FROM ACROSS THE POND: Stornoway

Despite the fact that they’re named after a Scottish island town, Stornoway couldn’t be a more English band. Based in the old University city of Oxford and steeped in English folk traditions, the four-piece expands to a six-piece touring outfit to cover a varied live arrangement which includes guitar, banjo, bass, double bass, drums, keyboard, trumpet, and violin. Their single “Zorbing” brought them to the attention of a wider audience in the UK as it soundtracked many summer festivals in 2009. Stornoway’s mix of subtle English wit and skilled musicianship creates an engaging live show. It’s well worth catching these talented young musicians if you get the chance.

Here’s when and where you can catch Stornoway (with support from the excellent Sea of Bees) on their visit to the US and Canada:

May 24th – El Mocambo, Toronto, Canada
May 26th – Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
May 28th – Brighton Music Hall, Aliston, MA
May 30th – Sasquatch, George, WA
May 31st – Triple Door, Seattle, WA
June 1st – Media Club, Vancouver, Canada
June 2nd – Doug Fir Lounge, Portland, OR
June 4th – The Independent, San Francisco, CA
June 5th – Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA