Photo Credit: Anya Maya
Words: Sophie Eley
On a brisk, windy September evening, Rough Trade was buzzing with anticipation as fans packed the venue for Miles Kane’s second Nottingham performance of the day. The earlier 12pm matinee had already sold out, and the later 7pm slot followed suit, proving that Kane’s music continues to draw a devoted audience. The occasion was an intimate acoustic set in celebration of his upcoming studio album, ‘Sunlight in the Shadows‘, due for release this October.
Although Kane is more accustomed to commanding larger stages, the stripped-back setting of Rough Trade offered a rare chance to see him in close quarters. Kane casually walked onto the stage to a warm round of cheers as the Merseyside singer prepared to deliver another set filled with brilliance. Kane wasted no time opening with a single from his new album, ‘I Pray’, giving the audience an immediate taste of his new material. Keen to get the crowd participating, he then brought a sense of familiarity to the room with ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’. It was not long before the crowd eagerly joined in, echoing every “la la la.”
The set moved seamlessly between new songs and older favourites, a reminder that Miles Kane knows exactly how to craft a compelling performance. ‘Love Is Cruel ‘, the opening track of the new album, landed with a punch before ‘Electric Flower’ brought the room back down to earth. It was the perfect opportunity for fans to see the range in Kane’s songwriting abilities.
The loudest sing-along of the night arrived with ‘Rearrange’ from his 2011 debut Colour Of The Trap. Over a decade on, his stripped back version of the song proves how Kane’s early work still resonates with fans just as powerfully today. The singer-songwriter’s charisma shone throughout, whether jokingly introducing ‘My Love’ as “the most Scouse song I’ve ever written” or encouraging the audience to throw themselves into the choruses.
By the time ‘Come closer’ rang out, the energy in the room had reached its peak as the crowd repeated back its “million miles away” refrain.The evening closed with the unreleased title track, ‘Sunlight in the Shadows’. Despite being new to the audience, the song held everyone in the palm of Kane’s hand.
After the performance, Kane stayed behind to meet fans and sign records and prints, a generous touch that reflected the spirit of the night. What could have been a quick promotional stop instead became an unforgettable evening that showcased Kane’s versatility and longlasting connection with his audience.
Miles Kane’s sixth solo studio album Sunlight in the Shadows is out 17th October 2025.
Taped Magazine 