Xpatloop.com put on their annual benefit event for the Smiling Hospital Foundation at the InterContinental Hotel. The night also marked Guy Fawkes Day, and the 10th Anniverary of Hungary's first English-language portal for expats. It was the first time I had heard The Rorschach Band. They consider themselves to be an "Indie" band in the true sense of the word, as there is no doubting their originality. Most of their songs are original self-compositions with English lyrics, but their first set was comprised of well-performed covers. Perhaps what sets the band apart are their excellent harmonisations. Rorscach will be one of the headliners at the December 4 Red Mud Aid charity extravaganza to benefit the victims of the Red Sludge Catastrophe (Xpatloop.com is one of the media sponsors) along with Jamie Winchester, Mookie Brando and the Second Cousins, Tumba y Quema, comedian Earl Okin and Eva Thompson and Jerome Li ThiaoTe.

The Random Chocolates then put on a great show of superbly wrought covers. Individual bands every once in awhile will do a cover that is better than the original and redefines the song. For example, The Cowbow Junkie's version of The Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane." The Random Chocolates, however, manage to do this with every cover they play.

Treehugger Dan's was one of the many sponsors of this event, and gave a tombola prize of Fair Trade organic herbs and spices. The winner, Malcolm, mentioned that now he will have to learn to cook. We are happy to have provided the inspiration ;-)