What do you get when you cross a 20-piece orchestra with some of Scotland’s most cutting-edge poets? The answer is Outwith Words: Tinderbox Orchestra and Loud Poets – an intriguing collision between music, rap and spoken word. Where do you set this collaborative celebration of words and sound? In a library? Sure, why not!? And, without fear of being shooshed, Edinburgh Central Library’s gorgeous Reference Library becomes a stunning venue for a truly unique experience.
Whilst most of the action takes place from the front of the room, the space is laid out to allow the performers to stand in the aisles, or shout from the mezzanine levels, which adds an air of performance art to the proceedings. A procession of spoken word artists: rappers, beat poets, and freestyle lyricists; perform solo or intertwined with the music of the Tinderbox Orchestra (formed from brass, woodwind, strings, guitars and drums). The alternation between spoken word, music, and the combination of the two, keeps the set constantly engaging, and the moments where the performers enter the crowd make for a less passive audience experience. A session of improvisation keeps the performers on their toes. First Tinderbox Orchestra perform a short unprepared piece, then the Loud Poets freestyle, rap, sing and write live poetry based on themes provided by the audience. Participation from the audience is actively encouraged throughout, especially on the closing Still Game-themed song, with each side of the room shouting back an answer to the MC’s call to action.
Occasionally, the orchestra gets very loud (and heavy), and here lies the only criticism of the show: the music sometimes drowns out the lyrics; a common symptom in venues not purpose-built for audible entertainment. It’s a minor quibble that doesn’t detract much from the overall experience but is worth mentioning.
Overall though, Outwith Words is a triumph. The music from Tinderbox Orchestra is dense, intricate and pulsating, while the Loud Poets provide sharp and witty insight into modern life including identity, equality and war. This is an ensemble of unconventional artists at the top of their game.
More performances of Outwith Words are due throughout 2024 in a library near you.
tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/outwith-words-tinderbox-orchestra-and-loud-poets
