Album Review: Stornoway - Tales From Terra Firma
- Written by Rosie Duffield
Here at Muso's Guide it's becoming pretty plain that we like the new work that Stornoway are putting out, after taking a bit longer than is maybe normal to come up with latest album Tales From Terra Firma therefore not content with our double-sized feature and interview with the band from earlier this month (here and here) we let Rosie Duffield loose on the album for a further assessment of its worth.
Stornoway's second album Tales From Terra Firma presents itself as a storybook of births, deaths and marriages - though not particularly in that order - and it takes you on a wonderful journey through the ups and downs of life as told by lyricist and singer Brian Briggs.
Immediately you are thrown into the whirlwind that was Briggs' wedding day with album opener 'Take Me As I Am'. Full of thrashing pianos, Wurlitzer hooks and driving drums, the lyrics are so honest and picturesque it's easy to imagine yourself as a guest there, watching the celebrations unfold before you.
Quite simply that is the joy of this album. Yes, the musical composition and variety of instruments played is impressive - they use, amongst other things. “crunchy autumn leaves, spoons, a mbira (thumb piano)” and a mandolin - but the lyrics are what really makes the record.
'November Song' displays this gloriously and is one of the highlights. Including poetic lines such as: “As I was following the road back to our house/Deeper than blue was the dusk through the trees/with the last of the leaves clinging on like my mother's hands/cold as the sandpaper cold on my cheeks”, this is a song which was actually written back in 2009, before their debut Beachcomber's Windowsill was released. Perhaps that's why it stands out so much amongst newer offerings; or perhaps it's just because it's so gentle and sung so sweetly.
More clever writing is displayed in 'The Great Procrastinator' which has the brilliant line: “I've been busy as a beaver and I'll be damned if I don't ease the flow…” accompanied by a chorus of clarinets, which add a bit of life into an otherwise fairly monotonous tune.
Another standout comes in the form of 'Hook, Line, Sinker', a furiously fast attempt at a harder, rockier song for the band. The pace certainly livens up an otherwise gentle album; but seems a little out of place amongst the rolling folk songs. First single 'Knock Me On The Head' is certainly the most radio-friendly with a great melody; meanwhile 'The Bigger Picture' is an incredibly catchy track - though at times it seems a little rudimentary, and quite frankly, annoying.
Still, Tales From Terra Firma is a step in the right direction for Stornoway, who've managed to stretch themselves artistically without compromising too much of what's come before. Briggs' lyrics are quirky, amusing and heartfelt; Jon Ouin's arrangements are at times complex, but sound beautifully simple. It's this kind of coordination that makes the album a pleasure to listen to.
Tales From Terra Firma is out now an available from amazon
The album is also available at fairsharemusic here, where half of the cost of the album download will go to charity.