Stornoway @ Shepherds Bush Empire, London

Tonight the Oxford charmers finally hit London, bringing their own special blend of politically lyrical folk to the biggest headline show of their careers so far. With a bag of surprises secretly tucked away for tonight’s audience, the band took the stage to the backing of a tremendous violin solo from Rahul Satija, hitting straight into a beautiful rendition of ‘The Coldharbour Road’ lulling the audience into a sense of relaxation with the echoes of the piano.

The audience looked on with faces of pure joy as lead singer Brian Briggs told stories of grabbing boys while on the road and sheep. Previewing a new track, thoughtfully titled ‘The New One,’ they showed the charm that ‘Beachcombers Windowsill’ oozed, giving a teaser to the second record that’s planned for release in 2012.

Things lovingly progressed as the band played tune after tune of blissful harmony, moving up to a heavy nine members with the inclusion of the string section: It worked though, adding a new depth to bring the record to be as sustainably eye-opening live as it is at home.

And then, out of the blue, we were treated to an interesting little remix of ‘I Saw You Blink’, accompanied by The Keyboard Choir. Although it didn’t quite come off, it left an atmosphere to lead into the second surprise with, in which the band decided to go entirely unplugged, to 2,000 people; a mean feat even for larger bands.

The crowd in complete silence, inspired, as without any mics Brian sang ‘We Are The Battery Human’ to a packed Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Followed by an even more heart-warming version of ‘The End Of The Movie,’ leaving a tear in most eyes. Finishing off to the track everyone was waiting for, ‘Zorbing’, its meaning was truly emphasised, a band undergoing that transition, that have gone from practically unknown to a sell out tour in less than a year: a remarkable story for a remarkable band.