The Xfm New Music Award 2011

added 09 February 2011 at 21.30

'Beachcomber's Windowsill' by Stornoway was named Best British Debut of 2010 by Xfm's panel of experts...

It was a closely fought race but Stornoway triumphed.

The dreamy eleven track debut beat off competition from nine others - including Everything Everything and Fenech Soler - to claim the title.

Brian Briggs talks to Xfm about the prize

Our panel of music industry experts were won over by the release, which judge and former Joy Division bassist Peter Hook labelled "a better Mumford & Sons" during the decision making process.

'Beachcomber's Windowsill' came out in May 2010 and features the singles 'Zorbing' (which judge Tim Burgess labelled "quirky schoolboy sounds") , 'I Saw You Blink' and 'Watching Birds'.

Take a look at what happened during the judging

Legendary British music producer John Leckie (Radiohead, The Stone Roses) was also on our panel.

He told Xfm it's an album that is going to age well:

"The record really draws you in. It's well sung, played and produced. And it's fresh and enlivening and leaves you wanting to hear more. A good listen that refreshes. Its even got electric guitars on it. A quality product that’ll last for years."

Stornoway's victory was announced at Xfm's New Music Award Night at the Borderline, featuring performances from Luna Belle, Romance and Wolfgang as part of the HMV Next Big Thing Festival.

Last year's winner - The XX - went on to win the 2010 Mercury Prize.

 

Tagged as Stornoway, Xfm

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