YOUR GUIDE TO EDINBURGH'S FESTIVALS
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ED2011 4/5 Reviews ED2011 Music Reviews
Luke Haines – The North Sea Scrolls (Edge Festival)
By Ellie Blow | Published on Wednesday 31 August 2011
The unlikely combination of Luke Haines’ new-wave acoustica, Cathal Coughlan’s Scott Walker-influenced surrealism, and Andrew Mueller’s writing was never going to produce anything less than brilliant. Still, ‘The North Sea Scrolls’ manages to sidestep any possible expectations, instead creating 90 minutes’ worth of beautiful songs, sprinkled with dry humour and served with the perfect accompaniment of Mueller’s readings. The ‘scrolls’ – supposedly tales of a bizarre alternative Britain – are as often funny as they are poignant, with the gentle acoustic backing hiding a razor-sharp wit. It’s only a shame that the set-up of the show does not often allow the two musicians to sing together – but it’s a small complaint to make. ‘The North Sea Scrolls’ is a wonderful and unique experience.
The Edge Festival at Cabaret Voltaire, 22 – 23 Aug, 7.00pm (10.00pm), £17.50, fpp n/a
tw rating 4/5
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