My Fanfarlo Wednesday in Austin

Fanfarlo

www.myspace.com/fanfarlo

When I woke up Wednesday morning, I had no idea I'd get to see Fanfarlo, one of the UK's greatest indie bands, right here in Austin. To be honest, I had no idea they were in town. It was really weird how it all happened. It was almost movie-esque when you think about it. 

I heard them perform a live set on KUT Wednesday afternoon and learned that they were playing The Independent that night. I really hadn't planned on going out, but was so impressed by what I heard that I was starting to mull it over. I was thinking about it so much that I "tweeted" it when I sat back down at my desk to do some work. As it turns out, a friend of mine saw my tweet and offered me her tickets. How could I say no?

I hadn't been to The Independent yet, so if for no other reason, I wanted to check out the venue. As I arrived Wednesday night, the New York based Free Lance Whales were playing. They were alright. Not bad, not great. They were a good opener and I'd be inclined to check them out again some time. I'm sure they'll be back around again soon.

Shortly there after Free Lance Whales finished, Fanfarlo took the stage. Lead singer Simon Balthazar and Cathy Lucas (who plays every instrument except drums it seems) got things going with "Drowning Men" off their current album, Reservoir. The rest of the band joined them for "I'm a Pilot" and stayed on throughout their set. I loved watching them switch instruments and put together this great variety of sounds. Their music is brilliant and their live show is worth seeing.  If you've never heard Fanfarlo, check out this video for their single "The Walls are Coming Down":



Here is their set list from Wednesday night's show at The Independent:

Drowning Men

I'm a Pilot

Finish Line

Harold T. Wilkins

Atlas

The Walls Are Coming Down

Fire Escape

Wings

Comets

Luna

Ghosts