The Alleycats say that they love the Edinburgh Festival so much that they create an entirely new show of material just for coming here each year. This year's show combines classics and very recent pop tunes to make for a pleasant hour of listening.
They are very thankful to their audience - and remind them of this frequently throughout the show with gushing thank yous
They all have strong voices which mesh well together, but unfortunately they weren't all very good at maintaining energy throughout the show. Mostly they were enthusiastic but at points some members even looked a little bored and expressionless. Otherwise, the choice of songs is good and there was something for everyone - Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey and Neon Trees all feature. There weren't as many mashups as I’d hoped, but I did enjoy the mix of Young and Beautiful with Britney Spears' Everytime, with a subtle, almost drowned hint of She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5. More of these would have improved the show. I enjoyed the rendition of Signed, Sealed, Delivered, and the out of the hat selection process as to whom out of the group would sing this was a nice touch. Other songs, whilst well put together and well sung were a bit plain, such as the rendition of Moondance.
The troupe commented in between songs that they have won an award for the choreography that accompanies their singing. Whilst some of their dance moves are a little corny - lots of pointing and shimmying - some are funny, such as the trumpet actions in Signed, Sealed, Delivered. It's very hard to find original choreography in an a capella group but they used a nice combination of different formations, levels and actions. Their attire wasn't very exciting - black and bowties- but seeing as how it's the singing that people go for, it was suitable.
They are very thankful to their audience - and remind them of this frequently throughout the show with gushing thank yous which got a little tiresome. However applause was enthusiastic and the whole thing made for pleasant listening. Coming from a university that doesn't have a music course, it's pretty damn good.
