The Spiegeltent is an interesting place, it crams you in arse to arse, head to head in order to fit as many people into a small and temporary (if still fascinating) space as possible. This only feels justified when a band like My Friend The Chocolate Cake play there, as they must suffer the same issues of cramping as the audience due to their 7 members and large instrumental array. To paint a picture from the beginning the band intermittently appeared on stage in small groups from David Bridie alone to Bridie supported by any one or more of three string players to a full blown band. This compaction of intrinsically happy musical souls was beneficial as it only added a fine mist of intimacy to what for the most part was a highly enjoyable gig. This was reflected in the fact that bar Bridie, whose facial intensity while playing is something to behold (it almost verges on horrific anger) the entire band was constantly smiling with some kind of strange euphoria floating about the band. This is probably not surprising when put in context of Bridie’s announcement that this was the last time they were playing together for a long time. This was advantageous at it most likely was the predominant factor in them playing 20 minutes past the hour in a place that usually kicks the acts off as soon as they run overtime.

With a focus on songs from their new album Home Improvements the set list drew enough of its substance from all parts of the now formidable My Friend the Chocolate Cake back-catalogue to keep all about satisfied. This led to there being near no filler, and a batch of songs continually impressive in quality. Success was achieved equally through slow burning piano ballads like the gorgeous but soul-wrenching ‘ballad of an average woman’ This Life Tonight to the sea side rocker and cult favourite Lighthouse Keeper. In fact songs off of the new album where all played brilliantly with an impressive vigour, varying from the rustic, bounding charm of Home Improvements the title track, through to an early in the night rendition of Let’s Walk This Town There was definitely a passion placed in these songs not necessarily carried through on other tracks along the night. Case in point was I’ve Got a Plan which despite being a minor-masterpiece of a song, sounded a little lacklustre and inexpressive.

While the night went along for the most part quite well, it didn’t reach any truly great heights above the wholly consistent quality of the night until they ambitiously churned out the nothing short of amazing instrumental storm that is the The Romp off of their first album, released over 20 years ago. It hissed and strummed with vigour and excitement, bringing every band member into focus, for the tightest seven-piece written-jam you’re likely to see. It was a true highlight and did in some way outshine the rest of the gig, but that is what happens when you have special songs rarely played.

Accompanied by some interesting verbal interactions between band-members the show was somewhat stolen by the string trio of Double Bass, Cello and Violin. When texture was required they provided, when intensely classy musicianship and solo work was required, they also delivered. They were impressive even above and beyond the immaculate song writing of Bridie, his elegiac piano chords and ethereal husky voice. This was surprising to me, I expected a near Bridie solo show but got a band in top-form playing many of their latest songs and enjoying being at this year’s Fringe. It should be a rule that everyone is required to see an Australian Band as part of the fringe every year, because while often they may not stand on the Fringe of contemporary art I am yet to be disappointed. My Friend The Chocolate Cake, no exception.