‘Tis the season for sharing, and I’m so glad my melophobe companions did so. First, back in September, my Seattle friends extolled the talents of UK-newcomers Fanfarlo, catching the first stop of their first U.S. tour, as well as sitting down for an interview. Soon thereafter, a fellow Bostonian saw Freelance Whales’ hug-inciting Boston debut, and has been spreading the Whales’ gospel ever since. I’m so glad I listened. (Actually, so many of us melophobers listened that Freelance Whales made our list of Top 10 Best Albums of 2009!) Both of these up-and-coming bands played a fantastic night at TT the Bear’s to an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd.
Freelance Whales opened the evening with the anthemic, feel-good sing-along, “Generator^First Floor.” From the start, you could hear a chorus of mega-fans in the audience who had already memorized the lyrics to their debut LP Weathervanes. This was an impressive feat, considering the limited availability of Weathervanes, soon to be resolved through Frenchkiss Records and Mom and Pop Records signing the Whales to their label (Congratulations! You deserve it!). The band’s use of quirky instruments (banjo, glockenspiel, harmonium—even watering cans) for lighthearted pop is undeniably charming. Adding to the charm, they all somehow maintained beauty–pageant worthy smiles throughout the show, leading me to whisper to my friend, “This is the most earnest and adorable band I’ve ever seen.” We’re thrilled that they’re returning to Boston in January. Until then, I’ll be studying up on Weathervanes so I can join the happy sing-along.
Fanfarlo continued the gleeful, embracing vibe by opening their set with album stand-out “The Walls Are Coming Down.” As they stood shoulder-to-shoulder, stomping their feet in unison, the crowd nodded in time, eager to sing the rousing chorus. Fanfarlo's frequent trading of instruments and smattering use of the trumpet, ukulele, and clarinet add a delightful, celebratory, yet casual air to their performance—or to quote my Seattle companion, a "fanciful" feel. That's why the frequent Arcade Fire comparison (as Fanfarlo mentioned in our interview) doesn't quite fit. Arcade Fire is brilliant, but Fanfarlo is abundantly more fun, with a lighthearted spirit more akin to Beirut. Listen to “The Walls are Coming Down” and Beirut’s “Elephant Gun” in succession, if you need further proof. After the upbeat, dance-worthy encore of “Luna,” the crowd lingered, some eager to keep dancing and some eager to meet the band and buy their merch. In both cases, the crowd was clearly energized by a fantastic night of two refreshingly fun bands just starting what we hope are long and happy careers. Hey, Arcade Fire once played this small, humble TT's stage. Take the comparison with pride, Fanfarlo!
