
Conor McCloskey
Between the cracks of Cowgate: A Review
Last Friday, La Belle Angele, one of Edinburgh’s iconic music venues, delivered an unforgettable night with a performance by the up-and-coming indie-rock band, Velvet Echoes. From the moment the first chord was struck, the crowd was enraptured, swept away by the band’s dynamic energy and emotionally charged setlist.
They kicked off with an electric opener, “City Lights,” a track that set the tone for what would be a night of pure musical magic. Lead singer Amy Carter’s vocals were both powerful and soulful, cutting through the room with precision. Backed by tight instrumentals and a captivating light show, the band seamlessly moved through hits like “Broken Clocks” and the atmospheric “Echoes in the Rain.”
The audience interaction was equally commendable. Between songs, the band took time to engage with the crowd, sharing stories behind their music and encouraging singalongs. The highlight of the evening was their encore performance of “Midnight Reverie,” where the entire room seemed to move as one, united by the sheer magic of live music.
La Belle Angele proved to be the perfect setting for the evening. Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Cowgate, the venue boasts an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere that brings performers and audiences closer together. Its rich history, having risen from the ashes after a devastating fire in 2002, adds a sense of resilience and character to the space.
The sound quality was excellent, with acoustics that captured every nuance of Velvet Echoes’ performance. The venue’s moody lighting, spacious dance floor, and cozy balcony seating cater to both energetic crowds and those seeking a quieter experience. From the friendly staff to the eclectic behind-the-bar selection, everything about the evening was thoughtfully curated to create a truly unique experience.
La Belle truly does live up to its Hole in the Crawl vibe not only for its entrance hidden away between the cracks of Cowgate, but overall for its encapsulating energy, where the music thoroughly brought a room of people together to enjoy a night of live music to the fullest degree.