Post Description

Rooms Filled With Light is, by the band's own admission, more of an album of light and dark contrasts. The sonic aperture is wide open with more modern and experimental textures in comparison to Reservoir's organically quirky strings. The wait between the two albums appears to have resulted in a much weirder, more abstract experience, but it's no less brilliant for it. 

Replicate is an odd track to kick off the album, but it lures you in to the strange borderline-synthetic atmosphere of the disc. The trademark strings are still prominent but occupy a more complementary role. Fans of the previous album will love lead single Deconstruction, and Tunguska is also a highlight with a Dexys Midnight Runners'-esque sax complementing Simon Balthazar's vocals. Feathers is also brilliant, and while there's less earwormery to be had overall, there's much to unpack with each listen. 

The only quibble centres on the disc's conclusion. Where Reservoir ended with a charming and ghostly instrumental track, this album concludes with a messy and superfluous sub-minute coda. But at such a miniscule length it's hardly an elephant in the room. 

It's good to have Fanfarlo back and see the band delivering on their promise (and then some), and while this new album lacks the immediate warmth of its predecessor there's much pleasure to be had wallowing in its rich patterns. It's the sound of a confident band who are in control and not afraid to head out of their comfort zone. It may be classed as a comeback of sorts, but it's moreover an act of rejuvenation and an exciting mission statement for the future. 


Verenigd Koninkrijk
Rock
Label: Canvasback


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