Stornoway's debut album has turned out to be a treasure of a find since I first stumbled upon it at my local record store.
Beachcomber's Windowsill is eleven tracks of absolutely charming songs. Labeled as indie/alternative pop, the Oxford band's songs in truth are more flexible in identity, showing elements of folk and rock amongst other genres. There's something pure and joyous about these songs and the way they celebrate simple love and life.
Musically, Stornoway has taken full advantage of their resources. Not content to limit themselves to the traditional guitar-bass-drums(-keyboard) combo of a typical band, Stornoway brought in guest musicians to add brass and strings for several of their tracks, in addition to the band's own considerable skills both vocal and instrumental. I was delighted the first time I heard "I Saw You Blink" and its chorus with intertwining vocals. As well, both "We Are The Battery Human" and "Here Comes The Blackout...!" clearly showcased how well the members of this band harmonized with each other. "The Coldharbour Road" was hauntingly beautiful and made good use of strings.
Overall, Beachcomber's Windowsill is both foot-tapping fun and slower, poignant beauty. If you are able, I hope you do pick up the album. (Details of where to buy it can be found on their Myspace page, which I've linked at the start.) I look forward to seeing what this band will do in the future.
Beachcomber's Windowsill tracklist:
1. Zorbing
2. I Saw You Blink
3. Fuel Up
4. The Coldharbour Road
5. Boats And Trains
6. We Are The Battery Human
7. Here Comes The Blackout...!
8. Watching Birds
9. On The Rocks
10. The End Of The Movie
11. Long Distance Lullaby
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