Miles Kane’s swagger fuels craze at Newcastle’s NX
Miles Kane brings a committed approach to the live renditions of ‘Sunlight In The Shadows’.
Photo: Ines Dias Ferreira
Miles Kane’s arrival to Newcastle follows the release of his sixth studio album, Sunlight In The Shadows, a record that channels the swagger of ‘70s glam rock towards contemporary fields. After a decadal long journey and several high-profile collaborations with the likes of The Last Shadow Puppets and Lana Del Rey, Kane’s recent work seems fit to establish a consistent solo legacy rather than lingering in the shadows of his affiliates. At this point, expectations are established and renowned, yet this tour, Kane appeared driven by an ambition far beyond reputation alone, proving a strong case for continued relevance and a defined identity within today’s music scene.
From the very first moment, coolness radiated across the stage, with Kane draped in a leopard-print blouse and thick gold necklace, acting less like a costume choice and more like a quiet declaration of lineage. It read like a nod to the long, decadent tradition of rock frontmen, a subtle flex from an artist who has carved out his own space in the evolution of modern guitar music. Where some might interpret the persona as ego-driven, it felt instead like the natural extension of a performer fully at ease with his identity.
There was nothing performative in the way he carried himself; rather, Kane portrayed this relaxed persona who understands that image, attitude, and sound has always been inseparable in this genre.
Before a single note had settled into the room, the tone was already set. Kane didn’t simply walk onstage; he assumed command of it. Years of experience were evident in the way he held the crowd — not through exaggerated gestures, but through a quiet authority that drew every eye forward. It was the entrance of a musician who knows exactly how to engage a room, signalling from the outset that this would be less a gig and more a carefully orchestrated display of confidence and rock tradition.
Troubled Son, one of the tracks that first propelled Miles into wider audiences, arrived in a burst of driving riffs, instantly locking the crowd into his show. Debut Inhaler followed his trademark high-octane guitar work before being slickly threaded into another classic, The Wonder. However, Kane didn’t just settle on a crowd-pleasing greatest hits setlist, but instead it was the newer material that set the standard for the night’s ongoing indie melody.
Love Is Cruel stood out with these sharp guitar licks and lustful lyrics, translating perfectly to the crowd’s gazing looks of amazement. Throughout the night, Sunlight In The Shadows continued to produce the show’s most notable highlights, with My Love sparking the classic mid-set slow burner that gradually builds a communal singalong when the realisation of the repeated chorus becomes noticeable. Kane clearly thrived on this energy all night, letting spontaneous chants spill over during interludes, each surge feeding both the crowd and his own growing confidence on stage.
Despite the extended interludes and minimal reliance on transitions, Miles Kane delivered a meticulously crafted set that felt unmistakably his own. The show struck a perfect balance between the grit of his earlier catalogue and the more mature tones of his newer material, all while retaining a raw, unpolished vocal edge that set him apart from the over-produced tendencies of contemporary rock. In an era where traditional guitar-driven music rarely dominates the mainstream, Kane remains a commanding presence, showcasing an experienced, genre-blending force at the forefront of live indie performance.
All photos by Ines Dias Ferreira from Miles Kane’s London show.
