursery rhymes and I would still buy it, it helps that the new music is so downright good. Fanfarlo's sophomore album Room Filled With Lights is due out February 28th.
I've only heard this single track from Plants & Animals upcoming album and yet that was enough. It burrowed into my brain and stayed there for days exacerbated by my constant repeating of the track. I've lost count with how many times I've played it but it still hasn't lost any of it's edge. And so based off this track alone and a good deal of good faith, I'm much looking forward to Plants & Animals new album. Whether that'll change when they release the next track remains to be seen but I doubt it. I mean if you can write a song as good as "Lightshow", they should all be similarly awesome, right? Right. The End of All That is due out February 28th.
If there is one thing the Brits seem to know how to do and do well, it's folk. Britain's Dry the River are one of the multitude of bands that are cranking out sincere, well-written, and masterfully performed. I mean the only kicker is that their releases are region so those unfortunate enough to not be natives have to wait a bit before we're allowed to get our hands on their stuff. Like their Weights & Measures EP which they released mid-year in Britain and is only now available in the states. But it's music that well worth the wait. In more way than one. 2012 will see the release of Dry the River's debut album, an album that's bound to be epically enjoyable. Dry the River's Shallow Bed is slated for a March 5th release in the UK but there's no word yet on when the rest of the world will be able to enjoy.
You know, when Andrew Bird did his massive auditorium/concert hall tour last year I should've known to expect an album and yet the news of his upcoming surprised and delighted me. Not too much has been revealed about it besides the name, release date, album art and a tracklist but if anything can be gleaned from the 30 second album trailer, the new album might be heavily acoustic. Or as acoustic as you can be when you rely on a loop pedal. Since there's no single released yet, I thought I'd include one of my favorite tracks off of 2010's Useless Creatures. Break It Yourself will be released March 6th.
If nothing else was released this year but the new Bowerbirds album, I would still be a happy man. Especially considering their last release was way back when in 2009. And while that's not a necessarily long time in music, it is when you see them live and they promise to return again soon with a brand new album and preview two new amazing songs. I fully intend to ravenously consume Bowerbirds third album like a starving wolf. And if our first peek at the new album is any indicator, the pastoral folk the band do so well is back after some much missed time away. Bowerbirds third full length album The Clearing is due out on March 6th.
Considering last year's The Mistress was a re-release, the shock that Yellow Ostrich is so quickly coming out with another album should subside a bit. This year, Yellow Ostrich release their true Barsuk Records debut with Strange Land which also marks the band's first album together. Instead of bandleader Alex Schaaf's solo looping project, the band flush out their sound based off of Schaaf's demos. Sounds good. And while no one's really heard anything from the album yet, I'm assuming that the band's sophomore record is going to be enjoyable because of how insanely catchy their debut is. That's not something you forget how to do. Since there's no previews available yet, enjoy "WHALE" off The Mistress. Strange Land is due out March 6th on Barsuk Records.
10) Lost in the Trees - "Red"
This year will see the release of North Carolina folk pop orchestra Lost in the Trees' latest album. A tribute to Ari Picker's deceased mother, the group don't appear to be taking any steps back away from their emotionally complex brand of sentimentality infused compositions. Instead the group have spent the year trying their best to capture the memory of Picker's mother filtered through a catchy pop sensibility and an orchestral grandeur. The result is sure to be an affecting work of beauty. Lost in the Trees' third album A Church That Fits Our Needs is out on March 20th on ANTI-. Lost In The Trees - Red by antirecords
11) Little Tybee - "Boxcar Fair"
Georgia folk pop outfit Little Tybee might very well have the quickest turnaround of all time. Their upcoming release For Distant Viewing is practically right on the heels of sophomore record Humorous to Bees which came out last April all the while the group put together and soundtracked a puppet show by the name of Boxcar Fair. While such a quick release schedule might worry people, new track "Boxcar Fair" should allay all fear. There's still the conscientious equality of each member in it's arrangements, not to mention the song just being all around good. Little Tybee's For Distant Viewing's release date isn't exact yet but it can be expected sometime in March.
12) Kishi Bashi - "Manchester"
While Andrew Bird's album is definitely cause for excitement, up and coming violinist/loop pedal enthusiast/multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi's upcoming debut is definitely something to be excited about if not worthy of occupying the majority of your interest. Since his debut opening for Sondre Lerche last year, Kishi Bashi's been hard at work prepping the follow up to his Room For Dream EP. The results are astounding. Funded about 120% via Kickstarter, Kishi Bashi's debut is on the right track. Those who helped fund the project got a sneak peek of "I Am the Antichrist to You" in addition to the previews featured in his welcome video and the song was absolutely astounding. But until he releases an album track as a single or otherwise, you can still enjoy "Manchester" from his EP. Kishi Bashi's debut has a loose release date set for somewhere in the spring with a definite date coming soon so stay tuned.
13) Conveyor - "Mukraker"
Brooklyn band Conveyor have a lot to look forward to in 2012. Or rather fans do. Earlier this month, the released the digital single "Mukraker" which is part of their split 7" with other noteworthy Brooklyn band Illuminator. Also pretty sure they're working on a full length. No idea when that is but Conveyor's curious blend of slowly unfurling minimalism with explosive flourishes guarantees that I will be all over it when that day comes. In addition to everything else they release and do. Hopefully that'll be soon but you can't rush progress.
14) Secret Mountains - "Weepy Little Fingers"
Baltimore psychedelic rockers Secret Mountains can utterly swallow you with a single song and news is that they're planning on releasing a full length this year. That's as exciting as it is scary. The follow up to 2010's Rejoice EP, the band have been hard at work recording new tunes. And they just won a trip to record with Converse and record a live session so that's more new tunes and more recordings. Secret Mountains is going to have an intensely busy year and their debut full length might just be the cherry on top. No word yet on when their record is going to drop but news of which can't be that far away. Enjoy "Weepy Little Fingers" which the band released as a single last year.
Despite releasing their debut album in their home of Iceland last September, Icelandic folkies Of Monsters and Men are gearing up for a major North American explosion. After tours and the release of their Into the Woods EP, the band are prepping for the stateside release of their debut My Head is An Animal which will feature a different tracklist than the Iceland release. And considering all their updates are coming from the studio, it's only a matter of time before we learn of the upcoming album's release date. One thing is certain though, even if the album's tracklist is 100% different than the Iceland release and the Into the Woods EP, "Little Talks" is bound to be on it. It's the band's greatest songwriting achievement that deserves to be displayed whenever and wherever it can be.
Considering the band had their debut release over in Europe last year, expecting an release this year might be a bit of wishful thinking on my part but the band has stated an interest in doing some recording and releasing something this year so I'm going off of that. Besides who knows maybe the band's debut album Glass will get a stateside release sometime this year? I mean, there's 11 months for that to happen. Despite a 2012 release being mostly speculation on my part, the band's becoming pretty active over here so maybe just maybe we'll see something. If not, 2012 should be the year where everyone at least starts paying attention to Teletextile.
Considering how early in the year it is, more and more album release news should come spilling out. I'm looking forward to being able to expound upon this list and getting to update several of those unconfirmed dates. Until then, I hope you enjoy.
With the release date of their sophomore album Rooms Filled With Light inching closer and closer, British chamber pop quintet Fanfarlo are giving us another peak at what to expect in the form of new song/video "Shiny Things". The group continue their quest for a more pop-centric sound which led them to a sort of updated take on 80's synth-pop. It's driving. The video takes place in (I'm assuming the high competitive) world of rhythmic gymnastics with three girls with their girls performing for a group of judges before the video takes a weird twist. One of the girls collapses, becoming a gold statue, and two of the judges appear to be trying to help but are actually bringing her to this basement goldsmithy where they take parts of her and turn them into jewelry. It's crazy but handled in that crazy, Fanfarlo way that allows for even the most ridiculous scenarios to feel relateable. There's also some sort of highly poignant metaphor, both lyrically and symbolically but I won't ruin the surprise.
Right on the heels of the released of their new video for "Deconstruction", British chamber pop quintet Fanfarlo have the release of it as their new single packaged with "Reconstruction": a 15 minute experimentation with the genesis and dismantling of a pop song. The single is available via iTunes for all those interested here.
Also, the group took that moment to finally announce some important details about their upcoming album. The album, Rooms Filled With Light, is slated for a February 28th release date stateside and a day earlier for the rest of the world.
The band is also about to embark on a small series of tour dates consisting of 5 east coast shows before jetting over to Europe for some late Fall festival action.
In case you missed it, here's Fanfarlo's video for "Deconstruction", the second collaboration with director Alex Southam:
Hot on the heels of the NPR debut, British chamber pop quintet have released a brand new video for new track "Deconstruction" off their upcoming full-length. The video, directed by Alex Southam, follows in their visually focused style they revealed in the "Replicate" video with a noted exception - while "Replicate" was utterly packed with visual effects and colors, the video for "Deconstuction" sticks to pure black and white and has an actual plot. Sort of. The band is featured in an art gallery like setting at work on some sort of exhibition while reporters, interviewers, and other such people buzz around them and film their progress. My favorite part is that the interview is subtitled with song lyrics.
Right before the release of "Replicate", British chamber pop quintet Fanfarlo outright stated that they're upcoming album was going to be much different than their debut Reservoir. And then we were treated to "Replicate" and its video which was dark, minimalistic, and trades in their sweeping folk stylings for something a bit more controlled and methodical.
With their latest release "Deconstruction", we are given something a bit warmer. It's not Reservoir era Fanfarlo but bridges the gap between the debut and "Replicate" a bit better. Electronics make their way into the fray amid bouncy guitar riffs and delightful violin and horn flourishes. There's even some sampling to be found. Much like it's title, the song slowly builds parts until it unravels leaving the listener with a fading piano line and a feeling of downright joy.
About a year ago, British indie-pop quintet Fanfarlo retreated from their globetrotting to write a record. And now with their album finished and set for release early next year, the band have made their triumphant return with new song/video "Replicate". While Fanfarlo has hinted at a more pop-centered sound for the new record, "Replicate" is more routed in the sounds of an indie orchestra than anything deliberately pop sounding.
The band is also embarking on a small world tour this Fall to tide fans over until the album's 2012 release date.
9/30 Hoxton Hall - London, England, UK 10/25 Brighton Music Hall - Boston, Massachusetts 10/27 Mercury Lounge - New York, New York 10/29 Red Palace - Washington DC 10/30 Glasslands - Brooklyn, New York 11/1 Johnny Brendas - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 11/13 Auditiorium - Tenerife, Spain 11/15 Heinekin Music Selector - Madrid, Spain 11/16 Bikini - Barcelona, Spain 11/18 Heineken Music Selector - Circulo de Arte - Toledo, Spain 11/19 Heineken Music Selector - Sala Imagina - Cadiz, Spain
It's been awhile since I've heard from Fanfarlo. Since being featured on the Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack, touring extensively worldwide, and playing numerous festivals, Fanfarlo took a bit of a break to write for their new album, enjoy the holidays, and just take a bit of a breather. The band is still working on their new album but had time to share the video for their song "Atlas" which appeared on the Eclipse soundtrack. The band had initially teased about its creation in the early fall but now anyone can see the finished product. Shot backstage while on tour in Sydney, the video is simplicity at its best. Instead of a heavily produced video with an artistic vision, you have the band members more-or-less being their quirkily awesome themselves in front of a black painted wall and camera lens, while Simon and Cathy sing along with the track. There's even some fake vampire teeth thrown in for good measure. Enjoy the video for "Atlas":
The British "indie" pop quintet are back to release a new version of the video for "Fire Escape". The previous low budget version premiered about two years ago before the band got signed to a major label, and even before the finished their debut album Reservoir. The new version is much artsy and plot heavy than the original. Directed by Jamie Thraves, the video tells the story of a suidical man (played by band leader Simon Balthazar) who gets stopped from jumping off a roof by a random man offering aid. The man brings Simon to a house filled with similar "patients" played by the other bandmembers and some other random people before taking a creepy sci-fi spin. The housemates are actually part of a cult that by dying together hope to return to some sort of alien mothership (a possible Harold T. Wilkins reference). Simon is not a fan and that's when the video takes another interesting spin. Because the director and band couldn't decide on a darker or happier ending to the video, they made two different versions. You can watch them below.
As much as I hate the Twilight franchise, more and more of my favorite musicians keep getting involved in it. This time it's British chamber pop group Fanfarlo. Fanfarlo has just announced that it will be contributing the track "Atlas" to the Eclipse soundtrack. The track will be sixth on the album alongside artists like Bat for Lashes, Beck, Metric, The Black Keys, and The Dead Weather. The soundtrack, available June 8th, is available for preorder now if it strikes your fancy.
Here's a preview of their album contribution performed by Simon and Cathy for Spin:
London quintet Fanfarlo have certainly been busy what with the completion of their first US tour in December, live performances on Letterman and Carson Daly, a slew of shows at SXSW (the band's third time at the festival), signing to a major record label, and going on another US tour (with a brief sojourn to Toronto) before playing at Bonnaroo in June. Fanfarlo's been getting a tremendous amount of buzz and it's not hard to see why. Their debut album Reservoir is filled to the brim with intelligent and charming indie pop. The smart lyrics are far from pretentious however grounded by storytelling prowess that makes them relatable as well as enjoyable. Beginning with lead track "I'm A Pilot" starts with claps, stomps, and drums which contrast the soft pleasing tenor of lead singer Simon Balthazar. "Ghosts" whose lyrics the album gets its name, trades in the bombastic percussive efforts for a busy violin intro before setting into a foot tapping pace where you get to hear each band member playing their "designated" instruments: trumpet, guitar, bass, drums, and violin. "Luna" ups the energy while maintaining the steady drumbeat that was present in the previous songs throwing in a clarinet for additional spice. "Comets" proves that you don't need technology to create atmosphere with creepy effects all provided acoustically by backing vocals, saw, and melodica. "Drowning Men" is about feeling trapped in a small town and is aided by dream-like, almost nonsensical lyrics and contains the almost tongue in cheek lyrics "We can still afford to not make sense at all". At times driving, some times laid back and sentimental, the track is definitely one of my favorites. "If It Is Growing" is the slowest track on the album and does exactly that, starting out with two notes played consecutively on piano and slowly adding more instruments on top of the simple ostinato. First single "Harold T. Wilkins" brings the energy up and adds a mandolin into the groups ever growing collection of instruments. It's based off of real life British journalist who wrote extensively about flying saucers. The song tells a story about someone who feels out of place waiting for aliens to come take them where they think they belong.
The album is an exercise in ebb and flow, coming from nothing in "I'm A Pilot" and building throughout before fading out into nothing with instrumental track "Good Morning Midnight". It deserves a place in any music lovers library where it will probably endure extensive listening.
Enjoy the video for "The Walls Are Coming Down" which was released before the band signed to Atlantic Records. It features escapologist Ros Walker:
Earlier this year I found out that one of my favorite bands, Fanfarlo, was signed to a major record label. Sony I believe. This created a conundrum. Fanfarlo to me represents everything I love about music. Their songs are intelligent and well crafted (even their band name is a literary reference), they're charismatic and humble, and they're talented at their instruments (however many that may actually be). I first found out about Fanfarlo from Eardrums Music blogs compilation project where Fanfarlo's song and later single "Harold T. Wilkins" was featured on their fall themed compilation A Good Crop. It's mandolin laden intro had me convinced of the song's amazingness even before the first verse began. After that first listen, I'm not ashamed to say that I listened to the song pretty much repetitively after that. As for Fanfarlo themselves, the once-sextet-now-five-piece British indie pop-ers are a breath of fresh air in what seems to be an increasing generic sounding music industry. Based off the traditional rock standard of guitar, bass, drums, they also add in violin, trumpet, glockenspiel, mandolin, melodica, clarinet, whatever's necessary actually in a way that's not overwhelming but merely creates music that is enjoyable to listen to. Music that hooks the listener and makes them just want to listen to it for awhile. Only after actually listening for the lyrics (a feat that still took me looking up the lyrics to get) do you realize how genius the band is. Harold T. Wilkins is about what can only be called a ficitionalized account of the life of real life alien expert Harold T. Wilkins. Lead singer Simon Balthasar's somewhat strange yet entrancing voice describes the story of a lonely man who doesn't feel he belongs constant packing and repacking waiting for someone or something to come and spirit him away to someplace better. Who hasn't felt something like that before? It's almost a year to the day that Fanfarlo first self-released their debut album Reservoir and what with it's re-release and their recent string of US tours, and late night television performances, the future looks bright for these literate pop darlings. Perhaps their signing is a sign in and of itself; of new and excitingly legitimate stirring in the popular music realm. I'm no fortune teller but with a band like Fanfarlo around I think we can do more than just hope.
Though the overall results of Fanfarlo's major signing have yet to be seen, one benefit of it is a spiffy new music video:
