The Independent is gearing up to play host to a pair of quirky indie combos this Wednesday, as London’s Fanfarlo and New York City’s Freelance Whales make East Austin the next stop on their current US tour. Fanfarlo is supporting their first album Reservoir, a tight collection of songs even though the band occasionally can’t help but wear their influences (think Beirut, The National, Clap Your Hands, et al) on their sleeves. Single “Harold T. Wilkins” is one of the album’s stronger moments: it’s a propulsive tune that will definitely appeal to fans of the aforementioned major-indie bands. more ›

What’s the Deal: Quirky, capricious and dreamy are all adjectives you could use to describe the music of New York’s Freelance Whales. The five piece experimental folk pop outfit has experience playing in locations ranging from decent sized venues as on their current US tour with Fanfarlo to busking on sidewalks and train stations in New York City. They’ve been very busy since their start in late 2008, and this past August saw the release of their debut album, Weathervanes. It’s comprised of vast, melodic arrangements using everything from harmonium and banjo to glockenspiel and waterphone built up around bright, glittering to eerie choruses. more ›