On the final day of the five-day Hidden Door Event at the former Scottish Widows building near the Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh, after watching the headline act warm up on the main stage I decided to explore further and headed towards ‘the Lounge’.
There was a gig already in progress and the small assembled crowd was standing mesmerised by the performance enfolding before them.
Two violinists accompanied Scottish singer-songwriter Rhona Macfarlane on an atmospherically lit nebulous stage. The sound emanating from the trio was at once both hypnotic and captivating.
Rhona Macfarlane switched back and forth between guitar and piano in harmony with the violinists giving each song a unique yet familiar sound. Lyrically each number reflected on themes from solitude and loss to love and reconciliation. Musically transitioning from folk acoustic to classical at ease.
Taking the opportunity to premiere mostly new material, any fans present would be thrilled by the prospect of the imminent release of a long-awaited debut album.
There were previously released tracks interspersed throughout including ‘Better When You’re Around’, ‘The Tide’, and ‘No Rain’, and all too soon the brief set closed with 2021’s appropriately titled ‘Closing the Window’.
The performance left everyone in attendance in cheerful fettle as they headed off into another gloriously sunny summer’s day in the city.
In conclusion this opening act on Sunday at the Hidden Door Event was without doubt a hidden gem. A standout performance from the festival and one to look out for in the future.
Set List:
How Do
These Days
Return To The East
No Rain
The Tide
Future Holds
Where Do You Go
Heal Yourself
Closing The Window