KANO SHOWCASE REVIEW!!

Carlings adverts are very popular and go along the lines of “Carling don’t do…. but if we did, it would be the best…. in the world!” So with that in mind, as January the 12th approached, I eagerly anticipated what they had to offer. Carling, was holding an exclusive guestlist only showcase for three of the hottest acts from 2005 in an event entitled ‘Carling New Kings’. It was held at the Islington academy and featured a line up of Kano, The Magic Numbers and Graham Coxon. Now some of you reading this might be a bit puzzled as to who the last two names were, and no!, they are not some underground grime artists, but very popular indie groups. The event was to be filmed for channel four’s “4 music” so as 7.30 drew it was left to the host for the night, Edith Bowman to introduce Kano as the first act.

Kano arrived in a blaze of lighting effects wearing a Muhammad Ali inspired “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” t-shirt which proved true to form as he wasted no time waxing lyrical on tracks from his ‘Home Sweet Home’ debut album. The MOBO ‘best newcomer’ award winner took us through singles such as p’s and q’s, nite nite, typical me and reload it, as well as his new single ‘brown eyes’. The general consensus of the largely indie crowd in attendance was how clear Kano sounded however, when it was time for Ghetto to spit on the mic, I’m sure that they weren’t thinking the same(lol). At first I was a bit surprised at Kano’s appearance in this line up until I realised that Kano makes a good representative to the masses who are largely unaware of the UKG scene because of his cross over appeal and part commerciality in his lyrical content. His delivery is very non-confrontational, safe and relatable, which meant that he could easily fit into such an event with ease.

After Kano, it was the turn of the brother, sister combination of The Magic Numbers to rock a very amped up crowd. Their performance, in a similar vein to Kano’s was not to hardcore to loose my interests but firmly in the middle and we were soon skankin out to their tunes. Unfortunately we didn’t stay long enough to catch Graham Coxon but if he was any good as the previous two acts then I’m sure it would have been a great performance all round. Overall, the showcase was not quite what their television adverts promised but was extremely enjoyable at that, with Kano being my definite highlight of the night.
BOYWONDER OVER AND OUT!