Bringing their fusion of guitar and mandolin to the Fringe Festival, Steve Rutherford and Mark Barnett set out a show that promises 'a depth of soul seeking and cerebral intensity incorporating driving grooves and delicate arrangements'. It is therefore a pity that it doesn't deliver on this.
Firstly I should say that the fusion of guitar and mandolin works. The guitar gives a broad sound that provides the perfect base for the mandolin to add detail. Rutherford's and Barnett's ability on their instruments comes through strongly but, unfortunately for them and the audience, it is by far the strongest overall aspect of their show.
The vocals on the whole were fairly average, with neither Rutherford or Barnett having a voice that you could listen to on its own. Whilst a voice doesn't make great music, if you're not blessed with lyrical talent either then it does show up. In addition, whilst clunky lyrics are not a heinous crime, they are accentuated when there is no sense of rhythm to the delivery, which was at times was problem for the duo.
However this show was not all bad. There was a two song period that I found genuinely excellent. ‘Lonely Island’, a song about an isle that Rutherford could see from his window and ‘Young Love’ displayed a side to this duo that really worked. Fusing soft vocals with the intricate, tight playing allowed them to access a sound that was captivating and full of emotion.
Despite this, the majority of the set was full of mediocrity. This is a pity because for about ten minutes there I thought that they might be onto something. Rutherford and Barnett’s show ultimately left me frustrated - there was a glimpse of beauty in a mire of averageness.
