Rooms Filled with Light
by Fanfarlo
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Feb 28, 2012
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. NOW Magazine
    Mar 22, 2012
    80
    They've still got a way with grand, sweeping crescendos and haven't forgotten that the build is as important as the payoff.
  2. No Ripcord
    Mar 13, 2012
    80
    For Fanfarlo, this is a follow-up that does all that it needs to do. It keeps us critics and fans happy with a healthy balance of familiarity and expansion.
  3. AllMusic
    Feb 28, 2012
    80
    Ultimately, the great thing about the '80s vibe on Rooms Filled with Light isn't that Fanfarlo have aped their idols, but rather that they've found a way to make these Day-Glo, spiky-haired melodies feel utterly contemporary.
  5. Consequence
    Feb 28, 2012
    80
    Opulent, unique, but still rooted in Fanfarlo's original pop-folk style, Rooms Filled with Light is an ornate offering for spring.
  6. DIY Magazine
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    There is intelligence and creativity on display here that other bands would do well to pay attention to.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Feb 24, 2012
    80
    While this new album lacks the immediate warmth of its predecessor there's much pleasure to be had wallowing in its rich patterns.
  8. BBC Music
    Feb 24, 2012
    80
    Rooms Filled With Light never dips beneath beguiling. Most of the time it's really quite grand.
  9. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 24, 2012
    80
    Fine, intelligent and, at times, thoroughly heart-warming--but you've got to work for it.
  10. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 22, 2012
    80
    It's not exactly love at first sight with Rooms Filled with Light. But like all the best love affair it endures, and reveals new sides of itself with each listen.
  11. Magnet
    Mar 16, 2012
    75
    [Filled with] fine, subtle moments. [No. 85, p.54]
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  12. Beats Per Minute
    Mar 7, 2012
    72
    On first listen to Fanfarlo's sophomore effort, it doesn't leave a lasting impression, but with repeat listens, more and more intricacies start to creep out of the woodwork.
  13. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 9, 2012
    70
    Rooms Filled With Light is more than an interesting transitional release, it is a bold and moderately successful grower which will reward the patient.
  14. PopMatters
    Mar 30, 2012
    70
    At its absolute best, it's an exhilarating listen, and at its worst, it does nothing but reveal a band even more promising than originally thought in an extremely strong transition.
  15. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 29, 2012
    70
    Large Hadron pop that'll frazzle yer neurons.
  16. Clash Music
    Feb 21, 2012
    70
    Always interesting, and with a deft use of traditional instrumentation alongside studio trickery, Fanfarlo have created another nugget of joy.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 3, 2012
    7
    More experimentally and electronically happen on the scene of album "Rooms Filled With Light" by Fanfarlo. From the minimalistic "Replicate",More experimentally and electronically happen on the scene of album "Rooms Filled With Light" by Fanfarlo. From the minimalistic "Replicate", through avant-garde interlude "Everything Turns" and typical for indie rock, melodic compositions like "Tightrope" and "Dig". There are also ballads - played as if casually "A Flood" or closing, stirring "Everything Resolves". Piece of good music.… Full Review »
  2. Icykiller11
    Mar 9, 2012
    9
    I really enjoyed Fanfarlo's last effort, but did find myself rambling while listening it, especially in the middle sections of the album. ItI really enjoyed Fanfarlo's last effort, but did find myself rambling while listening it, especially in the middle sections of the album. It blended perfectly as a background soundtrack to my daily routine. Rooms Filled with Light is a bit more buoyant, there are highs and lows and, while it also flows effortlessly like Reservoir, it brings more of a warmth and joyous feeling, the kind that sunny Sunday mornings give. I liked it immediately, and it;s been growing on me. Definitely a keeper for the rest of the year, as I'm sure will still listen to this album by December 2012.... and on.… Full Review »
  3. dpmartin7
    Mar 5, 2012
    8
    This time around, Fanfarlo seems to have dropped the softer, folkier elements of their previous sound, and instead have amped up theThis time around, Fanfarlo seems to have dropped the softer, folkier elements of their previous sound, and instead have amped up the orchestral crescendos, heavy brass melodies, and mysterious synths. Rooms Filled with Light boasts a bigger, more complex sound than we've heard from Fanfarlo, and while it isn't as immediately accessible as Reservoir, when given a little time it proves itself to be a stronger and more satisfying listen.… Full Review »
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