Live Review: Miles Kane - Albert Hall, Manchester 25/05/2022
Miles Kane never under delivers when it comes to live shows, and this exceptional night of new and old music at Manchester’s Albert Hall was solid proof of just that.
As it turned 9pm on the dot, Miles Kane and his four-piece band took to the stage in style, whilst a rock tinted, Spanish-esque piece featuring the voice of Paul O’Grady played in the background. The band left no time to wait before going straight into ‘Don’t Let It Get You Down’, a four-minute single from Kane’s recent album ‘Change The Show’.
The album ‘Change The Show’ which was released back In January seemed to land well with the fans of Miles Kane and his music, this was apparent throughout the gig as every song had the audience in a choir like way singing back to Kane.
Throwing it back to his first album, ‘rearrange’ really got the atmosphere going, with pints flying and people perched on their friends’ shoulders. Fans of Miles Kane may have seen this tune live before, but this time it really stuck out, mainly due to the female harmony line. It is not often that the live version cuts above the studio recorded version, but this form was superior.
Throughout the entire show, Miles Kane and his band unveiled so many different talents, with vast amount of musical styles on display. From Kane’s earliest days with tracks like ‘Colour Of The Trap’ to ‘Aviation’, a much-loved tune from the ever so amazing duet project between Miles Kane and Arctic Monkey’s front man, Alex Turner.
The night was full of beautiful moments, but the pinnacle had to be when the audience started to chant the lyrics to ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ after the song had come to an end, even Miles himself seemed to be taken aback by the intensity of the audience. Kane is definitely not on the shy side when it comes to audience interactions so ensured the crowd got what they wanted; another chorus of the 2013 single.
There seemed to be some familiar faces in the audience, including Stockport’s finest, Blossoms. Just when you thought the night couldn’t get any better, Miles went full Cilla Black shouting ‘surprise surprise’ as Tom Ogden, front man of Blossoms took to the stage to sing lead vocal for ‘Colour Of The Trap’.
For the duration of the night, the energy levels were soaring high which is nothing new from the 35-year-old. His numerous interactions with the audience, guitar shredding and screams maintained the effervescence of the packed venue.
No matter what mood you are in, a Miles Kane gig seems to always help. Even Kane’s most melancholy songs seem to bring a feel-good vibe to any venue, and Albert Hall experienced this, with many smiling faces, friends arm in arm and a large range of different age groups.
Overall the night was sensational, whether it be because of the short-term break due to the obvious coronavirus factor, or that Miles Kane and his band was on full form this specific evening, the gig was just next level.
Words and Photography by Lucy Holden
