At what point does tribute become parody? Usually when it fails to hit the mark in being genuine, fitting and, above all, filled with talent.
As the misty eyed obsession with the 1980s continues, there are plenty of artists out there who are taking what was traditionally mediocre, generic sounds of the decade and rehashing them as “retro.” While the ten years themselves gave birth to plenty of great music – Michael Jackson, Guns N Roses, the Beastie Boys – there was also its fair share of dross, Buck’s Fizz anyone?
So when an act like Fanfarlo come along, protesting their “obsession” with the decade, it is easy to see how most near their music with a certain degree of trepidation.
Thankfully their new EP, The Sea, is much more cerebral than just another glitterball and leg-warmers karaoke number. Formed in 2006 by Swedish musician Simon Balthazar, the group’s latest offering highlights all the good, and some of the bad from the decade that taste forgot.
Much like the hair back then, the sound on this EP is big. Very big and the band aren’t ashamed of it. With everything from techno drenched, synth-pop orgy in opening track ‘A Distance’ to a much more sensible, even staid finale ‘Whichitaito’, the new release is an enjoyable romp and fitting homage.
For a band who have achieved a great deal of publicity and fanfare, this return to the EP format offers fans and new listeners alike a common ground to get on the bus so to speak. Perfectly acceptable party music, or just something to whack on in the background, The Sea isn’t going to set any charts or download lists alight but it is a fun little listen all the same.
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