Ousting the impassioned, atypical, cause driven audience that is to be found shoulder to shoulder at most protest gigs, a seated room of 40 plus somethings drawn from a broadsheet reader demographic, patiently awaited the music of Gwilym Morus and Steve Eaves. Not immediately apparent, the 2nd Benefit for Gaza was supported by the Welsh Language Society, stemming from its identification with the experience of cultural oppression. Commenting prior to the evening’s performances Angharad Tomos described “Radical people coming together in a concern, are highlighting the real crisis in Gaza”. The opening set was delivered by daughter of Steve Eaves, Lleuwen playing a set of mellow thoughtful compositions. Poignant and fitting to the mood of the evening, Lleuwen sang an untitled accapella track based on her encounter with record label executive’s dislike of songs that involved the Welsh language. Following her set, Lleuwen spoke of how “important that we make our feelings known, and not let time dilute the issue that the people in Gaza are experiencing”.

In characteristic style, the figure of Gwilym Morus waited calmly at the sidelines, before taking his place to measured reception of benefit crowd. There are singer songwriters, and there are the genuine article, it’s not case of if they will achieve mythical status, but when. Captured within a harmonic, Gwilym’s voice is meditative and sonorous, a texture that no cold machine could replicate. With his album Dressing Gown Goddess newly released, Gwilym hinted at his vision of a Pan Arabic music festival. He can be seen playing live in his parallel project as lead singer to Drumbago, during a limited series of gigs from May.

The serious and emotive purpose of the evening was embodied in a speech by former Anglican Chaplain John Butler, and representative for Cymdeithas Iaith Cymraeg. The descriptive and occasionally harrowing account of daily life in Gaza was carefully listened to and digested by the audience, with the account being amplified by use of comparisons to an annexation of Wales by an occupying force. The evening was brought to a close by the Cajun Celtic set by Steve Eaves and his band.