San Diego Reader

Thanks to NPR.org, fans of Fanfarlo were able to get their first listen to their new release Rooms Filled with Light. The London-based indie band once again delivers a solid album of pop melodies. Similar to their previous LP, Reservoir, Rooms constitutes an engaging collection of hooks, loops, and layers.

Many compare lead singer Amos Memon’s vocal style to that of David Byrne, lead singer of the Talking Heads. However, Memon’s voice is unique enough in that he can spread a song out so that nothing that he sings about sounds repetitive. During track “Feathers‚” imagine being in a complete relaxed state of mind and welcome the interesting use of violin and piano into the mix.

Back-up vocalist Cathy Lucas adds a simple, delicate touch to the band’s overall sound. During track “Deconstruction,” Lucas sings alongside Memon to piece together a standout face-paced tune. Though Fanfarlo may not have strayed in a direction much different from their previous work, Rooms warrants repeated listens.

• Album: Rooms Filled with Light
• Artist: Fanfarlo
• Label: Atlantic
• Songs: (1) Replicate (2) Deconstruction (3) Lenslife (4) Shiny Things (5) Tunguska (6) Everything Turns (7) Tightrope (8) Feathers (9) Bones (10) Dig (11) A Flood (12) Everything Resolves