Album: Bonxie
Rating: 9
Record label: Cooking Vinyl
Release date: 13th April
Having firmly established themselves within the British music scene,
this week Stornoway have released their third album, Bonxie. Over the past few
years, the quartet have become one of Oxford’s biggest exports, with a wide
following not just in this country but around the world. Crowdsourcing their
newest album, the amount raised is a testament to the popularity of the band,
and Bonxie is perhaps their most anticipated album yet.
As their sophomore album, Tales From Terra Firma, marked a clear progression
from their debut, Bonxie also shows a new direction for the band. For the first
time, they’ve completed the album with the help of a producer, Gil Norton, who
has worked with the Pixies and Foo Fighters in the past. Where on the second album, each
song seemed a ballad, with many clocking nearly five minutes in length, album
number three takes a step back, returning to a more traditional Stornoway
sound; however, there is a fresh take to the music showing the development of their
style.
The theme of nature takes on an even larger importance in Bonxie than in
its predecessors; the album title takes its name from a large Hebridean
seabird. Leadsinger Brian Briggs’ previous work as an ornithologist plays a
significant role within the album, for the band not only create music with
their extensive array of instruments,
but the songs of over 20 species of birds are also entwined with the
music on the album.
Between the Salt Marsh and the Sea opens with a foghorn effect, part of
the mysticism of Stornoway’s music. It’s a haunting tune, but perhaps is a slow
start to the album. However, second track ‘Get Low’, is vibrant showcasing the
best of Stornoway with harmonious vocals, intricate instrumentation and catchy
choruses; the band at its best.
Man On Wire is the standout track of the album. Inspired by the
eponymous documentary film about a man walking on a wire between the Twin
Towers, the song has an epic, expansive sound which does justice to the subject
matter. Briggs sings, “When the morning mist lifts away you’ll see me reaching
for invisible thread. For a momentary burning dream I’ll be remembered.” Lyrically,
it’s perfect, with poetic metaphors and dreamy images.
After the frenetic energy of Man on Wire, The Road You Didn’t Take,
provides a refreshing juxtaposition. From the bustle of New York City to a more
personal single road, the band move from a worldview to a more introspective
look at man in relation to nature. The song has images of a journey through the
wilderness, with references to summits, mountains and waves. The album takes a
more whimsical turn with ‘Lost Youth’, whilst Sing With Our Senses offers the
best of Briggs’ soaring vocals. Starting with a simple and gentle melody, the
song crescendos throughout building up to a rousing, spine-tingling finish.
Part of Stornoway’s appeal lies in the band’s range of genres, with the
anthematic ‘When When You’re Feeling Gentle’ greatly contrasting to the lullaby
feel of We Were Giants, with Briggs singing, “tell me of the time there were
deep dark lakes in the scree torn valleys” adding to the romanticism of the
album of the whole.
The Heart of The Great Alone has a dramatic, marching quality, contrasting
with the dulcet tones of ‘Josephine’ that follows. For those who have seen the
band play live over the past year, the unplugged acoustic version of ‘Josephine’
has been a highlight; the studio recording retains the stunning rawness and
sheer emotion that the band convey in a live setting through their flawless
vocal harmonies. Love Song of the Beta Male is a triumphant closing to the album,
with exhilarating trumpets and bells. However there in an extra treat right at
the end of the album as it closes with a minute of birdsong, providing a moment
of peaceful reflection. The vibrant mix of Stornoway’s music is encompassed
here, catering for all moods as they move from fast-paced upbeat music, to the tranquillity
of nature.
The interweaving of instruments, vocal harmonies and melodic quirks make
it a delightful album, each listening unearthing more musical pleasures in the
rich tapestry of sounds. With another wonderful album added to their already
exceptional repertoire, the Oxford quartet prove that with Bonxie they’re
soaring high.
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