Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Nestled away from the general confusion and hubbub that can be part and parcel of the Edinburgh Fringe, the long luxurious dip into a world of make believe, story-telling, comedic illusion offered to the long lines of visitors that trundle up many a cobbled street and down many a summer’s evening path, the quiet reflective path is sometimes a soothing prospect.
The chance to seek salvation for a brief time is always one filled with hope that even in calm introspection of what has been seen, the glory of the spectacle, that the chance to still be entertained and knowledge sought rides high amongst many a Fringe attendee.
On the Royal Mile, the tourists gather, the sound of fireworks litter the skies and the remnants of their fallen explosions scatter like mice in the sight of a lean hungry cat with personality issues and in amongst the debris of modern life the music of the House Band @ Chat 65 filters through the perceived silence and offers the Edinburgh Festival goer the chance to take in some music that soars the spirit high above the firework display and the tokenism of the stranded and lost.
For Alan Wiles, Josh Rennick, Chris Atkinson, John and Mari Bowlerwell, Sarah Sholl and Ruth Hutton the music they play is contemplative, rock filled and genuinely intriguing as its eases the pressure for a while on the prevailing winds offered as the continuous search in the heat and changeable weather for exhaustive brilliant talent in the city.
Whilst this particular gig was the last one for John and Mari Bowlerwell as life moves them on to pastures and music new, the songs that captured the ear during their first long and wonderful set was a true reflection on the ethos offered by @Chat 65.
With tracks such as Toss The Feather, Guardian, Alive Again, Feel His Love and Find You On My Knees filling the air, this was music to calm the day and enjoy with great interest. Above the noise of a city enthralled quite rightly in easily the finest type of festival in the world, the music @ Chat 65 was an appeasement to the senses and which for a short time was elevated and gorgeously captured.
Ian D. Hall