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Biography
Having first met at the esteemed Oxford University’s Fresher’s week, guitarist Brian Briggs and keyboard player Jon Ouin soon began playing music together and searching for members to join their project. Being the only respondent to the pair’s advertisement for a bass player, Oli Steadman later joined Stornoway’s ranks and subsequently invited his drummer brother Rob Steadman. Stornoway, named after the Scottish town, made their radio debut in March 2006 with their demo “I Saw You Blink” on BBC Oxford Introducing. The demo EP “The Early Adventures of Stornoway” followed shortly afterwards, and due to their popularity among BBC Radio 1 DJs, began a succession of high-profile live appearances.
In 2009 Stornoway played at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Glastonbury Festival, Tate Modern, London, and became the first unsigned band to play on “Later… with Jools Holland” alongside heavyweights Sting, Norah Jones, Jay-Z, and Foo Fighters. As a result of these performances Stornoway’s national exposure skyrocketed leading the band to sign with revered label 4AD in early 2010. Ahead of their full-length debut “Beachcomber’s Windowsill” the band released the official single “I Saw You Blink”. The 2010 studio album debuted at No. 14 on the UK Albums Chart, earned a wave of rave reviews, aided by the popular single “Zorbing”. Following a select number of small shows around Oxford the band embarked on a huge worldwide tour that lasted until late 2011. Upon returning to the UK the band released the EP “4AD Session” in May 2011 recorded at the Rotunda, an abandoned doll’s house museum in Oxford.
In September 2012 Stornoway issued their sophomore album “Tales from Terra Firma” led by the single “Knock Me On the Head”. Peaking at No. 26 on the UK Albums Chart, the album once again received positive reviews and was supported by a worldwide tour. The mini-album “You Don’t Know Anything” arrived in September 2013 surprising fans, before beginning a modest UK tour. Stornoway third full-length album “Bonxie” marked their departure from 4AD, and was entirely crowdfunded. The record earned a plethora of positive reviews from the likes of the Guardian, Uncut, and Q Magazine, and charted at No. 20 on the UK Albums Chart.
Live reviews
A band that will always put you in a good mood - no matter how bad your day – is Stornoway. With their uplifting melodies and beautiful instrumental arrangements, they are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Like many people I was drawn to Stornoway on hearing their heart-warming and romantic track 'Zorbing' – I'll always appreciate anything with a brass section and this song has a charming melody.
Far from being from Stornoway - a town located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides - the band actually hail from Oxford (and at the time of choosing their name had never actually ventured to the Scottish island town). After being the first unsigned band to perform on the infamous 'Later...with Jools Holland', the band were snapped up by label 4AD and subsequently released their debut titled 'Beachcomber's Windowsill'. The band is comprised of Brian Briggs, Jonathan Ouin and brothers Oli and Rob Steadman. Briggs and Ouin hit it off in Freshers' week of university and then later recruited the two Steadman brothers to form the band.
They treat the crowd to a combination of songs from both albums; playing some old favourites which included 'I Saw You Blink' and 'Fuel Up' from 'Beachcomber's Windowsill' as well as their single 'Knock Me On the Head' from their follow up album, 'Tales from Terra Firma'. Frontman Briggs' delicate vocals are consistent throughout. The band appeared to be very humble and as Briggs earnestly thanked the crowd throughout the performance.
Libby_N
Stornoway storms Y.
Leicester audience, aged 7 to 70, savoured Stornoway's scintilating acoustic set last evening: with Brian Briggs - acoustic guitar/vocals, Jon Ouin - harmonium/piano/backing vocals, Oli Steadman - double bass/acoustic guitar/backing vocals, and his brother Rob Steadman percussion/trumpet. Playing all the crowd's favourites, mostly through the PA, the applause greatest for a trio of songs performed unplugged (no PA) led by 'Josephine'. Banter included the results of band's taste test of Walkers vs Aldi crisps and tivial traffic tidbits. Great fun.
Band tight but instruments bowed, blown, pumped, plucked, picked, strummed and shaken without tension, and lyrics sung with melliferous harmonies. (Erm, a Mac was used for a tamborine sound as RS has not mastered the one-man-band styli whilst playing trumpet and needing to percuss. However, the Mac may have been a clockwork version so I'll not press charges). Oh, and they did attempt YMCA (with choreography) in deference to the eponymous venue but hey it was fun. Overall, acoustic alchemy, thanks guys and lady on the mixing board (sound was perfect).
Map.mapvia
Using the same ship's horn that heralds the start of the new album Bonxie was a small stroke of genius for their entrance on stage. As usual, Stornoway demonstrated their natural gifts for using a multitude of instruments to create a wonderful, melodic sound that resonates throughout songs old and new, reworked or not. Each song had it's own highlights but Zorbing still has to be the one that always gets the crowd jumping up and down, that always completes the set. And in between, of course, Brian's witty, humorous and simply clever dialogue with the crowd always, always makes me smile. I don't know if we, the Reading crowd, were really better than the previous night in Southampton, but frankly I don't care. Sub89 is not a great venue - it is dirty and the punters are not treated well - and despite its intimacy and acoustics I'd rather go somewhere else locally (next time go for South Street guys.) Nevertheless, I love watching Stornoway and never tire of the experience, and would watch them there again to sample such beautiful sounds.
chris-barltrop-1
The Sheldonian has to be one of the most uncomfortable venues for the audience. The seats are terrible. Stornoway took a song or two to warm up. The audio balance wasn't quite right. I couldn't hear the backing vocals. But they eventually got it right. Some of the songs gave me the chills (in a good way). One made me cry. They didn't really make best use of the orchestra. Sometimes they just did extended intros. Stornoway are at their best when it's simple and sometimes acoustic. They are still one of my favourite live bands. They are best in small and intimate venues. The front man's patter between songs is brilliant.
domeheid
As a huge fan of this folksy band I was delighted when I saw they were playing locally. There's no denying I was surprised when I heard they were playing in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum but found it somewhat endearing nevertheless. Last time I saw the band was 2011 at a festival, but I had a much better view this time around and fell in love with the unplugged tracks. The bird sounds were a bit weird but it's always nice hearing someone talk about what they're passionate about- even if the rest of the band seemed a bit weary of the bird talk. Fantastic night and definitely need to see them again soon!
Becca_hi
Absolutely unbelievable. They were WONDERFUL. the show was so personal and the band members are so talented, I can't express enough how joyful the whole experience was. They even invited everyone to hang out with th m after the show and a group of us we're able to go get drinks with them! I will definitely be going out of my way to see them many more times. <3
neah-haugdahl
What a great gig? The guys were warm and friendly and their harmonies were perfect. I couldn't resist tapping my toe and singing along. The Boom Goes the Bittern song was epic. Stornoway should be your favourite band!
pete-jago
Footstompingly awesome, great songs and truly humble artists who didn't fail to entertain. Performed one song acapella, harmonies were spot on. Venue was intimate and well worth the 5 hr round trip, thank you :)
Joanwilder
