Review: Patti Plinko and Her Boy ****

If Patti Plinko's voice was a cocktail, it would be one part champagne, two parts absinthe, definitely shaken not stirred, then poured over the rocks and served drop-dead cool. And you'd have to drink it whilst smoking French cigarettes and wearing sunglasses.

Patti Plinko and Her Boy created quite a stir at last year's Fringe, virtual unknowns who unleased their blistering brand of dark cabaret-style sound in a shady basement bar in Edinburgh. Although that venue suited them well, this year they have been treated to a residency at the Assembly Rooms, where they unravel a new set of twisted and original music noir.

At the centre is Patti Plinko, a small figure with an arresting line in 50s-style glamour and a ukelele. As her voice moves from seductive purr to husky yelp, she is accompanied on guitar by The Boy, wild-haired and at her command, whilst the new member - a classically-trained female violinist - sways behind her, the trio creating a superbly surreal and intriguing presence. A simple but effective set of fairy lights, bamboo screens and old, faded photographs completes the scene, reminiscent of a David Lynch dream sequence.

Fortunately now recovering from an illness that forced her to cancel a couple of preceding shows, Patti Plinko is on the mend and on fire once again. The music bubbles and boils in a darkly delicious fashion as Patti, gazing adoringly at Her Boy, orders you up another Plinko on the Rocks and you succumb to its powerful, mind-bending effect.

Patti Plinko and Her Boy runs until 31st August (not 17th) at the Assembly Rooms. £11 (£7 concession)