Review: Warm as Summer, Bright as Blood, Fringe 2025

Cloud’s debut album, “Warm as Summer, Bright as Blood,” makes its live premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe. This fantasy-infused folk concert immerses the audience in a world of witches, persecution, and eventual rebellion.

Backed by three dancing nymphs, Cloud, with her striking red hair and flowing green dress, takes the stage in a hauntingly beautiful performance. This is more than just a gig; it’s a meticulously crafted theatrical experience that weaves together original music, enchanting choreography, and a powerful narrative. Not that you know that at the start! And for the first two songs, I did wonder whether the style would last the full hour.

The Fantasy Vibe

From the moment the show begins, the atmosphere is established. The three nymphs, clad in white with their heads tilted forward, create a genuinely spooky and ethereal tableau reminiscent of mythical creatures or forest spirits (or Sadako Yamaura from the Ring). This contrasts sharply with Cloud herself, who looks every bit the fantasy princess with her bold red hair. The press brief states that the music is set in a world where witches are persecuted and burned, a theme that echoes throughout the performance. This is music for a tabletop RPG or a fantasy novel, a point I concur with completely. The setting of the Forest Theatre at Greenside is perfectly chosen, making it feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a hidden ritual.

The choreography is a standout element, with Cloud joining her dancers to create a cohesive and dynamic visual narrative. It’s clear that this is a show that has been meticulously rehearsed, with every movement and beat timed to perfection. The initial, more haunting folk songs give way to a greater sense of momentum and energy as the show progresses, building to a powerful and aggressive conclusion. This dynamic shift keeps the audience engaged, preventing the show from becoming repetitive.

The Sound of a Witch’s Tale

The musical style of “Warm as Summer, Bright as Blood” settles into a genre of alternative folk with a fantasy twist. While the opening numbers are more melancholy and haunting, reflecting the bleak life of the persecuted witches, the show truly soars during its more energetic, angry songs. The shift from sorrow to defiance is palpable, with a chorus about a building being on fire and a demand to “open the ‘f–king’ door” standing out as a particularly powerful moment. These moments of aggression and anger are where the true heart of the performance lies, as Cloud and her nymphs shed their victimhood and embrace their power.

This is a debut album performance, and it feels like a work in progress in the best possible way. This isn’t a show they’ve been doing all year; it’s the beginning of a journey. The album itself is set for an October release, and this Fringe run kicks off a tour. This sense of newness adds an electric charge to the performance. The audience, full of like-minded fantastical people, responded with hooting and applause, creating a wonderfully supportive atmosphere. This is music for the weird and wonderful, and the Forest Theatre was filled with them.

Overall

Cloud is a performer to watch. Her debut show, “Warm as Summer, Bright as Blood,” is a confident and captivating piece of fantasy folk theatre. While your enjoyment will depend on your taste for folk music and fantasy narratives, those who appreciate either will find much to love here. The show is beautifully staged, and the music builds from melancholy to an exhilarating crescendo of defiance and despair. It is a showcase of a talented new artist and a fitting start to what promises to be a very exciting project.