Review and Photography by Robert Barrett

Independent Venue week always brings an interesting act to one of Coventry’s many great small venues. This year the Box at Fargo village was treated to an intimate performance from singer – songwriter Bess Atwell.

Rather than in the main box room, the gig took place in the little pre bar area. A perfect setting for Almahata who warmed the crowd up with a intimate set of gentle folk songs. It’s always a testament to an act when they can grab the attention of the entirety of a room, and that’s exactly what she did.

The stage was perfectly set for Bess and the crowd had built up, filling the small room to max capacity. “So we got away, for a little while” the first line from set opener “Cherry Baby” seemed appropriate for a gig at this time. A captivating set followed with a strong focus on her latest album “Already Always”, however a few earlier singles sneaked their way in along with a tender version of The Blue Nile’s classic “Downtown Lights”

It wasn’t a theatrical set, just one that stripped the music back down to its emotional core and kept the small venue captivated, isn’t that what Independent Venue week is all about?