Throughout May and June, Kira Mac have been on the road causing chaos during their nine-date summer Downfall tour. And on Saturday night, more havoc was to be had as the band’s formidable frontwoman, Rhiannon Hill, brought the rambunctious rockers to her homecoming show at a sold out The Sugarmill for a night of rock-infused energy and soulful melodies.
The Jamie Porter Band, from North Wales, kicked things off shortly after doors opened and the long queue of people made their way inside, instantly establishing a groove that had heads nodding and feet tapping.
Led by Jamie Porter’s impressive guitar skills, the band delved into a fusion classic and contemporary rock, seamlessly weaving intricate solos with tight rhythms through a series of lengthy tracks. The band’s infectious energy spilled into the crowd, who had all got there early to catch the support – the rock community is nothing if not dedicated, and to see the venue packed front to back before the main support even made it to the stage was a testament to that loyalty.
Special guests These Wicked Rivers, from Derby, wasted no time in captivating the audience with their irresistible blend of blues and hard rock in Shine on and Force of Nature. The band is known for their energetic performances and powerful stage presence, delivering gritty riffs, thunderous drums, and an undeniable passion for their craft.
They slowed things down with the meandering and bluesy When The War Is Won, before indulging a swathe of new fans to a new track called Black Gold, which is yet to be released.
Their final track of the night, Don’t Pray For Me, opened with organ-like synths and emotive lyrics, but soon swells into a spin of spiralling guitars and stomping percussion, leaving the stage with a palpable energy that had the congregation eagerly awaiting to be blessed with hellfire and holy water by the night’s headliners.
Kira Mac wasted no time in establishing their presence, launching into a set filled with a fusion of rock, pop, and soul, starting with Hit Me Again and their storming, high octane single Scorned, released last month. Fronted by their charismatic lead vocalist, Rhiannon Hill, the band exuded confidence with a combination of catchy melodies, atmospheric hooks, and powerful instrumentals.
Hellfire and Holy Water preceded a new track called Farewell, Rhiannon showcasing her trademark husky vocals and takes-no-prisoners attitude to performance. With her star power and unmistakable vocal prowess, she immediately owned the stage – thigh-high boots atop branded stage platforms, she expertly held extended notes, her blonde locks blowing in the breeze of two well-placed fans for added dramatics.
Backed by a talented band inspired by the likes of Joe Bonamassa and Metallica, she flawlessly transitioned between high-energy rock tracks and emotionally charged ballads, showcasing the incredible range and versatility of her voice through Dead Man Walking, Play The Game and Chaos is Calling – the title track of the band’s debut album, released in November 2022.
The band’s tight-knit chemistry was evident throughout as musicians ducked and dived across the stage, each in tune with one another’s movements, delivering a polished and cohesive performance that demonstrated the depth of their musical abilities and familial bond in a stunning display of rock mastery.
Highlights of the set included girl-power anthem No Way out and Back For More, where Rhiannon’s vocals soared above the driving guitar riffs before the soul-stirring ballad-like track Climbing, written in response to a ‘shark-tank’ music industry where people are desperate for you not to succeed.
They concluded the set with the popular tour-titled single Downfall, however, a roaring crowd demanded an encore, and Kira Mac were certainly not going to let down their loyal fans, returning to the stage with Save Your Whiskey – another newbie that went down as well as a single malt – finishing with the first song that introduced me to the band, One Way Ticket.
Kira Mac, along with the Jamie Porter Band and These Wicked Rivers, provided an exhilarating journey through blues, soul and rock n roll. With their relentless energy, impeccable harmonies, and memorable melodies, Kira Mac left an indelible mark on the audience, solidifying their place as a rising force in the music scene.
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