Stornoway – Bonxie

Through sounds of cheeps and twitterings, Stornoway’s latest release emerges; one word to describe their new obsession – birds. It’s assuredly inspired by lead singer Brian Brigg’s recent reclusion to a ‘wilder’ UK abode. His smooth vocals prevail as the true soul of this band, laying back into every tone for its deserved play-out. Collectively, they stay faithful to their synthy, indie, alt folk vibe and flash hints at the Hammond-era, even flaunting their barber-shop abilities in Josephine.

Man on Wire sets the scene for much of the album, with build-ups burgeoning out from the mellowness, they absolutely fill all auditive space. The Road You Didn’t Take brandishes inherent catchiness with Fink-style rumblings and vocal clashes, but it’s a shame few other tracks can give the same hook – some riffs sounding near-recycled. Yet even if they have reached a plateau, it’s a still a high one at that.