Miles Kane live review

Miles Kane...who’s he?

Some may have come across him during collaboration with Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner to form The Last Shadow Puppets, others may know him as former lead singer of The Rascals.

But 2011 could be Miles’ year judging by his storming set at the Brudenell Social Club last week. His first solo album, due for release April 25, might even make you wonder who was behind the awesome rare sound of The Last Shadow Puppets.

Kane’s live band consists of Eugene McGuiness (vocals/rhythm) Phill Anderson (bass), Ben Parsons (keyboard) and Jay Sharrock (drums), and some of their sound could be compared to quirksome scousers The Coral, but with similarities to Bob Dylan on slower songs like ‘Diamond Trip’.

A crowd full of rock ‘n’ roll leather-jacket wearing fans were warmed up nicely by the time Miles appeared on stage around 9.30 wearing a black polo-top, flashing a chain with a cross on it. Hmm. He may need to call a stylist.

Kane took a psychedelic rock and compelling dark sound with him when he co-produced The Last Shadow Puppets’ debut album, ‘The Age of the Understatement’.

Thumping songs like ‘Inhaler’, released last November, set the tone for his new direction with an intro which sounds like a Badly Drawn Boy album track, with a fast pace with plenty of bass.

With low ceilings and mirrored pillars creating an intimate feel, ‘Come Closer’ - his second single due for release February 21 – saw the drummer having a good go too.

Brudenell Social Club is ideal for gigs like this, with its small triangular flags framing the stage and a curved brick wall acting as a moody backdrop. It turned the venue into a charismatic rock amphitheatre.

Miles entertained the packed crowd with his first performance of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club cover ‘Spread Your Love’, which certainly went down well in Leeds.

The night ended on ‘Better Left Invisible’ before the star left the stage and a pumped-up crowd behind, but he won;t be out of sight for too long. Kane has already attracted the support of both Oasis brothers. Noel sings on album track ‘My Fantasy’ and Kane is also supporting Liam’s new outfit Beady Eye.

So that’s who Miles Kane is. After a broken-up band and some casual collaborations, the solo route could be Kane’s best bet yet.