Reservoir cover

Reservoir

Fanfarlo · 2009

42 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of orchestral pop and indie folk that captures whimsical storytelling within expansive soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I'm a Pilot — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and intricate instrumentation, showcasing the band's unique blend of folk and pop influences.
  • →
    Ghosts — As one of the standout singles, 'Ghosts' encapsulates the album's thematic depth with its vivid imagery and catchy chorus that invites listeners into Fanfarlo's world.
  • →
    The Walls Are Coming Down — This track highlights a more introspective side of the band, featuring poignant lyrics that explore themes of uncertainty and change while maintaining an uplifting musical backdrop.
  • →
    Comets — 'Comets' combines rich harmonies with dynamic shifts in tempo, demonstrating Fanfarlo's ability to weave narrative elements into their sound while creating a captivating listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Reservoir showcases strong melodies and varied arrangements but lacks full cohesion in its latter half.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature layered instrumentation with strings and horns, creating a rich, orchestral sound that contrasts with the more stripped-down arrangements of later songs.
  • Several tracks, such as 'Ghosts' and 'Drowning Men', employ a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • The album's pacing shifts noticeably after track six, where the tempo slows down significantly, leading to a more introspective second half.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • contemplative and reflective moods
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2009, Reservoir was Fanfarlo's debut album, introducing them to the music scene after forming in 2006. The album's eclectic sound laid the foundation for their subsequent releases and established their presence in the indie music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
The Decemberists· Sufjan Stevens· Fleet Foxes

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 I’m a Pilot 4:30
  • 2 Ghosts 4:18
  • 3 Luna 4:36
  • 4 Comets 5:44
  • 5 Fire Escape 2:59
  • 6 The Walls Are Coming Down 4:15
  • 7 Drowning Men 4:15
  • 8 If It Is Growing 2:43
  • 9 Harold T. Wilkins, or How to Wait for a Very Long Time 4:01
  • 10 Finish Line 3:39
  • 11 Good Morning Midnight 1:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata