Perennially charming with oodles of energy, this was my third time reviewing Miles Kane and once again the charismatic musician did not disappoint. You can always rely on an energetic and uplifting set from Miles who was supported by The Royston Club.
The Welsh quartet were on spectacular form and having been an integral part of the live circuit in recent years (including a stint at Glastonbury) they set the stage alight performing some of their most recent tracks from their 2023 album ‘Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars.
They clearly are having the time of their lives and impressed the audience at Southampton’s Engine Rooms performing tracks like ‘Mrs Narcissistic’, ‘Blisters’ and ‘The Deep End’. This was a stellar showcase of delivering solid indie rock bangers and these Welsh wonders are certainly on the rise.
This was my second time seeing Miles at The Engine Rooms which is something of a South Coast faithful when it comes to music venues. Two years ago, Miles was promoting his fantastic album ‘Change The Show’ which was one of my favourite albums of 2022. However, this tour was very much focused on tracks from his most recent album ‘One Man Band.’ which came out last August.
‘Troubled Son’ was a triumph and showcased both his songwriting skills (he co wrote this with Tom Ogden from Blossoms) which is an emotional track about self reflection and inner conflict.
The titular track was delivered with sophistication and style as was ‘Baggio’ and ‘The Wonder’. All of the tracks on ‘One Man Band’ have bite and are intoxicating and visceral. Kane’s fifth studio album is an indie rockers playbook, chock full of bangers that are festival essentials and he performed all of the album tracks effortlessly.
Showcasing his musician versatility, the sold-out audience were treated to rousing renditions of tracks from his previous albums such as ‘Cry on My Guitar’ and ‘Coup de Grace’ from 2018’s album ‘Coup de Grace ‘which are Kane mainstays.
‘Rearrange’ and ‘Colour of the Trap’ were sublime and the set’s closers consisted of ‘Come Closer’ and ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’, both of which were electrifying and formidable renditions.
Miles Kane at Engine Rooms Southampton: A Masterclass in Live Performance
Miles Kane has a gift that fewer artists possess than you might expect: the ability to make a room feel like it was built specifically for him. His third visit under this reviewer’s watch, and his second at Southampton’s Engine Rooms, this show confirmed what his most devoted fans have long known — that Kane is one of the most consistently compelling live performers working in British indie rock today. Supported by an incandescent set from The Royston Club, the evening built with genuine momentum from the first note to the last.
One Man Band Live: Why Miles Kane’s Latest Album Shines on Stage
What made this particular tour so satisfying was how fully formed the material from One Man Band proved in a live setting. Where some records benefit from the studio sheen that touring can strip away, Kane’s fifth album only gains in intensity when delivered with a full band and a crowd who know every word. Tracks like ‘Troubled Son’ and the title track carried real emotional weight, while the deeper cuts rewarded those who had spent time with the record. Combined with crowd-pleasing returns to earlier favourites, the set demonstrated exactly why Kane’s reputation as a live act continues to grow with each tour.
Miles and his band delivered a sensational set, he always serves up a dynamic and crowd-pleasing performance and he has an undeniable stage presence that showcases why Miles is one of the UK’s best live acts.
