★★★★
On this evidence, indie-folk band Stornoway are sailing into the sunset on a very happy ship, with a joyful crew and devoted passengers.
Their tunes are stories sung simply and clearly by Brian Briggs, the songsmith whose powerful voice glues the sound together. Like a holiday to Kerry or Connemara, the songs take you to wilder parts, places where Curlews call, the elements are close and cynicism is banished.
It’s the perfect antidote to the constant information overload of modern life or Trump’s latest scrapings. The packed audience at the Komedia were treated to songs from all three of the band’s albums. Having formed in 2006, experience shone in their musicianship.
They performed three songs acoustically, the pick of which was Get Low. Paired down and unplugged, with minimal use of harmonium, guitar and double bass, this harmonious sea shanty deeply rooted in coastal folk exalted the power and beauty of the human voice.
With highlights including anthemic odyssey Fuel Up and the bouncing Farewell Appalachia, they had most of the audience singing every word, making for an emotional goodbye.
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