I’m a Pilot - Fanfarlo
Fanfarlo, a musical saw playing indie folk group based in London, England are poised to take the indie world by storm. The band consists of Simon Balthazar (vocals, guitar, clarinet), Cathy Lucas (vocals, mandolin, violin, keyboards), Leon Beckenham (keyboards, trumpet), Justin Finch (bass, vocals) and Amos Memon (drums). From their gorgeous cover of Neutral Milk Hotel’s “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” to their own magnificent music video of the single “Harold T. Wilkins or How to Wait for a Very Long Time,” these guys have the kinda attitude and musical ability to grow and expand their fan base in the coming months.
The song I’d like to feature from their 2009 album “Reservoir” is I’m a Pilot. This song, as reported by an interview on Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good with Balthazar, uses over 100 guitars to achieve the necessary grand affect aimed for. This is inspired song about living your youthful moments and never looking back. The majestic strings accompany the steady, yet driving drums on top of those 100+ guitars that just make you want to throw your hands up and look to the sky. Because “Kid I’m a Pilot / It’s all I believe in.” Balthazar’s voice soars over top with the emotion you want, but couldn’t express.
Last.fm will tell you that Fanfarlo’s most similar artists are Freelance Whales and Snow Club, However, with their use of orchestral instruments, I believe that Fanfarlo have a sound somewhere between Arcade Fire and Neutral Milk Hotel, with a tinge of The Talking Head’s Vocals.
So why do I think these guys will be the next big thing?
Well, for starters, they kicked off the year with a tour on the West Coast definitely got people talking over there (I’m from Cali, I know), but I also believe that a posible new album by Arcade Fire will then draw attention to this band. They are unique, forward thinking and love experimenting. Expect big things in the new decade.
-media z
