Review: Paul-Ronney Angel – Live at The Old House at Home

Paul-Ronney Angel – Live Review

In what has been Mr Teeth’s 2nd socially distanced gig attendance since lockdown, Paul-Ronney Angel was on hand to entertain the garden of the Old House at Home in Portsmouth.

Given the current strain on the entertainment industry, due to the knock on effect of covid-19, things are slightly different right now. Especially when it comes to live music, with many key venues understandably staying closed altogether. Meanwhile, the public are struggling to keep up with the ever changing rules laid out by our ever-contradicting government.

As such, it is of course said with all my heart, that thoughts go out to anyone affected by Coronavirus. However, there’s still an element of things trying to get back to normal. Something of which most of us have been approaching cautiously and  within reason.

The Old House at Home, appear to have got it right. An afternoon gig outdoors in a spacious garden, with allocated tables booked in advance. Names and contact details taken on arrival, a one way system being adhered to and hand sanitiser a plenty.

All of which is rather civilised and probably a far cry from when support band Acid Attack first appeared on the scene in the 80’s. The brash 3-chord punk rock more akin to a sweaty function rooms than that of basking in the last of the summer sun.

That said, with songs from “Suburbia’s Dream” Acid Attack remain a clear reminder that live punk rock remains the perfect antidote to many a situation. With or without a pandemic going on.

Bourbon Soaked Gypsy Blues…

As for Paul-Ronney Angel, a full line-up of Urban Voodoo Machine would in itself, be in breech of current Social Distancing laws. However, accompanied by Slim Cyder on keys and accordion, Paul-Ronney more than made up for the lack of band members.

Despite an initial re-start, the bluesy harmonica led opener took on a new lease of life once you could hear the keyboard. Then it was full steam ahead for an afternoon of bourbon soaked gypsy blues bop n stroll.

With “Shattered dreams” and “Down by the river” early in the set, it became obvious pretty much every tune from Voodoo Machine suits the stripped back approach. Weaving through urban folk tales and tunes reminiscent of ancient sea shanties, Angel and Slim Cyder would go on to transform into that of a 2 piece mariachi band.

Only this wasn’t the streets of Mexico, nor was it another entertaining lockdown show beamed online from the London flat of Urban Voodoo Machine’s ringleader. In fact, this was a real gig, at a pub, alongside fellow music lovers with beer on tap. During a time when shows like this are becoming few and far between…and do you know what? It was damn good fun.

Urban Voodoo Machine are currently scheduled to play the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth on Saturday 8th May 2021, tickets available here.

Stay safe everyone, party responsibly, love music and love life. X