Fanfarlo are back after their 2009 debut album Reservoir, with the release of their new EP The Sea. A one off gig will be played at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen on 1st October to promote the new release. Fanfarlo’s influences are varied to say the least, with a variety of incredible sounds and styles featuring in their performances. Speaking to Simon Balthazar we find out more about Fanfarlo and what we can expect from their upcoming EP.
So there is a new single out soon, when can we expect the new album to be released?
In fact it is a whole EP, called The Sea, about humanity evolving back to living in the sea. It should sow some seeds ahead of the full length album which we’ll put out in January.
What’s the inspiration behind the new album?
Both the album and EP play with ideas about human evolution and possible futures – where we came from, what exactly a person is (if anything) and what happens next. We’re super happy about it! The songs feel exciting and the whole thing both ambitious and playful.
What can we expect from this in comparison to the first two albums?
This record is an absolute love child, and I think you can hear that. Our last record was made with a major record label and a producer, and off the back of way too much touring so we were in quite a dark place. But this time round we did a lot more ourselves, and some of the recording in a makeshift studio out in the countryside, so we had a lot of fun putting unexpected elements like bongos, white noise and spaghetti western style backing vocals into pop songs.
There’s been some changes in band members in the past, how’s the transitions been? Has it added a different feel and vibe to the band?
We have a new drummer who will be touring with us, and she is an absolute beat monster.
There is quite a difference in style of music being played now from the first album, has this been an organic change, a change in influence or a decided change to take the band down a different route?
We’ve always had very eclectic influences, and we see it as a continuous challenge to take all these different things we like but with the language of pop music. So how a record comes out will be down to what we are collectively excited about at that particular time, which is a very organic process.
Last time you played in the area was at Cargo, did you get to spend much time round the Shoreditch area?
We live in London, that’s not to say we always get to spend enough time here, because we travel a lot. But yes of course we all know Shoreditch well, we all live in Hackney, and I’m sure we all have our different particular things that we come there for. For me there’s a couple of cafes, a park, a tea shop and a few bars that usually bring me there. Even living ten minutes up the road it’s hard to keep track of everything new though, there’s pretty much something new every week.
It’s been quite a summer for you guys, how was playing the Green Man Festival? Any interactions with the other bands?, any funny stories?
Most of our stories might not be fit for print. But on the lighter side, yes summer tends to bring you to some crazy and beautiful places: we played in the middle of a massive vineyard the other day. Green Man is one of the better festivals in the UK for sure. It was first time we lived in tents together for a while.
What’s the plans for the future for Fanfarlo, what can we expect?
Most importantly a blazing pop record coming out soon. A few videos that I’m actually quite excited about. Possibly a few online stunts and some eccentric choices of footwear.
Fanfarlo’s EP The Sea is available from 14th October 2013.
For more information visit fanfarlo.com