Stornoway

When: 26th October 2023
Location: SWG3 Galvanizers

Stornoway are the returning British indie folk outfit who captivate the hearts and minds of all who hear them. Coming to Glasgow’s SWG3 Galvanizers on 26th October 2023.

Stornoway, named for a Scottish island but hailing from Oxford, formed in 2006 and quickly started leaving an indelible mark on the indie folk scene.

Their debut album, Beachcomber’s Windowsill (2010), unveiled a delightful blend of folk, pop, and whimsy. Led by the captivating voice of frontman Brian Briggs, the album’s standout tracks, ‘Zorbing’ and ‘I Saw You Blink’, showcased the band’s ability to craft infectious hooks that nestled deep into the listener’s consciousness.

Stornoway’s follow-up release, Tales From Terra Firma, arrived in 2013 and further solidified their status as storytellers. The album showed off a more introspective side, exploring themes of love, loss, and longing with a nuanced touch. Tracks like ‘The Great Procrastinator’ and ‘Farewell Appalachia’ landed big, earning Stornoway critical acclaim and a dedicated following as well as chart success.

The band’s infectious energy transformed their shows into communal celebrations. Playlisted everywhere, they toured with the likes of Sting, Norah Jones, Jay-Z, and Foo Fighters. Whether they were headlining massive festivals or playing intimate local gigs with an environmental focus, Stornoway fostered a profound connection with their audience. And then everything stopped.

After four studio albums, including the heartfelt Bonxie (2015) and the introspective The Bonxie Unseen (2016), Stornoway announced an indefinite hiatus in 2017. The fans were distraught, but it allowed the band members to follow their own individual paths and recharge their creative batteries.

Reforming for Truck festival in 2020, Stornoway began work on a comeback album tipped for autumn 2023, hinting at a briny pop album as textured, surprising and unique as the British countryside, with a fresh but unmistakeable sound. Along with new music comes the prospect of seeing the band back on stages again in 2023, with a UK headline tour now booked for October and November.