Customer Reviews

Reservoir

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I downloaded Reservoir based on the song samples and these three [so far] 5-star reviews, with high hopes. I listened to it all the way through once, a few days ago. My first overall impression was that Fanfarlo makes some beautiful music, but there is a strong tendency for all the songs to blend together, as they are not significantly distinguishable from each other. I'm listening to it again as I type this, and it's not changing my mind. All the songs are really nice to listen to, but they would be much better dispersed throughout, say, iTunes shuffle. The singer has a really good voice (even if he does sound a bit like David Byrne) but unfortunately he doesn't remotely exploit it: it seems that he sings all the songs entirely within the same five-note range, although clearly those vocal cords are capable of much more. In sum, I think Fanfarlo can and will in future make some beautiful music but they need to learn how to mix it up in style, tempo, range and so forth. Adding vocal harmonies would be nice, but that's my own bias. Anyway, these lovely songs combine to make an unfortunately bland album. I'm not recommending against a purchase, but again I suggest playing it in shuffle. And here without the remotest connection may I recommend anything by the Well Wishers, 4 albums of brilliant power pop and sublime beauty.

When I first heard "The Walls Are Coming Down" on NPR All Songs Considered I was hooked. Had to hear more from this band. Around July 4th this year they offered a mp3 download of this CD for $1. Got that and like this project so much that I bought the hardcopy CD when it was released 6 weeks later. I've listened to this CD more than any other this year, when you consider I've bought around 50 this year, I think says a lot. I've even had the privilege of seeing them live, they were awesome. When I listen to their music I hear two different bands that I can draw comparison with. The first is Beirut, the horns and the vocal styling are reminiscent. The other is Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, their first CD, the clever melodies. If you like either of those two bands this is a must buy. Actually this should be a must buy if you like clever song writing and infectious hooks.

This is easily one of the best album of the year. I too heard of them through NPR All Songs considered. Then I watched the "Tiny Desk Concert" They seem to have great energy and chemistry. I missed out on their last round of touring. I hope they come back to the US soon. Dreamy, idle, good sounds. A little beirut, a little brit-folk, all musical goodness.

Will keep this short and just say that this was definitely one of the most wonderful, uplifting cd's of the year.( Think it was actually released in the UK last year). Should be on best of's lists everywhere. The best though that i can do is recommend this to music lovers on our planet and on others as well!

My favorite album of the many last years. I always admired the musicians who went their own way knowing what they were doing. Bands Jethro Tull, Yes, Talking Heads are still the best for me. I'm glad, that there are some new great people doing music. Don't mind any genre. Take the funny and the original ones.
You may like Czech band Charlie Straight :)
Have a nice day.

the cd arrived sooner than i thought and was new and in great condition. love the cd.

This is a wonderful album from start to finish. Short and sweet...you will love this!

These self-proclaimed bookworms know how to churn out some wonderful upbeat pop/folk music with tastefully darkish lyrics. I highly recommend this album. I saw these guys live at the El Rey in Los Angeles; they are even better live! Just check 'em out.

It took me a while to really appreciate this CD, but after giving it a few listens it really grows on you. In Reservoir, it quickly becomes obvious that Fanfarlo aren't just writing songs, but telling stories and divulging memories.

Musically, it's diverse and grand. Strings and horns feature prominently throughout a fairly pop/rock/folk base.

All in all an excellent CD, highly recommended. (I actually bought it as a download before official release for $1 USD, so good that I had to buy the CD from Amazon!)