Gangstagrass at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea REVIEW: ‘Don’t pass up the chance to see this band perform live’
As MC R-Son prowls the crowd during the band's encore, he delivers a line tailor-made for his English audience: ‘I've got more flavour than all your tea and scones.’
But it’s no idle hip-hop boasting – along with his fellow MC, Dolio the Sleuth, they have been demonstrating their formidable flow all evening. However, it’s the sound they’re teamed up with that makes this gig truly stand out. They’re performing in front of a bluegrass trio of banjo, guitar and fiddle. On paper it sounds potentially dubious, but the sincerity and commitment of all involved ensures that this is no parody or novelty act. They open with what is arguably their best-known song, Long Hard Times To Come, which was the theme song to the modern-day western TV show Justified. And it sets out their stall perfectly – the two MCs trade their verses while the musicians lay down the country-folk vibe.
Go out and support some live music.