Fanfarlo – Curing Your Case of the Mondays

Walking up to Schuba’s on Monday to see Fanfarlo, I was excited to shake off my new corporate 9-5 (give or take) and kick it with some British indie pop. I was not expecting that as many people as Schuba’s can fit felt the same way. The teenager who asked me if I had any extra tickets startled me because, well I’m always startled when people try to randomly talk to me on the street. But, also, I was pleasantly surprised that the group had sold out the popular venue. Way to go Fanfarlo.

The eager crowd packed into the backroom, humming with energy waiting for the band to take the stage. And they cheered like a stadium size audience when Fanfarlo finally made it out. Starting with “Drowning Men,” Fanfarlo wasted no time satiating their fans, all of whom were stoked to prove their knowledge of the music by singing and tapping along.

As the band played the first few notes of “Finish Line,” the crowd started their clap-a-long before the band tried for the first clap. Whether just passionate fandom or mild brown-nosing, the enthusiasm of the crowd showed a different side of the stereotypical stoic irony you might expect from the skinny-jeaned crowd. Watching a great band is always a good time. But for me, watching with fans who so clearly enjoy the hell out of it is what makes a show really phenomenal. And this crowd loved every minute.

Pausing only once for some lead singer chit chat, Simon Balthazar seemed adorably pleased with the general feelings of happiness that filled the room. And then Fanfarlo commenced with the music.

The Used Car look was new for the Schuba’s stage.

Announcing their “last song,” they soft rocked through “Luna.” Now, this is generally when the bands playing Schuba’s head off stage and just hang out with the fans for a bit before returning, since there’s no real backstage area to hide. But Fanfarlo had a better idea. Taking leave from the stage, they also left the venue, heading out a side door and disappearing. This prompted some real, earnest cheers and foot stomps from the crowd. These people really wanted more music, and they were willing to work for it. What a lovely change from the standard sit-and-wait-patiently approach.

Returning to the stage, Fanfarlo first came through the crowd, distributing a few 3-foot plastic noise makers that required the player to swing them in a circle over their head to create the opening sound for “Ghosts.” Now, despite an abundance of gentlemen who easily topped 6 feet (most of whom chose to stand right in front of me, thanks), it seemed like only tiny, 5’ 2” girls got their hands on them. Note to Fanfarlo and all bands everywhere: please do not give your fans weapons, no matter how innocently you intend them. Because this girl almost lost an eye to some indie girl’s attempt to play rockstar.

But, the effect of a room filled with eerie noise makers definitely helped set the tone for their final tune. It also gave some of the more fervent fans a good use for their excess energy. Like this guy.

It’s all fun and games, until…

Potential injury notwithstanding, the Monday night show was a great start to the week, and hopefully to the band’s US tour. And the capacity crowd was in obvious agreement.

*By Jesy, who is still not accustomed to this “going to bed at a reasonable hour” thing that her new day job requires.

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