Concert Review: Fanfarlo

If British indie-rock band Fanfarlo had as many band members as they do instruments, they’d need double the musicians. As it is, there’s five of them alternating between the guitar, bass, violin, drums, mandolin, trumpet, accordion, melodica and glockenspiel ““ all contributing to a thoughtfully orchestrated musical delight.

At the El Rey Theatre, it almost felt as if we were sitting in on a jam session, watching as the members experimented with each instrument, just figuring it out, and yet each try came out perfect. Amid all of the variations, there was a coherence that keeps them from sounding cluttered or overworked.

For many of the songs, member Leon Beckenham’s trumpet seemed to lead the way, even overshadowing the croons of singer Simon Balthazar. Other members include Cathy Lucas, on the violin, mandolin, keyboard, glock and vocals; Amos Memon on drums; and Justin Finch on bass. Their debut album “Reservoir,” released in February 2009, has garnered comparisons to Arcade Fire, especially for Balthazar’s whiny delivery and its uncanny similarity to Alec Ounsworth’s. But Balthazar and Lucas’ harmony makes their sound distinct ““ a bit faster, rustic but upbeat. Live, it’s easier to notice all the work they’re doing, and it makes for a very sweet homespun sound with a lot of depth.

They opened the performance without bass or trumpet, with just Balthazar, Lucas and Memon on stage. It was a relief when they were joined by Beckenham and Finch for “I’m A Pilot” ““ a much more complete sound. After playing all of the songs from “Reservoir,” Balthazar said, “We only have so many songs,” and asked if it would be strange if they played a Fleetwood Mac cover. Not to deny Fleetwood Mac’s timeless greatness, but it became apparent that Fanfarlo’s talents are much better suited to their original compositions.

Perhaps only as a contrast to opening band April Smith and the Great Picture Show, Fanfarlo’s stage presence left something to be desired. April Smith and her bandmates (notably drummer Nick D’Agostino, whose excitement manifested itself in his tongue’s voracious activity) engaged with the audience throughout the performance, creating a great energy that was lacking when Fanfarlo came onstage. Yes, they were keeping busy, but they hardly ever looked at the audience or said more than “thank you” in between songs. The best part of their stage presence was their matching pastel button-down shirts, each buttoned to the very top. Reading the blog on their Web site, it seems as if they do have personality, though it was difficult to tell during the performance.

But other than that, there was little to find fault with. The audience was easily swept up in the music without encouragement from the band. The energy was highest during the tracks “The Walls Are Coming Down” and “Fire Escape,” during which Balthazar and Lucas exhibited an excitement and a foot-stomping that was catching. Hopefully there will be more in Fanfarlo’s future to catch on.

““ Jennifer Bastien

E-mail Bastien at [email protected].