a collection of songs their debut album 'beachcomber's windowsill' may be, but together these melodies and lyrics form a beguiling whole. the oxford quartet have used a kind of alchemy to combine startling harmonies - at times reminiscent of barber shop quartets, at others far more choral, pure with perfect pop refrains all rooted in very traditional, british grassroots songsmithery. tapping into a subject matter as diverse as new zealand adrenaline sports, natural history and car journeys, stornoway distill very personal subject matter and experiences into crystalline classics and crucially love songs that revive the most jaded of hearts. despite the last year's media focus the band manage to retain a solid sense of innocence, this and a strong diy ethic (producing and recording most of the album themselves) mean that 'beachcomber's windowsill' should bring stornoway a whole lot more in the way of attention and never has a band deserved it more. from the so-good-it-just-had-to-be-re-released travel themed love song 'zorbing' to the bewitching gentleness of 'the end of the movie', 'beachcomber's windowsill' is an album that comes cooing and petting to you, ready to nestle into your soul. a romantic, heartfelt, dreamy, delightful and charming release. on 4ad.