STORNOWAY

BEACHCOMBER’S WINDOW

GENRE | ANGLOPHOLK

VERDICT | COOLER THAN A COCKNEY ACCENT

LABEL | 4AD

RELEASE | 7.13.10

STORNOWAY.EU

Here’s the deal: If you are a group of gangly folk-playing kids who write a love song that’s named for that sport where you crawl inside a giant beach ball-type thing and roll down a hill, and you’ve all got British accents, I will pretty much love you forever. That said, I’m pleased to report that Stornoway have won me over with the shamelessly sweet “Zorbing” on The Beachcomber’s Window. The rest of the album is as catchy as the breakout single, and its infectious nature grows exponentially with each listen.

“Boats and Trains” provides an achingly beautiful contrast to the spritely riffs of “Here Comes the Blackout … !” and “Watching Birds,” and the strident tenor of Brian Briggs trips atop these lovely notes with ease. An exceptional breakout album that’ll lead to inevitable Britpop domination, I’m sure.

STORNOWAY STOP BY T.T. THE BEAR’S PLACE FRI 12.3.10.