Fanfarlo/First Aid Kit – Manchester (September)

Appearing on stage like The Waltons with attitude, Fanfarlo were very much the epitome of geek chic at Manchester’s Deaf Institute on Monday. Supporting the Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit on the first night of their UK tour, their up-turned high-waisted trousers and tucked-in shirts did not stop these lively performers from making a great first impression.

A strong drum, tinkling xylophone and catchy beat on the opening song Drowning engaged attention right away, and you couldn’t help but join in with some tapping. Particularly, their sixth song – a new one called Walls – was accompanied by full-on foot stamping on stage from the band and you just had to do it too.

From tambourines to trumpets to mouth organs, the use of instruments throughout the whole set was eclectic and combined with the poptastic vocals, not dissimilar to Arcade Fire (but less orchestral), it didn’t matter that Fanfarlo’s stage appearance could be likened to something of a Deliverance family function.

Leading on from their magnificence, First Aid Kit had a tough act to follow, and at first sight, it was hard to imagine how these two sulky faced teenagers would pull it off – seeing as both looked like they were about to stomp off stage in a very hormonal temper before they even started.

However, you could forgive them the moment the opened their angelic mouths, enrapturing the audience with the haunting melody of In The Morning. Beautifully sung, it echoed into the air and hung like a glowing orb over a frozen sea of faces.

A splendid performance ensued – particularly with Tangerine and a cover of Fleet Foxes’ Tiger Mountain Peasant Song – and you find it hard to comprehend that Klara is 15 and Johanna 18. While building a rapport with the crowd is still something the Söderberg sisters have yet to work on it seems, their unforgettable acoustic folk songs and stunning harmonies get right under your skin.

If you don’t already know Fanfarlo or First Aid Kit, know that both are to listen out for, and buy some of their music now before everyone else does. Certainly, it’s worth catching them while you can on their UK tour – I envisage both these two acts will be big.

Andrea Wren