Fenech-Soler celebrated the first full-length US release of their album Rituals last night at the lower east side’s Mercury Lounge. Although they hail from a small town (no, really, their town has a little over 1,000 people) in the UK called Kings Cliffe, the four lads are no strangers to playing in big cities and packed crowds at festivals. They’ve been together since 2006 and took a break in 2011 when their lead singer Ben Duffy was diagnosed with cancer. (He’s well and in remission now!)
Fenech-Soler is now back and ready to take America. Their music is an interesting combination of electro-funk dance tunes and breezy, beachy jams. There’s a lot to like here: pop, disco, techno, synthy goodness. Ben and Ross Duffy, Andrew Lindsay, and Daniel Soler are highly energetic and charismatic. Soler is a self-possessed bass player, tackling funky basslines without breaking a sweat. The Duffy brothers cover the stage, dancing and genuinely enjoying their music. Ben is keen on interacting with the audience, smiling and vibing with everyone in the room. He approached the band’s cover of Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover” without hesitation and his falsetto is on point, guys. Lindsay on drums has serious style as well.
We know we’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more from Fenech-Soler.
Setlist:
Ritual II
Last Forever
Somebody
Lies
Demons
Maiyu
I Wanna Be Your Lover (cover)
Glow
Magnetic
Stop and Stare
All I Know
